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No one disputes the importance of employee benefits. Employee benefits matter because they demonstrate how much the company cares about and appreciates its employees. Benefits support an employee’s health and well-being, their loved ones and even their financial literacy. Although health care benefits top the list of the most desired, there are other perks that companies can offer that employees really want. Why are employee benefits important? They increasingly reflect changing employee priorities and the things that are most important in their lives. According to Deloitte, salary is less important to Gen Z than to other generations. However, researchers found that just 20% of Gen Z would work for a company that did not share their values. That may be a tall order for many companies. But it doesn’t have to be so complicated.
Benefits That Actually Matter
Gen Z and millennials are looking for companies that go beyond the absolute minimum. That doesn’t mean beer-and-pizza Fridays, however. So what does it mean? For companies that want to attract the best and brightest, it means you may need to look at benefits through an entirely different lens.Companies aren’t limited to a small selection of benefits. In addition to the ubiquitous health insurance, there are several categories of perks that will enhance your benefits package. Most of all, it’s about making responsible choices that keep in mind the communities you serve.
5 Advantages of a Great Employee Benefits Package
But first, what are the advantages of a great employee benefits package? We know that benefits matter to employees. Benefits flow to the company as well. For example, you will be better positioned to:1. Attract and Retain Top TalentWhen you value your employees, it shows in how you treat them. It’s not simply about the number of benefits, but the values that these benefits reflect. 2. Support Holistic WellnessEmployees that are mentally, physically and financially sound are better able to perform at top levels. They bring their whole selves to work each day.3. Increase ProductivityWhen employees are treated well, they want to be more productive in their roles. They find ways to do more with less and they put in more time during the day.4. Boost Engagement and MoraleOf course, employees want to be paid a fair wage. But they also want recognition and appreciation. A good benefits package signals that they are respected and that what matters to them matters to the company.5. Improve Your ImageGood corporate citizenry along with happy employees is a combination that is unbeatable when it comes to building brand equity. Further, research says that when you treat people well, it’s reflected in how they treat customers.
Different Types of Employee Benefits
When you want to enhance your benefits package, there are many options. The benefits described below are not mandatory. Some, however, are considered standard and without them it would be difficult to attract the best employees. Here are some of the most popular categories of benefits:
Health Care
In addition to routine medical care, health care benefits may also include dental, vision, and hospitalization. Many companies offer accounts that allow employees to put aside money for healthcare expenses that are not covered elsewhere. These include flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HSA). The main differences between them are who contributes — employees, employers, or both — and whether or not the funds roll over from year to year.
Wellness
A subset of health care, wellness benefits include everything from on-site workout facilities and yoga classes to gym memberships and smoking cessation clinics. In addition, there are paid fitness apps and other wellness tools available online.
Work-Life
Work-life is a broad category that may overlap with some of the other groupings listed here. This benefit includes the types of perks that make it easier for working people to take paid time off to enjoy sufficient rest or tend to personal responsibilities. They include such things as vacation days, maternity and paternity leave, time off for caregiver responsibilities, and, in more recent years, flexible scheduling and work-from-home opportunities.
Paid Sick Leave
While there isn’t a sick leave policy for short-term illnesses on a federal level, some states — California and New York are two — mandate paid leave for employees. Employees who lack sick leave are more likely to go to work, a major factor in the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, according to public health officials. Another benefit that has become increasingly popular are “mental health days.” This may be included as part of sick days or may be separate.
Financial Wellness
According to a recent study, employees spend 25% of their workweek dealing with financial issues. These types of benefits have also experienced a surge in popularity. Bank of America reported that in 2021, 46% of employers included some form of financial wellness benefit in their employee offerings. The types of programs are wide and varied and may include retirement planning, insurance, investing, financial literacy, budgeting, and tax planning.
Retirement Plans
For most Gen Zers and millennials, the defined benefit retirement plan does not exist. Of course, employers don’t have to be involved. But when employees don’t plan properly it contributes significantly to stress levels. Employers can help with 401K plans even if they don’t offer matching contributions. In addition to the aforementioned, there are planning tools, workshops, and education. They can also support retirement transitions, for example, with flexible scheduling or reduced hours.
Professional Development
Well-trained employees are able to contribute to the company in significant ways. In addition to learning new skills, they are versed in recent trends and emerging opportunities in the industry. Training is easier than ever before with the latest publications and options for online learning and podcasts right at your fingertips. Employers can offer tuition reimbursement, company-sponsored workshops and classes, and time off to pursue continuing education classes at a university or trade school.
Commuter Stipends
Companies who care about the environment may offer an incentive to employees to take public transportation, carpool, ride bikes or walk to work. This incentive can reduce the cost of a bus ticket or provide a little extra padding in the budget each month.
Charitable Giving and Volunteerism
This is a benefit that appeals directly to employees who are looking for companies that are good corporate citizens. The benefits include, for example, matching all or a portion of charitable donations and providing time off for volunteering. Some companies sponsor a school, a local nonprofit or other charitable organization and may offer employees the opportunity to volunteer — or even manage a project — with pay.Offering Charitable Giving and Volunteerism programs are excellent methods of getting employees involved in philanthropy and shifting workplace cultures toward generosity.Learn how to maximize employee impact.
Offer Benefits That Engage and Retain
Companies are becoming increasingly creative in the benefits they offer. The above list is not all-inclusive. However, these benefits are among the top contenders when it comes to engaging and retaining your workforce. Why consider a charitable giving program? It allows you to be a good corporate citizen while at the same time giving employees something that’s important to them. Not everyone is interested in yoga classes or budgeting apps. But most employees have a favorite charity and the desire to do their part. If you’re interested in a charitable giving program as part of your benefits package, contact Groundswell today. Benefits don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Employees appreciate companies that value the things that are most important to them.
The best companies have one thing in common: good leadership. Leadership can make or break a company. All leaders aren’t managers. There are, for example, informal leaders who may have no official title or claim to direct others. So while all leaders aren’t managers, in the most exceptional companies, all managers are leaders.The traditional view of management is confined to the basic functions of planning, organizing, directing, staffing, and controlling. That may fit neatly into the comfort zone for some people, but it doesn’t fit the way businesses operate today. As the competitive environment changes and the old work rules are discarded, the role of manager is becoming a lot more flexible.When you’re managing people in a rapidly changing and fluid world, you need more skills than ever. It’s no longer sufficient, if it ever was, to simply be the smartest person in the room. As mentioned, the best managers are great leaders. This means they have both the hard and the soft skills to get the best from their people. Much has been written about leadership styles. But perhaps more important than any particular style are the things that great managers do every day.
What Does Good Management Look Like in Practice?
If you want to know how to be a good manager, follow these seven essential tips every day:
Manage Up
New paradigms for leadership largely turn the top-down model on its head. Good managers aren’t simply following instructions received from on high. When you cultivate good relationships with your own managers, you’ll better understand the pressures and motivations behind their decisions. When the relationship is good, managers can even offer respectful feedback. In turn, your managers can learn how to best advocate for your success.
Invest in the Next-Generation Leaders
As a manager in the current environment, you don’t have time to micromanage. You must manage to meet goals and objectives. This allows others to learn valuable skills and flex their problem-solving and leadership muscle. More importantly, you have the responsibility of creating new leaders. As a strong manager, you can rely on the people around you because you have taught them well and delegated tasks to them.
Favor Innovation Over Rinse-and-Repeat
A few decades ago, managers were focused on efficiency and productivity. This meant processes that were reliable and repeatable. Make no mistake, businesses still need a high level of efficiency. However, the companies with the most sustainable business models for the future are those that take risks. They aren’t afraid to try something new. It’s not strictly about technology. Rather, it’s about empowering people to discover the possibilities. If you aren’t innovating, you can be assured that some scrappy new startup is finding a way to do what you do, only better.
Manage From the Inside Out
You can’t manage from outside the team. The best managers aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. This isn’t simply an improved version of managing by walking around. It’s managing by getting involved. Managers who master this skill have the opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses in their team and to better understand their pain points. In order to do it most effectively, however, you must walk a fine line between being a team player and taking over. As a manager, it’s your job to provide the “what,” for example, the deliverables. To the extent possible, avoid telling people “how” to do their jobs.
Share Knowledge
The rapidly changing business environment means that yesterday’s education and skills quickly become obsolete. You don’t have to be an expert in every new technology or management philosophy that crops up. But you do need to understand the extent of change. When you are busy with job responsibilities and home life, it can seem impossible. Fortunately, you never need to step into a bookstore, library or classroom to learn something new. Take time out of your busy schedule to read, take an online course, follow a blog, or have lunch with a colleague in your industry or another. Then share the information you collect and teach others what you know.
Encourage Team Problem-Solving
Encourage problem-solving among your employees. It removes the pressure from you to always be the fixer. Further, it builds a critical skill that will make your company more profitable in the long run. Solicit ideas, ask for input and encourage team members to share. This has the additional benefit of helping employees think more holistically about where the business is headed and what the future challenges might be. Remember that if your team isn’t making any mistakes, they may be playing it too safe.
Pursue the Greater Good
Good managers are selfless. Certainly, they want what is best for their employees, customers, partners, and the company. But the concept of the greater good extends even further. Good managers understand that their actions have consequences for the community and the world. They work to ensure that they do no harm.
What Are the Benefits of Strong Management?
When a company has strong managers, it benefits in many ways.
Attracts and Retains Better Talent
Word gets around when a company is well-managed. Managers that invest in their professional growth mentor others around them and have no trouble attracting good employee candidates, while also being able to retain current employees.
Sustains Growth Into the Future
Employees are more engaged with good management. They’re better able to ensure that the company is positioned for long-term growth and able to outperform the competition.
Builds Credibility for the Brand
A strong managerial base provides stability for the company. It fortifies the values and builds products and services that promote the brand and enhance the company’s reputation.
Becomes a Better Corporate Citizen
Managers create an environment where all employees think beyond the walls of the company toward the partnerships they have created, the customers they serve and the broader business community. Corporate giving programs, for example, are one of the ways to practice good corporate citizenship.One way to include charitable giving as a corporate value is with a charitable giving program. You can match employee contributions or support employee volunteer efforts. Groundswell automates charitable giving and makes it an easily administered part of your employee benefits package.
Good Management Means Change
Management has evolved. The requirements for how to be a good manager have less to do with control and more to do with how well managers can inspire others to perform at the highest levels. These managers are adept at handling a diversity of ideas, opinions and approaches to getting the work done. They freely share their knowledge and help others to be the best version of themselves. These are the managers that will sustain the best companies in the future.If you’re interested in a corporate giving program that will capture the hearts of your employees, Groundswell is the way to go. We make corporate giving easy. Find out how you can get a leg up on the Talent War. Contact us for more information.
Modernizing Philanthropy in the Workplace: Why Investing in HR Technology Is Critical
Read moreWhen asked about the biggest challenges facing human resources professionals in 2022, HR exec Carla Yudhishthu noted something that's a relatively new concept in human resources management: the importance of connecting employees to a bigger purpose at work. That "soft" HR skill, along with recruitment, retention and employee engagement, is separate from what used to be considered the core of HR work — managing the office, tracking employee data, and managing employee benefits and education. It is, however, becoming a larger and more important part of human resources, especially as people return to the office after a lengthy, enforced office timeout. In fact, that side of HR — what Yudhishthu refers to as the "art of HR" — has taken on increasing importance, but the need for the operational side of things hasn't diminished. If your company is still relying on HR workers to essentially do data entry and management, it's time to look at how modern HR technology supports your entire workforce while freeing your HR department to focus on the things that really motivate and engage your employees.
