Blog - Jimmy Lustig | Lustig Family Foundation

Fundraising Event Ideas

On May 17, 2023

Fundraising events are a great way to raise money for a good cause. Whether you are organizing a fundraiser for a charity, school, or community organization, there are many different types of fundraising events you can consider.

Auctions

Auctions are a popular fundraising event idea that can generate significant money for your cause. Depending on your preferences and resources, you can hold a silent or live auction. The key to a successful auction is to have a wide variety of items available for bidding, including unique experiences, gift certificates, and one-of-a-kind items.

Charity Walks/Runs

Charity walks or runs are a fun and healthy way to raise money for a cause. Participants can collect pledges from family and friends, and the money raised supports the cause. Depending on your target audience and resources, you can organize a 5K or 10K run or a walkathon.

Galas and Dinners

Galas and dinners are formal events that can be used to raise significant money for your cause. These events often include a silent auction or raffle and entertainment, such as live music or a keynote speaker. You can charge a ticket fee for attendance and offer local businesses sponsorship opportunities.

Bake Sales

Bake sales are a classic fundraising event idea that schools, churches, and community organizations can organize. You can sell homemade baked goods, such as cookies, muffins, and cakes; the proceeds support your cause. You can also add a fun twist by organizing a baking competition or a themed bake sale.

Online Fundraising

Online fundraising is a convenient and effective way to raise money for your cause. You can use crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe to collect donations from people worldwide. You can also set up a donation page on your website or social media and encourage people to donate online.

Sports Tournaments

Sports tournaments are a great way to bring people together and raise money for a good cause. You can organize a basketball, soccer, or volleyball tournament and charge an entry fee for teams. You can also sell snacks and drinks at the event and offer prizes for the winning teams.

Talent Shows

Talent shows are a fun and creative way to raise money for your cause. You can organize a singing, dancing, or comedy competition and charge a ticket fee for attendance. You can also offer prizes for the winners and sell refreshments at the event.

Car Washes

Car washes are a simple and effective way to raise money for your cause. You can organize a car wash in a local parking lot or on a busy street and charge a fee for each car wash. To boost your earnings, you can also sell refreshments and snacks, such as lemonade and cookies.

Art Auctions

Art auctions are a unique fundraising event idea that can generate significant money for your cause. You can collect artwork from local artists or students and hold a silent or live auction to sell the pieces. You can also have a reception or cocktail party before the auction to showcase the artwork and attract potential buyers.

Charity Concerts

Charity concerts are a popular fundraising event idea that can unite music lovers and supporters of your cause. You can organize a benefit concert featuring local bands or musicians and charge a ticket fee for attendance. To raise additional funds, you can also sell merchandise, such as t-shirts and posters.

You can consider many fundraising events depending on your target audience, resources, and cause. Whether you organize a charity walk, gala, bake sale, or online fundraiser, the key to a successful event is to have a clear goal, a well-defined plan, and a passionate team of volunteers. By choosing the right fundraising event idea and putting in the effort to make it successful, you can raise money and awareness for your cause and positively impact your community.

How to Find Volunteers

By Jimmy Lustig

On April 18, 2023

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Finding volunteers to support your organization or cause can be challenging, especially if you’re working with a limited budget. But with the right strategies and tactics, it’s possible to attract volunteers passionate about your mission and willing to dedicate their time and energy to your cause.

Define your needs

Before you start looking for volunteers, defining your needs is essential. What specific tasks or roles do you need volunteers for? What skills or experience would be helpful? Understanding your needs will help you target your recruitment efforts and attract volunteers who fit your organization well.

Tap into your network

One of the best ways to find volunteers is to tap into your existing network. Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who may be interested in volunteering or who can help spread the word to their networks. You can also leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to reach a wider audience.

Partner with other organizations

Partnering with other organizations can be a great way to expand your reach and attract volunteers who are passionate about your cause. Look for organizations that share your mission or values and contact them about potential partnership opportunities. You can also attend networking events and conferences to meet other organizations and potential volunteers in person.

Utilize volunteer databases

Many volunteer databases and websites can help you connect with potential volunteers. Websites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist allow you to post volunteer opportunities and search for volunteers based on their interests and skills. Include detailed information about your organization and the volunteer opportunity to attract exemplary volunteers.

