With the state’s budget in a stalemate, many nonprofit organizations are beyond feeling the pressure and have moved into survival mode to keep their doors open. The funds that normally would be released to them by the state to help their day-to-day operations and service delivery are being withheld until a budget can be reached. This has caused many nonprofit organizations to run through their financial reserves making it a struggle to keep the doors open every day. Some nonprofit staff are working without pay to keep the lights on.
Now may be the time for you to step up and lend a hand. Helping can range from donating time, money or goods. Partnering with a nonprofit organization can have positive results for both you and the nonprofit. You may find that by doing so, you make connections that lead to new friendships or in some cases help your business by providing additional exposure to their donors.
- Donating goods. Donating goods can be a great way to help a nonprofit organization. Having things such as a food drive, or a fundraiser helps bring in funds and raises awareness for the nonprofit organization. While the nonprofits are often doing these drives, by hosting an event at your office, you can often introduce a new audience to the nonprofit organization that may not have known about their services. When partnering with a nonprofit organization, ask them to highlight your event in their newsletter, thus creating a two way street for additional community awareness.
- Giving time. To many of us time is a valuable resource. By volunteering at a local nonprofit, you help to lighten the load for the employees; or, are sometimes able to complete a project the staff doesn’t have time for. While most of the time nonprofits have a staff on payroll, they are few in number and are always looking for volunteers to help with larger events. This allows you to give back of yourself without physically giving of objects or money.
- Financial gifts. You know what they say…Money is King. By giving financially, whether its $100 or $10,000, you help to lighten the financial strain that many nonprofits face. This can also be counted as a tax write off.
No matter how you decide to support an organization or cause, your efforts are greatly appreciated. Many nonprofits are run by a limited staff of hardworking people who believe in a cause. They go to work every day wanted to make a difference in the lives of others and ultimately want to help make the world a better place one community at a time. So it’s time to look beyond your office and see how you can step up to support a local nonprofit organization.
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business growth.