A donor has the opportunity to name a scholarship for that institution and imprint their legacy in perpetuity.
However, Rachel had a laser focus: she wanted to become a nurse. She had observed the nurses in action around her and it was, to hear her tell the story, “the defining moment in my life. I knew what I was meant to be.” She made many sacrifices to reach that point. Today, Rachel is a director of a nursing unit and well-respected as a healthcare professional and leader.
Rachel is where she is today in part, because someone cared. She was introduced to a scholarship program through the health system, applied and won a significant award that helped her pursue her degree in nursing and cover her tuition, fees and books. She was able to forego the second job, enroll in school and focus on her education in addition to her full-time work responsibilities.
Today, the value of scholarships cannot be disputed. First, scholarships provide an opportunity for deserving individuals like Rachel to earn an education. Scholarships create a pathway for so many who, without this outside assistance, might have never even attempted to fulfill their goals or dreams. Scholarships are a mechanism beyond financial aid, for deserving students and employees. Employees and students who have received a scholarship have fewer financial constraints, increased time to study and ultimately become more successful. To earn a scholarship does something else: it forces the applicant not to be afraid to promote themselves and why they are deserving.
The benefits are felt beyond the recipient. They are also experienced by the donor(s) who can see their generosity deeply impact the life of an employee or student. A door becomes open that was not there before. A donor has the opportunity to name a scholarship for that institution and imprint their legacy in perpetuity. Scholarships are often named after the donor, company, organization or to honor someone important in their life. Scholarships can be created with completely tax-deductible donations from donor-advised funds, or assets from the donor and can be paid on a one-time basis or over the course of a few years. So many wonderful non-profit organizations here in Northern Arizona participate in programs focused on scholarship support.
As one of those organizations, NAH sees the value of these to elevate a community. One of the magic moments is connecting the recipient with their donors, not just in the current year but future years. Donors want to know their gift had meaningful impact on the trajectory of one’s career. In August, NAH awarded 13 of our employees, in clinical and non-clinical positions, with a scholarship. The connection between our donors and their recipient was beyond rewarding.
Philanthropy is the rising tide that lifts all boats. It speaks to who we are as a society and who we want to be. If giving to scholarships is indeed addictive, then my hope for one of you reading this is to become hooked. Because when you do, the health of our community will be better for it. FBN
By Larry Kushner
Larry Kushner is the chief philanthropy officer for Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH).