Tag: volunteer

Mutual Aid

On June 25, 2020

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Often times, philanthropy is synonymous with charity. Those who are able to contribute will typically donate money to a cause, which usually takes the form of a non-profit organization. Did you know, however, that there are other ways to get involved that deviate from this framework? This is where mutual aid comes in.

Mutual aid puts power in the hands of the people. In times of need, communities take on the responsibility for caring for one another rather than requiring individuals to fend for themselves. This form of organization is volunteer-run, transparent, and driven by the needs of the community members. Mutual aid is a symbiotic relationship where all people offer material goods or assistance to one another.

It’s important to distinguish mutual aid from charity. Under charity, a centralized organization serves as an intermediary between the giving and receiving parties where the recipient is often dependent on a relationship negotiating their access to access to resources. Many charities are funded in part by grants, which, in a sense is money with conditions attached. This money, often coming from wealthy individuals or corporations, comes with the intention to address social problems and serve the needy. As a result, however, it is these same entities that decide what strategies should be funded.

While both charity and mutual aid seek to provide help to those that need it, key differences lie in the underlying structure of both frameworks. Mutual aid builds solidarity by allowing people to work together and participate in shared political education programming. By creating a space where people can come together based on shared need and work closely with those whose experiences differ from their own, mutual aid helps to cultivate solidarity.

Collective care has existed throughout the history of humanity, but in modern times, this is a radical act. Most recently amid America’s climate of political unrest and the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve seen examples of mutual aid in action. Mutual aid funds have been circulating to secure donations and redistribute that money to populations made vulnerable by the economic closures resulting from COVID-19. Communities have organized aid groups by collecting and distributing supplies to at-risk populations such as the homeless and minority communities. As one organizer says, “What we need people to understand is that direct outreach and mutual aid is going to keep you safe.”

3 Ways To Give

By Jimmy Lustig

On June 11, 2020

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Giving back is an incredibly important part of society. As far back as the first dated interactions between human beings, helping and giving has been woven into the DNA of who we are. Even animals as majestic as an elephant, or bugs as small as ants work together to better impact the greater collective. With so many ways to give, there can be an insurmountable pressure to give everything away. Or the whole situation can be so overwhelming; we’re not sure what to do. It all starts merely with sowing seeds of kindness, from there giving sprouts.

Make A Stranger’s Day

Sometimes the most simple gestures can make a huge difference in your day. Someone cutting you off in traffic can set you on edge for the rest of the day. In contrast, something as simple as holding the door for someone, helping them carry heavy bags, or spotting someone’s coffee. When you can, take the extra step to improve someone’s day.

Community Involvement

Community involvement is a beautiful way to give back. Most communities and neighborhoods have a variety of ways to get involved in serving the community. You can act as a mentor at a school, program, or Boys and Girls club. You can get together a team of people to help clean up areas that are littered with trash. Many individuals will volunteer at events or activities around holidays or celebrations.

Pass It On

The argument for whether helping others is a biological default or learned behavior still confuses sociologists and psychologists alike. Teaching others, especially the next generation, is an ideal way to give in a way that affects society long-term,

Giving is a natural way to better improve the world around us. Change begins with kindness, and kindness starts with you.

Random Acts of Kindness

By Jimmy Lustig

On May 19, 2020

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of our everyday lives. The reality of western culture is that we are busy. We wake up and rush to go through our routine and yearn for some rest. We want to help the community and want to be generous, but how can we build in the time. When we do make the time, we fit our philanthropist nature into time slots of volunteering. Which is not wrong, but what if it could be much simpler than that. What if helping others was as simple as smiling?

Participating in random acts of kindness is a beautiful and straightforward way to help other people. It starts as a practice that quickly can grow into habits that will undoubtedly evolve into a lifestyle. Check out some simple and beautiful ways we can spread kindness.