Engage with your community

Engaging with your community can be a powerful way to attract volunteers who are passionate about your cause. Attend local events and community meetings to connect with potential volunteers and share information about your organization. You can also partner with local businesses and organizations to host volunteer events or fundraisers.

Offer incentives

Incentives attract volunteers and encourage them to stay engaged with your organization. Consider offering free merchandise, event tickets, or volunteer recognition events. These incentives show your appreciation for your volunteers and encourage them to continue volunteering with your organization.

Make it easy to volunteer

Finally, it’s crucial to make it as easy as possible. Provide clear instructions on signing up to volunteer, and communicate regularly with your volunteers to keep them engaged and informed. Consider providing training or resources to help volunteers feel more comfortable.

Finding volunteers to support your organization or cause can be challenging. Still, with the right strategies and tactics, attracting volunteers passionate about your mission and willing to dedicate their time and energy to your cause is possible. By defining your needs, tapping into your network, partnering with other organizations, utilizing volunteer databases, engaging with your community, offering incentives, and making volunteering easy, you can find the volunteers you need to make a difference.

What Encourages People to Give to Charity?

By Jimmy Lustig

On March 20, 2023

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Charitable giving is a vital part of society, enabling individuals to support causes they believe in and positively impact the world. Charitable organizations rely on donations from individuals to fund their programs and services. However, only some give to charity and those who do often do so for different reasons. So, what encourages people to give to charity?

One of the most common motivations for giving to charity is a personal experience. People who a cause or organization has personally impacted are often more likely to donate to that cause. For example, if someone has a family member affected by a particular disease, they may choose to contribute to a charity that funds research to find a cure. Similarly, someone who has experienced homelessness may donate to a charity that provides housing and support services for the homeless.

Another motivator for charitable giving is social influence. Friends, family members, and social networks often encourage people to donate to charities. Seeing others participate in charitable giving can create a sense of social pressure to give. This is why many charities encourage people to share their donations on social media platforms.

Incentives can also encourage people to give to charity. Many organizations offer motivation for charitable donations, such as exclusive access to events or merchandise. For example, some charities offer T-shirts or other items to donors who contribute a certain amount. Additionally, some companies offer donation matching programs, matching employee donations up to a certain amount. These incentives can make charitable giving feel more rewarding and motivate people to donate.

A sense of altruism is another motivator for charitable giving. People with a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to positively impact the world are often more likely to give to charity. This motivation is often associated with people with higher levels of empathy and a greater understanding of the needs of others.

Finally, tax benefits can also be a motivator for charitable giving. Individuals who donate to registered charities in many countries are eligible for tax deductions. This can make charitable giving more financially appealing and motivate people to contribute.

Overall, many factors encourage people to give to charity. Personal experience, social influence, incentives, altruism, and tax benefits can all motivate people to donate. Charitable organizations can use these motivators to encourage more donations, whether by sharing personal stories, offering incentives, or making it easy for people to donate. By understanding what motivates people to give, charities can increase their impact and continue to make a positive difference in the world.

Best Movies About Philanthropy

By Jimmy Lustig

On February 17, 2023

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Why not spend quality time with your family and watch a good movie? This list features films about giving back and being grateful. The movies selected are uplifting and inspirational, teaching valuable lessons about gratitude and appreciation.

The Revolutionary Optimists

This uplifting movie is about a group of kids living in a slum in Calcutta who work together to improve their community. The Gates Foundation funded the film.

It’s A Wonderful Life

A frustrated businessman meets an angel, played by Jimmy Stewart, who shows him what life in his town would be like if he were not alive. It shows how each person makes a difference to those around them.

Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Gary Sinise, and Robin Wright star in this film about living life to the fullest. It encourages people to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.

Mr. Holland’s Opus

Richard Dreyfuss stars as a composer who is finally satisfied after working as a high school teacher. The lesson he learns from this experience is gratitude and sacrifice.

It Could Happen to You

Nicholas Cage plays a police officer who gives a waitress a part of his lottery ticket instead of a tip. When they win, he honors his promise, and they give the money away while finding love.

The Blind Side

The film is based on the true story of a homeless boy named Michael Oher, who became an All-American football player after a woman and her family opened their home and hearts to him. It shows how one person can make a difference.

The Pursuit of Happiness

In this film, Will Smith stars as a struggling salesman who decides to make a major career change. Despite his hardships, he still manages to achieve greatness.

