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The five Ts of philanthropy

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03 November 2022

A philanthropist is broadly defined as ‘a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes’. Working in the for-purpose sector for many years now (as many of you also do), I know that being a philanthropist is so much more than money. The act of giving is powerful and should not be underestimated. Your giving matters – to you, the cause and the beneficiaries. We all have gifts to give, and they don’t always have to be in the form of money.

Time

Time is our most precious resource. Over the last few years, we may have had too much time on our hands. Now that we’re in the new ‘covid normal’, we might find that our time is stretched. As the saying goes, ‘time is money’ and with regards to the for-purpose sector, this statement is incredibly accurate.

Like many, I work full time, have a family and my own personal interests. I also know that, to the eviDent Foundation, my time is a valuable contribution to its success. I find it’s often this adage that rings true, ‘if you want something done, ask a busy person’. I am the current Treasurer of the eviDent Foundation Board, which means in addition to attending board meetings, I chair and attend its Finance and Audit Committee. I’m also the Deputy Co-Chair of eviDent’s Dental Practice Based Research Network and an Associate Investigator in a couple of projects. If you ask me to participate in a project about orthodontics, I won’t have the time – mainly because it’s not of interest to me or my practice. If you ask me to participate in a project about implant complications, then I will find the time, because it’s relevant to my patients and practice.

‘Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters’, said Margaret Peters.

Discover why Dr Gordon Burt decided to give his gift of time at youtube.com/watch?v=esZOVbLohcs.

Talent

If someone stopped me and asked, “what’s your talent?” I certainly wouldn’t be rushing to sign up for ‘Australia’s Got Talent’. The fact is, we all have different talents, and for most of you reading this, it’s dentistry. An intrinsic part of the eviDent Dental Practice Based Research Network is the talent of its members – the academics and dental practitioners who volunteer to improve treatment outcomes for patients and to address the connection between oral and general health. The active engagement of the profession offers an efficient and effective mechanism for improving the science transfer from research projects to clinical practice and policy.

Become a member: evident.org.au/get-involved/membership.

Treasure

As an established network of practitioners and academics, the eviDent Foundation can do a lot. The cost of an eviDent facilitated project averages just under $18,000, but that’s just it – there are still costs. I understand that, particularly now, there are so many things competing for your hard-earned dollar, and so I ask that you give what you can. If every ADAVB member gave a tax-deductible donation of just $4, that would fund an eviDent project producing high quality research that is clinically relevant and can drive future policy development.

Make a donation now: evident.org.au/donate/make-a-donation.

Make a donation later: evident.org.au/donate/bequests.

Ties

We all know someone who has the time, talent and treasure to help the eviDent Foundation thrive. Mouthguard March will soon be upon us. Do you treat any famous sports players who could become ambassadors? Introducing such people in your personal or professional network can go a long way to support the growth of the eviDent Foundation.

Make an introduction by emailing .

Invite a colleague to attend the Research Showcase at evident.org.au/get-involved/events/event/104-2023-research-showcase.

Testimony

Have you been involved with the eviDent Foundation? Have you been impacted by their work? Your story is valuable and could go a long way to inspire others to give their time, treasure, ties and then, their testimony. My testimony can be viewed at youtube.com/watch?v=dI64b5oGveM.

It also helps if you can share, comment and like posts on eviDent’s social media facebook.com/eviDentFoundation and linkedin.com/company/evident-foundation.

The five Ts are vital to the success of the eviDent Foundation. You don’t have to do all five to be a philanthropist. Start today and make a difference with whatever you can give.

Dr Jeremy Sternson

Treasurer, eviDent Foundation