Donors look forward to donating and getting involved with organizations with good rapport. However, trust should be fostered between the donor and organization; otherwise, they may not donate a second time. They need to confirm that the non-profit is authentic and forthcoming. For an organization to establish this trust, they must make sure they give them the correct information while also being transparent with their use of donations.

Most donors prefer causes they can connect to and relate to on a deeper level. They like when a cause can relate to their values. For example, most donors value strong ethics, honesty and financial responsibility. The organization should make sure it is built on these values to attract and keep its donors.

For an organization to be trusted and maintain donor loyalty, it should:

• Publish all its tax forms, such as the IRS Form 990, on their website. The tax forms are necessary to prove they comply with all the tax rules.
• Provisioning an annual report. The reports should have client stories, basic financial outlines, and the organization’s impact on its cause. The report should have correct publications with no inconsistencies.
• Constantly updated information on the Charity navigators and Guidestar. Keeping the organization’s information up to date allows donors to follow through with the practices and operations, which bring about a sense of honesty and transparency.
• The organization should get endorsements from a public figure in the community and organizations like the Better Business Bureau. Endorsements always prove that the organization is legit, as most public figures would not involve themselves with shady organizations.
• Publishing all the names of the board of directors with their roles on the site. They should not hide anyone’s names as they may appear shady.
• The organization should also update their donors on the results of their programs through different platforms.

Keeping donor loyalty is essential to the growth of a non-profit organization as they depend on them to operate. Therefore, an organization should foster honesty and transparency in its operations.            

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Foster Relationships to Encourage Discussion

To reach the highest levels of community engagement, nonprofits should look at how they can bring residents together. The best way to do this is to create face-to-face opportunities for residents. You can ask them about the services they are interested in, and you can also encourage them to talk about ways that they would like to see their community grow.

Participate in Local Events

One of the most effective ways to get involved with a community is to join in on local events. By participating in local fairs, festivals, and celebrations, a nonprofit can provide information about its services to community members. Your involvement in local events will make people interested in what you do for the community and might even get a couple of supporters along the way.

Recognize the Power of Involvement & Collaboration

The essential key to a successful partnership is communication and involvement. You need to know what your volunteers are looking for, and you need to keep them updated on the nonprofit’s progress. If they aren’t satisfied with the frequency of updates, they can leave and look elsewhere.

Grow Connections with the Community

It can be challenging to be part of a community you don’t live in, but it is essential that nonprofits interact with the residents that they help. Nonprofits can establish long-lasting relationships by providing incentives and creating kinships with local schools, communities, and businesses.

Create Beneficial Opportunities

One of the best ways to establish a long-lasting partnership is to create incentives. To ensure that the community continues to support their organization, nonprofits should provide positive opportunities for their members. By creating opportunities for locals to volunteer and work, communities can develop an attachment to the nonprofit. You can also offer discounts and grants to those who invest in their community.            

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Giving circles are groups of people who come together to make small, regular gifts to their charitable causes. These groups might consist of family members, friends, or co-workers. They meet regularly to learn more about potential charities in their community and decide which organizations they will support. This is a unique way for donors in the same social circles to come together for common causes. As this type of giving moves forward, you can expect to see more individuals choosing to support their favorite charities in smaller ways rather than writing one large check.

Impact investing is becoming increasingly popular, which means that these types of investments are expected to grow in the future. Impact investors seek out opportunities where their money can have a positive social or environmental impact alongside a financial return. This practice has been used in the past to help solve problems of poverty and inequality. Additionally, impact investors are beginning to use these investments in the private sector. While this method is not new, researchers have found that impact investing can help encourage more donors to invest their money. The idea of these types of investments can motivate regular people to prioritize social good.

Donor-advised funds have been growing rapidly since 2001. There are over 190,000 donor-advised funds in the United States, holding a cumulative total of $92 billion. Donor-advised funds are charitable accounts that allow donors to make contributions and recommend grants to nonprofit organizations over time. After making an initial contribution, the donor can wait to make additional donations until later in life (or even after their passing). The account remains open for an indefinite period, and the donor remains in control of their account.

Donors may also become more interested in researching charities they’re considering giving to. Organizations can use this research to understand better how they might be able to improve their current operations. Nonprofit organizations should make a point to review donor surveys and other forms of feedback to get a clear picture of what they do well, where there’s room for improvement, and how the organization can move forward.

The post Philanthropy Trends 2022: What to Expect in the Future of Giving first appeared on Jack Nourafshan | Philanthropy.

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Get Out in the Community

One way to promote corporate philanthropy is by getting out in the community and making a difference. Participating in activities such as volunteering for children’s summer camps, food banks, or disaster relief allows corporations to build relationships with local charities and become more active members of their communities. This can be done by simply donating money, but lending hands-on support also has an impact because people can see firsthand how generous companies are with time and funds. Getting involved helps meet the needs of the disadvantaged within the community. It allows corporations to interact more directly with customers, creating a closer relationship that could prove beneficial down the road.

