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Great Charities in New Jersey to Consider Supporting This Holiday Season Jerry Swon-min

It’s important to pause and think about the individuals and organizations in need this holiday season. We’ve collected a list of several non-profit organizations in New Jersey that you and your family can support.

Center for Food Action

The Center for Food Action provides food, shelter, and heating assistance to northern New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents. It also offers advocacy and counseling services. Your monetary support will help these individuals and families keep food on their tables and a roof over their heads year-round.

Holiday Express

The holidays can be hard for some people, especially those who are alone. That’s why the Tinton Falls-based organization Holiday Express provides gifts, food, and friendship to those in need during the season.

Bridge of Books Foundation

In New Jersey, there are thousands of children who don’t have access to books. During the holiday season, the Bridge of Books Foundation distributes new and used books to children in need. You can help these kids by donating new or used books or making a monetary contribution.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Through the efforts of Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey, a child who has been removed from his or her family due to abuse can receive a voice. This organization is dedicated to providing these kids with a well-trained and qualified advocate. You can also support local programs by making a monetary contribution or volunteering your time.

Community FoodBank of New Jersey

In New Jersey, over a million people go hungry each day. Many of them are children. The FoodBank of New Jersey works with various food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens to provide nutritious meals to those in need. Every dollar that you give can help provide three meals to these individuals.

Good Grief

Since 2004, Good Grief has been working to ensure that children in New Jersey don’t have to grieve alone. Through its programs, the organization is able to provide free and unlimited support to kids and teens who have lost a parent or sibling.

Moms Helping Moms

The organization, which is called the Moms Helping Moms Foundation, provides low-income families in the state with the necessary supplies to start their babies off on the right foot. Through its baby supply bank, this organization accepts new and gently used items such as clothes and strollers. Your monetary support will allow these families to receive a week’s worth of diapers.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey

You can support New Jersey’s wildlife species by making a monetary contribution to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation. This organization is dedicated to protecting the habitats and species of wildlife in the state. One of its recent fundraising campaigns focused on saving bald eagles.

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.

Little Ways to Help Your Local Community

By Jerry Swon

On August 3, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Helping your local community is important. The more people you help, the more people there are who will want to be helped in turn! You can make a difference today by doing little things that add to big results over time! It’s easy, it’s fun, and it feels great.

Donate Lunch Money to Food Pantries
Food pantries use donated money to provide food to those who need it. About half of all food banks nationwide receive their funds from donations alone. Many families have no choice but to rely on them when they don’t have enough money for groceries. When you donate, you’re saving lives.

Vote
When we vote, we choose our leaders. This means that we decide whether our president stays in office, what laws they sign into law, or which person gets elected in the next election. Voting matters because a lot is expected of us as citizens. We must participate and elect officials who will represent us well.

Plant A Tree
Planting trees helps keep our environment healthy. Trees absorb carbon dioxide while giving off oxygen and helping improve air quality. They are also home to many animals such as birds, butterflies, and insects. There are lots of ways to plant a tree. One way is to buy a seedling. You could also plant seeds yourself or adopt a tree.

Vaccinate Yourself & Your Family
Vaccines prevent disease before someone else does. Sometimes vaccines aren’t given due to a lack of funding or resources. However, they shouldn’t be used as a scapegoat. They save lives every day.

Pick Up Trash
Our communities would be much nicer if people picked up trash properly. Most garbage bags contain plastic, some of which take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose. You’ll reduce this waste by picking up daily trash and creating a cleaner environment.

Shop Local
Buying locally grown produce protects farmers and ensures freshness. Buying local products supports small businesses and creates jobs. So pick your supermarkets carefully. Check online to see where your nearest markets sell products.

Hold the door
Holding doors let others enter rooms first and give them a chance to pass through without being rushed. It makes everyone feel safe and welcome.

Top Disability Organizations in New Jersey

By Jerry Swon

On March 30, 2022

In Blog, Community

Many organizations in New Jersey provide advocacy and support for people with disabilities. Whether you are looking for resources and information or need someone to help you navigate the system, an organization can help. This article will list some of the top disability organizations in New Jersey. We encourage you to check them out and see which one is best suited for your needs!

The Arc of Atlantic County is an organization that works with staff, families, and caregivers to help people with disabilities reach their full potential. This organization provides opportunities for individuals to socialize, create friendships and learn new skills. They also work to establish disability-related services in the Community.

Coalition for Disabled Students Achieving and Living in the Community, or CDSALIC, is a nonprofit organization that advocates for individuals with disabilities to receive their rights and privileges. This organization works to help each individual develop and realize their goals in regards to independence and community integration.

The Arc of Hunterdon County is a nonprofit organization that promotes and protects the rights of people with disabilities. They provide support and services to families, professionals, and individuals with disabilities to help them achieve their full potential.

