Tag: philanthropy Page 1 of 2

Spring Fundraising Ideas

On April 4, 2023

Spring is a great time to plan fundraising events for your organization or charity. With the warmer weather and longer days, people are more likely to get out and participate in events. Here are some spring fundraising ideas to help you raise money for your cause:

Spring Clean-Up

Organize a community clean-up day where volunteers can pick up litter, plant flowers, and do other outdoor tasks. This is a great way to get people involved in your cause and help beautify your community at the same time.

Flower Sale

Partner with a local nursery or garden center to sell flowers as a fundraiser. You can sell everything from potted plants to hanging baskets and even offer delivery to make it more convenient for customers.

Spring Festival

Host a spring festival with food, games, and activities for all ages. You can charge admission or sell tickets for individual activities to raise funds. This is a great way to get the community involved and showcase your organization or charity.

Walkathon

Organize a walkathon or other outdoor event to raise money for your cause. Participants can collect pledges from family and friends, and the event can be held at a local park or other scenic location.

Yard Sale

Host a yard sale and donate a portion of the proceeds to your cause. You can ask members of your organization to donate items for the sale, or you can ask the community to donate items for the cause.

Car Wash

Organize a car wash where volunteers can wash cars for a donation. This is a great way to raise money and get the community involved in your cause.

Spring Fashion Show

Host a fashion show featuring the latest spring trends and fashions. You can charge admission or sell tickets for the event, and partner with local retailers to showcase their products.

Spring Auction

Organize a spring auction featuring donated items from local businesses and individuals. You can hold the auction in person or online and raise funds by selling the items to the highest bidder.

Spring is a great time to plan fundraising events that can help you raise money for your organization or charity. With these spring fundraising ideas, you can engage the community and make a positive impact on your cause.

How Millennials are Changing Philanthropy in the Modern World

By Jerry Swon

On October 26, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

There has been a lot of talk about how millennials are changing the workplace. They demand more work-life balance, are more uncertain about their future, and are also changing the philanthropic landscape.

The number of millennials in the workforce has increased significantly over the past few years. By 2020, they will make up over half of all workers. Gen X is another third, and baby boomers are declining. This rapid and monumental shift is happening right now.

As millennials earn more and pay off their student loans, they are starting to acquire more predictable and regular behaviors and patterns. This is a huge change from the previous generation, which was always unpredictable.

Understanding the various factors that influence how millennials behave is very important for organizations to succeed in the future. They are becoming more engaged in multiple-cause pursuits and are demanding more work-life balance. This is why marketers must be able to adapt their messages to meet these new conditions.

Millennials Give Enthusiastically

In 2014, over 80 percent of millennials gave to charity, and over 70 percent donated over an hour to a cause, according to a study conducted by the Case Foundation. Although Gen Xers and boomers are giving more, millennials are becoming more influential in the philanthropic space.

The numbers are significant because, unlike their predecessors, they are still young and have student debt, which precludes them from owning a home or car. If people become more generous throughout their lives, and if their parents also give, millennials will become the most giving generation in history.

The increasing number of millennials in the workforce is expected to translate into a significant increase in their charitable donations. It is, therefore, important that organizations reach out to them and develop effective strategies to connect with them.

The increasing number of millennials in the workforce is expected to translate into a significant increase in their charitable donations. Millennials are passionate about their goals and believe that they have the necessary skills to make a difference in the world. They also have the necessary ease of giving to make donations. They are finding community through their causes.

The Impending Wealth Transfer

The massive wealth transfer that is expected to happen between millennials is a result of the entrepreneurship of their parents. Due to the success of their parents, they are on the verge of having a wealth transfer worth around $30 trillion, which is more than the previous generation has ever experienced.

Experts believe that wealth transfer will have a positive impact on the charitable sector, and it could lead to a golden era for organizations. This is because millennials are individuals who are passionate about their goals and believe that they can make a difference in the world.

Connecting With Millennials

One of the most important factors that organizations should consider when it comes to attracting and retaining millennials is the use of technology. One of the most effective ways to connect with them is by telling a story. Instead of saying that everyone is affected by X, tell a story about how someone has benefited from your work.

Your cause should be simple and consistent. Instead of over-complicating your message, avoid getting carried away by the complexity of your work.

One of the first questions that potential donors ask is why this matter to me now. Getting the urgency across is very important, as it may take years or even decades to complete your mission. However, by showing how your money and time will be used, your audience can see where their donations will go.

There has been a lot of talk about how millennials are lazy, indifferent toward brands, and entitled to their opinions. However, they are actually the most passionate and committed members of the philanthropic community. They are the individuals who believe that life can be better and that change can be made in the world.

The Benefits of Corporate Volunteering

By Jerry Swon

On September 20, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Employee disengagement can prevent a business from achieving its goals. In 2011, a survey revealed that over 70% of Americans are not engaged in their work. This issue is very alarming and can negatively affect a company’s operations.

According to a study conducted by the Gallup organization, businesses with a high employee engagement rate have a 3.9 times higher earnings per share growth rate than those with low levels of engagement. In addition, many companies consider employee disengagement to be one of the top threats to their operations. However, there is good news: Volunteer programs can help boost employee engagement.

