I have written before about the importance of growing our culture of philanthropy at SAS. To a nonprofit like SAS, this is important because a philanthropic culture nurtures systemic and sustainable fundraising which is therefore long-term and impactful. In an organization with a vibrant philanthropic culture, all community members—parents, alumni, faculty, and leadership—are proud be involved in philanthropy as donors or stewards of donated resources. Together, the entire community encourages donors to invest in its mission. 

One of the most common counterpoints to the SAS Foundation’s fundraising is that “we don’t really need money.” This critique is not new or unique; I heard it all the time at Northwestern University, which is nearing the conclusion of a US$4 billion campaign. Malcolm Gladwell even recently wrote about it. Everyone has an opinion! 

My family’s spring break took us across Rajasthan, traveling from Jaipur to Udaipur via train, and I think now, on the heels of this experience in India, that I finally understand why someone would feel this way. There is clear and immediate need in cities and towns in India. It is massive, striking and humbling. And this is just one single country.

How do we as a society begin to address all of the important gaps that exist in the world? At SAS we do not need to think about students’ access to clean water, but we do need to think how we provide them with world-class educational opportunities so that they in turn can address needs like clean water. We see this trickle-down effect with the SAS Foundation’s support for the Executive Service Council, where funds are made available to high school service clubs each year so that the clubs can focus on service, not fundraising. Empowered by the education, character, and change the world. 

When I ask families to support the SAS Foundation, I do not mean to imply that our cause is more important than other causes. Any cause that is important to you is important, and great or small, each act of generosity and compassion improves the world around us. That’s the awesome thing about philanthropy: it is not an “either/or” decision; it is an “and” decision. Clean water in India AND world-class opportunities for SAS students, not clean water in India OR world-class opportunities for SAS students. You diversify your financial portfolio with assets in stocks, bonds, and cash; why wouldn’t you think about your philanthropic giving in the same way? 

If you have supported the SAS Foundation this year, we thank you. If you have not, please consider joining our donor community, which is large and growing and already at a record high so far this year! If you have questions or comments about philanthropy at SAS, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me via e-mail at smorris@sas.edu.sg or +65 6360 6303.