National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Nonprofits to Support
Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed every year in the United States during the month of April. The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness about the issue of child abuse and neglect, and to encourage individuals and communities to take action to prevent it.
Child abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. It can have serious and long-lasting effects on children, including physical injuries, psychological trauma, and impaired social and cognitive development.
During Child Abuse Prevention Month, various organizations, including child welfare agencies, non-profits, and government agencies, organize events and activities to promote awareness and prevention. These can include public rallies, marches, community workshops, and social media campaigns.
One of the main goals of Child Abuse Prevention Month is to encourage reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect. Many cases of child abuse go unreported each year, and this can perpetuate the cycle of abuse and put children at continued risk.
Overall, the observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as an important reminder of the responsibility that each of us has to protect children and promote their safety and well-being.
National CASA
National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure that children who have experienced abuse or neglect have a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.
The organization was founded in 1977 and has since grown to become a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 local programs and more than 94,000 trained volunteers.
The mission of National CASA is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused or neglected children in order to provide them with a voice in court and to help them find a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of these children in court proceedings, and they work to ensure that the children's needs are met and that they receive appropriate services and support.
National CASA provides a variety of resources and support to local CASA programs, including:
- training and technical assistance
- advocacy tools and resources
- funding opportunities.
The organization also works to raise awareness about the issue of child abuse and neglect and to advocate for policies and practices that promote the safety and well-being of children.
Through its work, the organization helps to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.
Prevent Child Abuse
Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) is a national nonprofit organization that works to promote the prevention of child abuse and neglect in the United States. The organization was founded in 1972 and has since grown to become a leading voice in the field of child abuse prevention.
PCA works to raise public awareness about the issue of child abuse and neglect and to promote evidence-based prevention strategies.
The organization provides a variety of resources and support to individuals, families, and communities, including:
- parenting education and support programs
- advocacy and policy initiatives
- public education campaigns
One of PCA's signature programs is the Healthy Families America program, which provides home visiting services to families with young children who are at risk for child abuse or neglect. This program is based on a research-based model that has been shown to be effective in improving parenting skills, reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect, and promoting positive child development outcomes.
PCA also works to promote public policies that support child abuse prevention, such as increasing funding for child abuse prevention programs, strengthening child welfare systems, and promoting family-friendly workplace policies.
Darkness to Light
Darkness to Light is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the prevention of child sexual abuse. The organization was founded in 2000 and is based in Charleston, South Carolina.
The mission of Darkness to Light is to empower adults to prevent child sexual abuse by providing training and resources to individuals, organizations, and communities. The organization's flagship program is the Stewards of Children program, which is an evidence-based training program that teaches adults how to recognize, prevent, and respond to child sexual abuse.
In addition to providing training and resources, Darkness to Light works to raise public awareness about the issue of child sexual abuse and to advocate for policies and practices that promote the safety and well-being of children. The organization also works to support survivors of child sexual abuse by providing resources and support services.
Darkness to Light has trained over 2 million individuals in the Stewards of Children program and has partnerships with over 12,000 organizations. The organization's work has been recognized by a variety of national and international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations.
National Indian Child Welfare Association
The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) is a nonprofit organization that works to support the well-being of Native American children and families. The organization was founded in 1983 and is based in Portland, Oregon.
NICWA's mission is to promote the safety, health, and well-being of Native American children and families through advocacy, research, and education. The organization works to ensure that Native American children are able to grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing homes and communities.
NICWA provides a variety of resources and support to Native American tribes and organizations, including
- training and technical assistance
- research and data analysis
- policy advocacy.
The organization also works to raise public awareness about the unique issues facing Native American children and families and to promote culturally appropriate approaches to child welfare.
One of NICWA's signature programs is the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Program, which provides training and technical assistance to help tribes and organizations implement the Indian Child Welfare Act, a federal law that was enacted in 1978 to protect Native American children and families. The ICWA Program provides support for a range of activities, including legal advocacy, policy development, and community engagement.
