Tag: charity Page 2 of 3

Volunteer Ideas This Holiday Season

On November 24, 2021

The holiday season is a great time for a person to volunteer for the first time. Volunteering can make one feel good, and it can make a difference in one’s community. There are many opportunities for volunteering during the holiday season, and each person can find an opportunity that feels right for them.

Consider Making Cards to Pass Out:

Those who enjoy working with paper and creating crafts can work on putting together special holiday cards. The cards can then be given out to lonely neighbors, those in the hospital, or those who are making a difference in one’s community. Anyone who receives a homemade holiday card will feel special.

Spend Time with Residents in Assisted Living Facilities:

There are people who are living in homes that do not receive a lot of visitors and who can spend the holiday season longing for some company. Those who have the time should consider going to an assisted living facility to spend time with the residents there.

Give to Those Working at the Hospital:

Those who spend long hours working in the hospital during the holiday season will appreciate being remembered. One might put together a gift basket to present to the nurses at a local hospital.

Give to Those Working at the Fire and Police Departments:

Those who work at the fire and police department often have to give of their time during the holidays, missing out on family activities. Volunteers can present such people with baked goods and other gifts that help them know that they are remembered.

Shop for Children Who Won’t Otherwise Receive Gifts:

There are children who have parents in the prison system who will not receive gifts unless a volunteer buys them for them. There are also children living in poverty who would love to receive gifts. Volunteers can get involved with a variety of charities to shop for gifts for children who will not receive anything if strangers do not step in.

There are Many Holiday Volunteer Opportunities:

Each person can find a holiday volunteer opportunity that appeals to them and that fits with their strengths. When someone gives during the holiday season, they will feel good about what they are doing and the lives they are touching.

Top 4 First Responder Charities

By jerryswon

On November 3, 2021

In Blog, Community

Knowing which charity to donate to in response to a tragedy is always difficult. After all, the needs of these organizations are often different, and it can be hard to figure out what will make the most impact on your donation. But if you want your donations to go towards first responders, some excellent choices should be considered on this list of top 4 first responder charities.

1) The Red Cross

The American National Red Cross is the perfect place to donate if your money goes directly towards relief efforts. They are already on-site in disaster areas and have a long history of providing medical care for people who need it most, including first responders. In addition, they have a special fund to help first responders who need support in the wake of national disasters.

The Red Cross is also one of the most efficient organizations when it comes to their finances and spending, which means that you can be sure your donation will go towards helping others as quickly as possible. While their services are available for anyone affected by the tragedy, you can be sure that your donation will go towards helping first responders.

2) The National Police Defense Foundation

The mission of the NPDF is to provide support for police officers working in dangerous conditions, including during natural disasters. They pay out all their costs through donations, so you can be sure that your donation will go towards helping these first responders.

3) The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

This foundation exists to honor the bravery and sacrifice of all firefighters who have lost their lives in service. They offer financial support, scholarships, and training for those affected by the tragedy, as well as a scholarship fund available exclusively to first responders looking to make a career change or re-enter the workforce after an injury has pushed them out of their previous career.

4) The EOD Warrior Foundation

Support the brave men and women who work as Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) officers. This charity works to support those affected by PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other psychological trauma related to their line of work. They also provide financial assistance for immediate family members of first responders killed in action or severely injured.

The EOD Warrior Foundation also works to provide support for those injured in the line of duty and need a new start. They offer scholarships, loans, job training programs, and an employment service that pairs wounded vets with companies hiring veterans. This foundation is one of the best places to donate if you want your money to go directly towards helping first responders.

Organizations Helping Military Veterans

By jerryswon

On February 8, 2021

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Choosing a charity can be challenging. There are numerous organizations and nonprofits, all with different causes. So how do you choose a charity to donate your time or money to? The first step is choosing what type of cause you’d like to become involved in. Many people would like to find ways to support the troops. Whether you’ve served yourself or have a veteran in your family, helping military veterans is a wonderful cause to align yourself with. If you’d like to make a difference in a service member’s or a veteran’s life then the next step is finding nonprofit.

The best charity organizations are those that focus on serving people in need. To do so, a nonprofit should be transparent with its finances and practices. If you’re looking for organizations to help military veterans there are a broad range of programs. Some groups focus on providing assistance such as utilities, rent, or medical expenses while others focus on boosting troops’ morale.

Here are a few highly-rated American organizations that are helping military veterans.

Freedom Service Dogs of America

This organization is special. The program adopts shelter dogs and then trains them to become service dogs. The majority of the dogs are then rehomed to military veterans and personnel who are injured or need assistance. The Freedom Service Dogs of America provides lifetime support to all of the veterans and their dogs and is 100 percent donor-funded. There is no charge for veteran clients.