Freedom Writers

Hilary Swank stars as a young teacher who motivates her students to develop their tolerance and pursue higher education.

Hidden Figures

The film focuses on the contributions of African-American women who worked at NASA. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were instrumental in John Glenn’s historic flight, bringing back the nation’s confidence.

Patch Adams

Based on the real-life story of a medical student, this film shows how unconventional therapy can help patients.

Hopefully, some of these will inspire you and your family to give a little more and have an open mind.

The Most Common Challenges Philanthropies Face

By Jimmy Lustig

On January 19, 2023

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

While non-profits work incredibly hard to achieve a world of good, running one can be very challenging. Aside from the usual issues that companies face, such as adapting to new technology, nonprofits face additional challenges specific to their sector.

Challenges for Nonprofits

Many nonprofits rely on government assistance. This aid may be in the form of matching funds or grants, and it can serve as a safety net to cover the gap when the funds are low. The reduction in government funding at the national, state, and municipal levels hurts the operations of nonprofits. Many of them end up with less money than they need.

Income and Budgeting

Getting a steady income from various sources can be challenging for many non-profits. In addition, unpredictable income throughout the year can make budgeting complicated. This is why securing enough money to cover administrative expenses is vital.

Pressure

The emphasis was on how programs were being used and how those receiving support were accessing them. Due to the lack of funds, the pressure has shifted to measure the programs’ success.

The Bottom Line

A project’s cost and social impact must align to deliver actual results. To ensure your mission and goals are recovered, you should equip your people with the necessary tools. These tools will allow them to be more agile and adaptable, allowing you to keep track of your organization’s performance.

Finding and Keeping Talent

When competing against other organizations for talent, many nonprofits need help to attract and retain the right individuals. This is why analyzing the factors influencing the selection process is essential.

Most people interested in working for a non-profit organization are passionate about their work and are committed to the causes they serve. However, the lack of resources can prevent many organizations from attracting and retaining top talent.

The first step in addressing this issue is to fight the fear. Nonprofits must convince themselves that they should be bold and invest in their people and mission.

If you can’t attract and retain the best talent, you must believe in the people already working for you. They will only be able to flourish if they have an engaged work environment that allows them to focus on their passion.

Increasing Need

The increasing number of people who are experiencing economic hardships has led to an increase in the need for services by various non-profit organizations. In addition, the reduction in arts programs in schools has put a strain on the operations of many organizations.

Most people who work for non-profit organizations tend to wear many hats. Since being a generalist can mean that no one in the organization has the necessary knowledge about finance and business analysis, you must find the right tools that will allow everyone to make informed decisions.

While there are many obvious challenges that a non-profit organization must face, there are also many hidden threats that can affect its operations. Knowing these issues can help you avoid potential problems and achieve your mission.

Corporate Giving Over the Holidays

By Jimmy Lustig

On December 25, 2022

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Employee engagement is crucial. Businesses that are dedicated to enhancing staff satisfaction have a direct influence on consumer satisfaction, which eventually results in better profitability. When your company assists nonprofits or your community, it establishes a solid bond among your team members. The beneficiaries of your organization’s charitable efforts will benefit from these donations, and your organization will also gain goodwill and a positive reputation.

Giving back to the community over the holiday season is one of the finest ways to raise employee engagement. Encourage and motivate your staff to have a connection to their place of employment and become more involved and productive by enabling them to volunteer at a charity of their choosing, giving of their own time or doing so.

One of the numerous ways Americans can assist people in less fortunate situations is through charitable contributions. Donors should give with their hearts and minds. Find a charity that shares your passion. Make sure the nonprofit you choose is an authorized organization that is IRS-registered. Check the validity of the organization through a service like Charity Navigator. The health and accountability of every charity are researched and given a score. GuideStar is another tool that may be utilized to examine non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The group offers impartial information to aid donors in making informed judgments about which charities to support. GuideStar gives fundamental details on the organization’s finances, legal standing, strategy, and indicators of its success in advancing its goals.

Crowdfunding became a lifeline for many people during the epidemic. Within the first five months of the Covid outbreak, campaigns on GoFundMe alone collected nearly half a billion dollars for frontline workers, small companies, support groups, and more. GoFundMe retains a processing charge of 2.9% + $0.30 for each contribution made by individuals or companies that launch a campaign on the website. Charities that create campaigns on the site for donations are charged 2.2% + $0.30. A calculator on GoFundMe’s website shows that if a person collected $500 from five contributors, they would earn $484 after fees. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t support crowdfunding efforts. Some individuals depended on these initiatives to augment their income or help them pay their rent, as the Wall Street Journal noted in the first year of the epidemic.