What Motivates Your Workforce? (It's Not What You Think It Is)
Common wisdom suggests that employees are motivated by better pay, higher benefits and workplace recognition and rewards. While all of those elements are important, recent research has found that the most engaged employees share some common experiences and attitudes.1. They work for companies that provide a smooth employee experienceThe easier it is for someone to do their work, the more likely they are to be satisfied with their job. Businesses with engaged employees provide them with the tools they need, not only to do their jobs, but to manage their lives in balance with their work. That includes HR software that puts the information they need at their fingertips, both figuratively and literally. Modern HR technology features apps that allow employees to access and track their own data, so they can see at a glance how many vacation days they have, how much sick time they've earned, and more. They also make it easy and intuitive for workers to submit requests for time off or schedule changes, and to see the progress of their request without having to visit the HR office. By removing friction from basic functions, good HR technology improves the employee experience and increases employee satisfaction. At the same time, it reduces the amount of time your HR department has to spend on routine tasks that can be automated.2. They find purpose in their workA recent McKinsey study found that 70% of the employees they surveyed want work that is meaningful — that fulfills a purpose. The top recommendation from that study was for corporations to identify and consider their impact on the world around them, and work to align their corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies with the values that are important to their employees. People who work for companies that empower them to make changes in the world around them are more likely to stay in their jobs and to recommend their company to others.HR software that helps manage and track CSR and giving can provide a visual reminder of individual and company purpose. 3. Their jobs offer meaningful benefitsWhile the traditional work benefits — health insurance, paid time off and other typical work perks — are still an important draw, employees also want perks that recognize them as whole people. This includes corporate giving programs of all types, from workplace volunteer opportunities to donation match programs. Employees who work for companies that empower and support them in giving back to the community feel a stronger sense of loyalty to their employer.HR technology allows employees to manage their own work-life balance, as well as discover and access benefits provided by the company. The combination leads to more job satisfaction, more transparent company culture and improved well-being across the company.4. They have some flexibility and autonomy in their workAutonomy and flexibility give workers a sense of control and ownership over their contributions to the company and its purpose. Over the past few years of working from home, many employees have found that they're more productive and engaged when they're allowed to make some decisions about when, where and how to approach their work. At the same time, it's important to maintain good communication and set clear expectations. A structured HR interface, along with clear company-wide messaging, can provide a framework that allows employees to make decisions that fit with the overall goals and needs of the entire company.5. They want to work for a company that shares their valuesOne of the most effective ways for a business to align their values with their people is through creating a corporate culture that values transparency, social responsibility and participation. A workplace giving portal does more than provide an easy way for employees to participate in charitable giving. It can also provide a wealth of data to help the HR department:
- Track trends in giving
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the company's corporate giving strategies
- Demonstrate the company's commitment to its values
- Empower employees to support the causes important to them
- Give leadership the information it needs to see if the current programs align with employee values
The Bottom Line
The right HR technology provides the tools, information and structure your company needs to attract, motivate and retain top talent in your field. Not only does it empower your workforce and provide them with transparency, it also frees up your HR professionals to use their creativity and knowledge to improve the workplace.For more tips on building strong leadership and employees, check out our blog.
For many executives, improving employee engagement is a top global business strategy, and for good reason. Employee engagement is critically important in today’s competitive marketplace. Engaged employees are more productive and committed to their companies, generating shareholder value and improving organizational performance. They exhibit lower levels of attrition and absenteeism. Plus, they have fewer on-the-job accidents, foster loyalty among customers and enhance the company’s reputation.
The Reality of Engagement on the Job
Gallup polls indicate that just 36% of employees are engaged on the job. Does that mean that nearly two-thirds of workers are just putting in the hours? Pretty much. According to the research, the number of actively disengaged stands at 15% through June 2021. That leaves another half of all employees who are simply showing up. Not a comforting thought. But it does show that many U.S. companies are nowhere near their potential when it comes to performance.
What Does Employee Engagement Really Look Like?
Employees can be satisfied with their jobs but not actually vested in the company. They may enjoy the work and look forward to the paycheck without being terribly interested in the company's vision. This is not engagement. These employees would be just as comfortable collecting their paychecks from another firm. Engagement means that employees are a key component of your overall strategy and are committed to advancing the company’s goals. It happens when companies create a culture that invites emotional connection, genuine involvement and contagious enthusiasm about the purpose and mission.
How To Improve Engagement
There are a number of programs aimed at getting employees more excited about coming to work each day. Employee engagement ideas are a dime a dozen with blog articles touting 15, 25, 50 ways to engage your workforce. But unless these programs are thoughtfully conceived, they will just be noise. To get true engagement, employees need to feel that their work is valued, their opinions are heard and supported, and they are respected. These are the beliefs that underpin trust. Employees can have the best perks, but if trust is lacking, they will not be engaged. This trust comes from the following areas:
- Trust and respectful communications
- Open dialogues
- Exchange of thoughts and opinions
- Intentional and Positive Company Culture
- Management accountability
8 Employee Engagement Ideas
If your engagement levels aren’t as high as you’d like, there is no silver bullet. One teambuilding event or corporate baseball tournament is not going to fix it. However, there are employee engagement ideas and programs you can implement that will help you get started:
1. Onboard With a Buddy
Match new employees with someone who can help them navigate and understand the company culture. Ideally, it will be an individual outside of their workgroup, allowing them to meet people from other departments. This person can help them become adept at finding resources with the company and answer questions they may not feel comfortable asking their immediate bosses or co-workers.
2. Create Social Spaces
It is important to have social connections and work relationships. These relationships increase collaboration and job satisfaction. Ensure that employees have a place to interact and have a little downtime. You don’t need a foosball table or a trendy office playroom. If all you have is a breakroom, make the space inviting and encourage people to go there. Better yet, solicit the executive team to model the behavior by occasionally making themselves accessible and available in the employee lounge. If some of your employees are remote, you can create virtual meeting spots.
3. Take an Executive to Work
Employees are thrilled when they know that the top leaders in the company understand their day-to-day challenges. That’s the spirit behind Hilton’s innovative Senior Leadership Business Immersion program. The program has senior leaders and board members spend three days doing customer-facing work. This means that executives are making beds and preparing room service trays right alongside the staff. They leave the experience with a greater appreciation of the challenges and opportunities the business is facing and the improvements that could be made. Perhaps the greatest benefits, however, are the boost it provides to employee morale and the feeling of solidarity it generates.
4. Golden Globe Award
Competing priorities can sometimes make teams believe that they aren’t all working toward the same ends. It may help to introduce a fun ritual that doesn’t require much time. You don’t actually need a golden globe, or even a globe. Any symbolic object will work.Each week, the object is awarded, with a bit of celebratory fanfare, from one team to another. The award is given in recognition for assistance provided, an expedited request, information shared or simply being helpful colleagues. The next week, the award is passed from the former recipients to another team. The idea is to encourage inter-team collaboration and goodwill.
5. Partners, Not Employees
London-based company John Lewis calls its 80,000 employees partners. It’s an interesting choice of words because the vast majority of the people who work there are not true partners according to the legal definition. Rather, they share responsibility for the company, its customers and its outcomes. The word partner evokes a sense of empowerment. The company stated, in their words, as “an experiment in industrial democracy.”
6. Driven by Purpose
According to Gartner researchers, 65% of those surveyed say that the pandemic has made them rethink the place work should have in their lives. Increasingly, employees want to work for a company that aligns with a purpose that they can believe in.Southwest Airlines is a company that differentiates itself beyond being a transporter of people. They consider themselves an enabler that helps people get to the people or places they care about. It’s not a huge difference, but it does help define a strong purpose and an emotional connection with its employees and an important responsibility to the customers they serve. That’s not the end of the story, though. Southwest encourages its employees to create a superior experience for the customers and give them the support and the trust they need to accomplish this goal.
7. Help Employees Give Back
People love to donate to a good cause and in 2020, charitable giving topped $471 billion. Companies give to nonprofit organizations, as well. But those organizations may not be the ones that capture the hearts and minds of their employees. Everyone has a favorite charity or two. Groundswell allows employees to pick the problems and the solutions they want to address, supporting them with matching donations of up to $5,000 and time off to volunteer. It makes managing employee giving programs effortless. Further, Groundswell provides data that gives employers insight into the issues their employees care about. It’s great information to have as you consider how to design your HR practices and plan your strategic initiatives to deepen employee engagement.
8. Take a Stand
Beyond simply sending a check to a select group of nonprofits, companies can take a stand on causes that employees care deeply about. Many corporations have adopted K-12 schools and invested time and resources to bring about higher-quality educational experiences in underserved communities. Employees at SDN Communications in Sioux Falls have an opportunity to make an impact and bond with colleagues as they engage in activities such as a winter clothing drive and volunteering for the Read Across America program.
The Bottom Line
It’s no coincidence that some of the most profitable companies today are those with the most engaged workforces. It’s the companies that summit on “the best places to work” lists. Their employees don’t flock to the company because they have a cool game room and free snacks. They aren’t drawn in by catchy slogans and nice placards on the wall. They are excited by the vision and energized by the empowerment they feel when they come to work each day. Employee engagement is all about building your brand internally. It will take some work, but the rewards will determine how your company will fare against the competition in the years to come. When you consider engagement statistics, the reality is that engaged employees help companies win. If you’d like more information on the benefits of a donor-advised fund, contact Groundswell today.
Few of the 4 million U.S. students who graduate each year either want or expect a job for life. In fact, the average American employee stays with a company for just over four years, according to Bureau of Labor statistics. Churn is the sign of a healthy employment landscape, but something bigger is afoot in the current job market. More than 19 million U.S. workers have quit since April 2021 as part of the “Great Resignation.” For the most part, employers don’t know why they’re struggling to retain employees or how to stem the flow beyond crude employee retention strategies such as pay rises. The volatility shaping the employment landscape is about purpose, not pay. Today’s employee isn’t debating where to work, but why. Paradoxically, that’s an opportunity for employers to listen, learn and reassess how to retain employees.
What Is Employee Retention?
We’ve already explored how leadership can stimulate employee engagement, but that’s only possible if you’re able to keep employees on the payroll in the first place. Employee retention typically refers to the proportion of existing employees who remain with the company over a standard 12-month period. Sectors with the highest employee turnover include seasonal roles (lifeguards and ski instructors), retail, food service, cashiers and hospitality. These have drawn fierce criticism recently for offering minimum wage positions with little career advancement, ultimately leading employees to vote with their feet.
The Importance of Retaining Employees
Research by McKinsey at the height of the Great Resignation revealed that 40% of employees surveyed expected to quit their job in the next three months. Significantly, many were planning to resign without having lined up their next role. For the employee, it’s a brief moment of liberation before the reality of student loans and bills refocuses the mind, but for American businesses as a whole, $11 billion is lost every year due to employee turnover. The cost of hiring and training new employees adds up.
Why Do Good Employees Leave?
Half of employees leave within their first two years of employment. Not all necessarily have an ax to grind, but research by PwC identified four recurring reasons why employees jump ship:
- Salary - Many employees find they can only unlock a pay rise by switching employers.
- Benefits - Health coverage, pensions and child care are powerful tools employers can use to attract talent from their rivals.
- Career advancement - Today’s fast-evolving digital landscape means that employees can quickly outgrow the skill set of their current business and will search for more challenging opportunities.
- Flexibility - Particularly since the pandemic, employers are looking for something more than a cubicle in a downtown office five days a week.
How To Retain Employees: 10 Strategies from Great Companies
What are companies such as Pfizer, Verizon and Procter & Gamble doing to set them apart from other Fortune 100 companies when it comes to tempering volatility and boosting employee retention? The most effective employee retention strategies excel in the following ten areas.
1. Onboarding and Exit Interviews
The best-valued employers have a clear, consistent process for onboarding new hires that is interactive and engaging, perhaps featuring self-service resources, for example. New arrivals are given transparent benchmarks for performance targets.
The exit interview isn’t a lost cause when it comes to retention, however. For the employer, there’s a huge learning opportunity to discover shortcomings within the company that a current employee wouldn’t be willing to share.
2. Set Mutual Goals
Employees don’t want to feel as if they’re simply filling a vacancy. They want a road map, marked with SMART goals, that gives them momentum. Too many employers focus on what they need from a new employee, in terms of targets, without incorporating the element of professional development employees may be thinking about.