The Gary Sinise Foundation

Actor, Gary Sinise has advocated for American military members for years. His foundation supports not only active duty service members and veterans but also first responders. The program’s mission to show gratitude towards those who serve this country through a number of programs. They host celebrations to boost morale, build homes for wounded veterans, and provide meals to families.

Operation Second Chance

This organization assists servicemen and women as they transition back into civilian life or back into active duty. Operation Second Chance has programs that pay and help to accommodate disabled veterans whether through remodeling housing or helping family members manage affairs. The charity does wonderful work in supporting soldiers in their rehabilitation and recovery.

There are many other ways to become involved with charities that don’t involve monetary donations. You can volunteer at a veterans hospital, provide calling cards, bake homemade treats, or write letters in support of our troops. Consider taking the time and finding a way to show appreciation for those who serve the country.

How a Philanthropy Program Can Help Business

By jerryswon

On November 20, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Philanthropy programs in business involve financial contributions to society, donations to a specific cause, or employees volunteering their time to help or drive a cause. Many companies have embraced corporate social responsibility and are continuously dialing up their procedures to prioritize the activities. This factor is businesses have seen corporate philanthropy’s benefits for them, their employees, and the community. Here is how philanthropy is beneficial to a business.

Promote Company Image

Most people tend to align positively with companies that give back to the community that gives them business. They, therefore, develop a good impression of the company and will trust its services. In most instances, the result is more business from the community they support as they have built a bond of trust.

Happy Employees

Companies that involve their employees in philanthropy enjoy the benefits of a team with high morale. Enthusiastic employees are more productive and willing to be team players. Besides, the importance of corporate philanthropy is that it brings meaning to their staff showing them the organization cares about their personal needs and the community.

Excellent Recruitment

People always want to work for companies with a good reputation, and corporate philanthropy is a perfect mirror of this attribute. Philanthropic companies have an excellent resource of well-abled applicants in the communities they give assist. Individuals with a knack for giving back to society will be attracted to such businesses, bringing with them diverse talents.

Increase sales

People tend to spend more on brands that give back to society and support good causes than brands that do not have any social responsibility. Therefore, with a philanthropy program, businesses enjoy benefits such as high sales and profit margins and are likely to get more customers who support the same cause.

Brand Marketing

Since Corporate Social Responsibility has become significant in businesses, philanthropy is an excellent way to promote their brands in wider regions. Getting down to the community level and reaching out to customers to find out what matters to them and what changes they would like can market a business brand cost-efficiently. Philanthropy programs are ways for a business to present a unique identity that resonates with their clients and potential customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an excellent philanthropy program is beneficial to the business, employees, and the community. It is a win-win for everyone if the intent is good and the ultimate goals are transparent. For a business, this is an investment that pays off in the long run.

The Future of Philanthropy

By jerryswon

On September 10, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

To say that COVID-19 has had an affect on everyone would be an understatement. There isn’t a single industry that hasn’t been impacted by the virus. While there has been a significant rise in philanthropy over the past several decades the pandemic has created a major need for more giving.

As the nation experienced major shutdowns millions of American people were left out of work and without pay. Although so many were left struggling there was an immense number of those willing to offer a helping hand. People donated what they could to food banks and handed out meals, masks, and hand sanitizers. Furthermore, corporations stepped up and gave large amounts of money to foundations and nonprofits.

Thus, COVID relief donations had reached $7.8 billion dollars by the middle of April. 60% of those donated dollars were reported to be from corporations, businesses, and religious organizations in the United States. Now, well into October the unemployment rate is continuing to jump, however, thankfully, so has the number of people who are donating their time and money to help others.

It is clear that the pandemic has caused a shift in philanthropy. Many of the country’s wealthiest people have altered their priorities and found ways to give back in the present, instead of donating money towards things that may not come to fruition for years to come.

There is a link to global health and economic prosperity which has only been highlighted during the global pandemic. Many leaders in philanthropy have moved to more transparent positions, inspiring others to do the same. Philanthropists such as MacKenzie Scott and Jack Dorsey made major contributions and commitments, publicly, setting a new standard among their wealthy peers.

Even Forbes has changed and redefined the way that it measures philanthropy. Whereas the amount of money a foundation had used to be used to measure the organization’s charitable acts, now Forbes is focused on judging the actual amount of giving that takes place. Other companies will surely follow suit, helping to make philanthropic acts happen faster and have a further impact.

