Tag: Nonprofit

Finding Valuable Partnerships For Your Nonprofit

On June 2, 2022

Finding the right partnerships can be crucial to your success if you’re a nonprofit organization. Partnerships can provide much-needed resources, funding, and support for your organization. But not all associations are created equal – it’s essential to find and nurture relationships that are truly valuable for both organizations involved. Here is how to find and cultivate beneficial partnerships for nonprofits.

First, start by identifying what the organization needs. Whether it’s volunteers, funding, or expertise, knowing the need will help narrow the search for potential partners. Then look for other organizations that share the mission. These organizations may be able to provide financial assistance, in-kind donations, or other forms of support. They may also be willing to collaborate on joint projects or events. If one is unsure where to start, they can try reaching out to your local Chamber of Commerce or business association. These groups can put one in touch with businesses and organizations that might be a good fit for partnership opportunities.

Another way to find potential partners is through online research. Many websites and databases list companies and organizations by industry, size, location, and other criteria. It can help one narrow down their search to find organizations that are more likely to be interested in partnering with their nonprofit.

Once one has identified potential partners, the next step is to reach out and start building relationships. It can be through informal communication such as phone calls or emails or more formal methods like attending events or meetings. When communicating with potential partners, emphasize how the organization can benefit them and the resources they have to offer. Partnerships should be mutually beneficial – if one organization is getting all the benefits, it’s not likely to last long. There should also be mutual respect where each partner should feel valued and appreciated for what they bring to the table.

Finding and cultivating valuable partnerships can be crucial to the success of a nonprofit organization. It takes time and effort, but it can be an advantageous experience for both organizations involved. By taking the time to find and nurture relationships with other organizations that share your mission, you can set your nonprofit up for success now and in the future.

Organizations Helping Military Veterans

By Jerry Swon

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.

The Future of Philanthropy

By Jerry Swon

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.

The Benefits of Community Gardening

By Jerry Swon

On July 9, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Have you ever heard of a community garden? Urban agriculture, sometimes in the form of community gardening is a fantastic way to improve the health of community members, as well as benefit the environment. If you’re someone who is often involved with civic engagement then consider bringing the idea of a community garden to your next virtual neighborhood meeting.

While the year 2020 has posed a number of challenges to support the ability of a community to garden, there are still many ways to see that it’s made possible. Interested parties can discuss things online and set up times for everyone to go in person and get a bit of hands-on experience while remaining seperate and socially distanced. Community members should take their own tools, such as shovels and watering cans. It’s also important that everyone wears a mask and gloves while working in the common areas of the garden.

Community gardens can help to make nutritious foods more accessible in low-income areas Often times obesity and poor nutrition are issues that face these communities. A beautiful garden can help increase the number of fruits and vegetables that people have available to them. Furthermore, by composting the amount of neighborhood waste and be reduced. Not only will the animal life and biodiversity in the area begin to thrive, but the air and soil qualities will also rise.

Growing a garden and building stronger community ties go hand in hand. There are even correlations made between the safety of a neighborhood and whether or not there are shared things such as gardens.

Not only is urban gardening a wonderful way to impact the health of people in a positive way, but it’s also a great way to turn a vacant lot into something useful for everyone. In fact, there have been reports made that show neighborhoods with vacant lots are much more likely to see high crime rates, disease, and mental health disorders. An empty plot of land even decreases surrounding property values and can often become an illegal dumping site. Community gardening can truly empower people in the community.

Finally, urban agriculture or community gardening teaches residents, particularly young people, all sorts of useful skills. These skills include planning, food production, and responsibility. Once the garden is created volunteers can even begin selling any extra produce at local farmers’ markets. Community gardening can be one small way to make a difference in your area, both socially and economically.

5 New Jersey Organizations you Should be Volunteering at

By Jerry Swon

On March 14, 2018

In Community, Volunteer

Volunteering at organizations gives us a chance to give back to our community. By volunteering it allows one to connect with others as well as develop new skills and experiences. Whatever reason your reason for volunteering, it is an excellent opportunity to get yourself involved in the community. If you are ever in the New Jersey area and have some extra time on your hands, try volunteering at any of these organizations.

Community FoodBank of New Jersey

Location(s): 31 Evans Terminal Hillside, NJ 07205

40 years ago, Community FoodBank of New Jersey started in the back of a station wagon. Now over 200 employees dedicate their time to fighting hunger and poverty. Through its employees, community volunteers, and donors Community FoodBank of New Jersey aims to educate, feed, and empower those who need help.

How to Sign Up: You can fill out this form.

Market Street Mission

Location(s): 9 Market Street Morristown, NJ 07960

Since 1989, the Market Street Mission has served over 90,000 meals. The Market Street Mission makes it their mission to the meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through ministering to the homeless.By assisting individuals through Christ, the Market Street Mission aims to guide individuals out of poverty, addiction, and lead productive lives.

How to Sign Up: Contact Market Street Mission Volunteer Coordinator, Mary Kate Kelly, at

(973) 538-6337 or mkelly@marketstreet.org.

Friends of Linden Animal Shelter (FOLAS)

Location(s): Range Road Linden, NJ 07036

FOLAS is run entirely by volunteers and has saved over one thousand animals. Formed in 2000, its volunteers aim at finding permanent homes for animals. Volunteers help with fundraising as well as socializing and taking care of the cats and dogs.

How to Sign Up: Fill out a volunteer application.

Good Grief

Location(s): 38 Elm St, Morristown, NJ 07960

5 Mapleton Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

Good Grief aims to provide support to children, teens, adults, and families after the passing of parents or siblings. Good Grief utilizes education, advocacy, and interactive peer support programs. View an extensive list on all of the volunteer opportunities you can participate in.

How to Sign Up: To get involved fill out a form.

St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center

Location(s): Madison Adoption Center: 575 Woodland Ave. Madison, NJ 07940

Training and Behavior Center: 575 Woodland Ave. Madison, NJ 07940

North Beach Adoption Center: 3201 Route 22 East North Branch, NJ 08876

Noah’s Ark Adoption Center: 1915 US Route 46 Ledgewood, New Jersey, 07852

Open for almost 80 years, St. Hubert’s is dedicated to the humane treatment of all animals. The organization offers many community services which include but is not limited to, a pet helpline, a pet food pantry, and spay/neuter options. As a volunteer, you can also foster an animal, walk dogs, socialize with cats, and lend a helping hand at any of the facilities.

How to Sign Up: First read these steps and then fill out an application.