3. Work/Life Balance
Research by Microsoft showed that Gen Z has more work-related problems than any other generation. It stands to reason. They’re starting their careers in a disruptive time and have to progress at a relentless rate just to keep pace with evolving technology. Employee burnout is by no means confined to the Wall Street masters of the universe. With the lines increasingly blurred between work and home, and the right to be “offline” up for challenge, employers need to show greater flexibility when it comes to accommodating their staff.
4. Perks
A corner office or snack trolley is no longer the apogee of office perks. The most sought-after employers offer a richer variety of perks that find time and space for personal growth, whether it’s opportunities for wellness, fitness or education. These benefits should be applicable to all employees too, and incorporate family-focused perks. Patagonia, for example, offers new moms on-site child care.
A toxic work culture is one of the biggest reasons why good people leave a company. It could be active, such as unethical behavior or bullying, or passive, such as a failure to progress on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures.
A business that stands for something as a company, on the other hand, with strong values that resonate with those of its employees is more likely to retain talent. That’s the values-driven ethos behind Groundswell, making it easier for companies to offer tax-advantaged charitable giving as an employee benefit.
6. Mentorship and Training
Even a master’s degree or MBA has an expiry date. Ambitious employees crave ongoing professional development and it should be customized to their role or needs. A team that isn’t learning will stagnate, so employers have to take the lead by offering bespoke learning opportunities. It’s not enough to attract the cream of the graduate pool. Employers need to grow their existing teams too to hold on to them.
7. Communication
The frequency and quality of feedback can be critical in retaining employees. It doesn’t have to be restricted to the official quarterly review, which often feels like a box-ticking exercise for Human Resources. When employees feel heard, understood, and nurtured, they stay. When they feel overlooked or misunderstood, they seek fresh challenges.
8. Compensation
On average, workers gain a 10% to 20% raise in base salary by switching employers, but the number on the napkin isn’t the only factor to clinch the deal. Employees are looking for transparency when it comes to pay scales, gender equity, the opportunity to access performance-related commissions and bonuses, as well as rewards that don’t necessarily feature on the pay slip.
9. Recognition
Organizations with formal employee recognition programs can expect around 31% less voluntary employee turnover. Unfortunately, too many employees feel paid but not valued. As many as two-thirds of American employees claim to have received no recognition whatsoever for their good work in the last year. Employers can boost retention by establishing formal programs that enable top-down and peer-to-peer gratitude and recognition.
10. Support Flexible Working
Research from Prudential showed that 42% of American employees planned to quit if remote working was not an option. That’s the post-pandemic reality. Employers must recognize that the limitations of the office environment have been exposed and embrace the sharing of ideas and breaking down of silos across remote channels.
Retain Your Talent
Groundswell established charitable giving as a pillar of compensation. In turn, that allows your business to attract values-driven talent and reward them with a perk that matters. To find out more about our accessible philanthropy platform, contact us today.
Companies could simply donate a few hundred dollars here and some old computers there and call it good, right? So what is the purpose of corporate social responsibility?In the past, companies didn’t worry much about how they could give back. Sure, plenty of businesses gave money to their favorite charities and sponsored the local Little League team. While charitable donations of any type are commendable, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is something more. It is about holistic business practices that support a healthy economy and a strong global community for long-term sustainability, not just for the corporation, but for the world.In the ‘80s, there were a handful of corporations that built their legacies on giving back some part of their proceeds to support communities and provide for the underserved, like Newman’s Own and Ben & Jerry’s. But it wasn’t until the last couple of decades that consumers began to expect more.With the growing popularity of the internet and easy access to global news, corporate dealings became more transparent. Consumers couldn’t help noticing the media spotlight on the existential issues that we face today — climate change, contamination and the depletion of our natural resources, as well as the exploitation of our world communities.Increasingly, customers want to deal with companies that are responsible and ethical. At the same time, more business leaders understand that they have a vital role to play in actively participating in global solutions. International powerhouses such as Coca-Cola, Pfizer and Walt Disney made CSR an essential part of their business processes. Both large and small businesses are bolstering their CSR initiatives. In the process, they are attracting the best talent, engendering customer loyalty, and improving the communities that they serve.
What Is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Corporate social responsibility is the integration of societal and environmental concerns into the strategy and operations of a business. It consists of initiatives that are founded on the principle that companies should play a positive role in the community and be accountable for the impacts they have on society as a whole. The term was coined in the 1950s by economist Howard Bowen, but elements of it have existed since the 1800s. Although there is no specific law that mandates social responsibility per se, most company leaders have long recognized that when they act in the best interest of society, benefits accrue to them.
Benefit of CSR
In many corporations, CSR matches existing cultural values and aligns with the ethics and morality of the leaders. That’s reason enough to have a CSR program and, in any case, answers the question: “What is the purpose of corporate social responsibility?” However, even though businesses may not expect that there will be a strategic advantage or even many benefits to the CSR program, the rewards are plentiful.CSR programs consistently return results. For example, they:
- Increase brand recognition.
- Create positive perceptions and enhance the brand reputation.
- Differentiate the company from its competitors.
- Provide greater protection against reputational damage.
- Generate increased customer loyalty.
These benefits are backed by research. Further, customers are four to six times more likely to buy from and trust a company with a strong sense of purpose. And 87% of those surveyed report that they would purchase products and services from companies that advocate for the causes they believe in.
The CSR pyramid
The CSR pyramid is a framework that represents the role of business in society and how businesses can take social responsibility. It was created by Archie Carroll, professor emeritus at the Terry College of Business, University of Georgia, in 1991. The hierarchy of the pyramid appears to place economic consideration before all else. In actual practice, if a business cannot be profitable while following the legal and ethical norms of a society, it should not exist. Like all frameworks, it has its limitations. Yet, despite criticisms that it may misrepresent the relative business priorities and place too strong an emphasis on profit-first, it still provides a useful way to think about how social responsibility works.In any corporation, there will always be tension between what is right and what is profitable. At the end of the day, a viable business must make money. Savvy leaders understand that they must be both ethical and legal. The others become Enron. Let’s consider each of the levels:PhilanthropicThe responsibility to be a good corporate citizen, to serve mankind and to look out for the poor and the underprivileged.EthicalThe responsibility to do what is right and fair, do no harm, follow fair labor practices, uphold nondiscriminatory actions and provide equal pay.LegalThe responsibility to obey the law, society’s codification of right and wrong.EconomicThe responsibility to make a profit and to meet its core responsibility to shareholders.Each of these components works together to create a sustainable operating model.
How Does CSR Work?
There’s no one right way to do CSR. Programs can take many forms. Following are some of the most popular:
- General donations: Corporations give money to their favorite nonprofits with no expectations in return.
- In-kind giving: Rather than money, corporations donate products, services, equipment or use of their facilities, for example.
- Scholarship and grants: Companies provide need-based or merit-based money for education, often targeting specific fields where they have an interest.
- Sponsorships: Companies pay money or donate products, services and even their employees, to be associated with an event, a team, a project or just the nonprofit itself.
- Disaster relief donations: When disaster strikes, relief efforts provide we assistance to communities and individuals who need food, shelter, clothing and other essentials.
- Employee volunteer programs: These workplace-based initiatives support and encourage employees to participate in managed community volunteer efforts.
- Matching gifts: Corporations set up an employee benefit that provides a matching donation to nonprofit organizations.
- Volunteer grants: Also known as a dollars for doers programs, corporations provide grant money to nonprofits based on the number of hours employees spend volunteering there.
- Pro bono work: Companies provide free services, typically professional work, to those in need.
Best Practices for a CSR Program
CSR is self-regulating. As such, there are no rules of compliance that you must follow. But there are certain things a company can do to ensure that the program gets a good start and that it exercises the discipline required to meet its business objectives.
- Put together a vision of where you want to be based on Carroll’s pyramid. What is the right balance between profitability and service to the community?
- Audit current activities. What are you doing now that could be considered part of your CSR program?
- Develop a business code of ethics. Establish guiding principles that provide direction in terms of daily operations and how you treat employees, customers, the environment and competitors.
- Adopt a workplace health and safety program. Ensure that you are following government regulations that are aimed at providing a safe work environment, avoiding the transmission of disease and preventing accidents.
- Pledge to protect the environment. Start by implementing the three Rs of waste management in your workplace: reduce, reuse and recycle. Consider ways to minimize your carbon footprint, e.g., smart lighting and eliminating unnecessary travel.
- Get strategic about nonprofits. Donate to causes that make sense given your business model and your values.
- Mandate supply chain CSR. Communicate your values and expectations to your suppliers. Treat your suppliers equitably.
CSR Made Easy
One way to ensure that your CSR program runs smoothly is to find the right partners. Technology can help you effortlessly monitor, manage and measure the results of your program. Groundswell is the best option when you are looking to make charitable giving an employee benefit. It allows you to create a personal foundation for each employee and put the control in their capable hands. If you’d like more information about Groundswell, contact us.
Groundswell CEO Jake Wood hosted a LinkedIn Audio conversation with The Muse founder Kathryn Minshew talking about the latest in The Great Resignation. The Muse is a market-leading online job portal that compiles detailed profiles of companies looking for top talent. With over 68 million people who use the site every single month, it has long been the go-to location for talent seeking a meaningful relationship with their employers. Below you'll find a transcript of their conversation.
Hi Kathryn, it is so nice to have you here. Can you tell us more about The Muse?
Thank you Jake, very excited with our discussion. Well, I have been kind of at the intersection of values based work, changing generational trends. And I just ask these questions, do you find work you love as a business? How do you attract people who are actually going to be happy in the jobs and the culture that you have? I've been in this space for a little over 10 years, which is just wild. I feel like it's been a fascinating last couple of years.
At The Muse we are aiming to help individuals find a career that matches their unique preferences, values and priorities.
We have 68 million people who use the site every single month, a lot of Gen Z and Millennial candidates in particular, but we're not limited by age. So people are searching for jobs based on certain benefits, like paid parental leave or tuition reimbursement. They can also look for jobs and companies that have a female founder, veteran founded, black founded— a lot of different leadership attributes. We're constantly asking individuals, what are they looking for? We have hundreds of companies we work with, from Apple, to Goldman Sachs to Enterprise rent-a-car, and a bunch of small businesses as well. We are also asking these companies what are they offering? What do they think that they need to do to attract employees? It's a marketplace, and I just love this space. I love seeing it evolve, particularly in the last six to eight months, as we've been dealing with The Great Resignation.
Everyone is talking about The Great Resignation, and some people have no idea what that means. On the most fundamental level, people are expressing their dissatisfaction with their jobs. Many people are quitting their employment and not returning to the labor force. I believe there is a lot lurking beneath the surface. And you're starting to see some of this come to light, as well as how certain leaders are beginning to reframe it. Some refer to it as The Great Migration, while others refer to it as The Great Reshuffle. What is going on, in your opinion?
Well, I prefer the term, The Great Reshuffle or The Great Rethink, because it's not just that people are quitting, but people are re-evaluating their priorities. They are using this opportunity to make career moves, some for better salary, some for a career that treats them better, or a job that is more aligned with their values, purpose, and mission. To put it in context, you mentioned the scope of the changes, and I think that it's just helpful to note the number of people quitting is higher than we have ever seen since this data has been recorded.
There were millions of people in November who quit, and there were more job openings than at any point in history.
So it's really interesting that we're seeing workers have more power. I have to say that this trend has been going on for a long time, even from the early days of The Muse back in 2019 and early 2020. Right before the pandemic, I saw that. The internet just makes it a lot easier to understand what else is out there. It does that in opinions in the media, in every field, but it definitely does that in careers where people have unprecedented access to all the other jobs that they might be able to get, all the other companies that they could be working for. Candidates are getting more choosy in where they work.
Do you mean that this has been going on for a long time, even before COVID? Is it a slow-boiling trend exacerbated by COVID, but it will still be the eventual outcome?
Yes, 100%. For example, the products that we use like Netflix, it personalizes its recommendations which is a big advancement in technology over the last several years. I showed people that you should be able to get something curated for you, personalized for your preference.
