The benefits of engaging through philanthropy

By David Blake

The direction of my life has been forever changed by the relationships I've made through work with charitable initiatives. I’ve met numerous philanthropic organizations and people who are committed to helping make the world a better place – in ways I never thought possible.

I’ve also discovered that many of these charities welcome hep in various ways: small things like raising awareness or expanding their reach through introductions to complimentary organizations as well as big things like building service project events in support of their mission.

I’ve learned that building this type of engagement is easier than you think, and it starts by finding a cause that excites you. When you’ve taken that first step, you’ll be amazed by the overwhelming positive outcomes for yourself and those in need.

The MDRT Foundation

My introduction to philanthropy has been due, in large part, to the MDRT Foundation and its grant program which allows MDRT members to sponsor a grant on behalf of a charity every other year. By taking advantage of this resource, I have met so many inspiring people and have supported numerous and diverse initiatives – including groups that drill freshwater wells in Ghana, offer wellness programs for veterans and first responders, or even increase access to music therapy programs.

By applying for grants and participating in service projects arranged by the MDRT Foundation, I have met so many people committed to making the world a better place and have seen firsthand the deep and life-long connections that are created by sharing time together. These experiences have been so moving that I’ve begun to actively seek out organizations that can help the charities I’m already aligned with.

My first experience delivering a grant occurred after meeting Friends of Firefighters, a New York based charitable organization that provides confidential counseling services to firefighters who were suffering from PTSD after 9/11 as well as daily.

A few short months after applying for an MDRT grant, I was able to deliver thousands of dollars that helped create new satellite locations across the five boroughs of New York.

Soon afterwards, I attended their fundraising events and began building initiatives with other organizations. My work with charities took off from this moment. This experience helped me understand that your involvement and impact doesn’t have to stop when you deliver the check – just ask them how you can help. You can start small; you just have to get started.

Make the time

I’ve learned a very important lesson about the importance of defining how much you can give timewise to philanthropy. Predetermine the amount time you can commit to these efforts will help you avoid damaging your business pursuits and obligations.

I’m fortunate enough to have reached a point in my career where I have the means and time to give back. The day-to-day operations of my company are managed by an outstanding group of people who give me the room to devote to my charity work.

This commitment to philanthropy is also an integral part of our company culture. In fact, we now have paid time off for charity work as well as company charity days where we take a day to make a difference together. Doing this work is inspiring and sends a public statement about who you are and affirmation of how you look at the world and the impact you’re committed to making.

Intersecting philanthropy and client development

Try to align your charitable efforts with the interests of your client base. Chances are that your client already has a cause that matters to them. Start building things around their needs. For example, helping those who are food insecure is a common goal of the people I work with. Lack of access to healthy food is the source of so many health issues in our country and it negatively impacts the educational and occupational pursuits of children and young adults.

To help address this national problem I regularly volunteer my time with an organization called The Green Bronx Machine, founded by Stephen Ritz, which has grown more than 165,000 pounds of vegetables in the Bronx for cancer patients and people living in public housing. Through curriculums built around hydroponic “tower gardens” and a large urban garden, this charity transforms communities that are fragmented and marginalized into neighborhoods that are inclusive and thriving.

I’ve invited my clients to come to their urban farm as a wellness day and sometimes they even bring friends and spouses, who could turn into new clients. Whether or not your clients come to the events, you’ve already let them know that you care about helping others, and it raises your stature in their eyes.

What we’re doing is creating collaborative events and volunteer projects that bring real benefits to our community. It’s amazing to see the results of these efforts and the expansion of relationships that have come from them. It’s given me the incentive to go bigger and I’m doing just that, one grant and one event at a time.

It’s true that sometimes you will see things up close that may break your heart, but you will meet inspiring people all along the way who’ve devoted their lives for the benefit of others. Seeing how you’re impacting lives creates a sense of gratitude and meaning that will just compel you to help again and again.

There’s nothing quite like working side-by-side with your clients to benefit the greater good. I can think of no better way to encourage relationship development and engagement than by devoting time to building philanthropic initiatives. There is so much to gain out of giving without the expectation of anything in return.

About the Author
David Blake is founder and president of InsMed Insurance Agency, Inc., in New York, a national insurance organization that helps healthcare institutions offer their healthcare professionals the opportunity to obtain permanent and portable disability insurance protection, regardless of any underlying health issues. David is a 23-year MDRT member and an Officer of the MDRT Foundation.