Giving Tuesday

Be wise and discerning as you seek to be generous on Giving Tuesday. Many nonprofits are stretched this time of year. As you seek to share and give this day and throughout the holiday season, consider these tips:

✔ Choose organizations with whom you have history.
✔ Give in your own community or to causes that are meaningful to you or impact your community.
✔ If in doubt, check them out. Go to guidestar.org and check out the 990 of the nonprofit. Check out their website; look at annual reports. Go to Charity Watch or Better Business Bureau.

Nonprofits, as you look to receive this day, be good stewards of others' generosity. Tips for you include:

✔ Be transparent. Let your financial records be seen. Don't steer away from questions, but rather answer questions completely and honestly about financial impact and fiscal controls.
✔ Know and share your numbers. Be clear about what impact giving dollars will have, i.e., how many people $X will feed, how many kids are served with $X, etc.
✔ Set a goal and move toward it. All nonprofits participating in #GivingTuesday should have a goal and plan toward it. Know who can be reached via email, phone call, drop-by and through social media. Have an asking amount and drive toward the mark.

Give and receive generously today. Regardless of whether you are on the giving or receiving side, be thoughtful and intentional.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP

#communitydevelopmentprofessionals #getorganizedgetfunded #cdpeople #donors