Disability Rights New Jersey is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to protect and enforce the rights of people with disabilities. They represent individuals with disabilities in administrative hearings, court cases, legislative challenges, and appeals.

New Jersey Centers for Children With Special Needs offers support services to children with disabilities and their families in New Jersey. They provide support to children with developmental disabilities, autism, mental health issues, and various physical disabilities.

New Jersey Parents Center is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to increase the number of effective parents within the special education system. They support parents of children with disabilities by offering counseling, workshops, and a resource center.

Parents as Teachers is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support and education for families with young children who have special needs or developmental delays. They provide family consultations, parent groups, and online resources that help families raise their children.

Helping the Homeless in the Winter

By Jerry Swon

On February 23, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Most people associate winter with Christmas gatherings and cozy nights at home with loved ones. While this is a reality for most people, millions of homeless people spend the long, brutal nights of the winter on the streets. In the wintertime, the homeless face obstacles other than extreme cold. Studies show that many homeless people feel even more alienated as they watch the rest of the world pass them by during the holiday season. Here are some things that the average person can do to make things better for the homeless population during the winter.

Donate Food

Donating food to homeless shelters is one of the easiest ways to help people living on the streets. Shelters everywhere are always looking for donations of canned food and other non-perishable items, such as noodles and bread. Shelters also accept leftover food. Organizations like Rescuing Leftover Cuisine regularly distribute leftovers from restaurants and catered events to shelters and food pantries.

Donate Clothing Items

Another way to help the homeless is to donate warm clothes to shelters. Although it might seem natural to throw out outdated coats and jackets, homeless people will gladly accept any type of apparel even if it is out of the current fashion sense. Shelters also regularly ask for donations of socks and blankets in the winter months.

Organize a Charity Drive

Organizing a charity drive is another way to help the homeless. Charity drives can include anyone, from co-workers, church groups, and even friends on social media. When organizing a charity drive, it is important to remember that local shelters might have different needs. While drives mostly collect items like toys and food, it is beneficial to contact shelters in the area to determine what items can make the biggest impact at the current moment.

Purchase Items from Philanthropic Businesses

Another easy way to assist the homeless is to shop at philanthropic organizations. These organizations donate a portion of their profits directly to shelters and other charitable organizations. A simple way to purchase items from a philanthropic business is to shop online using Amazon Smile.

Seek Help from Local Organizations

If a homeless person is in serious distress, it is important to contact local services to assist the individual in getting the necessary help. Contacting 311 is the simplest way of getting in contact with local organizations that can help the homeless on cold nights. Many areas even have organizations that assist specific groups, such as runaway kids and veterans.

4 Fundraising Trends That Will Be Important in 2022 and Beyond

By Jerry Swon

On January 31, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

In the last decade, fundraising has gone through a major shift. With access to technology and different money distribution methods, fundraising is now more streamlined and effective than it has ever been before. Here are four trends that will be relevant in 2022 and beyond.

There will be More Flexible Giving Options

In the last decade, there has been a significant shift in the ways people make donations. It is now easier than ever to raise money for a cause with online fundraising platforms and crowdfunding platforms. For example, you can give money through direct deposit into a charity’s bank account, or you can send out an online request for donations via social media. In 2022, there will be more options for giving as technology continues to advance and change the way people donate their money.

Technology will Advance the Giving Experiences

In the past, fundraising was largely performed by hand. Fundraisers would have to go to the bank and deposit checks and write letters all by themselves. Now, however, technology has advanced significantly. Using online platforms and fundraising tools has made it much easier for fundraisers to get their message out and raise money for their cause. This will be especially important in 2022 as more people are turning to technology when looking for ways to donate money.

Social Media is Going Mainstream

Since 2006, social media has become a mainstream form of communication. Today we can communicate with friends, family members, coworkers, and others through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites on our smartphones or desktop computers at any time of the day. As this communication becomes more and more regular, it will become more and more critical to fundraising on social media.

Recurring Giving will be the Order of the Day

It was common for people to give a one-time donation to a charity or cause in the past. This was often because people had a specific event coming up, such as the Super Bowl or their child’s birthday party. However, recurring donations will be more important than one-time donations in the future. As technology advances and evolves, there will be even more ways of collecting money from donors regularly. The ability to have recurring donations will make it easier for charities and causes to raise money because they can collect money every month without asking donors for money every time.

Conclusion

The future is bright for fundraising. Technology has made it easier for fundraisers to raise money for their cause, and donors can easily donate money via various methods. The advancements in technology will make it even easier for charities to raise funds in the future.

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.

Volunteer Ideas This Holiday Season

By Jerry Swon

On November 24, 2021

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

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.