Nonprofit Work Never Stops: Giving Beyond the Holiday Season

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The Philanthropy Hub, powered by the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, is a searchable online database of nonprofits

‘Tis the season for giving back to the causes we love. Every year, the holiday season is marked by a surge in generosity and goodwill. From November to January, Americans embrace the spirit of giving by donating to and volunteering for charitable organizations. While this outpouring of support is wonderful, it is important to understand the nuances of holiday philanthropy and consider more sustainable ways to support the causes we care about.

Philanthropy is not just about the holiday spirit; it’s about consistent, meaningful actions that help communities year-round. While the “giving season” sees an increase in donations—with December accounting for more than 30% of annual giving nationwide—unfortunately the need persists beyond the holidays. Nonprofit work is nonstop, and at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, we distribute grants to local nonprofits every week throughout the year.

During the holiday season, volunteering for charities in the United States often increases by 50 percent or more. From toy distributions to food preparation, people come together and donate their time to help others. Some organizations report a staggering 200 percent increase in volunteer inquiries. While this influx of support is appreciated, it can pose a challenge for nonprofits that may not have the staff or infrastructure to manage the demand.

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With a few practical strategies to make philanthropy a part of everyday life, we can create a ripple effect of generosity that extends far beyond the end of the year. Imagine the impact we could have if the spirit of giving continued with the same fervor throughout the year! Steady support allows nonprofits to plan and implement programs more effectively versus the rise of donations at year end followed by the drought that follows after the New Year.

The first step for effective giving is to understand the needs of the community. The Philanthropy Hub, hosted by the Community Foundation, is a wonderful resource to learn about immediate needs of local organizations vetted by the Foundation. Visit www.thephilanthropyhub.org to explore great organizations doing exceptional work in our community.

Ask your favorite nonprofit what they need most. There are a variety of options for giving from cash to securities to real estate to furniture. Consider budgeting a certain amount every month for charitable investment in our community or donating when you sit down to pay your monthly bills.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment; start making a difference today. Start small, stay committed, and witness the power of continuous giving. Small actions lead to significant impact when multiplied by consistent effort.

Here are a few actionable steps you can take right now:

· Volunteer an hour a week at a local charity throughout the year.

· Set up a recurring monthly donation, even a small amount.

· Mentor a young person.

· Share information about worthy causes on social media.

· Build an annual philanthropic budget based on prior year giving to make donations year-round.

· Foster a culture of philanthropy at work by organizing a volunteer activity for coworkers.

· Consider a donor advised fund, where a single tax-deductible contribution is made but donors can direct the fund to distribute support to nonprofits at any time.

Year-round philanthropy is not just about donating; it’s about cultivating a mindset of generosity and actively participating in positive change. Consider keeping a philanthropy journal to reflect on the journey. Take the opportunity to talk with your family about what is most meaningful to you and make family charitable New Year’s resolutions.

The time for action is now. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem. Your contribution matters.

Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of philanthropy columns sponsored by Community Foundation of North Central Florida.

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A Christmas Carol

Beggers can’t be choosers