How Will You Face This Giving Season?
Posted by Kath Delaney, Founder and Chief Executive Officer on September 30, 2009
This time of year is my favorite. I love watching the children in my life begin a new year at school, seeing the apples start to fall from the trees on our street, and getting busy at The Madera Group!
The majority of our clients have begun year-end fundraising campaigns — the last and most important financial push of the year.
For many non-profits, especially front-line social service organizations, a successful year-end fundraising season can mean the difference between continuing to serve their communities or closing their doors. In this tough economic climate, how do you decide to give, much less which organizations to give to? The choice is never easy, especially when you, too, might be watching your finances.
My advice remains the same: Give! Give to the causes that you’re passionate about, and that inspire you to make a difference. Give to start-up organizations like the Diabetes Hands Foundation, a group that builds community among people touched by diabetes (those with diabetes and their families) and raises diabetes awareness. Give to food banks and low-income health clinics whose funding and charitable gifts have dropped in the last year. Making a charitable donation of any size matters, and your contribution will help attract more attention to these causes in the future.
If you haven’t read President Bill Clinton’s book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, get a copy for yourself, or give it to a family member or friend. The President’s compelling description of the power of giving has transformed many of my friends from occasional donors to committed supporters of their communities.
And if you’re already involved with a non-profit, talk to us about how The Madera Group can help you cultivate and build your donor network, so your own year-end campaign can meet the needs you’re so committed to serving.
Thank you for all that you are doing and please enjoy this season of giving!
All my best,
Kath Delaney, CEO
P.S. Whether it’s giving, fundraising, or even starting a giving circle in your own community, I’m always happy and excited to discuss ways that The Madera Group can provide guidance and support. To learn more, please email me at kdelaney@maderagroup.net.
