Tag: Giving

Researching Nonprofits to Support

On September 29, 2022

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 Make Your Business More Sustainable

By Jimmy Lustig

On July 21, 2022

In James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

In 2022, running a business will be hard. Climate change is one of the most significant issues enterprises face today, and it is becoming increasingly clear that everyone has a role to play in addressing this issue. It is no longer a secret that we all are responsible for reducing our emissions and saving the planet from environmental disasters. There are many simple steps that you can take to make your company more sustainable.

Most businesses have taken the necessary steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. However, setting realistic goals and implementing effective strategies can be challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises. This guide aims to help you navigate the various steps in setting green targets.

Use Eco-Friendly Packaging

According to the EPA, packaging accounts for over 23% of the materials that end up in landfills in the US. You can help reduce your company’s pollution contribution by implementing eco-friendly packaging techniques.

One of the most effective ways to reduce your company’s packaging waste is using biodegradable containers. Instead of using single-use containers, use containers made from various materials such as seaweed, wood pulp, and corn starch. Also, avoid using a mishmash of materials. For instance, if your packaging has multiple types of polymers, it can potentially be unrecyclable.

Good packaging can make a product more likely to be reused or recycled. Having well-designed and applicable packaging can also help keep your products attractive and from going to waste. For instance, if you have a logo on a drawstring bag, your customers might use it for other products.

Set Goals to Strive Toward

Setting goals is also essential when it comes to setting green targets. Although it might seem like an obvious step, it’s additionally vital to consider the various factors that affect the environment. One of these is climate change research. Follow the latest scientific studies and make the right decisions for your company and the planet.

Although going green for the environment is essential, other benefits can also be realized by becoming more sustainable. Being able to become more responsible for your company’s background can help boost its reputation and attract more potential customers.

Contrary to popular belief, going green can help your company’s growth. In many cases, it can lead to new and innovative products and services that will help your target market become more accepting of your values.

Although it might seem costly, going green can help your company’s bottom line. Not only can it save you money, but it can also help the environment by reducing the amount of energy your company uses. Other ways to go green include implementing energy-efficient lighting and buying local.

Reduce Energy Use

Before you start implementing a plan to go green, you must have a good understanding of your company’s energy consumption. Having a smart meter can help you monitor your company’s overall energy usage and identify areas where changes can be made. Having an up-to-date energy performance certificate (EPC) is also essential to ensure that your company’s buildings are energy efficient. This will allow you to identify areas where improvements can be made.

One of the most significant energy-consuming components of an office building is its lighting. Aside from using natural light, it’s also essential to consider the various factors that affect the building’s energy usage. One of the most significant changes that can be made is to replace the older, inefficient lighting with more energy-efficient models.

Go Paperless

In the US, office workers use over 12 trillion sheets of paper annually. Not only does this amount to a lot of trees, but it also costs a lot of money.

Try implementing online billing and paperwork to cut down on paper waste and increase your physical storage space. Not only will it help reduce your paper usage, but it can also help you save money on your bills. One of the easiest ways to implement this practice is by sending email receipts to customers.

Although a 100% paperless office is a noble endeavor, it can sometimes be impractical. Even if you can still use a piece of paper, make sure you purchase sustainably sourced paper. Not only will it help reduce your paper usage, but it can also help you save money on your bills.

Great TED Talks All About Giving

By Jimmy Lustig

On January 16, 2022

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

While philanthropy and giving are wonderful endeavors, they’re often met with criticism for a multitude of reasons. It’s important that we strive to constantly learn and improve the way we approach philanthropy, and one of the best ways to do that is to listen to the experts. Many philanthropists have given TED Talks over the years, and they can be a great way to learn more about the subject, and how we can improve it in order to make sure marginalized groups and those in need are getting the support they deserve. Here are a few of the best TED Talks about giving.

The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong – Dan Pallotta

Dan Pallotta believes that innovation and risk-taking are the keys to making philanthropy successful. In his talk, he challenged philanthropists and non-profit leaders to be willing to fail in order to truly succeed.

In his talk, Dan challenged the notion that traditional charity should be run as efficiently as possible. Instead, he argued that investing in the leadership and technology of non-profit organizations could actually create more positive change.

The Why and How of Altruism – Peter Singer

When we see a video of a child who has been seriously injured in a car accident, we usually assume that we would immediately help the child. However, when we see the number of children who die every day due to hunger and disease, we realize that we have a lot of hypocrisy and inaction.

Peter Singer argues that being able to live without want is a natural inclination to be altruistic. However, he suggests that there are ways to balance the practicality of giving with the emotion of doing good.

Why Giving Away Our Wealth Has Been The Most Satisfying Thing We’ve Done – Bill and Melinda Gates

In 1993, after taking a walk on the beach, Bill and Melinda decided that they wanted to give away their wealth to society. In this interview, the couple talks to Chris Anderson about their marriage, their failures, and how they’ve enjoyed giving away most of their wealth, claiming it’s been one of the greatest decisions they’ve ever made.

