Leading with Stonewall
“Giving to Stonewall is more than just writing a check.”
A long-time member of our young donor network, Quarter Share, Rishi Magia has been a supporter of Stonewall’s work since 2008. We sat down with him to learn more about his commitment to our work, and to find out why he feels Stonewall stands out from the crowd.
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Stonewall: You do a lot for and with Stonewall. What keeps you engaged and coming back?
Rishi: The number one thing, hands down, that keeps me engaged and excited about my continuing work with Stonewall is the people. I believe so strongly in the vision and work that Stonewall does as a Foundation and really do believe that without the proper staff and board members, none of that amazing work could be executed as incredibly as it has and will continue to be. Stonewall has some of the most wonderful, inspiring and engaging people I’ve ever met. In fact, some of my closest friends in New York have come as a direct result of my involvement.
S: What is it that you feel Stonewall does really well?
R: Stonewall does an amazing job engaging, activating, and mobilizing young donors in New York. In the years that I’ve lived here, I have not encountered an organization that is so passionate about educating young donors and investing in their leadership in philanthropy.
S: What do you get out of your relationship with Stonewall?
R: 100% personal fulfillment. Moving here from Texas 10 days after graduating college was a super-daunting task. I was young, and in the closet, but I knew that my heart was in New York. I’ve always had it in me to volunteer and give back, but the type of philanthropy that comes with working with Stonewall feels like a much deeper connection, especially due to the fact that we work primarily with other organizations based in New York.
S: Why do you give to Stonewall? Why should other people give to Stonewall?
R: I feel like these two questions go hand-in-hand. The main reason why I give to Stonewall and why I think other people should is because of tangible results. Giving to Stonewall is more than just writing a check every month and clearing your conscious because you did some good. You can be as involved or as not involved as you want. But, at the end of the day, you see a direct result of where your efforts go. The breadth and diversity of local organizations that we fund is incredible. And that to me is the best kind of giving; the kind where you work hard and that hard work pays off in the wonderful way that you can see in the everyday lives of people in your community.