Give more than money

Companies should not only be active in the community and give money but also time and resources. As mentioned above, donating resources such as food and clothes to local communities demonstrates a corporation’s generosity and commitment to their community.

By giving back to the community through more than financial means, companies can make an even bigger difference by helping less fortunate members of society, thus promoting corporate philanthropy.

Understand your audience

While it is always beneficial to give back to the community, companies should understand who they are giving to. This means understanding age groups and what certain organizations specialize in. For example, donating food to an organization that deals with children’s homes would be ideal because it provides for people who need it most (children) rather than simply donating food to a community center.

Level social media strategically

Providing services for those who need them the most is just as beneficial as simply donating to a cause, and society will usually see this and acknowledge it. Using social media to promote companies’ philanthropic efforts helps create a good reputation and can be used as an incentive for people to support their company. Companies should consider sharing before and after photos of people who have received donations, along with information on the charities they are supporting. This encourages other businesses to participate in corporate philanthropy and help generate an audience for these social media accounts.

Employee involvement

As helpful as it can be to have a company’s support, it does even more for people when employees get involved. Employees are the ones who work with organizations on a daily basis and are in the best position to endorse what they do. Employee volunteer days allow companies to share their efforts with other businesses while helping improve morale by getting employees involved in their communities. Showing employees that their company is doing good for others also allows corporations to develop a sense of pride within the company. Using social media to post about employee volunteer days or simply sharing stories on what they have done creates an environment where people are happy to work at the organization.

The post Promoting Corporate Philanthropy first appeared on Jack Nourafshan | Philanthropy.

1) Parents should be role models for their children

– Parents are the most influential figures in a child’s life. If they see that their parents care about making a difference, then this will have a positive impact on them too.

2) Philanthropy can start at home

– You don’t have to be rich to give back. At the end of every month, you could try having a “charity night” where your family sits down and chooses which charities they want to donate money to.

3) Make giving fun

– A lot of us get caught up with the idea that we need to wait until a special event or occasion arises before we can give back. But in reality, if you make helping others part of your routine and do it regularly, then this is still philanthropy!

4) Teach them about the different types of giving

– Giving back doesn’t always have to be financial. You can also give your time and teach children that helping others is a great way of making a difference. Charities, for instance, could use some extra help with their administrative work. Instead of watching TV on Saturday mornings, why not spend some time working for a good cause?

5) Play games that will help teach the value of philanthropy

– There are plenty of board and card games out there that can easily incorporate a lesson on giving back. One example would be by playing Monopoly, but instead of just trying to bankrupt your opponents, you’re also aiming to raise as much money for charity too!

6) Don’t underestimate the power of teaching your child to give

– Teaching children about philanthropy is a great opportunity for parents to teach their kids how lucky they are. We must make them aware of this so they can learn not to take things for granted – especially when it comes to all the opportunities and privileges in life, which many others would love to have.

7) Teach children to be grateful

– It’s important that we teach our kids about gratitude and how it can help them appreciate what they have. We must also make sure they know that many people in the world don’t feel as fortunate, which is why giving back will benefit everyone!

Giving back is a great way for your child to learn about the different ways they can make a difference. If you teach them at an early age, then this will help shape their values and attitudes towards society for years to come!

The post How to Teach Children About Philanthropy first appeared on Jack Nourafshan | Philanthropy.

5. Think about what you already enjoy doing. Do you love spending time outside, working on crafts, or reading at the library? How can you do these things and also help others? Thinking along these lines will help you discover a way to serve others that you truly enjoy, so you’ll keep going back to do it again and again.

When it comes to giving back, the possibilities are endless. Find ways that you enjoy helping others and think outside of the box about what you can do that works best for you and your unique situation. Everyone has the potential to make a difference-it just takes a little bit of time and creativity.

The post Simple Ways to Become More Philanthropic first appeared on Jack Nourafshan | Philanthropy.

 Here are five organizations working hard to make LA a better place for all seniors – particularly those without resources or family nearby.

1) Jewish Home & Family Services – Job Training for Seniors

Located in south-central Los Angeles, Jewish Home & Family Services provides occupational therapy and job training to seniors. “We teach them job skills so they can have dignity for the rest of their lives,” says Diana Rios, Executive Director at Jewish Home & Family Services. The organization will soon be moving into a new facility that includes a job training center where seniors will gain valuable skills for hospitality, construction, and healthcare jobs.

