Now that Giving Tuesday has come and gone, many individuals and corporations may feel they’ve met their quota for the year. No doubt, the spikes in donations provided tremendous support for the numerous nonprofits that received them. But we don’t need to wait until Giving Tuesday 2024 to help organizations that are doing good in communities across the country. In fact, regular donations can help sustain the work of nonprofits rather than provide temporary relief — and with the holiday season upon us, there is no better time than the present to kick off your charitable giving goals.
The questions to ask are: 1) What are your company’s priority issues? Ideally the causes align with your company’s work and values. 2) Are there nonprofits that are focused on your priority issues that serve the communities you wish to serve? 3) Can you contribute in other ways beyond money, such as provide volunteers from your staff? Donate in-kind services or products?
To give an example, I have been in the real estate and hospitality industries for more than 2 decades. My passions have naturally gravitated toward addressing the challenges for our unhoused population, as well as providing opportunities for children and under-resourced individuals through career pathways — namely the building trades, which are essential workforces for the real estate sector. For this reason, I have aligned myself with the following organizations:
DignityMoves. This impactful organization works to end unsheltered homelessness in communities by building Interim Supportive Housing as a rapid, cost-effective, and thus, scalable solution. Like me, the organization’s leaders believe that together, we can end unsheltered homelessness. Every community deserves a fast, cost-effective way to build housing at scale that is dignified and private so that people are willing to come, where they can then get the intensive supportive services they need. I serve on their Dignity Council and donate my time and expertise in the field.
Robby Poblete Foundation. As part of working with cities to create safer communities, this nonprofit organization works with high school students and second-chancers to create pathways in the trades by hosting career fairs and providing scholarships that cover apprenticeships, boots, books, tools, and transportation. Through this program, the organization helps its beneficiaries secure jobs with a living wage. My company is contributing to this scholarship program in markets where we have partnered with cities.
I encourage you to learn more about these organizations and support them if you can — and/or research organizations that align with your work, mission and values.
Because the Season of Giving is year-round.