Small companies are still recuperating from the epidemic and can be another possible recipient of your financial help over Christmas. Supporting these small companies by making your Christmas purchases local is essential. Instead of spending money on major companies, show your support by buying Christmas presents from a small company or dining at a nearby restaurant.

How to Care for the Elders in Your Community Over the Holidays

By Jimmy Lustig

On November 21, 2022

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Many people feel isolated and unhappy around the holiday season. Even before the coronavirus pandemic took hold, many older adults already had to cope with change, such as neighborhoods change over time, decreased social interactions, decreased mobility and energy levels, and feelings of loss and isolation. Being attentive and supportive of our loved ones is essential, especially this time of year.

If you believe loved ones are suffering from depression or loneliness, there are various steps that you can take to help them feel better. Although you may be planning on celebrating the holidays with your immediate family, it’s important to remember that the season is about all the people in your life. By simplifying some of your activities, you can include the people most important to you, including those that may have difficulty getting around.

When you are together, help your loved one feel better by listening to them actively. Having an honest and open conversation can help them feel better, and it can also help them come to terms with their current situation. When speaking with them, remind your loved ones that they are still vital to you. They may feel frustrated if they can’t participate in the festivities they used to enjoy. Encourage them to do what they can, and make sure that nothing is an imposition to you. Ask friends and family members to send positive cards and notes, which always lift people’s spirits. For someone with a lot of free time on their hands, getting mail is a fun distraction.

If a senior is in a facility, you can check with the activities director to see if they can let children perform or visit with the residents. New interactions and activities with younger people can be uplifting for older adults suffering from emotional or physical pain. Pets can also be a source of socialization and entertainment. You can help your loved one decorate their home or room. Bring nostalgic items with you to decorate. Seniors enjoy looking through their old holiday decorations and discussing their favorite pieces.

If you can’t visit in person, you can still send a video or call them while they’re decking the halls. If they’re in a nursing home or assisted living facility, ensure they have something they can look forward to eating. Prepare traditional holiday treats or bake them something special. You can also decorate their dining room table with festive decorations and seasonal flavors.

Unique Corporate Philanthropy Models

By Jimmy Lustig

On October 28, 2022

In Blog, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

According to a survey, over 60% of consumers are likely to buy from companies that support social issues. This is a huge reason why many companies are now developing their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. Aside from being beneficial to the consumers, CSR can also help companies attract and retain top talent. It can also improve brand equity and encourage employees to work harder.

We’ve collected inspiring examples of corporate philanthropy that can help you build a strong foundation for your initiative. These examples use different tactics to engage their employees and increase the impact of their generosity.

Rise Against Hunger by Kraft Heinz

In 2011, Kraft Heinz launched a campaign known as Huddle to Fight Hunger, which involved donating a meal’s worth of money to local food banks for every Facebook “like” that person had made. This effort was also used to boost brand awareness.

The partnership between the two organizations grew into a permanent one. For the last three years, the two companies have held an annual event involving packaging thousands of meals. This year, Kraft Heinz provided $2.5 million to help fund the event.

Through their charitable campaigns, Kraft Heinz created effective marketing and fundraising strategies. They also used non-cash volunteering activities and donations to positively impact their local communities.

Volunteer Grant Program by Microsoft

One of the most prominent companies in the world regarding corporate responsibility is Microsoft. Through its volunteer grant program, the company could provide financial assistance to a different charity for each hour of work that its employees volunteered. Microsoft employees logged over 3 million hours of volunteer work each year.

The company’s volunteer grant program is also successful because it encourages employees to get involved in philanthropy and provides them with rewards. It also allows them to select their charity for donations. This method increases the levels of engagement and helps boost the company’s buy-in.

One of the essential factors you can consider when implementing a corporate philanthropy program is the inclusion of employee choice. This method allows employees to impact the causes they care about positively.

Student Loan Reductions by Penguin Random House

One of the most effective ways companies can implement corporate philanthropy is by providing financial assistance to their employees to pay off their student loans. The company could help its employees reduce their student loan payments by $1,200 annually through this method. This method can have a significant impact on the financial situation of their employees and can help boost the company’s retention rate. As the outstanding national debt of colleges and universities has reached over $1.5 trillion, this method can strongly incentivize employees to participate.