The workplace on the other hand has in a lot of cases remained one size fits all— and that is changing.
I totally agree that COVID is a huge accelerant, and we're moving faster in the direction of workers voting with their feet, and expressing preferences. But I don't think the trend is anything new and none of the data I'm seeing indicates that it's going anywhere.
What, in your perspective, was the main driving force? Is it the move to remote work, or the decision point people are facing as some companies demand a return to the office? Is it more of an inward introspection, driven by, to put it frankly, this brush with mortality that came with COVID? What was the trigger of this unexpected surge?
I think it's a fool's errand to try and pinpoint the one thing because we have seen so many of these trends, but I love that you brought up. I don't think people are looking at this enough, the fact that we had this collective brush with death. It's very common in a lot of movies, you'll see a main character who is almost in a car accident, or they narrowly escaped death in some way, it reminds me of them of their mortality. And they wake up and they say, "Oh, my gosh, I'm not living life in accordance with my values, I need to make a change."
This is so common, and yet, I think we've not experienced, at least in the last, several decades, as sort of society-wide reckoning with how fragile life is, what matters beyond the day to day rat race.
I really think that the shift to remote has been huge. There have been a lot of structural and societal changes that were brought all at once. But I do think that one of the biggest themes is this fact, this reckoning with people's individual values with how they find meaning in life, and that often comes out of tragedy. But I think it's created a sense where they want to live a life that is more aligned with what matters to them, and so they're looking to work and workplace as a big piece of that.
Here at Groundswell, we have firsthand knowledge. We're venture-backed, we've got funding, we can contribute equity, we have an amazing product with big commercial prospects, but it's difficult to attract talent right now because it's a war. Do you believe people are changing their priorities because they can afford to do so right now?
Yes you're completely right. We are seeing cases where candidates are getting multiple competing offers. Salaries are obviously on the rise, a lot of companies are rethinking their benefits package. You can't underestimate the importance of a great mission— a strong company culture. For anyone who is hiring right now, there are a lot of messages in the market right now about what candidates want.I have a lot of data about what candidates say that they're looking for. But what's really interesting is, there's not one single path, or one single rubric that every candidate is measuring a company. The opportunity and challenge of the era we're in is the candidates have very specific individual priority lists, and they are measuring up your company or your opportunity against those lists. The reason I think that this is an opportunity is that, let's say that you can't provide the perks of Google, but you can really invest in learning and growth and professional development opportunities.Whatever it is, if you can get clear about what you can offer, and you can make those promises to the market and back them up. You'll find candidates who want what you're offering, and you just have to be really clear about what you're offering.
It has to be genuine, authentic, because there is a lot of punishment right now in the marketplace for companies that miss promise.
In an excerpt from Entrepreneur Magazine, a reporter was discussing a conversation he was having with a consultant. And then he says, "Companies will no longer be able to impose a one-size-fits-all approach if they wish to compete. Instead, they'll need to tailor their interactions with their employees, just as they did with their consumers." He's arguing that the future of employee management will be similar to what's happened in customer service over the last two decades. Many of these customer care activities take a one-to-one approach to customer support rather than the one-to-many strategy that was previously the only scalable way to do it. How do you feel about that? Do you agree or disagree? Is it going to have to be one-on-one? And is that scalable for companies wishing to do this at the enterprise level?
Yeah, I love that quote. I think that it's undeniable that this is the direction we're moving in. The path that we're on, is it going to be fully one to one, everyone chooses their own adventure? Probably not— or at least not for a long time. But, when you look at the experience right now, it's very uncustomary sized. I think it's very clear that people are seeking more personal solutions, they want to be heard on their deepest needs. It doesn't mean every single whim, but on the most core priorities of an individual, they are looking for those to be met by their workplace, and if not met, they might leave.I like the customer service example, but I actually think B2B marketing is really interesting. No company right now, just blast every potential customer with the exact same message, the exact same. I'm not a B2B marketer, but B2B marketing folks have a lot of software, there's data, there's strategy. There's an entire system for saying, different people are at different points in the process, they have different needs, so they create customized flows. The thing is, it probably feels really hard. This idea that businesses are going to create a bit more of a customized flow. But you need to do it, because it's important to your businesses, so people will figure it out. We figured it out in B2B marketing, we figured it out in customer service, and I think unfortunately HR often gets the short end of the stick.
Everyone talks about the importance of people, but a lot of companies aren't really set up with the employee experience as a key priority. I think that The Great Resignation is forcing that to change.
Businesses will have to figure out how to do so. Is that a viable strategy for scaling a business? On the other hand, can you afford not to?
It's really easy for this conversation, to hang out in the extremes. Companies that treat their people like garbage are completely blind to their wants and needs. Then on the other end, companies that are just bending over backwards, contorting themselves into shapes, trying to deal with the every request of a very demanding workforce. I think that obviously, I don't want to live in either of those extremes, I'm guessing nobody wants to.
We live in America, don't we live in the world of extreme dialogue?
Yes that is true. Some of it starts with some basic principles. I've been familiar enough with you as a CEO and as a leader to know that some of these are very organic to the style that you lead. In running The Muse, every single employee who works at the Muse chose to come here, and they could have gone somewhere else. That doesn't mean that I have to give them everything they want, obviously I can't. But it does mean that when leadership teams approach employee relations and talent with this idea, that your people are good, and they have other options, it's basically mutual respect.A lot of the tools that we give companies are sort of under the hood, and the advice we give them as well, is how to listen to your people and understand. What is making your happy people happiest? What is making disgruntled or frustrated or less engaged people less happy or making them leave? It's not about the feeling that you have to fix everything immediately. We live in an imperfect world, and that's not a very realistic task. But it is about saying, “How do I identify the biggest things that are standing in the way of employee satisfaction and genuinely commit with real resources to working on those?” I think it's becoming more important for employers to say, “How do I make sure that before people come here, they have a rough sense of what they're getting?”People will opt into all sorts of work environments willingly, but they want to do it with their eyes wide open. They want to say, “Yes, this problem matters to me so much.” The thing about the Marine Corps, people know what they're getting there. Of course, there's always surprises, I don't mean it like that. But broadly speaking, there is a sense, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think there's a pretty clear sense that this is what you're signing up for. I think that most leaders, if they were pretty transparent about what you're signing up for by joining our company, would find that their people are actually happier than you know.
The worst thing is when people feel like they have been misled in the hiring process.
That is a brilliant point. You're completely correct; one of my favorite recruiting ads was run by the Marine Corps before I joined, I believe in the 1980s. It's an old poster featuring a drill instructor glowering at a recruit with an evil look, and the poster's title is "We didn't promise you a rose garden." They were quite clear about what you should expect, but I believe you're correct. I believe that all too frequently, CEOs recruit for resumes or pedigree rather than for the type of individual they want to join the team. It's a marketplace for how companies treat their employees rather than the types of jobs they're promoting. Is that accurate?
Yes it's definitely one of the things that we're focused on. We've seen this again, and again, some people want work environments that are one way, some people want them differently. My favorite metaphor is dating, right? Because there's no such thing as the best people to marry in your city. I don't think there's such a thing as the best companies to work for. Best for who it really is, on what you want, what your values are, what sort of work environment you're seeking out. Some people want a lot of stability, consistency, low velocity of change, and things are very predictable.Discussions take place over long periods of time, with tons of input from all across the organization, and then a decision is made and rarely changed. Other people drive them insane, they want fast change experiments. I think when you have people who are frustrated, frankly, sometimes there is a real problem in the workplace and that is something that is very, very important to keep in the conversation. But sometimes there's a real mismatch between the type of work environment someone is looking for, and the type of work environment that they've found.That's why companies are putting a lot more of their work environment, their values, their culture out there. It's scary for companies to be more honest, because every HR leader I know is working with folks at their company but should only say the good things. I'm not necessarily saying that companies need to wave every bit of dirty laundry out there. Let's say that you are a traditional company that hasn't been trying to become more innovative, but is also dealing with a kind of slower moving legacy culture.We found that it's actually much more effective to tell a lot of people,"Hey, our leadership is committed to becoming more innovative, we are doing these things. We also are, you know, dealing with some of these legacy systems, but we're all working together to move in this direction that is going to yield," If that's the truth, that's going to yield a much more likely match with someone who knows that that's what they're signing up for, and is excited about it than trying to say like, "We're just as innovative as all these, you know, startups, and you can come here to and kind of move really fast on the latest technology".
If that's not true people are going to be really disengaged, which is awful, for everyone. It's bad for the candidate, and it's really bad for the employer, too.
"I don't believe in good cultures and terrible cultures," I used to say. In terms of business culture, I believe in both strong and weak cultures. There's a great difference between good and bad, and strong and weak; one is by design, the other is unintentional. It's been carefully constructed to achieve specific results. I believe what I'm hearing from you is that the same is true for workplaces, correct? There aren't always good and poor work settings, but there are those that are better than others for certain people. However, the best work environments were created with certain goals in mind. Is that what you're saying?
I think it's a complicated issue, because you do have certain elements of sort of toxicity in companies, especially when you get into cultures that are not equitable by design. There are companies that have a culture that's hard charging. If it could be made more equitable, the hard charging, this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, and that might be fine. For some people, it's a kind of preference. "Yes, I want that '', "No, I don't"; is then layered in with a culture that is not inclusive or diverse, a culture that has issues with structural sexism or racism. Then you have both a preference, the hard charging-ness intersecting with something that is truly toxic.I think that's another challenge is there are some places that just have major issues. And often if I talk to an HR leader, who's at a company, they say, "We don't treat our employees well, and management doesn't want to change'', "What can I do to help attract people?" There are companies that have historically not been good at equity that are making real strides now. I think it's really hard for jobseekers to get a sense of what you're like, but we're in such a time of change that business leaders have relegated talent and work experience and company culture to their HR department, so that's their job. They're starting to wake up and say, “This has to be everyone on the executive team's job otherwise, we are going to be in big trouble.”
Before, I was asked by a partner at a big VC firm, "Are you going to build a remote company or an in-person first company?" You are the expert on the future of work. What are your thoughts?
I will tell you what I'm seeing in the data, and then I'll tell you how I think about it personally. So in the data, I'll say that, when we pulled job seekers, at the very end of last year, about the most important criteria that they were considering, when looking for a new job, work life balance was number one above everything else. It is way far ahead of compensation, or anything else. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean remote. But I think it does mean flexibility and work life balance.
How much of that is driven by the fact that if they're looking for work right now, it's because they're leaving a job that doesn't allow for that kind of flexibility? Was that a foregone conclusion because they were job seekers at the time?
We've surveyed The Muse's users over time, the number of people who want flexibility is going way up. But again, it doesn't necessarily mean that a lot of people don't want to go back into the office consistently. In fact, 24% of our users prefer to return full time to the office.
I think that flexibility marker means that people want to have the ability to have some flexibility when needed. Workers want to be treated with respect by their employers.
Companies that are going to prioritize offices first should work with their team to figure out a policy that lets people have a bit of flexibility. The biggest chunk of our users 41% said that they prefer to go back to work part time in the office, part time remote, while 34% prefer to remain totally remote, and 24% prefer to return full time to the office. The thing that's so interesting is, when you really dig under the surface, no company is going to be able to make everyone happy. Because back to the office, they don't want an empty office that they can use whenever they want to go back with their team and experience the full on office experience, which a lot of people miss when working remotely.If everyone else is in the office, they want to be on a team that is distributed first. Going back to the very first question you asked me, this is why I think The Great Reshuffle or The Great Rethink is such a better term for what we're experiencing than The Great Resignation. Because right now, a lot of people are staying put in their jobs because they like the work, they like the manager.And at the end of the day, most companies at least, aren't fully decided how they're going to navigate, remote, in person, or hybrid work set-up. We're still in this pandemic, and there's still a lot up in the air. Some companies have come back, and some have said they're going to be fully remote. There's no answer that makes everyone happy. I think leaders are going to have to think about what they believe is the right answer for their business.
