Why is it so important to think about where your donations go? Especially when the economy is struggling? The answer is simple: Need goes up, while what we have to give decreases.
According to the Philanthropic Giving Index (PGI), giving in America is down 6% since the summer of 2008. Yet homelessness, domestic violence and hunger are up. Reuters reports a 12% increase in homelessness and the National Domestic Abuse Hotline has seen a 21% increase in calls since this time last year. Nationwide, more people are coming to food banks. Demand for emergency food assistance rose by 30%, according to Feeding America, a national hunger relief charity.
The good news is that while we may reduce the amount we give, we are unlikely as a society to stop giving completely, based on a study by the Center for Philanthropy Panel. Thinking about what is important to us is the key in identifying where to donate when we can. Eight in 10 Americans donate in one way or another according to a USA Today/Gallup poll. And figures show that charitable giving accounts for 2% of our gross domestic product - higher than any other country in the world.
My parents were both social service workers, and I grew up with a very real awareness of many struggles that families faced. As an adult, my personal giving plan has direct ties to the experiences I witnessed. I have strong connections with organizations like the YWCA and the local community foundation, Blue Mountain Community Foundation. And while I'm not in a position to give monetarily right now, I'm happy to be able to donate my time and professional services as a designer and writer (which reminds me that I need to finish that newsletter).
The point is that every little bit helps. And during a tough economic time, identifying who, where and how you can give is even more important. That's why I created DonateWise.com - to help people identify what is important to them and help them to be proactive. When giving gets tough, it is even more important. For more information, visit DonateWise.com - I'd love to welcome you to the community!