The Things We Show

The human brain is a beautiful and magnificent system. From the minute we wake up, we are continually taking in stimuli and processing it. When we see our fellow human beings, on both a subconscious and unconscious level, we are taking in the way they present themselves. 55% of all communication is done through expression and body language, while 38% of communication is processed through tone. When interacting with other people, try to alter the way you present yourselves. A smile can truly make the world of change. Try relaxing your body more and offering a more open and empathetic way of interacting.

The Things We Give

Giving to other people doesn’t have to be in huge checks or hours of volunteering. It can start with the little things we do. Pay for someone’s meal or coffee. Hold the door open. Ask how people are and give them your full attention. Help support your friends and family in the ways they need to be supported. The smallest intentional acts can make the most significant impact.

The Things We Say

When you see beauty, speak into it.

Don’t be afraid to compliment people. When you see something that looks cool, is notable, or makes you smile, point it out. This rule applies to family, friends, coworkers, strangers, anybody! Don’t be afraid to reach out and speak life into other people’s days.

Random acts of kindness are simple ways of spreading joy and helping other people. It starts with you and ends in goodness.

Exploiting Myths About Philanthropy

By Jimmy Lustig

On October 14, 2019

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig

Philanthropy is one of the most important parts of an American altruistic culture. However, it is also one of the most misunderstood aspects. The American understanding of philanthropy focuses on big gifts from single donors and obscures the actions of people who work from the ground up. This distorted focus encourages charitable organizations to approach giving and development in ways that arguably do not work.

American media love a big story about donations from a single person. Pointing to figures like Andrew Carnegie, Bill Gates, or Julius Rosenwald is an easy, uncomplicated story to tell. It also feels good to know that people who have made a lot of money haven’t forgotten about those who have very little. These stories make great morality tales and the men behind the donations really do make a big difference.

However, focusing on large donations from the very wealthy is not necessarily efficient. The truth is, plenty of people who live outside of the 1% give small donations that can really add up. Whether those donations come in the form of money, time or donated labor, they are all of value. For example, college students and recent graduates don’t always have a lot of money to give, but they may be able to work an internship or donate time in the development office. Cultivating those relationships can mean more donations down the line. It can also be a great way to develop new talent for the organization.

It’s also important to understand those small donations can add up. A thriving community that donates regularly can actually be a better source of donation income than a wealthy, fickle donor. Evidence for this can be seen in the Latinx community, where donations to organizations like churches and mutualists are common.

Many nonprofits also neglect to understand the data around giving. Though most Americans donate to charity annually, they do not necessarily give to the same organizations every year. Organizations also tend to believe that women give less than men, and this is often untrue. Data shows that, today, women are the higher source of income for up to two-thirds of American families. Many women are also large donors. People like Sheila Johnson and Oprah Winfrey are often left out of conversations about giving, but they give millions annually to a number of causes.

No matter the common myths that are debunked around philanthropy, the most important piece of knowledge to take away from charitable giving is that any amount, large or small, can make a difference.

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.

How to Encourage Your Employees to Volunteer

By Jimmy Lustig

On September 17, 2019

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig

Of late, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the broad concept of philanthropy have gained increased attention where businesses commit themselves to give back to society. The success of CSR projects depends on how well-coordinated they are. To increase the success of charity projects, companies should endeavor to involve their workers by encouraging them to volunteer in various ways.

Making giving a corporate culture

The art of giving can be enforced within your company by making charity a corporate value and internal culture. Employees joining your company will be highly likely to adopt such a culture and commit themselves to live by it. Besides, businesses that have incorporated the culture of giving in their internal values stand a better chance of attracting employees that have a passion for philanthropy.

Allocating responsibilities

To win the hearts of your employees towards giving to charity, you should endeavor to allocate related responsibilities to workers who have a passion for CSR. Once you identify employees who are committed to serving society through charity, giving them an opportunity to organize and coordinate the fulfillment of the CSR projects cements their commitments.

