Month: December 2020

Five Great Books About Philanthropy in 2020

On December 15, 2020

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy, Uncategorized

With so many options out there, how – and why – should people consider giving? The five books below provide many answers to these and other questions, making for fascinating reading, both inspirational and impactful.

One of the best guides to the giving process is the traditional Inspired Philanthropy: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Giving Plan and Leaving a Legacy, by Tracy Gary. Efficient covers everything from the basics of plan making, working with advisors, the right questions to ask non-profits, and much more. The inclusion of worksheets, resource lists, and descriptions of planning tools is beneficial.

The Promise of a Pencil, by Adam Braun, tells the story of how one man’s actions impacted thousands of lives globally. After encountering a begging child and starting with only $25, Braun built an organization that has helped build over 250 schools worldwide. Inspirational and uplifting, if ever there was an argument for the power of giving, this is it.

In The Soul of Money: Reclaiming the Wealth of Our Inner Resources, Lynne Twist offers positive proof that changing our attitudes towards earning and spending money can make our lives more meaningful and fulfilling. Challenging everyday assumptions about society’s views of money, the author illustrates her journey from conspicuous consumer to non-profit activist in an honest, no-punches-pulled way.

Sharna Goldseker and Michael Moody bring a fresh perspective in Generation Impact: How Next Gen Donors Are Revolutionizing Giving. Moving between first-hand accounts and analysis of a new class of doner’s work, the book shows the impact of young rising stars of philanthropy in disrupting traditional giving models and creating entirely fresh approaches to the field.

Another disruptive approach to giving is Impact Investing: Transforming How We Make Money While Making a Difference by Antony Bugg-Levine and Jed Emerson. The new field of impact investing is thoroughly explained, showing how it’s possible to “blend” investment success with positive change.

This year, perhaps more than in most, it’s essential to consider how a charitable contribution can positively impact peoples’ lives. The wisdom and practical advice that abound in the five volumes discussed will hopefully inspire and energize in equal measure.

How to Help Others During Natural Disasters

By Jimmy Lustig

On December 15, 2020

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy, Uncategorized

Natural disasters happen around the world over and over again. Natural disasters, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes, leave people, land, businesses, and animals completely devastated. You may be wondering just what you can do to help people who are dealing with the aftereffects of a natural disaster. While you may not be able to fly overseas and help one-on-one physically, you can help through several charities and organizations. Read on to learn more.

Help with safe water and sanitation needs.

You can donate to a company known as Oxfam to help people receive safe water and sanitation services. For example, Hurricane Irma destroyed crops and homes throughout Haiti and the Dominican Republic, leaving many people without clean water. When you donate to Oxfam, you are helping people get the clean water they so desperately need as well as access to basic sanitation.

Look for a Go Fund Me campaign.

We all can’t jump on the next airplane to help people in need, but you can donate to many charities that will make sure your money is well spent! Fund Me is an excellent online crowdfunding group that has raised money for hundreds of national disasters. Jump on and search for the natural disaster you are looking for. You will see organizations that will welcome your help.

Donate your blood

Donating blood is a simple yet effective way to help people who have been victims of natural disasters. All blood types are always needed, but there is currently an urgent need for O negative blood and platelet donations. Check the Red Cross website to find a location near you. You may also want to check with One Blood to learn how Hurricane Irma has impacted Florida’s blood supply and what you can do to help.

Donate time and energy

If you want to be hands-on, then you will like to donate your own time to help after a natural disaster. United Way Miami is an organization that is now accepting new volunteer applications. Hop on their website and fill out their form. Even if you can’t help right now, United Way will keep your application on file and may call you for help in the future.

How Nonprofits Have Adapted During COVID-19

By Jimmy Lustig

On December 8, 2020

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many nonprofits have experienced a sharp decrease in donations. A small number of donors have reported that they don’t feel comfortable donating money when their own financial situation is uncertain. A much larger percentage of donors still want to help but report that they’re not sure how their donation will help people stricken by the pandemic. And since some facilities rely largely on in-person donations, stay-at-home orders have made it even more difficult for them to get the donations they need to stay afloat.

As a result, nonprofits have found several ways to adapt during the pandemic. One way is by getting in touch with their donors through phone calls or physical letters. Many donors report that they still want to help–they’re just unsure how to do so. By contacting their frequent donors directly, non-profits give them an avenue to help out their favorite churches and charities and rest assured that they know exactly where the money is going.

Some non-profits are also making appeals to their communities that are similar to year-end appeals. They stress the importance of giving to charity during these unpredictable times and highlight how their community has been affected by the pandemic. By sharing their stories, they make the pandemic seem more “real” to their donors and encourage them to reach for their wallets.

Nearly 50% of volunteers have reported that they plan to cease their volunteering activities due to health concerns. To keep people engaged in their charity, many non-profits are brainstorming ways that volunteers can continue to help, even while they’re sitting at home. This keeps the community engaged in their non-profit and encourages more donations during the pandemic.

Additionally, the CARES Act of 2020 established a new tax deduction for certain charitable donations up to $300. Some non-profits have been emphasizing this fact to encourage the donations that the charity needs to stay alive.

Finally, one of the biggest ways that non-profits have encouraged donations is simply by being honest. They’ve informed their donors that their non-profit is struggling and they need help. The non-profit benefits the entire community, and by making cash donations, they’re not just helping themselves–they’re helping their friends, neighbors, and all the people around them.

Resources for Prospective Volunteers

By Jimmy Lustig

On December 1, 2020

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Muhammad Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Service work enriches the human experience. However, for the novice, it can be overwhelming. How do you begin? Where do you go? The United States Government has a website of resources to steer potential volunteers in the right direction.

The basic components of this website are as follows:

Volunteering in a Tough Economy

These are unprecedented times. Volunteering is more important than ever. Explore strategies to make the most of these challenges.

Building a Service Strategy in your State or City

States, cities, and individual communities bring unique, local perspectives to maximize a strategy’s efficacy. Reach out to these boots on the ground.

Developing a More Diverse Volunteer Base

Ours is a diverse country that prides itself on such a mosaic. In order to best achieve results, we need to mobilize everywhere, with everyone. Impact volunteering is one such example of how we can best engage in specific demographics with specific needs.

Volunteer Self-Organizing

Give power to the people, and they will rise to the challenge. Do not fear delegating. Everyone must play their part.

Recruitment

A strategy exists for every potential volunteer, particularly mobilizing young adults and/or college students. Be mindful of your target audience and how to best approach them. Consider appointing volunteer coordinators.

Retention

Bringing people to the table means nothing if they won’t sit down to eat. Make your opportunities so enticing they feel compelled to stay, knowing they will make a difference and be fulfilled.

Human Capital Strategies

While time is money, sometimes actual currency is required. Learn how to secure funding and also explore pro-bono options.

Cost-Effective Volunteering

There are indeed tax benefits for volunteering and other ways to ensure a minimal startup cost. Various financial incentives support philanthropic endeavors. Networking is key.

Voluntourism

Why be a tourist when you could be a voluntourist? Developing a mutually beneficial voluntourism program in your community can broaden horizons while exploring different opportunities in different spaces. This makes an ideal situation for shared communities.