What does the future hold for a 23-year-old fresh out of college? Going into a remote-only company for their first job? How does that person advance in their career?
A lot of early career employees have been put at a big disadvantage. I used to spend a pretty good amount of time, every single week, just walking around The Muse's office, I would purposefully hang out, in the kitchen, near the Bevi machine. I would put myself in situations almost every single day, and certainly for a good amount of time, every week, where I would just be available to chat with folks. My goal was to see that new SDR sales development rep who had just joined, or talk to the account manager who had just closed a big deal and congratulate them, or ask that engineer what problem they were working on.I wanted to create a lot of these small, informal opportunities to build connections. "Leadership's a contact sport," it's a contact sport that requires those collisions. I really love that phrase. I think that it has been really hard in a virtual world. We use a tool called doughnuts at The Muse, where two people every two weeks are matched for coffee. So I get matched for these coffees with folks all over the business. I love that, but it doesn't quite replace the in-person interaction. For the people that I work with closely, like our leadership team, I get a lot of time with them, I know them, they know me, and I'm missing them in person. But at the end of the day, I feel like our relationship is pretty deep with mostly virtual contact, and then we see each other in person every now and then.I think it's much harder to do that when people have weak ties in the organization or multiple levels or departments apart. There's the flexibility, which a lot of people are focusing on virtual work. I do think we'll see some sort of backlash among a segment of folks, there are people who like their remote all the way and they know what works for them. We have not settled on what we're going to do post pandemic, it will likely be a hybrid approach, but I do think that some of that human connection is needed.
When you really bring people together and let them develop personal relationships outside of direct reporting structures, I think that it's really important.
Kathryn, what are the two or three things that a company should be doing right now, if you could summarize? How do leaders take advantage of this disruptive moment for others and turn it to their benefit?
Start the process of listening to your people now. Listening to your current employees, listening to folks who are leaving. Making sure you're doing really thoughtful exit interviews. I recommend anonymous forums, which allow people sometimes to share things with less fear of blowback, but also small group conversations.
I think it's really important to put your employee stories as genuine, authentic truths about your company work experience as part of the recruiting process.
At The Muse, I encourage all of our recruiting processes, where we send candidates a lot of information. Obviously, there's the job profile, but we'll also give them a lot of time to ask questions. We encourage the entire interview team to be very transparent. We equip people with the results of our latest poll survey. We also use a tool called Culture Amp to understand how people are experiencing different things at The Muse. I never want someone to show up at The Muse and feel really surprised about what they found. I want them to have their eyes wide open when making a decision.Companies can get really clear on their work environment, their culture, what they offer if they do this. It also includes accepting that some people will move on, but if they were an employee with good standing, make sure they know that if the next opportunity is not what they thought it would be, you'd welcome them back. In the past I was against rehiring past employees or what I call boomerang back. But you know, if they were great employees, it can actually be really valuable to have people come back who realized that the grass is not always greener elsewhere.
At Groundswell, we are privileged to connect with industry professionals that share our vision of rethinking and reigniting corporate giving. We love to sit down with smart folks, and learn about their perspectives on key CSR topics. Taylor Amerman is the Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at CDW, a Fortune 200 company that is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education, and healthcare. Taylor believes that empowering employee giving can positively affect CSR practices. She is a proponent for CSR, sustainability, transparency and efficiency.
Hello Taylor, It's great to have you here. To begin, could you please tell me a little bit about your background and your journey into the world of CSR in general?
My journey with CSR started when I was young.
I was very involved in the community, and had some transformational experiences through volunteerism.
In middle school and high school I had the ability to travel abroad, and that really inspired me for my career. However,I was in undergrad during the financial crisis and really needed a strong degree, so I ended up getting my undergrad and accounting with a minor in Community Leadership and Development. I went through tons of career paths, and during this time I started to learn about a field called CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility.I studied abroad at Queen's University in Belfast. During that time, I saw that there were master's degree programs in CSR. I graduated and went straight into my first master's at the University of Nottingham in England.After I graduated, I ended up moving back to the US. I had interned twice at Brown-Forman, a spirits and wine company, during undergrad and landed a job in CSR there after graduation. I led Alcohol Responsibility for many years but was ready for something new and went back to school while working. I received my Global Executive MBA from Duke University and graduated in December of 2020. I then took a new role as the Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility for CDWin May of 2021.I lead all of our global social impact work here at CDW.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has compelled everyone to adopt a new way of life. For better or worse, we've all changed the way we think about ourselves and our interactions with others. What kinds of things do you see as important for companies to support this new normal?
I think that mental health is at the top of the list. Not seeing people in person provides the opportunity to cover and hide a lot of behaviors that might be more obvious if you're in an office setting and seeing someone all day. Companies need to truly discuss supporting mental health and put the well being of people first. There’s also a unique position that looks different when you're a leader or you have a team and leading numerous people.
Each person needs something unique and different. We should really be focused on what's important and try not to cut any corners.
We need to start investing in our people. There is also the cost of living while working at home. Companies did a pretty good job early by providing Wi-Fi subsidies and office equipment. However, really ensuring that people have all the tech that they need is really important.Another point to consider is the empowerment of every situation. Trusting your employees to complete their tasks when they are due and focusing on the job's objectives rather than the hours worked.
Don't think about the hours. Instead, concentrate on responsibility and accomplishment rather than the amount of time they spend at their desk.
During this time, everyone is struggling with culture and relationships. I believe that simply being proactive about listening to your people and listening to their needs is extremely important.
In reference to what you just discussed, how connected is what you do in your work, and are there specific programs that you have developed to help support employees?
Right now, we're still building, building, building. I'm all about collective impact. I love hearing things from different departments. This way I can offer insights like, "I heard you're about to launch this massive sponsorship. That's great. How have you thought about social impact as part of that sponsorship?”By asking these questions I can potentially provide an add-on to make something bigger.We are also looking to help individual employees make connections in their local community by engaging in one-on-one dialogues. I usually ask questions like, “What is your community? What are you passionate about? What are you wanting to get out of this? How are you wanting to learn and grow?”Knowing this information, I can work with HR on opportunities for coworkers, whether that's to volunteer, or access to one of our museum partners, or the zoo. Leveraging our corporate community partnerships, we can provide connections to our employees. We've got a long way to go. Alignment to digital equity is our new focus. We want to know how we can support employees, help them communicate,tell more stories, and be more transparent.
We want our employees to be proud members of our company. And our work with CSR can definitely help make employees feel good about being a part of the organization.
Is there a link between a company's social impact or CSR strategy and what we're seeing with The Great Resignation? And, if so, what are some of the broader business implications?
With the great resignation as a whole, I think a huge part of that comes down to management. Leaders and managers should care about the person before the job. I firmly believe that there's usually a reason if an employee’s performance is poor, and you need to figure out what's going on. Remember, people bring their whole self to work along with the stress and struggles of life. Simply finding a new job is not always the solution to happiness. Good people management is incredibly important. Managers need to care about their people.
Remember, people usually leave managers and bosses, not jobs.
When it comes to CSR, having 100% authenticity matters. People are tired of hearing one thing and seeing something else. For example if a company claims that they care, but you see contrary behaviors despite what the company says they stand for, it becomes less convincing.
People are done seeing the pretty words, the PDFs, and the presentations, they want to know what is actually happening.
Remember, people are focused on action. They're over the words, commitment, strategy, and goals. They want to know what is actually happening on a day-to-day basis.
Is there a positive outcome or opportunity to be had from this?
CSR has too many boxes around it. I'm in many peer groups, and I can't believe how many rules there are about how you can go use your volunteer hours. That's crazy, because if you care about volunteering, you should be able togo volunteer wherever you want to volunteer. We need to remove those barriers, policies and guidelines and just enable the freedom to do it in order to make a difference in the world. We should go and connect, because the psychology of helping someone else is huge. As it relates to Groundswell, what I really like is the empowerment around giving. I ask myself, "Are we overly processed in philanthropy and getting the money out?" That's what we need to think about right now. Let’s just empower everyone to make philanthropy accessible. The process and system should not be complicated. We need to ask ourselves, "How can we simplify things for employees and our community partners?”
Nobody wants the application to take two hours or even 30 minutes. We need to create more equitable access and processes to funding.
How important is it for a company's CSR strategy, or social impact strategy, for CSR professionals to have that deep knowledge on employee sentiment around social causes? How does the entire process work for you?
There are pros and cons, but I think it's helpful to have employee input. However there's also times where CSR and Social Impact professionals are the expert, and that's okay. A challenging thing at a company like ours, is that we have a ton of people who care, it is a very caring company. But we also recognize that our employees are individuals with varying desires and sometimes they don’t align with our brand. We need to have a strategy and focus.
This is why I like what Groundswell’s doing – giving employees at companies the opportunity to choose where they want to give. They make the process very easy and give donors empowerment.
Sure, I'm losing control of the company match, and I'm also losing control of what employees give to – but I think that is better. Groundswell opens up more opportunities.
What, in your perspective, are some of the most critical issues that professionals in your industry should be working on in 2022? What are the specific trends, or what should be the primary focus for the coming year?
One thing I'm proud of is not only do we have company values, but we created values for philanthropy, and those have been a game changer. We've had to make the judgment call a few times on whether or not a potential nonprofit partner is aligned with our values, and that is okay. The reason I'm saying that is because transparency, internally and externally, is important. I have nonprofit partners thanking me all the time just for being honest if we aren’t aligned.
As Brene Brown says, "Clear is kind", remember don't waste anyone's time, just be clear and direct.
A lot of CSR professionals are incredibly intelligent, talented, well educated people, and yet, we don't know how to solve all the world's issues, we just don't. We tend to push nonprofits to “perform” and align to a brand’s KPI’s, but I don’t agree with that approach. We trust that our nonprofit partners are the experts in solving what they’ve set out to do. So we come up with shared goals and then give them full autonomy in where they spend the dollars we provide and trust that it will go to support impactful work.
We always love to share the Groundswell philosophy with the wider world whenever we can. Just recently, our CEO Jake Wood shared his insights over at Forbes, talking about why organizations should rethink their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies and programs – and how, with this corporate philanthropy overhaul, they can establish a more cohesive relationship with their employees and nonprofit organizations.Here are some of the highlights from the article:
Corporate Charity Should Represent the Passions of the Employees
Traditionally, corporate giving efforts are driven by a handful of executives or corporate foundations. The efforts are often disconnected from the company and the employees that are supposed to be represented by the program. This, Jake explained at Forbes, results in an ivory tower situation.
“In its best form, corporate philanthropy is loosely aligned to a company's values, but often not to those of the company’s employees. In its worst form, it simply serves as a CEO vanity project.”
What corporate entities need to realize is that their employees have diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Some, if not all, of them want to find a higher purpose for the work that they do. Unfortunately, traditional CSR programs don’t often reflect that.
Most Nonprofits Don’t Get the Support They Should Be Getting
Jake also pointed out how the current system for corporate donations excludes some nonprofits.
“If employees who want to give feel left out by their corporation’s donation strategy, it’s even worse for the nonprofits meant to benefit from those matching programs. While the top 1% of nonprofits might have cracked the code, most have trouble getting in the door.”
There are a couple of challenges that nonprofits face, even for those who’ve already gotten their foot through the door.
- Nonprofits led by historically marginalized individuals or communities often find it difficult to even get the attention of executives or foundation staff.
- Even when they’ve been qualified and chosen, most nonprofits still need to go through a lot of processes before they can receive funds, which can either take a long time, or end up with the funds being undispersed.
Jake shares his experience as the CEO of the disaster-relief nonprofit Team Rubicon:
“I once received an email from a major Fortune 500 company eight months after a donation by an employee (in the prior year no less!). The email asked me to confirm receipt of the $75 donation and then to log into an obscure portal to upload proof of receipt so the company’s matching donation could be processed. What a hassle.”
Nonprofits end up chasing donations that are owed to them because of this inefficient processing, instead of focusing on delivering impact to the communities they serve.