Recognizing employees’ dedication

Employees who have dedicated themselves to fulfilling charity projects that are organized internally by your company should be appreciated and recognized. Recognizing the top participants in philanthropy encourages more workers to show commitment to similar projects in the future. Such recognition can be in the form of giving workers certificates of participation or even branded attire that recognizes their philanthropic efforts.

Showing commitment right from the top

Employees are highly likely to follow suit the foundations laid within the workplace by the senior managers. The entire C-suit structure of your company, including the president, Chief Executive Officer, and other senior managers, should show commitment by attending CSR projects. Whereas such projects should not be made mandatory for other employees, the senior management will generally serve as a role model and encourage employee participation.

Making CSR fun and attractive

The last incentive that can attract your employees’ participation in charity projects is by making the projects fun. Creating teams that compete and win prizes during the project brings even the workers who have no passion for philanthropy on board. Pictures and videos of the event can also be published on the company’s social media platforms as a way of fronting the workers to the market and showing their dedication.

The Most Philanthropic Athletes

By Jimmy Lustig

On August 20, 2019

In Blog, Jimmy Lustig

In this day and age, sports fans around the world demand far more philanthropic activity from athletes than ever before. With athletic contracts and sponsorship deals putting many of today’s athletes into countless Forbes “wealthiest people” lists, it would be quite surprising if these athletes were not giving back to their communities or donating to charities. Fortunately, many of today’s superstar athletes make it a priority to pursue philanthropic endeavors, propelling some of them to even start their own non-profit foundations.

The Top 10 Most Philanthropic Athletes

Serena Williams – The world-famous tennis superstar is arguably the leading philanthropic athlete, donating her time and money to a broad range of charities around the world, most notably including UNICEF.

Colin Kaepernick – This NFL star has a bad reputation amongst some football fans, however, the former football player has taken up activism full-time and has donated a large portion of his NFL earnings to causes like social justice and education.

Ronda Rousey – MMA’s top female athlete of all time has spent a lot of her free time helping out underprivileged children, teens, and young adults.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Soccer’s megastar might be one of the wealthiest athletes in the world currently. He is well known for helping children’s hospitals, schools, and other foundations. He also has a habit of donating his winnings from various competitions to charitable causes.

Lebron James – He is arguably in the top 5 list of greatest NBA stars to ever play the game. His off-court charity game is equally as impressive as he donates time and money to children’s education through his self-named organization.

John Cena – WWE is officially classified as a sport, despite its theatric qualities. There is no acting, however, behind Cena’s leading role in the Make a Wish Foundation charity, helping to grant over 500 wishes so far. He is also invested in spreading awareness and raising funds to beat breast cancer.

Conor McGregor – Despite his bad-boy image, Conor is heavily involved with Irish charities and mentorship programs. He has donated to help out homeless shelters, children’s hospitals, and more.

Michael Phelps – The most decorated Olympic athlete of all time is also the most giving. Phelps has donated millions of dollars of his own money and his time to help underprivileged kids through his own organization.

Carlos Beltran – Baseball’s most charitable player is without a doubt Carlos Beltran. He is known to occasionally drop millions of dollars into children’s charities that he supports, and has started his own organization to provide hurricane and natural disaster relief.

Tiger Woods – Despite his marital meltdown and slight fall from grace, Woods has always been a huge giver and continues to be. He is particularly well known for helping impoverished young adults pay for college.

Tax Benefits Of Philanthropy James Lustig

The Tax Benefits of Philanthropy

By Jimmy Lustig

On June 24, 2019

In Blog

Volunteering in a charitable organization that is important to you can provide many altruistic benefits, like a feeling of selflessness and compassion. Those benefits alone are typically enough for individuals who are heavily involved in philanthropy and serve as a motivating factor to continue to contribute. However, as an added bonus, philanthropic contributions can also provide financial benefits to volunteers as well in terms of their taxes. While tax deductions are not typically the driving factor behind most philanthropic engagement, it is still helpful for volunteers to know about the fiscal benefits of their hard work and dedication.

