Ready to donate to support local causes? Here are 5 ways to embrace good giving

This time of year is known as the “season of giving.” According to a 2021 survey, more than a third of all donations come in during November and December.

Nonprofits employ more than 7% of Washington state’s workforce, and they do vital work in our communities. They fight for racial justice, create opportunities for youth, protect natural spaces, and tackle some of our communities’ most intractable challenges, such as poverty and housing. Together, nonprofits and steadfast donors partner to do this work, making our communities more livable, welcoming, and strong.

As we enter another giving season, I would like to share some ideas for how to think about philanthropy, hoping they might inspire all of us to new levels of generosity.

Look beyond overhead to measure a nonprofit’s impact

The amount of money an organization spends on overhead is just one of the many ways to assess the health of a nonprofit. But spending is not the only factor to consider.

A new infrastructure project that swells a nonprofit’s expense account might be an excellent investment that helps them provide more effective services for their program participants. A new technological system or more staff can make the difference between an organization struggling to keep up and one providing proactive support. And paying nonprofit staff a living wage gives organizations the stability they need to continue serving the community.

A nonprofit’s annual report is a great way to understand the impact of an organization’s work.

Unrestricted funding is the most effective way to give

Instead of giving a gift earmarked for a particular purpose, unrestricted gifts — those that can be used at the nonprofit’s discretion — help nonprofits be more effective.

The pandemic showed us that the flexibility to pivot is crucial for delivering needed services and that unrestricted giving makes the most significant, inclusive impact in our communities.

The nonprofit benefits, but so does the giver

A monetary donation is good for the nonprofit, and it also can be transformational for the giver.

About half of U.S. households choose to spend some of their hard-earned money on giving to charity. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Biologically, giving can create a ‘warm glow,’ activating regions in the brain associated with pleasure, connection with other people, and trust.”

Giving is a way for donors to participate in bringing about the positive change you envision for our communities.

Give to what matters to you

Nonprofits exist to meet the complex and diverse needs of an increasingly complex and diverse society. Without them, there would be more unaddressed community needs.

According to a 2019 report by the National Council of Nonprofits, nonprofits touch the life experiences of almost everyone in the U.S. They teach life skills, provide scholarships, put on theatrical performances, contribute to medical research, advocate for the right to vote, preserve places of natural beauty, and more. Our tax code encourages concerned citizens to give because charitable giving strengthens our society.

If a nonprofit’s work tugs at your heart, that’s where you should give.

Everyone can make a difference

You don’t have to be McKenzie Scott or Bill Gates to make a difference. At the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, we started Give Local, an annual giving campaign, to help people find and support local nonprofits that are making communities in Thurston, Mason, and Lewis counties stronger and more vibrant.

Last year, our community gave nearly $800,000 to local nonprofits during the campaign, and 80 percent of individual gifts were under $200. That’s the power of collective giving.

You can participate in Give Local from Nov. 7-18 by visiting spsgives.org to explore local nonprofits and make a difference for our Lewis, Mason, and Thurston County communities.

Anyone can give. Everyone can make a difference. And every bit of generosity impacts the lives of our neighbors and this beautiful place we call home.

Mindie Reule is the President and CEO of the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound.

This story was originally published November 13, 2022 at 5:00 AM.