Traditional Philanthropy = Low Employee Engagement
Employees are not as engaged in traditional, centralized philanthropy because this CSR can’t please everyone. Your ivory-tower philanthropy may please one or two people, but it will probably not resonate with everyone.Plus, the systemic approach to giving that companies do doesn’t often result in massive impact and changes. This can lead to employees seeing these efforts as lacking or unapproachable.Jake points to homelessness as an example:
“Solving homelessness at a macro level requires systemic solutions and massive policy changes, both of which could take years, if not decades. But employees riding to work on the subway care less about systemic solutions and more about ensuring that the human being sleeping on a piece of cardboard near the turnstile they step over each morning has a bed that evening.”
Decentralizing philanthropy would go a long way to achieving that. Sure, systemic changes are necessary, but making employees the “agents of change” in this regard can make them feel that their company’s philanthropy efforts are indeed going somewhere beneficial.
How Companies Can Decentralize Corporate Giving
Jake shared with Forbes the key steps to how companies can decentralize their philanthropy efforts:
- Provide a charitable giving stipend to each employee that they can direct to a charity of their choice on an annual basis.
- Have employees vote on a slate of charities chosen by leaders to determine which cause gets the company's contribution.
- Empower business resource groups, which are typically aligned around specific diversity elements, to make recommendations on charitable giving related to their interests.
With these steps, companies can generate meaningful impact in their communities through their employees.To read Jake’s full article, click here. Or if you want to learn how you can start changing your approach to corporate giving, talk to us here. Here at Groundswell, we help you give better.
Celebrate National Nonprofit Day by Supporting These Organizations
Today is National Nonprofit Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of nonprofit organizations in making the world a better place.
On August 17th each year, people, communities, and governments come together to honor the selfless commitment of these organizations in addressing important social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. Motivated by their purpose rather than profit, nonprofits play an essential role in providing public services, advocating for change, and supporting vulnerable populations. From small local efforts to large international charities, these organizations promote compassion, hope, and unity across borders and cultures. Let's take a moment to express our gratitude to the many individuals who give their time, skills, and resources to these noble causes.
The following list includes nonprofits that represent various common cause areas across America. If you'd like, consider donating to these organizations through Groundswell.
ARTogether
ARTogether is an organization dedicated to using art to promote healing, community-building, and empowerment among refugees and immigrants. The organization operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, and its primary focus is on providing art workshops, classes, and events for individuals and families displaced from their home countries due to conflict, persecution, or other humanitarian crises.
ARTogether recognizes the transformative power of art and its ability to transcend language barriers and trauma, allowing individuals to express themselves, process their experiences, and connect with others in their community. Through various art forms like painting, drawing, photography, and storytelling, participants are given an outlet for creativity, healing, and self-discovery.
The organization collaborates with local artists, volunteers, and community members to conduct art workshops and exhibitions. These events provide opportunities for refugees and immigrants to develop artistic skills and enable them to share their unique cultural perspectives with the wider community, fostering understanding and appreciation.
Furthermore, ARTogether addresses the social isolation many refugees and immigrants face by creating a supportive and inclusive space that encourages friendship and networking among participants. By building a strong sense of community, ARTogether empowers individuals to overcome challenges and rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
Here are the campaigns and initiatives that ARTogether is responsible for:
- Provides art workshops and classes for refugees and immigrants.
- Utilizes art as a means of healing and empowerment.
- Creates a sense of community and belonging among participants.
- Collaborates with local artists and volunteers to conduct art events.
- Showcases participants' artwork through exhibitions.
- Uses art to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding.
- Offers a space for self-expression and creativity.
- Addresses social isolation and promotes networking.
- Aims to empower individuals to rebuild their lives with confidence.
Folded Flag Foundation
The Folded Flag Foundation is a non-profit organization based in the United States that provides educational scholarships and support to the families of military personnel who have lost their lives while serving the country.
The foundation was established to honor the sacrifices made by fallen service members and ease their families' financial burdens after losing a loved one in the line of duty. One of the most significant ways it achieves this mission is by offering scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and members of the Coast Guard.
Here are some key points about the Folded Flag Foundation:
- Scholarships: The organization awards educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen service members to help them pursue their educational goals. These scholarships can cover tuition, books, fees, and other educational expenses.
- Financial Support: Besides scholarships, the Folded Flag Foundation may provide other forms of financial assistance and support to families who have lost a loved one in the military. The specific types of assistance may vary based on the individual needs of each family.
- Eligibility: The foundation typically considers the service member's death circumstances and the surviving family members' financial needs when determining scholarship eligibility.
- Partnership: The Folded Flag Foundation collaborates with various corporate sponsors, donors, and supporters to raise funds and ensure that the families' financial needs are adequately met.
- Impact: By providing educational opportunities and financial support, the organization aims to empower the families of fallen military personnel, honoring the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Recidiviz
Recidiviz is a nonprofit organization focused on using data and technology to improve the criminal justice system in the United States. The organization's primary mission is to reduce recidivism (the tendency of former inmates to re-offend) and improve outcomes for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Key aspects of Recidiviz include:
Data Analysis and Insights: Recidiviz collects and analyzes data from various sources within the criminal justice system, including prisons, jails, probation, and parole. By harnessing this data, the organization aims to gain insights into the factors contributing to recidivism and identify areas where improvements can be made.
Performance Measurement: The organization works with criminal justice agencies to develop standardized performance metrics, allowing for better assessment and comparison of programs and practices. These metrics help policymakers and practitioners understand what strategies are most effective in reducing recidivism and supporting successful reentry into society.
Data Transparency: Recidiviz advocates for increased data transparency within the criminal justice system. By making data more accessible and understandable, the organization aims to foster greater accountability and evidence-based decision-making among policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
Technology Solutions: Recidiviz develops and implements data-driven technology solutions to assist with criminal justice reform. These may include software tools and platforms that help agencies track and analyze data, identify trends, and improve their ability to make data-informed decisions.
Partnerships and Collaboration: The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, researchers, and policymakers, to promote data-driven criminal justice policies and practices.
Clementine Jacoby and her co-founders founded Recidiviz, the team comprises technologists, data scientists, and criminal justice experts who work together to advance their mission of promoting a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.
Alliance for the Great Lakes
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and conserving the Great Lakes in North America. The Great Lakes, which include Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, is a vital natural resource, providing drinking water, supporting diverse ecosystems, and contributing to the region's economy and quality of life.
Key aspects of the Alliance for the Great Lakes include:
- Advocacy: The organization engages in local, regional, and national advocacy efforts to promote policies and practices that protect and restore the Great Lakes. They work with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to address water quality, invasive species, habitat restoration, and sustainable water management issues.
- Education and Outreach: The Alliance for the Great Lakes conducts educational programs and public outreach initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of the Great Lakes and the challenges they face. They aim to inspire individuals to take action and be responsible stewards of this valuable freshwater resource.
- Conservation and Restoration: The organization actively supports and participates in projects and initiatives that contribute to the conservation and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem. This includes efforts to restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitats, and combat pollution and invasive species.
- Research and Data Analysis: The Alliance for the Great Lakes conducts research and data analysis to understand better the Great Lakes' health and the factors affecting their well-being. This scientific approach helps inform their advocacy and conservation efforts.
- Community Engagement: The organization collaborates with local communities and organizations in the Great Lakes region to involve them in conservation efforts and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the lakes' policies and decisions.
- Policy Development: The Alliance for the Great Lakes works to shape and support policies and legislation that promote sustainable water management, environmental protection, and the long-term health of the Great Lakes.
- Volunteer Programs: The organization offers opportunities for individuals to get involved through volunteer programs, beach cleanups, and other hands-on activities that directly contribute to protecting the Great Lakes.
Olasteo
Olasteo is a nonprofit in Los Angeles that provides immersive cultural excursions to high school students from underserved communities. The organization's mission is to "create experiences that empower students to serve as catalysts for social impact."
Olasteo's excursions take students to different parts of the United States and the world, where they learn about different cultures, meet with leaders, and participate in service projects. These excursions aim to help students develop a broader world perspective, gain new skills, and become more civically engaged.
Olasteo was founded in 2015 by Aaron Friedman and You Too. Individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and government grants fund the organization.
Here are some of the benefits that Olasteo's excursions can provide to students:
- Broader perspective of the world: Students participating in Olasteo's excursions can learn about different cultures, meet with leaders, and experience different ways of life. This can help them develop a broader world perspective and become more understanding and tolerant of others.
- New skills: Students participating in Olasteo's excursions can learn new skills, such as public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills can help them succeed in school and in their future careers.
- Civic engagement: Students participating in Olasteo's excursions can become more civically engaged. They learn about voting, volunteering, and speaking out on important issues. This can help them become more active members of their communities.
Black Film Space
Black Film Space is a nonprofit organization that provides support, resources, and networking opportunities for Black filmmakers and creators in the film and media industry. The organization's mission is to foster a community that empowers and amplifies the voices of Black storytellers, filmmakers, and industry professionals.
Key aspects of Black Film Space include:
- Community Building: Black Film Space creates a supportive and inclusive community for Black filmmakers and content creators. The organization hosts events, workshops, and networking opportunities to connect members and provide a platform for collaboration and skill-sharing.
- Education and Workshops: The organization offers educational programs and workshops focused on various aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, and post-production. These resources aim to empower Black filmmakers with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in their craft.
- Filmmaker Support: Black Film Space provides resources and support to Black filmmakers navigating the industry's challenges. This includes mentorship programs, guidance on funding opportunities, and assistance with project development.
- Film Screenings and Showcases: The organization organizes film screenings and showcases that feature the work of Black filmmakers. These events provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their projects and reach a broader audience.
- Advocacy: Black Film Space advocates for increased representation and diversity in the film and media industry. The organization raises awareness about the importance of equitable opportunities and fair representation for Black filmmakers and creators.
- Partnerships: Black Film Space collaborates with other organizations, industry professionals, and institutions to further its mission and expand its reach. These partnerships help create more opportunities and resources for the Black filmmaking community.
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) is a non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to ending violence against Native American and Alaska Native women. The organization provides resources, training, and technical assistance to tribal communities and organizations working to address domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other forms of violence impacting Indigenous women.
Key aspects of the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center include:
- Technical Assistance: The NIWRC offers technical assistance to tribal governments, tribal programs, and grassroots organizations working to address violence against Indigenous women. This assistance may include guidance on developing effective strategies, programs, and policies.
- Resource Development: The organization develops and disseminates resources, toolkits, and educational materials highlighting best practices and culturally relevant approaches to addressing violence in Native communities. These resources are designed to support advocates, service providers, and community members in their efforts to prevent and respond to violence.
- Training and Capacity Building: NIWRC conducts training sessions and capacity-building workshops to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals and community members who work with Indigenous women affected by violence.
- Policy Advocacy: The organization engages in advocacy efforts at the tribal, state, and national levels to promote policies that protect and support Indigenous women and address the root causes of violence.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: NIWRC raises public awareness about the issues of violence against Indigenous women through campaigns, events, and outreach activities.
- Research and Data Collection: The organization supports research initiatives to understand better the scope and impact of violence against Indigenous women and to inform evidence-based approaches to prevention and intervention.
The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center plays a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women and communities in the United States, and it strives to promote healing, justice, and safety for all Native American and Alaska Native women.
Foster America
Foster America is a nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to improving the child welfare system by recruiting and supporting leaders with expertise in various fields to work within child welfare agencies. The organization's mission is to bring innovative and effective solutions to the foster care system's challenges and improve outcomes for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Key aspects of Foster America include:
- Leadership Fellowship: Foster America recruits professionals from diverse backgrounds, including government, social services, technology, and policy, to serve as fellows within child welfare agencies. These fellows work on various projects and initiatives to improve the child welfare system's effectiveness and efficiency.
- Innovation and Solutions: Foster America fellows bring innovative approaches and evidence-based solutions to address the complex issues within the child welfare system. They collaborate with agencies, stakeholders, and communities to implement positive changes impacting children and families involved in the foster care system.
