Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Season of Giving.....

The Season of Giving.....

Nonprofits receive most of their charitable donations in the last 2 calendar months.What organizations will you support in this Season of Giving? Here are just a few personal anecdotes / comments that are on the forefront of my mind this Season of Giving...

1) Before you donate to any nonprofit organization, check out their rating and review on Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Visit their websites: http://www.guidestar.org/ and http://www.charitynavigator.org. I am often contacted by friends and families asking if I am familiar with a particular charity. Unfortunately unscrupulous behavior in the nonprofit world impacted all nonprofits. Make certain your donation is going to a reputable charity and feel free to reach out to me if you desire to discuss a nonprofit in greater detail.

2) Consider Emergency Giving. This tip is specially related to the New York /  New Jersey / Long Island area. Super Storm Sandy Relief has left many without basic necessities such as food, heat, and shelter. Cleanup and rebuilding are both underway. But to reference tip #1, double check any local charity you are considering to support, to make sure they are a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. As a native Long Islander and current resident, I can honestly state help is needed right here in our OWN backyard.

3) Island Harvest is based out of Mineola and Hauppauge and they are the largest hunger relief organization on Long Island. I receive their newsletters and I am consistently impressed with their efforts to provide food to Long Islanders in need. Besides financial support, consider donating nonperishable items, organizing a food drive at your place of business / community, and especially at this time of year, donations of turkeys are greatly appreciated. Food is such a basic human need and the mission of Island Harvest is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island.

4) Make giving fun and part of celebrations! Our family hosts an Ornament Party every year. This year, in addition to bringing an ornament to the party, nonperishable food, cleaning supplies and hygiene items were added to the invitation as the "price of admission." The basket was left at the front door and guests graciously loaded it up with items that will be donated to The City of Long Beach, Rotary District 7250 Service Clubs and Island Harvest.

5) What should you get the person that has everything? A Charity Choice Gift Card is one option or make a donation to a charity you know they are passionate about in their name. Visit Charity Choice to learn more about these gift cards that can be stocking stuffers, client gifts or for family and friends.  If your favorite charity is not listed as a Charity Choice Charity, contact the organization directly about being listed as a featured charity. The process is not long and it can serve as a public relations and marketing tool with current donors.Visit the Charity Choice website: www.charitygiftcertificates.org 



Karen Signoracci Suero
KSS, LTD
Strategic Non Profit Consulting 
office phone: 516.248.0886
fax: 516.248.2532