People around the world have realized that everyone can make a difference and come to fully understand the importance of giving. There are a plethora of ways to contribute to one’s community and even people who are struggling themselves have stepped up to participate in philanthropy. Although the pandemic is still creating new challenges every day, it has altered the future of philanthropy in beautiful and important ways.

Outstanding Animal Organizations in 2020

By jerryswon

On June 4, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

The noblest of causes revolve around helping those who are helpless, those who cannot help themselves. That is why caring for in-need animals is such a worthwhile, rewarding, and all-around wholesome endeavor. And that is why they are seriously deserving of recognition.

There are so many wonderful organizations that are deserving of recognition. One of the most impressive, however, is the African Wildlife Foundation. So many African countries are fighting a war against poachers, hunters who would take the life of African wildlife to sell parts of their bodies for quick cash. The African Wildlife Foundation works tirelessly to help protect the lives of rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, lions, cheetahs, and gorillas, just to name a few, and 87% of the donations they receive go toward implementing the foundation’s many helpful programs.

Another awesome foundation helping animals, and one that is perhaps closer to home for many, is Alley Cat Allies. Nearly 3.4 million cats enter the American shelter system per year, and 1.4 million of those cats are euthanized. Alley Cat Allies is an organization that works to combat those startling statistics, and one of their most successful initiatives is TNR-Trap, Neuter, Return. Community cats are trapped through humane methods, fixed, and returned back to their communities to live out their lives without being able to reproduce. This way, the cats are neither euthanized nor can they contribute to the mass amount of feline homelessness and euthanasia.

Of course, wild and domestic animals are not the only ones who need help. Animal Equity is an international organization that fights against animal cruelty across a wide variety of species, including farm animals. They oppose large factory farms and instead promote family-run farming, and they investigate facilities in order to ensure the humane treatment of animals.

Other noteworthy organizations include Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue, Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, and Flying Fur Animal Rescue, all of which are doing their part to fight against so many injustices that animals face worldwide.

Although it’s difficult to think about, there are animals being mistreated, neglected, and abused at this very moment. These organizations, along with countless others, do their part to put an end to that abuse and, therefore, deserve immense recognition, far more than this article can provide.

Virtual Fundraising Ideas

By jerryswon

On May 8, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

The social distancing regulations are still in effect in most states, although they have been loosened in some parts of the country. That being the case, it’s not business as usual for many companies and organizations, including nonprofit organizations. Many nonprofit organizations are reducing their fundraising efforts significantly or completely as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. If this is true for your nonprofit organization, remember that all is not lost. The virtual world has not changed, and you can still utilize it for your fundraising efforts. Here are three ideas.

1. Virtual Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser

A virtual fundraising campaign can be built using existing social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, and others. A fundraising page can quickly be designed using these networks, and the word will quickly get out to those interested in participating. When each individual involved in the fundraising has a social media account of their own, the word will get out even faster. Each person involved can create their particular fundraising page on any one of these platforms and connect with a multitude of people and organizations willing to donate.

2. Virtual Discussions Fundraiser

The social isolation people have to endure can be used to the benefit of your fundraising attempts. You can use virtual meeting tools like Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom to set up small discussion groups and center the discussion around topics concerning your cause. Once you have everyone signed in and participating, you can request contributions. It’s up to you and/or your team just how guests will be solicited for donations. You can do this by embedding a link in the meeting system you’re using.

3. Virtual Cooking Lesson Fundraiser

This is a time when more people than usual are willing to sit down and learn new skills. Food preparation has become a necessity for many who regularly used restaurants for themselves and their families’ meals before this pandemic began. Everyone loves eating, and many have had to learn to cook recently. Take advantage of the situation by setting up a virtual cooking lesson fundraiser. Simply live-stream the lessons and use that as a way to pull people in. This kind of fundraising isn’t limited to just cooking, either. There are many creative crafts you can use to get your audience’s attention and, hopefully, financial support.

How to Help Vulnerable Populations

By jerryswon

On April 6, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

The daily headlines are discouraging. Yet, as in times past, Americans are rising up to the occasion by helping fellow citizens in need. However, more help is needed. In this era of social distancing, agencies who need volunteers are adjusting their donation protocols so that those who wish to volunteer can so.

If you would like to contribute to the COVID-19 response, below are five ways you can contribute today.

Donate to United Way’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. It provides access to food, shelter and more to the most vulnerable Americans wherever they live. Your financial support goes directly to those efforts.

Make a financial or in-kind donation to the Salvation Army. It provides food, shelter, childcare, and snacks to first responders, among other efforts. Specific instructions on how to donate can be found on their website.

