Charitable giving in our community: A marathon, not a sprint
Philanthropy plays a vital role in every vibrant community. In the Valley,
charitable giving supports arts, education and healthcare, helps ease social
issues and protects those in need.
Generosity is at the heart of charitable giving and it can be instilled at an
early age. When children are taught the concept of sharing with friends, they
build the foundation of a generous heart. When kids know the value of money and
volunteering, they learn the importance of helping those in need. By the time
children grow into adults, they understand the positive effects of giving as
both the donor and the recipient.
That understanding is what leads many in the community to offer their time,
financial resources and professional expertise to support nonprofit
organizations. To these volunteers, philanthropy isn’t just about raising money
— it’s about contributing. Or, as local philanthropist Elizabeth Lyles states,
“It means giving of your substance.”
The need is everywhere
Like most of the nation, the Valley is quick to respond generously in times of
catastrophe. Recent events such as Hurricane Katrina resulted in an outpouring
of local fundraising and relief efforts.
But there are invisible tragedies occurring every day in our region that deserve
the same attention. Poverty, illness, children in need — these crises are very
real and would benefit greatly from generous philanthropic giving.
One individual or business can make a big difference to others in need. And
oftentimes, one person’s selfless act inspires others to join in, creating a
domino effect that can bring about significant change. This effect can be seen
in people of all ages.
Although our community is filled with generous donors and volunteers, more are
needed to combat the region’s immediate needs. While numerous nonprofits teach
the importance of philanthropy to the public, there is a virtual team of
ombudsmen that is leading the way to a better community through education,
strategic fund raising and leadership development. This unassuming group
includes organizations like the Fresno Regional Foundation, United Way of
Fresno County and One By One Leadership. Collectively they are improving the
quality of life in our area by supporting the region’s nonprofit community.
The Fresno Regional Foundation: Raising funds, building relationships
Now in its 40th year of service, the Fresno Regional Foundation is dedicated to
promoting philanthropy and stimulating new giving within the area. Their
mission is to establish a substantial endowment through which it can distribute
funds to numerous nonprofit organizations and worthwhile community causes.
In addition to providing guidance and technical assistance to those with
considerable resources, the foundation is also a vehicle through which
individuals of modest means can contribute toward enhancing the quality of life
in the community.
“We play a key role in working with philanthropists and the nonprofit
organizations within our community, and developing relationships between the
two,” said Dan DeSantis, chief executive officer of the Fresno Regional
Foundation. “We view ourselves as the financial engine that drives all the
other nonprofits that are trying to make a difference.”
United Way of Fresno County: Where “I gave at the office” rings true
For 82 years the United Way has helped build a healthier community, primarily by
organizing charitable workplace payroll-deduction programs and leveraging those
dollars to benefit the community. By making it possible for all employee levels
to participate, funds are maximized for a wide variety of designated nonprofit
organizations.
According to Dr. Richard Kriegbaum, president of United Way of Fresno County,
one of his organization’s key goals is getting local nonprofits to collaborate
effectively.
“We work hard at promoting collaboration and multiplying the charitable dollars
we raise,” Kriegbaum said. “We are seeing more grants come into this community,
partly because more organizations are working together.”
One By One Leadership: Faith-based partnerships in action
One By One Leadership is a faith-based organization committed to involving
people in urban leadership that brings economic, educational and spiritual
transformation.
According to its chief executive officer, Kurt Madden, One By One Leadership
works alongside many nonprofits, fostering a sense of true collaboration.
“We’re connecting church leaders and pastors. We’re connecting nonprofits. We’re
mentoring the children who have parents that are incarcerated. We’re helping
kids read and working with the school district. We don’t do very much alone,”
Madden said.
Philanthropy is everyone’s responsibility
Supporting cultural and community causes isn’t solely up to organizations like
the ombudsmen. Businesses and private citizens can assist in many ways.
If you run a business, you can implement payroll-deduction plans so employees
can contribute to worthwhile programs at even the smallest of levels. You can
distribute information and volunteer labor for fundraising events. And you can
collaborate with partner industries to maximize your fundraising efforts.
As a concerned individual, you can volunteer your time and talents to nonprofits
you deem worthwhile. You can donate items to agencies serving the needy in our
community. And you can make endowments to organizations of special interest.
It is important to remember that nonprofits need assistance throughout the year
— not just seasonally. While all support is appreciated, consistent, year-round
support is most helpful. Look at your support as a marathon, not a sprint.
For more information, visit:
www.fresnoregfoundation.org
www.unitedwayfresno.org
www.onebyoneleadership.com
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