Cash Donations

Donating money to a charitable organization provides them the opportunity to choose what they use your contribution for. In most cases, monetary donations are used by philanthropic organizations and nonprofits to cover expenses. Since nonprofits do not receive revenue profit, as the name alludes to, all expenses that they face are covered by donations or pro bono contributions. This can go towards amenities and necessities like supplies, research, events, and employee compensation. So long as you save your receipts and any documentation of monetary donations, you can claim a tax deduction for the fiscal year in which it was made.

As with any governmental involvement, there are limitations on these tax deductions. However, for most individuals, the ceiling of how much you can donate is not usually an issue. A percentage of your gross income is able to be match from your contribution to your tax deduction. It is recommended to consult with a local tax professional if you plan to make a bigger donation to be sure that you are educated on your tax deduction limitations.

Non-cash Donations

Non-cash donations offer an endless amount of ways that individuals can get involved in philanthropic endeavors. Many people think that they are not fit for philanthropic involvement due to a lack of funds but this is not the case. Volunteering your time is a great way to help a charitable cause while remaining financially sound. Since most charities run as non-profit entities, they are always welcoming volunteers to assist their employees in their missions. You can itemize a list of the resources that you used to volunteer for tax deduction benefits, like time, mileage, parking expenses, etc.

Donating items like clothing, glasses, shoes, furniture, and technology are another way that people can be involved in bettering society through philanthropic contributions while also ridding themselves of items that they no longer need. As always, saving the receipt for these donations will make them tax deductible.

There are also a number of very generous individuals who donate high value items like cars, houses, and land. There is a fair amount of paperwork involved in these donations as the items carry a higher appraisal value than others. This is when it is especially important to consult with a tax professional to be sure that all areas are being covered when making a large donation like this if you intend to declare it on your next tax deduction.

No matter the donation, large or small, monetary or not, any charitable contribution is making a positive impact on an organization and helps them take the necessary steps towards accomplishing their mission. Just be sure to retain all paperwork and proof if you intend to reap the fiscal benefits in addition to the altruistic ones.

Don’t Just Donate Your Money — Donate Your Time Too

By Jimmy Lustig

On June 29, 2018

In Blog, Philanthropy

When it comes to helping others, there are many ways you can get involved. The most obvious one is to donate money. But, donating your time is just as valuable if you don’t have the money to spare or want to see your impact first-hand. Nonprofit organizations rely on the generosity of others to keep running, as many only have a small number of full-time staff.

While giving monetary donations is helpful to organizations, when you donate your time you get to see your direct impact. Sending off a check every month doesn’t have the same feeling as giving up a few hours of your day to be spent helping others. When you donate your time to organizations, it’s an instant mood-booster. The knowledge that you’re helping others and making their lives better, in turn, makes you feel great.

Volunteering your time not only makes you feel happier, it also helps to give you a sense of purpose. Supporting organizations that are working towards goals that you feel passionate about help you to feel directly connected to the impact they’re making. If you feel you have a moral duty to help others, giving your time is one of the best ways to fulfill that duty. In some organizations, like a soup kitchen or an after-school program, you’ll get to work directly with the people you are helping and see first-hand the impact you are having on the lives of others.

Giving your time may also inspire others in your life to do the same. When your friends and family see how fulfilled you are after spending a day volunteering, they may feel a stir to do the same. Speak to the people in your life about how important it is to give back, and they may feel compelled to do so as well. Another way to get others involved with the organizations you care about is to make it a family affair. Set aside one day a month where your whole family spends time volunteering at a local organization.

If you don’t have the extra time to give to an organization, but want to feel more involved than just sending money, consider making item donations. Many organizations have lists of supplies they accept for donations, like cat and dog toys and food for an animal shelter. While you’re still helping the organization in the same way as a monetary donation would, it feels a little more personal and like you’re having a direct impact.