- Support and Training: Fellows receive comprehensive support and training from Foster America to enhance their ability to lead and effect change within the child welfare system. This includes ongoing coaching, professional development opportunities, and access to a network of like-minded individuals.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Foster America collaborates with child welfare agencies, policymakers, and other organizations working in the child welfare sector to create a collective impact and drive systemic change.
- Data-Driven Approaches: The organization emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and evidence-based practices to achieve better outcomes for children and families involved in the foster care system.
Through its fellowship program, Foster America aims to create a pipeline of dedicated leaders who are committed to transforming the child welfare system and ensuring that children in foster care have access to safe, stable, and nurturing environments that promote their well-being.
impl. project
Impl. project is a non-profit organization that uses data-driven solutions to create more effective programs for underserved communities. The organization was founded in 2015 by Austin Sanders and Yoyong Suarez, who were inspired by the power of data to improve people's lives.
Impl. project's work is focused on three pillars:
- Data collection: Impl. the project collects data on various factors affecting the lives of underserved communities, such as education, health, and economic opportunity. This data is then used to create a more accurate picture of these communities' challenges.
- Data analysis: Impl. project analyzes the data it collects to identify the root causes of the challenges facing underserved communities. This analysis is then used to develop more effective programs and interventions.
- Program implementation: Impl. the project works with local partners to implement its developed programs and interventions. This ensures that the programs are tailored to the specific needs of the communities they serve.
Impl. project's work has significantly impacted the lives of people in underserved communities. For example, the organization's work in the Philippines has helped increase fisherfolk's economic opportunities, improve education access for children in conflict-affected areas, and reduce violence against women.
Impl. project is a valuable resource for underserved communities. The organization's data-driven development approach has helped improve millions of people's lives worldwide.
Here are some of the projects that Impl. the project has worked on:
- Fisherfolk Development Program: This program in the Philippines helps fisherfolk to improve their incomes and livelihoods. The program provides training on sustainable fishing practices, access to credit, and marketing support.
- Education Program: This program in the Philippines provides scholarships to children from conflict-affected areas. The program also provides teacher training and support for schools in these areas.
- Violence Against Women Program: This program in the Philippines provides training and support to women who have experienced violence. The program also works to raise awareness about violence against women and change the attitudes contributing to it.
Hope for Ukraine
Hope for Ukraine is a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian aid to people affected by the war in Ukraine. The organization was founded in 2014 by a group of Ukrainian-Americans concerned about the plight of the people in their homeland.
Hope for Ukraine's work is focused on three areas:
- Emergency relief: Hope for Ukraine provides food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to people who the war has displaced.
- Rehabilitation: Hope for Ukraine helps people to rebuild their lives after the war. This includes providing them with housing, education, and job training.
- Advocacy: Hope for Ukraine advocates for the rights of people affected by the war. This includes ensuring they have access to humanitarian aid and their voices are heard.
Hope for Ukraine has been working tirelessly to help people affected by the war in Ukraine. The organization has provided millions of dollars in humanitarian aid and helped rebuild thousands of people's lives.
Here are some of the specific projects that Hope for Ukraine has worked on:
- Food and water distribution: Hope for Ukraine has distributed food and water to people displaced by the war. This includes providing them with food and water kits and setting up food banks and distribution centers.
- Construction of shelters: Hope for Ukraine has constructed shelters for people who have lost their homes due to the war. This includes providing them with temporary shelters, as well as helping them to rebuild their homes.
- Provision of medical care: Hope for Ukraine has provided medical care to people injured or sick due to the war. This includes providing them with medical supplies and setting up field hospitals and clinics.
- Education and job training: Hope for Ukraine has provided education and job training to people who the war has displaced. This includes providing them with scholarships, as well as helping them to find jobs.
- Advocacy: Hope for Ukraine has advocated for the rights of people affected by the war. This includes ensuring they have access to humanitarian aid and their voices are heard.
Animal Equality
Animal Equality is an international non-profit organization that works to end animal exploitation. The organization was founded in 2006 by Sharon Núñez, José Valle, and Javier Moreno.
Animal Equality has had a significant impact on the lives of animals. The organization's investigations have led to several factory farms and slaughterhouses closing. Its public education campaigns have helped to raise awareness about animal exploitation and have inspired millions of people to adopt a vegan lifestyle. And its legislative advocacy has helped pass laws protecting animals in several countries.
Animal Equality is a valuable resource for people interested in ending animal exploitation. The organization's work is essential to creating a more just and compassionate world for all animals.
Here are some of the specific projects that Animal Equality has worked on:
- Investigation into a fur farm in China: In 2015, Animal Equality conducted an undercover investigation into a fur farm in China. The investigation revealed that the animals on the farm were subjected to horrific cruelty, including being kept in cramped cages, beaten, and skinned alive. The investigation led to the farm's closure and several people's arrest.
- Public education campaign about the dairy industry: In 2016, Animal Equality launched a public education campaign about the dairy industry. The campaign highlighted the cruelty cows endure in the dairy industry, such as being forcibly impregnated, having their calves taken away, and being sent to slaughter when they are no longer productive. The campaign helped to raise awareness about the dairy industry and inspired many people to adopt a vegan diet.
- Legislative advocacy to ban fur farming in the European Union: In 2017, Animal Equality worked with other animal welfare organizations to lobby the European Union to ban fur farming. The ban was passed in 2018, making the European Union the first continent to ban fur farming.
Animal Equality is a powerful force for change in the fight against animal exploitation. The organization's work is essential to creating a more just and compassionate world for all animals.
Women & Sports: Nonprofits Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes
Women's Sports Foundation
The Women's Sports Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity. It was founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, one of history's most renowned and influential tennis players, along with a group of other prominent female athletes.
The foundation's mission is to ensure that all girls and women have equal access to sports and the benefits and opportunities of participating in athletic activities. They work to create a world where women's sports are celebrated and valued, and where female athletes are given the same recognition, support, and resources as their male counterparts.
The Women's Sports Foundation focuses on several key areas to achieve its mission:
- Advocacy and Policy: The foundation advocates for policies and legislation that promote gender equity in sports, including equal opportunities for girls and women in school sports, fair media coverage, and equal pay.
- Grants and Scholarships: They provide financial support through grants and scholarships to female athletes, enabling them to pursue their athletic dreams and further their education.
- Research and Education: The foundation conducts research on issues related to women's sports, such as the benefits of sports participation for girls and the barriers they face. They also provide educational resources to coaches, parents, and athletes to promote gender equality in sports.
- Outreach and Events: The Women's Sports Foundation organizes various events and initiatives to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of female athletes. One of their notable events is the Annual Salute to Women in Sports, where they honor exceptional athletes and trailblazers in the sporting world.
SheIS
SheIS is a nonprofit organization that aims to increase participation, support, and investment in women's sports. It was founded in 2017 by female sports industry professionals who recognized the need for greater visibility and resources for women in sports.
The mission of SheIS is to create a culture of empowerment and inclusivity by uniting organizations, athletes, and fans to support women's sports collectively. They believe that by working together and amplifying the stories and achievements of female athletes, they can drive positive change and elevate the status of women in sports.
SheIS operates through a collaborative model, partnering with various stakeholders in the sports industry, including leagues, brands, media outlets, and athletes. By leveraging these partnerships, they strive to address women's systemic barriers and biases in sports and foster a more equitable and sustainable environment.
One of the core initiatives of SheIS is the "SheIS Collective," a network of sports organizations and brands that commit to supporting women's sports. Members of the collective pledge to allocate a portion of their resources, whether funding, media coverage, or other means of support, to elevate women's sports. This collective effort aims to create a greater impact and drive meaningful change across the sports industry.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire and empower young girls through a physical activity-based youth development program. It was founded in 1996 by Molly Barker, a visionary and former Ironman triathlete, to help girls realize their full potential and develop essential life skills.
The Girls on the Run program is designed for girls in grades 3 to 8 (ages 8 to 13) and combines training for a non-competitive 5K running event with lessons that promote social, emotional, and physical well-being. The curriculum covers topics such as self-confidence, positive body image, teamwork, healthy relationships, and goal setting. The program is delivered through a network of trained volunteer coaches who serve as mentors and role models for the girls.
The key elements of the Girls on the Run program include:
- Physical Activity: Girls participate in a developmentally appropriate running program that gradually builds their endurance and prepares them for a celebratory 5K event. The physical activity component aims to instill a lifelong love for fitness and promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Social and Emotional Skills: Girls engage in interactive discussions, activities, and games that promote positive self-image, empathy, and effective communication. The curriculum focuses on developing important life skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
- Character Development: The program fosters character development by teaching girls about gratitude, responsibility, and integrity. They explore topics related to personal strengths, leadership, and community service, emphasizing making a positive impact in their own lives and the world around them.
- Positive Relationship Building: Girls on the Run creates a supportive and inclusive environment where girls can build friendships, work collaboratively, and celebrate each other's achievements. The program encourages positive relationship-building and empowers girls to develop healthy connections with peers and adults.
LA84 Foundation
The LA84 Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports youth sports programs and initiatives in Southern California. It was created in 1985 with the surplus funds from the 1984 Olympic Games, which were held in Los Angeles. The foundation's name, LA84, is derived from the year of the Los Angeles Olympics.
The mission of the LA84 Foundation is to level the playing field and improve access to sports for young people, particularly those from underserved communities. The foundation aims to provide opportunities for youth to participate in sports and reap the numerous benefits of athletic engagement, such as physical fitness, character development, and leadership skills.
The LA84 Foundation works towards its mission through the following key areas:
- Grants and Programs: The foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations and schools providing youth sports programs and initiatives. These grants support various activities, including coaching education, equipment and facility improvements, and sports-based youth development programs.
- Coaching Education: The LA84 Foundation offers programs to enhance coaching quality in youth sports. These programs provide coaches with training, resources, and workshops, enabling them to create positive and impactful experiences for young athletes.
- Research and Advocacy: The foundation researches various aspects of youth sports to understand their impact better and inform program improvement strategies. They also advocate for policies and practices that promote equity, inclusion, and access to sports for all young people.
- Youth Sports Summit: The LA84 Foundation hosts an annual Youth Sports Summit, bringing together stakeholders from the sports industry, education, and community organizations. The summit provides a platform for discussion, collaboration, and sharing of best practices to advance youth sports in the region.
WISE
The nonprofit organization WISE (Women in Sports and Events) is dedicated to empowering and advocating for women in the sports and events industry. It was founded in 1993 and has since grown into a global network that supports and promotes gender diversity and equality in these industries.
The mission of WISE is to create and foster environments that empower women to succeed in sports and events. They provide opportunities for networking, professional development, mentorship, and career advancement, aiming to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.
WISE offers a range of programs and initiatives to support its members and advance its mission:
- Networking and Events: WISE hosts networking events, conferences, and panel discussions that bring together industry professionals and provide opportunities for connection, collaboration, and learning. These events offer a platform for sharing experiences, knowledge, and best practices.
- Mentorship: The organization facilitates mentorship programs, pairing experienced professionals with emerging sports and events industry talent. Through mentorship, WISE aims to provide guidance, support, and career development opportunities for women at various stages of their careers.
- Leadership Development: WISE offers leadership development programs and resources to equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to advance in their careers. These programs focus on negotiation, public speaking, strategic thinking, and team management.
- Scholarships and Grants: WISE provides scholarships and grants to support women pursuing careers in sports and events. These financial resources help remove barriers to education and professional development, enabling women to further their knowledge and skills in the industry.
- Advocacy and Research: WISE advocates for gender equity and equal opportunities in sports and events. They research and publish reports to raise awareness about gender disparities and drive positive change. The organization collaborates with industry partners to promote policies and practices supporting diversity and inclusion.
Angel City Sports
Angel City Sports is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California, that aims to create opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to participate in sports and athletic activities. It was founded in 2015 by Clayton Frech, a father who wanted to provide his son, who has a prosthetic leg, with the chance to engage in sports alongside other individuals with disabilities.