Ronald McDonald House Charities is accepting financial and in-kind donations that are specific to local and international chapters. Its mission is to support families with housing and meals who are away from home to be with their sick children. In the wake of COVID-19, they are also repurposing space to accommodate medical staff responding to this crisis.

Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteers to deliver meals to senior citizens. They are also accepting financial gifts towards the cost of doing the same. If you’re interested, contact your local chapter. They need your help.

The Red Cross is in dire need of volunteers. The agency is still accepting donations of blood, yet in very different ways amid COVID-19. They need help in many ways, so it is best to visit their website and find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. They even have a need for virtual volunteers, which means you can help from home.

They are also requesting blood donations from survivors of COVID-19. Healthcare providers want to study the antibodies that helped them recover in the race towards a cure for other COVID-19 victims.

Despite the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs, there is still much work to be done, and people around the world need you. What has been shown in times past is that one of the most effective tools during a time of crisis is a helping hand.

How You Can Help the Homeless in the Winter

By jerryswon

On January 10, 2020

In Community, Volunteer

One of the hardest seasons of the year for the homeless community is winter. When the temperature starts to drop below the freezing point, people facing the elements are at risk for hypothermia which means they are also at risk for fatal consequences. This winter, try doing you part and help the homeless in one of the five ways.

Know the Signs of Hypothermia

It’s important to know what the warning signs of hypothermia is. If you are aware of the signs, it will be able to identify those who need help right away. If you notice any of the following symptoms, reach out to the affected person and get help as soon as possible:

Shivering
A weak pulse
Slurred speech
Slow and shallow breathing
Low energy
Memory loss or confusion

Hand Out Warm Clothes

You will find that in many thrift stores, churches, and even grocery stores there are barrel in which you can donate your old coats. Instead of hoarding your unused and old coats in your closets, give it to someone who needs it most.

Life can be really hard for those who live on the streets. Those who live and sleep outside often get their items stolen and don’t have the opportunity to wash their clothing very frequently. Donating hats, gloves, coats, all help to ensure that the homeless community will stay a little warmer.

Donate

During the winter months, shelters and homeless centers are at their busiest. That being said, many of the resources are strained. Hundreds of people will walk through a shelter a day looking for meals, referral services, clothing, and of course shelter. During the winter months consider helping out those on the front line. Your donation will go to a worthy cause and help buy very important products.

Step up and Volunteer

As mentioned earlier, with an increase of people in need there is a strain of resources— which includes staff. Volunteering even one shift a month at a shelter or soup kitchen can be a huge help. Make the effort and call a few of your local shelters and ask how you can volunteer your time.

Advocate for the Cause

You would be surprised to find out how many people in your own community that don’t realize just how many homeless people are in your area. It’s up to you to spread the word.

Charities That Help Children at Christmas

By jerryswon

On December 10, 2019

In Community, Volunteer

For Christmas this year, start a tradition with your family and give back to children who are in need. Below you will find four charities the help children during the holidays.

One of the most recognizable charities on this list is Toys for Tots. Between October and December you can purchase anew toy and drop it off at a U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots location. One of the members of the U.S. Marine Corps will then collect the toys and give them out to children in the community. When donatating a toy make sure that it is unwrapped!

Operation Christmas Child

Leading up to the holidays, don’t throw out your shoeboxes! Operation Christmas Child is a charity that collects shoeboxes that are filled with all sorts of little gifts from toys to school supplies to candy to hygiene products. As a volunteer of this project, you can select a specific age group and fill a shoebox with items of that age group.

On top of the little gifts you pick out, there is a small donation required to cover any shipping costs. If you decide to donate online, you will be able to track your shoebox until it reaches its new home.

Make-A-Wish Foundation

Make-A-Wish Foundation is a charity that is pretty active year-round, but during the holiday season they are busier than ever. The foundation works to making the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions come true. During the holidays many companies will partner up with Make-A-Wish to make the most impact as possible.

To help out Make-A-Wish this season, consider dropping off a letter to Santa at any Macy’s location. Every letter you drop off Macy’s will donate a dollar to Make-A-Wish.

Another way to help is buy gifts through the Make-a-Wish store. You have to get your Christmas shopping done anyway, you might as well give back while you are doing it. Not only will your friends and family receive a wonderful gift, but every item you buy, a portion of the proceeds will go back Make-A-Wish Foundation.

During the holiday season, My Two Front Teeth and the Family Giving Tree, join together to help children. To help a child start by visiting either of the charities’ websites. Each website have a list of children’s names, their ages, as well as what they would like for Christmas. From there you can pick which child you would like to support.