If you’ve found yourself in economic hardship or lost your job, one of the first places you might be tempted to cut back is your charitable contribution. However, non-profits are a vital source of renewal for the economy, and philanthropy is one of the most positive steps you can take to invest in the future. Why?
1. Philanthropy is an investment in all of us.
Non-profits promote not only individual well-being, but also the image of our culture that we present to the world. For example, research non-profits in the US have spent decades working within the best health sciences industry on the planet, and the impact of that research has provided better treatment for patients globally. Organizations like CIMIT support collaboration among doctors and clinicians, and provide funding for students pursuing technological innovation. CIMIT provides a forum for discussing pressing issues in health sciences, and their online media attracts tens of thousands from across the planet. Like other health industry non-profits, CIMIT’s research and technologies benefit the world—while employing American scientists and promoting American industry.
2. Donations create jobs and put money back into the economy.
Non-profits are dedicated to directing the highest amount of resources into serving society, and they have boards committed to overseeing this process. Moreover, money donated to non-profits is often spent on sustaining our most vital resources—ourselves, our education, our environment and our youth. Even donating to organizations that benefit the poor in third world countries, like Save the Children, supports an infrastructure that creates jobs in the US. And those young people on the street asking if you have a minute to talk about the environment—charitable organizations pay their salary, and they’re the ones most likely to send their earnings straight back into the economy.
3. Our needs are as diverse as our cultural heritage.
Non-profits work to improve the lives of people everywhere—even those non profits not specifically designed to feed and shelter those who have fallen on hard times. One of my favorite non-profits, the Boston Children’s Chorus, fosters musical excellence in youth and brings together children of all economic and cultural backgrounds. Why is it important to support organizations like the Boston Children’s Chorus when other needs are so great? Because the Chorus enriches the lives of children, their families, and their communities by bringing them together to be inspired by music. The impact extends to an entire community and serves as a global example—a standard we cannot afford to concede.
4. Funding NPOs is a quintessentially American activity.
Organizations designed to improve society have existed since the colonization of North America. In fact, the original settlers designed the American experiment to serve as an example for the rest of the world to follow. And leave it to Americans to develop a system in which social programs have to compete to attract funding dollars outside of the tax structure—a situation that certainly encourages competition.
5. Reap the benefits of giving back.
Give whatever you can afford to give—even if it’s $5 or an hour of your time. You’ll feel amazing. You’ll create positive connections and friendships that will brighten your day and may extend your life. You might even bump yourself into a lower tax bracket. Whatever your motivation for getting involved with a non-profit, you’ll go to bed knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life—something we can all feel good about, no matter what’s happening on Wall Street.
Being online IS not enough. You couldn't be more correct. The challenge is to be noticed amongst all the clutter without adding to the workload. Then your message has a chance.
Every NPO needs a pink frosted doughnut, too!
Posted by: mike | September 25, 2008 at 11:37 AM