To all the financial advisors who might be hesitant to share your story as a nominee for the Invest in Others Awards, we understand how you feel. We hear it all the time. It goes something like this: “I don’t do my charitable work in order to gain recognition.” Sound about right?
We thought so. But let us tell you five reasons why you shouldn’t shy away from this opportunity.
1. Funding
If you’re selected as a finalist, your nonprofit could receive an award donation of up to $50,000. That’s enough to convert an abandoned firehouse into a community food pantry, run a financial literacy boot camp for hundreds of high school students, hold a global conference to address an orphan disease, or build a new surgical wing of a hospital in Ecuador. That’s how previous recipients have used their donations. How would you use yours?
2. Awareness
If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Invest in Others provides a national platform for your cause, increasing awareness in the advice industry, your firm, and your community. This awareness can lead right back to #1, funding. Just ask the advisor who was able to raise over $200,000 for his nonprofit after winning one of our awards.
3. Credibility
As a finalist or winner, you’ve gone through our vetting process. You don’t just “talk the talk,” but you “walk the walk.” It positions you as a resource for colleagues, clients, and others who want to give back.
4. Trust
Along with credibility comes trust. The honor helped one finalist demonstrate that he was philosophically aligned with his philanthropic clients. Others have found that it lets clients know they care.
5. Encouragement
You’ll inspire others and, believe it or not, yourself. People will hear your story and be encouraged to get involved with nonprofits in their communities. If you’re like any of our past finalists or winners, you’ll believe you can do more than you previously thought possible, work harder, and make an even greater impact.
Nominations for the 2019 Invest in Others Awards are now open. Click here to learn more about nominating an advisor. Finalists will be announced in mid-July.