Overall, the National Indian Child Welfare Association plays an important role in promoting the well-being of Native American children and families. Through its programs and advocacy efforts, the organization is working to ensure that Native American children have the opportunity to grow up in safe, healthy, and culturally rich environments.
Children’s Defense Fund
The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promoting the well-being of children in the United States. The organization was founded in 1973 by Marian Wright Edelman and is based in Washington, D.C.
The mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The organization works to achieve this mission through a variety of programs and initiatives that focus on promoting child health and well-being, education, and economic security.
One of the signature programs of the Children's Defense Fund is the Beat the Odds program, which provides academic and leadership support to high school students who have overcome significant obstacles in their lives. The program provides mentoring, tutoring, and other resources to help these students succeed in school and pursue higher education.
The Children's Defense Fund also works to promote policies and practices that support children and families, including advocating for affordable health care, high-quality early childhood education, and economic security for families. The organization also conducts research and analysis to inform its policy advocacy efforts.
Futures Without Violence
Futures Without Violence is a nonprofit organization that works to end violence against women, children, and families. The organization was founded in 1980 and is based in San Francisco, California.
The mission of Futures Without Violence is to promote the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by violence. The organization works to achieve this mission through a variety of programs and initiatives that focus on prevention, intervention, and policy advocacy.
One of the signature programs of Futures Without Violence is the Coaching Boys Into Men program, which is an evidence-based program that promotes healthy relationships and prevents dating violence among adolescent boys. The program provides coaches with training and resources to help them teach their athletes about healthy relationships, respect, and nonviolence.
Futures Without Violence also works to address the intersection of domestic violence and other issues, such as health care, housing, and economic security. The organization provides training and resources to healthcare providers, educators, and other professionals to help them recognize and respond to domestic violence and other forms of abuse.
In addition to its programs and initiatives, Futures Without Violence works to advocate for policies and practices that promote the safety and well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by violence. The organization works at the local, state, and federal levels to promote policies that support survivors of violence and prevent future instances of violence.
National Children’s Alliance
The National Children's Alliance (NCA) is a nonprofit organization that works to support and promote the development of Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) across the United States. The organization was founded in 1998 and is based in Washington, D.C.
The mission of the National Children's Alliance is to promote healing and justice for children who have been abused or neglected. The organization works to achieve this mission by providing training, technical assistance, and accreditation to Child Advocacy Centers, which are facilities that provide a comprehensive, child-friendly response to allegations of child abuse.
Child Advocacy Centers bring together multidisciplinary teams of professionals to coordinate and conduct investigations of child abuse allegations, including:
- law enforcement
- child protective services
- medical and mental health providers
- victim advocates
By bringing these professionals together in a child-friendly environment, CACs can reduce the trauma that children experience during the investigation process and ensure that they receive the support and services they need to heal.
The National Children's Alliance provides training and technical assistance to CACs to help them improve the quality of their services and achieve accreditation, which is a mark of quality that demonstrates that a CAC meets national standards for effective and comprehensive response to allegations of child abuse.
In addition to its work with CACs, the National Children's Alliance advocates for policies and practices that promote the safety and well-being of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The organization works with federal and state policymakers to promote funding and policies that support Child Advocacy Centers and other programs that serve children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
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Related resources
Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses
Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today
In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.
Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy
Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism. Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.
1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact
One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.
2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice
Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.
3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions
“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.
4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change
Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.
Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?
Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.
Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
- Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
- Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.
Conclusion
An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.
5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday
Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity
Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.
For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.
At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.
1. Make Giving Easy:
A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.
2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:
Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!
3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:
Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.
4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:
Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.
5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.
12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask
In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.
Scroll down for a free survey template below.
Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.
Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?
Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.
How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?
Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.
Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?
Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.
Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.
Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?
The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.
Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.
Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?
With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.
Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?
This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.
How do specific benefit categories fare?
By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?
What additional benefits do employees desire?
Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"
If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.
How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?
While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.
There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.
What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?
Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact. Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?