Want To Help Africa? Do Business Here – Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Despite the negative images of Africa, there are also positive stories happening in the continent, according to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She believes that there are plenty of business opportunities in the country.

In her talk, Okonjo-Iweala challenged the world to include Africa instead of just giving aid. She argued that by engaging the continent in the global economy, we can create a significant impact in a way that traditional aid can’t.

The Best Podcasts on Philanthropy

By Jimmy Lustig

On December 17, 2021

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

As a nonprofit, podcasts can be an integral part of your strategy as you work to scale and grow. They can also help you develop new fundraising methods. Unfortunately, there are so many podcasts out there that it can be hard to find what’s worth listening to. In this article, I’ve chosen to highlight some of the best non-profit podcasts worth listening to today.

The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast – Dr. Rob Harter

The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast is hosted by Dr. Rob Harter, and it features discussions about the latest trends and issues affecting the nonprofit sector. The goal of this show is to help individuals and organizations become more effective leaders by discussing strategies and real-world situations about the people and groups making the biggest impacts around the world.

The Stanford Social Innovation Review Podcast – Eric Nee

Stanford Social Innovation Review is a popular publication within the social sector for its strong print articles and digital posts. Its podcasts also contribute to the reputation it has for providing insightful content. Eric Nee, the editor in chief of the publication, hosts the show and aims to inspire and educate its listeners, acting similarly to a TED Talk in many ways.

Nonprofits Are Messy, The Podcast – Joan Garry

Joan and her team wanted to create a podcast that would provide deeper insight into the world of non-profit management, so they decided to create a show called Nonprofits Are Messy. Each episode features a different topic and a different perspective from prominent individuals in the social sector where they discuss difficult topics as well as personal strategies that have helped said individuals and their organizations succeed in their goals.

The Business of Giving – Denver Frederick

Denver Frederick is a seasoned philanthropist who hosts The Business of Giving, a weekly program that explores the various solutions that can be made to today’s social problems. Each week, he interviews prominent individuals and organizations that are working towards making a difference.

The Business of Giving currently has 378 episodes. One of the most recent episodes featured Kris Kepler, the CEO of the LavaMaeX organization, who discussed how his company is helping restore dignity for the homeless.

How You Can Recycle Your Unused Technology

By Jimmy Lustig

On April 30, 2021

In James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

As your technology gets older, you might think about upgrading it. However, constant upgrades mean that you might have a lot of devices just sitting around and taking up space. Instead of trashing your devices, check out these ways that you can recycle them.

Selling

It can be nice to make some extra money here and there. You should think about selling your old devices through an online site or a local pick-up marketplace. To do this, you’ll want to first find out how much your devices go for.

If you want a good estimate, go on a website like eBay and search up the device you’re looking to sell. You should then be able to select a completed order option that will tell you the last price that the device sold for. By doing this, you’ll be able to make a quick buck instead of letting your devices go to waste.

Giving

Sometimes, you might have someone around who would appreciate the device you’re not using. To find someone, go on your social media accounts and make a post asking if anyone wants that device. This way, you can make sure that one of your friends or family members can enjoy your possessions.

If you don’t know someone personally who would want your device, think about donating it to a charity. Many charities are out there to provide electronics to those that can’t necessarily afford them at the moment. By giving your old electronics to someone you know or a stranger, you’re helping out others instead of letting a device go to waste.

Recycling

Depending on the age of the device, you might have something that is about useless for anyone to have. You might think about sticking that device straight into the trash, but your electronics can be worthwhile for recycling companies. The reason for this is the expensive components electronics tend to have.

Whether it be a phone or a gaming console, all these devices typically use different types of metals for functionality. You can bring these devices to a recycling company that can extract these metals to be used for future devices. If you’re looking to help the environment, you can’t go wrong with recycling your electronics.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Latest Philanthropic Investment

By Jimmy Lustig

On February 17, 2021

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

Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. has been covertly making headways into the world of environmental research the last few years. In 2019, Downey Jr. founded the Footprint Coalition, an organization geared toward supporting scientific research and sustainability technologies. Earlier this week, Downey Jr. revealed a new arm of the Footprint Coalition at the Davos Agenda of the World Economic Forum: Footprint Coalition Ventures. Downey Jr. explains that Footprint Coalition Ventures will be the investment branch of the organization and that its mission will be seeking out and supporting companies that research sustainability.

Downey Jr. went into further detail on the goals of Footprint Coalition Ventures in an interview with reporters from Fast Company. Downey Jr. explains that creating Footprint Coalition Ventures will put the Footprint Coalition in a better position to help answer vital sustainability questions. Continuing, Downey Jr. says that Footprint Coalition Ventures have two types of funds, one for preliminary investments and the other for subsequent investment opportunities. Furthermore, the company follows a rolling fund investment schedule. In this manner, investors will be able transfer funds to companies on a quarterly basis, making Footprint Coalition Ventures more accessible to different kinds of investors. Downey Jr. adds that such a schedule opens the company to as wide a pool of investors as possible.

