Giving Done Well: Head & Heart

When we give, we give to make a difference. And when we approach our philanthropy with both head and heart, we are more likely to give in ways that are both effective and empathetic.  

According to research shared by the Greater Good Science Center, when reasoning (the head) and empathy (the heart) work together, they can lead to giving that is both consequential and compassionate. The heart provides the needed “emotional spark” to help, and the head steers that motivation in the direction of greatest impact.

At Seven Hills Philanthropy, we help donors discover how head and heart come together to express their own versions of Giving Done Well.

Storytelling: A Perfect Blend of Head and Heart

Storytelling is in the news as a lever for social impact as more and more philanthropists gravitate toward storytelling as a way to make a difference.

 It makes sense! 

Storytelling—be it film, theater, spoken word, or written word—is the perfect blend of head and heart. A good story makes us think and it makes us feel. A good story holds our attention and teaches us something while it transports us to other worlds.

A significant and emerging body of research confirms what we already know through experience: stories have a distinct power to raise important questions, shift perspectives, deepen our understanding of challenging and complex ideas, and sometimes even provide us with answers.

And of particular importance at this moment, stories can break through the noise of “us vs. them” polarization by offering a way to explore and express our differences and to reconnect with our shared humanity.

At Seven Hills Philanthropy, we help donors integrate support for storytelling into their giving strategies and interests.

For example, Seven Hills Philanthropy helps donors who have an interest in education and youth development assemble portfolios of storytelling projects that include independent film financing as well as contributions  to nonprofits that engage youth in spoken word or film production, such as Youth Speaks and BAYCAT.

Seven Hills Philanthropy can help donors with interests in any issue area create customized storytelling strategies and portfolios with the common aim of raising awareness, changing the narrative, and building empathy and connection.

How does Giving Done Well bring together head and heart for you?  

Is there a place for storytelling?