Eye on Giving
ANGILA CHADA & A PASSION FOR POTENTIAL Name: Angila Chada Company: Springboard Opportunities Limited Title: Executive Director
1. What are your thoughts, in general, on charitable giving? My charitable giving was nurtured and shaped by the life lessons of my parents and also by my own experiences as a member of the minority ethnic community and that feeling of being an ‘outsider’. My parents instilled a belief everyone had equal worth, of living life with integrity and that each of us have a responsibility to make things better and ‘give back’. Growing up feeling judged as an ‘outsider’ largely due to the colour of my skin, also shaped my character and moral framework in wanting to reach out and given back to those disenfranchised or marginalised in society, in a way that was non-judgemental and inclusive. The combination of both influences have driven my giving whether on a monetary basis or through my time. 2. Is your giving personal or corporate or a combination of both? My giving involves both. In 2011 I set up the Raj Darshna Foundation, named for my parents in thanks for their life lessons. ‘A small foundation with a big heart’ it’s Northern Ireland’s first ever gradual growth endowment fund and gives me the opportunity to have a direct say in how money is spent and be a positive catalyst in areas and with constituencies I feel passionately about. In my day job, in the charity Springboard, we work with young people
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who face incredibly difficult life challenges and circumstances and we are keenly aware of the difference support can make. 3. How do you give to charity: monetarily, your own time as a volunteer or your specialist skills? In addition to giving funds regularly to the Raj Darshna Foundation, I also contribute financially to a range of local and international charities – many of whom work with children and young people who face high levels of disadvantage and hardship. I also volunteer with Giving NI as a Board member and also with Terra Nova Productions a professional theatre company which champions diversity and mutual understanding – a cause which triggers resonance with my early life experiences. 4. What types of causes do you favour and why? I give to a range of causes but the Foundation’s giving is focused on three areas very close to my heart. Young people as the pioneers of the future, the elderly in recognition of their on-going value and contribution to keeping communities and society together and activities that champion difference and diversity as the cornerstone in building a peaceful future. There is nothing better than knowing you give a ‘helping hand’ and make that slight, small difference for an individual or organisation that can have massive, far reaching positive impacts – what a joy – to know you have been part of that. 5. Are there specific charities or causes that you give to regularly? How do you choose which to support?
I tend to give to causes that I care passionately about. Usually it’s around young people and supporting the latent potential they all possess; elderly people who have become largely marginalised in today’s society and yet they hold such a wealth of experience and wisdom and activities that transform difference from a tool of conflict to an agent for positive change. 6. Do you believe that companies and individuals have a duty to help others? If yes, why? My experience has taught me that you don’t have to be on the ‘rich list’ to help others and give back and I also know through working with Springboard of the powerful impact ‘giving’ can have on peoples’ lives. I believe passionately humanity is interconnected, whether by visible or invisible means and that each and every act can have an impact on someone or somewhere else. 7. What is your message to business people who may be thinking about becoming more involved in strategic philanthropy? Do it! Anyone can get involved in strategic philanthropy. I think
many see the word ‘ philanthropy and immediately think of Bill Gates or Richard Branson, but anyone can give and it’s not just money. It can be their valuable time, skills or experience. There are individuals and organisations that can do with your support and you in turn can be connected to causes that you feel passionately about and want to make a difference. It’s really a win-win. 8. Giving Northern Ireland was set up to champion Philanthropy. Why do you think it is important that there is an organisation that helps businesses and individuals think more strategically about giving? I think Giving NI has a critical job key in championing and supporting the culture of giving. They can not only connect individuals and businesses to worthy causes but also shine a ‘spotlight’ on the power of giving and potentially inspire others into starting their own philanthropic journey. Times are tough at present and everyone needs to pull together. Giving NI’s work in this context is needed more than ever.