Pointed Questions

I heard this story about giving circles on NPR a few weeks ago and then forgot totally about it. (Insert your own snide comment about public radio here.) 

But the story's worth a listen because it's all about donors who want a way to learn for themselves what an organization is doing well, or the ways its slowly leeching the spirits of everyone around. 

I'm converted after hearing the story. When folks put their donations together in one pot, it's a good incentive for executive directors to take their questions seriously. When giving circles volunteer at nonprofits, they see first-hand whether Little Jimmy really will be able to ride away on a bicycle ... or whether the place's a mess. 

"It's like a zoo in the kitchen. There's people running all over the place," she says. "There's this guy, who was clearly the person running the kitchen, screaming 'Out of the way. Hot plate!' It was just chaotic."

But that raises an interesting question for circle member Patty Wynn.

"Is that the type of organization that we could make better, if we had money to give? Or do you think even if you gave more money to that organization, they would run it in the same way?" she asks.

Malepati responds that one problem she noticed at the feeding program was the lack of interaction between the homeless women and the staff, and among the women themselves. Clients appeared to just come, get mediocre food and leave.

"You can't fix that sort of thing with money, I don't think," she says.

Congrats, Patty Wynn! You asked the gazillion-dollar question! And Malepati -- you nailed it.