Footprint Coalition Ventures focuses on funding companies that research in six areas, including food and agriculture, energy, education, and advanced environmental solutions. Thus far, five companies, including Arcadia Earth and Cloud Paper, have received funds from Footprint Coalition Ventures.

Looking to the future, Downey Jr. says that he plans on using his status as a celebrity to raise awareness on the Footprint Coalition and sustainability ventures in general. While many other celebrities who are involved in similar organizations tend to keep a low public profile, Downey Jr. feels that it is his responsibility to use his platform to influence others. Jonathan Schulhof, who runs the day-to-day business of Footprint Coalition Ventures, points out that the company has used a YouTube video of Downey Jr. detailing the differences between plastic and polyhydroxyalkanoate, a new type of sustainable polymer invented by RWDC Industries, to help woo investors. Schulhof continues that such content can inspire audiences by making something extraordinary seem commonplace.

Five Great Books About Philanthropy in 2020

By Jimmy Lustig

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.

Suggestions for a Company Volunteer Day

By Jimmy Lustig

On September 23, 2019

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig

Companies put a great deal of effort strengthening teamwork skills in an effort to make the work environment a better place. While there are numerous activities that can be done in the actual workplace to improve this, volunteer work is one of the best options. Having a company volunteer day not only gives workers the opportunity to give back to the local community in which they live but it can strengthen their bonds with each other as well. There are a wide variety of different company volunteers that can be held.

Food Banks provide the perfect opportunity for companies to give back to those in need of food to feed their families. Local food banks are in constant need of volunteers to help sort, package, cook, and serve local community members. Taking a weekend to lend a hand to those who are in need of food not only helps the hungry but is an excellent morale boost. Volunteering at a food bank also can provide employees with a sense of the scope and severity of hunger in their neighborhood, leading them to live a more sustainable life and produce less food waste.

Taking the time to spruce up and clean a local neighborhood or park is another great way to host a company volunteer day. This would also serve as an excellent team-building activity for the workers. Whether it be collecting litter, planting new trees, or helping to paint a community building, there are many things that can be done to improve the community that you live in.

Hosting a drive to help collect items such as backpacks or clothes for children at the beginning of a school year is also another wonderful company volunteer platform. While it doesn’t necessarily have to be these particular items being collected at the drive it could be something that your local community is in dire need of. During emergencies, many companies host a local blood drive when there is a shortage. Drives are a perfect way to rally the company together for a good cause. This is also a great opportunity for employees to contribute by bringing in items if they are unable to attend the actual volunteer event.

If these suggestions don’t seem to fit the bill for your particular company, take the time to meet together and let employees decide on a volunteer activity. Have an open discussion with the team to see what means the most to them right now, and make plans to form a company volunteer day. This type of volunteer work can boost morale and help to build leadership skills while building a sense of altruism.

Jimmy Lustig Giving Tips For Philanthropists

Giving Tips for Philanthropists and Their Families

By Jimmy Lustig

On May 22, 2019

In Blog, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Are you and your family looking for a way to make a difference in the world but are unsure where to begin? It’s not surprising when there are millions of causes out there competing for your donations. Here are some tips that will help you get started:

Give to a cause that’s meaningful to you

Everyone will find different causes meaningful to them. Some people are natural animal lovers and feel drawn to help causes like the Humane Society while others have soft spots for children and may prefer to give to a children’s charity.

If you’ve gone through a hard time in your life when you could’ve used help, search for an organization related to that hardship. If you can find a cause that means a lot to you personally, you’ll find giving is more enjoyable.

Do your research

When giving away your hard-earned money, it’s essential to know how it will be used. Even if the cause is one that’s near to your heart, how can you be sure that the organization is effective at creating positive change in that area?

There are plenty of tools available to you that can assist with researching non-profits. Charity Navigator is a popular site that reports on larger non-profits (those claiming over $1 million in annual revenue). Charity Watch or the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance are also useful as references. The information available on these websites include income amount, foundation status, and effectiveness reports.

If you aren’t sure where to start, you can look at one of these sites and see which charities they rank as the “best.” If one stands out to you, cross reference it on other sites. If the consensus is that the organization is legitimate and effective, then it’s a good choice.

Give with a plan

Creating a plan for your charitable giving the same way that you would for a business. How much money will you contribute? Will you give monthly or annually? Will you give a more substantial amount to one organization or smaller amounts to several different ones?

If you’re giving as a family, each family member could choose a cause that’s most meaningful to them. Or, you can take a vote and decide on one charity that is worthy of your contribution. Whatever your plan is, decide on it before you begin sending out donations.

Give respectfully and with humility

As a philanthropist, give respectfully and from a place of humility. You are doing a noble act by giving, and of course, you are allowed to be proud of that. But try to remember that you are a part of a community of donors and that every part of that community is valuable. Also, remember to be grateful for the organization and the individuals who work hard to make your donations worthwhile.

Give joyfully

Lastly, whether you’re a solo philanthropist or an altruistic family, be sure to make giving fun. When you enjoy giving, you’ll be happier and you’ll be more likely to give in the future. And who knows? You may even inspire others to become more generous too.