2) SilverLining – Free Movies For Seniors

Offering free programs on social services and other topics since 2005, this nonprofit has proven itself as a community center for seniors. It also offers a library of digitized films and books, free rides via its RideShare program, and free concerts in the summer months. In 2014, SilverLining launched its Media Arts Center to help seniors who have trouble navigating digital technology use computers to become more internet-savvy. The nonprofit’s most recent effort is the Silver Screen series, a free movie night for seniors age 60 and over. The film lineup includes classics like A Fish Called Wanda and new releases like The Intern. SilverLining also offers on-site blood pressure screenings to help the community stay healthy.

3) PACE of Los Angeles County – Energy Assistance Programs

A nonprofit network of more than 40 centers across LA County, PACE is committed to helping people age 50 and older stay in their homes. Two of the organization’s programs help seniors cut back on heating costs. The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides grants for low-income senior homeowners who need to make home repairs to improve energy efficiency. PACE also provides emergency services, such as furnace and water heater repairs. The program serves over 60,000 people each year. PACE’s Assistive Technology Program helps residents with disabilities by providing free computer devices and games that can help them maintain their independence at home.

4) North Hollywood Interfaith Center – Meals on Wheels

Started in 1966 to assist immigrant families, this nonprofit now provides home care and other services for seniors across Los Angeles. In addition to offering various cultural programs, such as holiday celebrations, free legal advice, and computer training classes, the organization helps seniors avoid eviction by providing temporary financial assistance via its HomeSave program. This service matches clients with volunteers who serve as personal financial advisors. Staff members also offer information about SSI, Medicare, and Medi-Cal programs to help people with low or no income access needed services.

5) Strive – Senior Employment Opportunities

Founded in 2014 to provide job training for seniors, this nonprofit offers several programs that connect older people with employment opportunities. Its Healthy Aging Initiative seeks to combat the skills gap that many seniors face when they attempt to enter a new job market, and it supports adults over age 55 looking for careers in health care. It also offers an online resource hub to help people find paid work opportunities through its Employment Toolbox site. Strive also partners with local businesses to help older adults gain experience through unpaid internships.

The post 5 of The Best Nonprofits Helping the Elderly in Los Angeles first appeared on Jack Nourafshan | Philanthropy.

Set goals

Ensure employees understand goals, duties, and roles individuals play in achieving them. Set a specific reason and achievable target for the team and ensure deadlines are met, tasks completed as requested to avoid misunderstanding. Guide them through the process to give support as well as show commitment. Let them be accountable for their work and the rest of the team. 

Show appreciation

Find ways to appreciate industrious team workers more often. Reward them for their meritorious deeds by engaging in out-office-related activities. Such events create room for a fantastic team-building atmosphere beside the office. To boost their morale further, give them incentives like shopping vouchers and perhaps get away tickets. It establishes honesty, and employees feel they belong to the company.

Provide support

Change means to learn new ideas and skills that will be practiced or channeled at the workplace. The team leader should create new approaches and develop ideas to guide the team, providing the team and its members chances to try new tricks, techniques, and ideas. It is a polite way of training and giving the group opportunities to explore new skills.

Empowering

Transparency and involvement of the team members in decision-making are crucial. It gives support and facilitates communication to help the team solve issues. Train and discuss with them the importance of solving problems.

Unite the team

One way of getting people together is through fun activities. That is why many companies set aside resources for special occasions like team-building events. It offers an excellent opportunity for the employees to unwind as they get to know each other personally. In any case, the team leader should be human and learn how to treat fellow teammates with respect and compassion. 

Give the team time to unwind freely and get to know them up close and personal.

Good teamwork often comes down to commitment and engagement. The rest is a combination of work ethics that can be associated with those two elements. People need to be engaged in their work and relate to each other. 

The post How Successful Companies Inspire Teamwork first appeared on Jack Nourafshan | Philanthropy.

Communicating With the Employees

Notably, communication is a crucial aspect of the growth of a company. Hence, employers should consider holding a conversation with the staff to know whether they are happy. If employees respond that they are not satisfied, the employer needs to determine why this is so and make adjustments.

A leader needs to understand that employees might be shy to talk about their situation as they fear discrimination or being fired. Therefore, issuing surveys to find whether they are happy or not is not ideal. To make the employees comfortable to talk about this subject, employees should start by talking about the daily operations. As the conversation builds up, they can open up.

Adopt a Reliable Motivation Strategy

For employees to perform best in their duties, they need a sense of motivation. Therefore, employers should engage with them and understand the aspect that they can grow. Business owners can initiate training programs as this allows the employees to improve or develop more beneficial skills for the company. The staff will always be happy when they see that the management is concerned about them, improving their morale to work better to achieve its goals.

Assess the Company’s Values

When employees are treated with respect, their performance improves, which translates to the business’s success. Therefore, the management has to check whether the company’s values ensure that respect is maintained. All levels of management should get to follow the values put in place by the company.

With the points above, employees have to pay attention to their employees to know if they are happy performing their duties. By listening to them, they will incorporate aspects that will ensure that the working environment is favorable, which guarantees its success.

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