Aside from being beneficial for employee engagement, volunteer programs can also help boost a company’s other operations. These include improving the company’s culture and increasing its sales. Here are some areas where a company can benefit from implementing an employee volunteer program.

Retention

A culture that values employees’ work and the company they work for can help keep them engaged. In 2004, a study revealed that businesses could reduce the number of employees who resign by up to 87 percent by implementing effective employee engagement programs.

This approach can also help a company save money on the cost of replacing an employee. It can be estimated that the replacement cost could be as high as three times an employee’s annual salary.

Recruitment

One of the most critical factors that a company should consider when it comes to hiring and retaining the best talent is the availability of qualified individuals. Having a volunteer program can help boost a company’s recruitment efforts.

Purpose

A volunteer program can also help boost a company’s employee commitment. It can allow them to feel that their work is contributing to the company’s success and helping out a worthy cause. This type of purpose can help boost a company’s morale and increase its productivity.

Skills

A volunteer program can also help employees develop their skills and improve their job performance. According to experts, volunteering can help individuals develop their leadership abilities. It can additionally help them build their problem-solving and communication skills.

The positive effects of corporate volunteerism can be seen in its impact on the company, its employees, and the charity or cause associated with the program. For instance, if a company is focused on social responsibility, it can attract more employees who are more likely to volunteer.

Easy Ways to Help Schools in Your Community

By Jerry Swon

On August 18, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Schools are a critical part of supporting your local community. Unfortunately, many lack funding or are understaffed, which is where you come in! During the school year, we can all play a role in helping schools by donating supplies, volunteering, or buying a new backpack for a student. There are many easy ways to support schools in our community.

Volunteer Your Time

You can volunteer your time in various ways, such as volunteering in the office, taking field trips, or working on clerical tasks. Volunteers are beneficial in making sure that the school year is a success. Contact the school directly to find out more about volunteer opportunities at your school.

Donate School Supplies

When shopping for school supplies, ask your school or teacher if there are any items you can purchase that can be used for other students. Many students come to school with no supplies, and teachers spend a lot of money on their own supplies. By donating supplies, you can help ensure that all of your child’s classrooms have the necessary equipment to succeed.

Attend Board Meetings

Although school board meetings are not everyone’s favorite way to spend time, they can be very informative. They can provide valuable insight into the decisions that affect your child’s school. In addition to learning about the various choices that affect your child’s education, you can also participate in the discussion about the needs in your community.

Join a Committee

Usually, school districts and individual schools are looking for people to serve on various committees that are focused on specific goals. These include topics such as health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, and school safety. Usually, these committees look for people with a passion for the subject and a background in working with children. These committees can give you a voice in how your local school supports these needs.

Ask About Specific Needs

One of the easiest ways to help schools in your community is by asking what you can do to help them. This can be as simple as volunteering at a kindergarten or middle school. By asking what you can do, you show the school that you care about their students and want to make a difference. Throughout the school year, there will be a variety of needs that need to be met.

How to Follow Through With Your Philanthropic Resolution

By Jerry Swon

On December 21, 2021

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, many people make resolutions to better themselves in the coming year. Whether it’s committing to a fitness routine or vowing to save more money, there are plenty of goals that people set for themselves during the first month of the year. But what about those who pledged to become more philanthropic? How can they follow through on their resolution and make a real difference in their community?

Here are a few tips for making your philanthropic resolutions a reality:

1. Define what “philanthropy” means to you.

The word “philanthropy” comes from the Greek words “Philos” (meaning “love”) and “Anthropos” (meaning “human”). So, philanthropy can be defined as the love of humans. But what does that mean for you?

Do you want to volunteer your time at a local homeless shelter? Or maybe donate to your favorite charity? It’s essential to define what philanthropy means to you to create specific goals and objectives for yourself.

2. Make a plan.

Once you know what you want to achieve, it’s time to make a plan of action. Figure out how much time you can commit to volunteering or how much money you want to donate each month. This will help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

3. Find a community of like-minded people.

It can be helpful to find a community of people who share the same philanthropic values. This can provide support and motivation as you work to make a difference in your community.

4. Be patient.

Don’t expect to change the world overnight. Remember that it takes time and effort to make a real difference in the lives of others. Have patience and be persistent in your efforts.

5. Celebrate your successes!

It’s important to celebrate your successes along the way. Not only does this help keep you motivated and cheerful, but it will also inspire others who want to make a difference as well.

6. Give back.

The best way to follow through on your philanthropic resolutions is to give back. Volunteer your time, money or skills to a cause that’s important to you. This is the best way to make a real impact in your community.

Resolving to become more philanthropic can be a rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can ensure that your resolution becomes a reality. And who knows? You might find that helping others is the best way to help yourself.

Top 4 First Responder Charities

By Jerry Swon

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.

