The Holiday season has started (I mean, the giving season has started). Chances are you have already started to receive emails, texts, and snail mail urging you to give to the nonprofits that you supported last year – and maybe a few new ones. I was at a meeting the other day when someone lamented about all the donation requests that they normally receive this time of year. “Why is that?” they asked.
Well, there are several reasons 1) Most people like to make their donations at the end of the year to receive last-minute tax relief. 2) But also, people (not all I know), but most people tend to be more generous this time of year. Our local community giving campaign, Give Local began yesterday and runs until next Friday. Keep reading for all the details. Also, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is Giving Tuesday. So tis the season to give!
Yesterday, the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound opened the 7th annual online giving campaign. Give Local 2023 runs from Monday, November 6 – Friday, November 17 and invites community members to visit its website and 'Give Local' in support of the many local nonprofits that enhance lives and care for our lands across the South Puget Sound. “Give Local South Puget Sound, an initiative of the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, encourages community philanthropy, increases support for causes people in our region care about, and boosts nonprofit visibility,” said Mindie Reule, President and CEO of Community Foundation of South Puget Sound.
With over 100 participating nonprofits, this year's event offers an exceptional opportunity for everyone who cares about our region to amplify the impact of their contributions by donating to one or more worthy causes”. The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound's mission is to inspire philanthropy and help donors give back in ways that matter to them.
Since its founding in 1989, the Community Foundation has awarded $23 million and counting in grants and scholarships to support our communities throughout Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties. You can learn more about the Community Foundation by reviewing their 2022 Annual Report and clicking here for the website.
Give Local has evolved from a small, invite-only gathering that raised around $120,000 for 50 nonprofits in 2017 to a vibrant community-wide celebration that raised nearly $800,000 for 97 nonprofits in 2022.
“With a cumulative giving total of $2.9 million, this year's event promises to further grow this legacy of generosity and collective impact,” said Reule. “Give Local’s success is a testament to the incredible spirit of giving that permeates the South Puget Sound. It's also a reminder that anyone—regardless of age or income—can give back to their community in a meaningful way”. According to the 2022 Give Local Report, in 2022, an astounding 80% of all gifts made were $200 or less, and every dollar given through the campaign received a proportional boost from a $100,000 Bonus Fund provided by the Dawkins Charitable Trust—a benefit participants will enjoy again this year.
"Give Local provides a unique forum to be a part of all the good that is happening in our community without feeling like I need to break the bank,” said Tara McQueen, a local Give Local donor. “Each year, I learn about new organizations and ones I'm acquainted with and ‘spread the love’ by giving small gifts to many organizations, and I can remain engaged with all the causes that are important to me. This allows me to give without hesitation and feel good about it."
Other Give Local donors have said "When we were younger, our small communities supported us economically and socially through scholarships, mentoring, coaching, and other types of support to achieve our goals”, said Harry and Shelly Griffith. “We both feel strongly about supporting our younger people and those in need to accomplish their goals."
“These sentiments encapsulate the spirit of Give Local, showcasing the power of collective giving and the change it can bring about,” said Reule. “Thanks to generous sponsors, credit card and platform fees are covered so that 100% of donations go directly to nonprofits. We would like to extend a special thanks to all our returning sponsors in 2023: Dawkins Charitable Trust, Olympia Federal Savings, TwinStar Credit Union, WSECU, The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation & Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel”. For more details on how you may participate in Give Local, click here.
The Olympia Municipal Court staff recently announced two upcoming events. The first, a Joy of Giving Drive, invites community members who are able and willing to donate items from Monday, November. 13 through Thursday, November 30.
Donations will be accepted on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Lee Creighton Justice Center in Olympia. Donations can include hygiene products, winter clothing, and meals for our community members in need. "This is a great opportunity for our community to show the spirit of togetherness and altruism," said Municipal Courts Judge Pam Nogueira.
The Olympia Municipal Court staff is proud to announce two upcoming events. The first, a Joy of Giving Drive, invites community members who are able and willing to donate items from Nov. 13 through Nov. 30, 2023. Donations will be accepted weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Lee Creighton Justice Center in Olympia. Donations can include hygiene products, winter clothing and meals for our community members in need. "This is a great opportunity for our community to show the spirit of togetherness and altruism," said Municipal Courts Judge Pam Nogueira. The second event, Miracle on Plum Street Resource Fair, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. Community members are invited for an opportunity to collect items from the drive and connect with local providers to assist with any needs they may have. On-site providers include:
Soliciting your ideas
If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!
Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com
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