The end of the year is a special time for many, including my family and I. We celebrate the holidays together, participate in countless activities, give each other gifts, and spend time with our extended family. I’m thankful, lucky, and blessed.
But this time of year isn’t enjoyable for all, and it’s important to not only keep those people in mind, but take action.
On each Giving Tuesday, which is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, I review my giving portfolio. I use this day as a benchmark to see if I’m on target to accomplish my annual giving goals and see if my giving throughout the year is aligned with my passion.
As I’ve previously shared, I focus my philanthropy and volunteerism on four areas, which I believe are key contributors to a thriving community:
Stable employment
Great schools
Exposure to the arts
Access to quality healthcare
While I spread my volunteerism and monetary gifts throughout the year, the giving season helps me keep those who have greater needs top of mind. If I realize I’m not on target to achieve my giving goals, I adjust and may make several immediate gifts.
How do you approach philanthropy during the giving season? I’d love to hear about your efforts. Please share below.
Non-Profits Close to My Heart
We are blessed to have many local non-profits making a massive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and our community here in Central Illinois. A few of the non-profits closest to my heart include the Midwest Foodbank, Community Healthcare Clinic, and the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, and I would like to share a little about each with you.
If you ask nearly any Midwest non-profit where they get their food, the answer is almost always “the Midwest Food Bank.” The Midwest Food Bank, launched in Bloomington-Normal in 2003, is now the largest food bank in the nation. “From the Normal, IL location, 461 local non-profit partners, schools, and food pantries are supplied with life-giving food each month.”
I am honored to be the incoming Director of the CHCC Board and thankful for this opportunity. The CHCC provides healthcare services to the uninsured and underinsured while reducing the stress on local hospitals and emergency rooms. Our community’s best doctors, nurses, and others donate their time to help those in need.
The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation “connects people who care with causes that matter by offering philanthropic leadership, organization and grant-making for the long-term enrichment of our community.” Established in 1996, the IPCF is a grant-making public charity that acts as a community chest.
They connect donors and donations with local causes that impact and improve the lives of residents in four counties: McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, and Logan. In addition to distributing grants to local non-profits and causes, the IPCF introduces donors and potential donors to applicants.
The IPCF also recently worked with the Community Healthcare Clinic (CHCC). They partnered with us to manage our way through several challenging roadblocks.
Increase Your Impact
We can all make changes to increase our positive impact on our community. For example, when anticipating high realized gains, consider creating a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). DAFs can lead to a reduced tax bill, a larger gift to your community, and a more focused approach to your philanthropy. The IPCF and Blooming Tree both have expertise in setting up DAFs.
Learn more about Donor Advised Funds here.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season!
Disclaimer: The content above is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.