Researching Nonprofits to Support

By Jimmy Lustig

On September 29, 2022

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

This guide aims to help you answer that question and make an informed decision when it comes to investing in a nonprofit. We’ll guide you through the various due diligence steps to help you make an informed decision. In addition to learning about the organization’s operations and leadership, we’ll also help you gather information to help you make an informed decision.

Although you may think you don’t need to ask every question before making a grant, this guide will give you a summary of the various factors that affect your decisions and the steps you should take to make an informed decision.

Essential Functions and Track Record

A nonprofit’s strategy will tell you who it is and what it aims to accomplish. A broad mission may be inspiring, but a strategy focusing on achievable goals will reveal if the organization’s leaders are eager to make tradeoffs. Through your research, you’ll learn how nonprofits work with other organizations to accomplish their goals. This will help you develop a strategy that fits into the organization’s work. You’ll also be able to identify the program design that fits into the charitable strategy of the organization.

You’ll also be able to learn about the effectiveness of a nonprofit’s program by analyzing its results. This will help you determine if the organization is focused on improving its outcomes and if it’s using the collected data to improve the program.

Effectiveness of Leadership

The leadership of a nonprofit is significant to its success. Through your research, you’ll be able to learn about the organization’s management team and how they can effectively guide it. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the group’s strengths and weaknesses. You’ll also learn about the factors critical to an organization’s long-term success. These include the availability of a suitable replacement for the key people, the effectiveness of the board, and the alignment of the leadership team with the organization’s goals.

Financial Responsibility

Understanding the financial situation of a nonprofit will allow you to make informed decisions regarding the resources you’ll use to support the organization’s programs and services. One of the most critical factors you’ll want to consider is its financial sustainability. This is a complex issue that requires a lot of research and analysis to determine. Ideally, a mature organization should have a stable funding mix that doesn’t rely on a small number of donors. It should also have a robust financial reporting system and adequate cash.

Organizational Structure

Knowing more about a nonprofit’s operations and structure will allow you to see how it can deliver its goals. This will help you determine if the organization is focused on improving its results and if it’s using the collected data to improve the program. If you’re planning on supporting a nonprofit, you must know that it can grow while also achieving high-quality results. For instance, if the organization has multiple sites it’s planning on operating, how confident are you that it can continue delivering effective programs and services?

How to Increase Engagement on Social Media as a Nonprofit

By Jimmy Lustig

On August 15, 2022

In Blog, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Most nonprofits have Facebook pages mainly used to communicate with their supporters. They also use it to create events and respond to questions. However, this level of engagement is not an effective way to get people to become advocates. Even if you have thousands of followers on Facebook, none of them will ever act as advocates or donate to the organization if they never see your posts.

Social media is a powerful tool for organizations to reach out to their communities and build support for their cause. The latest research shows that over three billion people use social media globally. Use these steps to get started and get others to help you improve the world.

Know Your Audience

Like in real life, people are not always going to be friends on social media. However, connecting with like-minded individuals is very important for mental health. Before using social media, you must identify the people most likely to support your mission. This will include the individuals involved in the organization’s operations, such as volunteers and staff members. You can also create a list of characteristics that your potential supporters share.

Choose the Right Platform

It can be hard to keep up with all the details about social media platforms, especially if you’re a small business or a nonprofit. However, it’s important to remember the differences between different platforms and that choosing the right one for your organization is essential. Having the right media mix can help boost your marketing efforts’ effectiveness and attract more potential supporters. It’s important to remember that different platforms have their capabilities and uses. For instance, LinkedIn and Twitter have unique abilities and can reach different audiences.

Create a Consistent Brand Voice

After you have identified the ideal platform, it’s time to start creating content for your social media platforms. Before you start working on your content, take a minute to think about the various pages that you like on Instagram or Facebook and why you like seeing their content. Social media lets you share your organization’s perspective and connect with your target audiences. Some organizations have charismatic leaders who can be featured on platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter. Others use content generated by their followers or feature their clients. Whatever you choose, create something your audience will like and return for more.

As you build and refine your strategy, remember that it’s a process that will eventually change. Having a well-defined and consistent approach will allow you to reach out to more potential supporters and increase the engagement of your social media efforts.