How to Make Philanthropy a Habit for the Next Generation

By Jerry Swon

On August 25, 2021

In Blog, Volunteer

It can be very challenging to teach children about the importance of giving back. Philanthropy is such an essential part of human culture and history, but it often doesn’t come naturally for young children. The concept of philanthropy is so complex and abstract that it’s hard to make it relevant for children. Effective philanthropy can be a life-long habit that positively shapes people’s view of the world and creates a sense of fulfillment. Here are some tips to get your kids ready for philanthropic success:

-Start them off as soon as they are capable of understanding. It is never too early to instill values in your child.

-Teach them about different charitable causes from an early age so that they understand the needs around the world. They will not feel overwhelmed or lost when confronted with options later in life.

-Encourage them to donate their time, money, clothes, toys, and other goods. This way, they can see firsthand that giving back doesn’t always mean monetary donation. If they want new toys, encourage them to donate their old toys instead of throwing them away.

-Hold family meetings to discuss your charitable endeavors and ask the children what they want to do.

-Find opportunities for them to volunteer with local organizations. These experiences will teach your child that giving back doesn’t always have to involve money, and it will help them understand that many people need their assistance.

-Introduce them to other philanthropists when they are young so that they can see how their generosity affects others’ lives. This will increase the likelihood that they too will choose to give back as an adult.

-Teach them the value of giving appropriately. It is crucial to teach young people how and when to give to others in need, as well as some of the common pitfalls such as scams and frauds.

Most importantly, be sure that you are a generous person yourself so that they see philanthropy as part of their everyday life. This will ensure that they understand the importance of giving back and will instill values in them that last for a lifetime.

Not everyone is born to be a philanthropist. It takes time and dedication to learn about the world’s needs and how to help. However, these suggestions will get your children ready for any charitable endeavors that they might encounter in their own lives.

How to Balance Profit and Purpose at your Business

By Jerry Swon

On July 13, 2021

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

We often see a business as an entity that we put up, either commercial or industrial, to make a profit. What if we included passion in this equation? Doing what we love the most, professionally, to produce profit sounds fun. One gets some fulfillment and a sense of purpose if they do it. Here are several ways one can use to balance profit and purpose in a business:

• Be inspired
For one to archive results, you need to sit down and evaluate the scenario. Try and do something new and different. It brings in a refreshing change and most probably bears different results. Travel to new places and try to learn as much as possible from your tours.

• Be ready to take action
Identify a gap in the market and try to see how you can develop ways of providing a solution to existing gaps.

• Empower your workers and others
Once you have identified your business purpose and are already meeting this purpose, it is wise to empower those you work with. Let everyone in your team have a sense of purpose. Let everyone have a role and part to play to complete the picture. You will do this by clearly outlining your vision and purpose and going further ahead to have everyone get well-defined goals and responsibilities. Delegate duties and let everyone be accountable. That way, the business is sure to continue running in the same way, even in your absence, and still, keep meeting its purpose and objectives.

• Fund the business growth
As the business grows, it sometimes requires additional funding to meet the growing demands and expand to other regions and areas. To do this, you have to be strategic. It would help if you found the right kind of partners or alternative funding. Whether partners or financiers, they must believe in your cause first to support it. Find people who love your product and believe in your mission. They are most likely to support growth and expansion.

The business world is a complex one. It requires patience, determination, and hard work. The impact of the business is usually far more significant when the profits are tied and connected with one’s purpose.

How to Host Virtual Fundraising Events

By Jerry Swon

On April 1, 2021

In Blog, Community, Uncategorized, Volunteer

During the past year, many organizations have had to cancel and postpone their fundraising events due to the pandemic. Although some places are beginning to open up again, it’s still wise to be cautious of your surroundings. Many nonprofit organizations have found ways to fundraise virtually, but not all have been successful. Let’s take a look at ways you can host a successful fundraising event virtually, even after the pandemic is over in years to come.

Online Gala Dinner

If your organization normally hosts a gala dinner every year with the same crowd in attendance, consider inviting the guest list from the year before to a video call. Surprise everyone with an invitation alongside a party box filled with snacks and party favors. Since gala dinners normally involve a ton of food, you can even partner up with a local restaurant to donate food and have it delivered to your guest’s home. During the virtual dinner, you can have speakers and do small ticket prizes for anyone who attends.

Virtual Races

Whether it may be a walk-a-thon, marathon, or ride-a-thon, virtual races are perfect for those who want to get a workout in a while supporting a cause. Just like regular in-person races, people who participate in these fundraising events can join on their own. This is a great way to encourage people to social distance and raise awareness for your organization’s cause. You can ask participants to send in videos and pictures of them during the virtual race so you can post them on social media. Typically people can donate money before the race to determine how many hours or miles participants should walk, run or ride.

Webinar

Plenty of organizations have hosted webinars before the pandemic, but if yours hasn’t done so, then right now is the time. Webinars are the perfect way to keep your audience educated and up to date with your organization. Aside from the informative side, webinars are a great place to hold fundraisers with experts and community leaders. You can charge a small fee for the webinar and share how the funds will fulfill your organization’s mission. The most successful webinars offer donation tiers and not just a set amount. It’s important to note that some people have more to give than others, but any amount is highly appreciated.

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.