The mission of Angel City Sports is to promote inclusion, empowerment, and competition for people with physical disabilities through sports. The organization strives to break down barriers and challenge misconceptions surrounding disability by showcasing the abilities and achievements of athletes with disabilities.
Angel City Sports offers a variety of programs and events to facilitate participation and development in adaptive sports:
- Annual Angel City Games: The Angel City Games is a multi-day, annual event where athletes with physical disabilities can compete in various adaptive sports disciplines. It features sports such as track and field, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and more. The games provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, connect with others, and experience the camaraderie of competitive sports.
- Youth Sports Clinics: The organization conducts adaptive sports clinics for children and youth with disabilities. These clinics introduce participants to various adaptive sports and provide coaching, instruction, and mentorship to develop their skills and confidence.
- Sports Clinics and Camps: Angel City Sports offers clinics and camps for individuals of all ages to learn and engage in adaptive sports. These programs provide specialized coaching and training in various sports disciplines, helping participants improve their athletic abilities and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
- School and Community Programs: The organization partners with schools and community organizations to provide adaptive sports programming and resources. They work to integrate adaptive sports into school curricula, promote inclusion in physical education classes, and foster awareness and acceptance of individuals with disabilities.
- Paralympic Development Programs: Angel City Sports collaborates with the U.S. Paralympic Committee and other organizations to identify and support talented athletes with disabilities. They provide resources, training opportunities, and pathways for athletes to progress in their respective sports and potentially compete at higher levels, including the Paralympic Games.
Disability Pride Month: Nonprofits Advocating for Accessibility
Disability Pride Month is a celebration held annually in July to honor and empower individuals with disabilities. It aims to raise awareness about disability rights, inclusion, and challenges faced by the disabled community.
The month-long observance encourages self-acceptance, promotes positive representations, and highlights the achievements of people with disabilities. It fosters a sense of pride in one's identity and promotes a more inclusive society that recognizes and appreciates the diverse abilities and contributions of individuals with disabilities.
Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to advocate for equality, accessibility, and to challenge stigmas associated with disabilities.
In support of Disability Pride Month, here’s a list of nonprofits at the forefront of offering aid to those with hindrances in accessibility.
RespectAbility
RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization in the United States that focuses on empowering and advocating for people with disabilities. The organization was founded in 2013 and has since become a leading voice in promoting inclusion and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The mission of RespectAbility is to fight stigmas and advance opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of a society fully. They achieve this by promoting education, employment, and access to various resources and services. RespectAbility strives to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to succeed, live independently, and enjoy a high quality of life.
One of the key areas of focus for RespectAbility is education. They work to improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities and ensure that they receive the support and accommodations they need to succeed in school and beyond. They also collaborate with educational institutions to create inclusive learning environments and promote the inclusion of disability-related issues in the curriculum.
Employment is another important aspect of RespectAbility's work. They advocate for policies and practices that promote the hiring, retention, and advancement of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. RespectAbility also provides training, resources, and mentorship programs to help individuals with disabilities build the skills and confidence necessary to enter and thrive in the job market.
Young Adult Institute Inc.
Young Adults Institute Inc. (YAI) is a non-profit organization that provides support and services to individuals with developmental and learning disabilities and their families. Founded in 1957, YAI has been dedicated to empowering people with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society.
YAI offers a wide range of programs and services designed to meet the unique needs and goals of young adults with disabilities. These services include residential programs, employment and vocational training, educational support, clinical services, and recreational activities. YAI aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and promote their independence, self-confidence, and community engagement.
Residential programs provided by YAI offer various living arrangements, such as group homes, supportive apartments, and intermediate care facilities. These programs provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can live, receive personal care assistance, and develop independent living skills.
YAI's employment and vocational training programs focus on helping young adults with disabilities gain the necessary skills and competencies to enter the workforce. These programs provide vocational assessments, job placement services, job coaching, and ongoing support to ensure successful integration into the workplace.
Regarding educational support, YAI offers various services to help individuals with disabilities succeed academically. This includes tutoring, educational advocacy, specialized instruction, and assistance with transitioning to higher education or vocational training.
YAI's clinical services encompass a multidisciplinary approach to address the medical, behavioral, and mental health needs of individuals with disabilities. These services may include medical evaluations, psychological assessments, counseling, and access to specialized therapies.
The Arc
The Arc is a prominent nonprofit organization working tirelessly to promote and protect the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for over 70 years. It has significantly advocated for inclusivity, equality, and full participation in society for people with IDD.
The organization was established in 1950 by parents who wanted to ensure their children with IDD could live fulfilling lives and receive the necessary support and services. Originally known as the Association for Retarded Citizens, The Arc has since evolved into a leading voice in the disability rights movement, advocating for changes in policies, attitudes, and systems that affect individuals with IDD and their families.
The Arc operates nationally and locally, with a network of more than 600 chapters across the United States. These local chapters provide various services and support to individuals with IDD and their families, such as information and referral services, advocacy, employment assistance, housing support, and educational programs. The organization also offers resources and training to professionals working in IDD.
One of the core principles of The Arc is the belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. The organization ensures that people with IDD have the same opportunities as others to lead self-determined lives, make choices, pursue education and employment, live in inclusive communities, and access quality healthcare.
Easterseals
Easterseals is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of services to individuals with disabilities and special needs. The organization was founded in 1919 by Edgar Allen to address the needs of children affected by polio. Originally known as the National Society for Crippled Children, it later became known as Easterseals about the image of a seal used on its fundraising materials.
Easterseals' mission is to empower people with disabilities and their families to live full, independent lives and reach their highest potential. They offer various programs and services to support individuals with disabilities across the lifespan, from infants to seniors. Some of the key services provided by Easterseals include:
- Early Intervention: Easterseals offers early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. These programs focus on improving developmental skills and providing support to families.
- Medical Rehabilitation: Easterseals provides rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. These services aim to enhance mobility, communication, and overall independence.
- Autism Services: Easterseals offers various services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including diagnostic evaluations, behavioral therapies, social skills training, and family support.
- Employment and Training: Easterseals assists individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. They provide job training, job placement services, and work readiness programs to enhance employment opportunities.
- Adult and Senior Services: Easterseals supports adults and seniors with disabilities through programs such as day services, community integration, respite care, and independent living assistance. These services aim to promote community participation and enhance quality of life.
- Military and Veteran Services: Easterseals offers specialized programs to support military service members, veterans, and their families. These programs include mental health services, caregiver support, employment assistance, and adaptive recreational activities.
Special Olympics
The Special Olympics is a global non-profit organization that provides sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy, the Special Olympics has grown into a movement that reaches millions of athletes in over 190 countries.
The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in various Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization aims to promote inclusion, improve physical fitness, develop self-confidence, and enhance social skills among its participants through these activities.
Here are some key features and programs associated with the Special Olympics:
- Sports Training and Competition: The Special Olympics offers various sports and competitions, including athletics, aquatics, basketball, soccer, tennis, gymnastics, and many others. These sports are adapted to accommodate the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
- Unified Sports: Unified Sports is a program that brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team. This program promotes inclusion and fosters friendships and understanding between individuals with and without disabilities.
- Healthy Athletes: The Special Olympics recognizes the importance of overall health and well-being. The Healthy Athletes program provides free health screenings and education in vision, dental care, hearing, and physical fitness. It aims to improve access to quality healthcare for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Young Athletes: The Young Athletes program is designed for children with intellectual disabilities aged 2 to 7 years. It focuses on developing motor skills, coordination, and socialization through play and sports-related activities. The program introduces children to the world of sports in a fun and inclusive environment.
- Global Impact: The Special Olympics has a significant global presence, organizing regional, national, and international competitions, including the Special Olympics World Games. These events bring athletes from different countries together to showcase their skills and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusion.
Best Buddies International
Best Buddies International is a global non-profit organization that focuses on creating opportunities for friendship, employment, and leadership development for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization was founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, to foster inclusion and break down barriers for people with IDD.
Best Buddies aims to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing them with meaningful relationships, integrated employment opportunities, and leadership development. The organization operates through a network of chapters in schools, colleges, and communities worldwide. Best Buddies programs span various age groups and focus on different aspects of inclusion and empowerment. Here are some key programs offered by Best Buddies International:
- Best Buddies Friendship Program: This program pairs individuals with IDD in one-to-one friendships with their peers without disabilities. The goal is to develop genuine friendships and promote social inclusion.
- Best Buddies Jobs Program: The Jobs Program helps individuals with IDD secure and maintain employment in the mainstream job market. Best Buddies provides support and job coaching to both employees and employers to ensure successful integration and workplace inclusion.
- Best Buddies Ambassadors: The Ambassadors program focuses on leadership development and public speaking skills for individuals with IDD. Ambassadors receive training to become advocates for themselves and others, promoting disability rights and inclusion in their communities.
- Best Buddies College Program: This program operates in universities and colleges, fostering one-to-one friendships between students with and without disabilities. It aims to create an inclusive campus environment and provide social opportunities for college students with IDD.
- Best Buddies Citizens Program: The Citizens program connects individuals with IDD to members of their local community, promoting socialization, civic engagement, and integration into community activities.
Divas with Disabilities
Divas with Disabilities is a movement and platform that celebrates and empowers women with disabilities. It was founded by Vilissa Thompson in 2012 to highlight the experiences, achievements, and perspectives of women with disabilities and challenging societal norms and stereotypes.
Divas with Disabilities allows women with disabilities to share their stories, advocate for disability rights, and inspire others. The platform embraces the concept of "disability pride" and promotes self-acceptance, self-love, and self-advocacy among women with disabilities.
The movement utilizes various channels, including social media, blogs, podcasts, and public speaking engagements, to amplify the voices and experiences of women with disabilities. Through these platforms, Divas with Disabilities addresses various issues such as disability rights, accessibility, healthcare, employment, relationships, fashion, and beauty.
One of the key goals of Divas with Disabilities is to challenge societal beauty standards and redefine what it means to be beautiful and confident. The movement promotes diverse representations of beauty and emphasizes that disability is a natural and valuable part of human diversity.
Disability Rights International
Disability Rights International (DRI) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights and full inclusion of people with disabilities worldwide. The organization was founded in 1993 by Eric Rosenthal and Laurie Ahern, and it operates on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their disabilities, have the right to live in the community with dignity, freedom, and independence.
DRI focuses on promoting and protecting the human rights of people with disabilities, particularly those who are institutionalized or living in marginalized and vulnerable situations. The organization conducts investigations, research, and advocacy to expose and address human rights violations against individuals with disabilities. DRI's work encompasses a wide range of issues related to disability rights, including:
- Ending Institutionalization: DRI works to end the practice of institutionalizing people with disabilities and advocates for developing community-based support systems. They expose the abuses and inadequate conditions often present in institutions and work towards transitioning individuals with disabilities to community settings.
- Advocacy for Legal and Policy Reforms: DRI advocates for legal and policy reforms at the national and international levels to protect disability rights. They engage with governments, international organizations, and human rights bodies to promote adopting and implementing laws and policies that uphold the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
- Monitoring and Reporting Human Rights Violations: DRI conducts investigations and research to document human rights violations against individuals with disabilities. They produce reports and evidence-based documentation to expose abuses, raise awareness, and hold responsible parties accountable.
- Capacity Building and Training: DRI provides training and capacity-building initiatives to disability rights advocates, organizations, and governments. These programs aim to strengthen the knowledge and skills necessary for effective advocacy and implementation of disability rights standards.
- International Advocacy: DRI actively engages in international human rights forums and mechanisms to promote disability rights. They participate in United Nations meetings, treaty monitoring bodies, and other international platforms to advocate for including disability rights in global policies and frameworks.
Nonprofits Championing Voter Rights on Independence Day
Independence Day is a shining testament to the indomitable human spirit, reminding us of the sacrifices and progress.
On this occasion, we commemorate the bravery, determination, and unwavering spirit of those who fought tirelessly for freedom and the right to self-governance.
One crucial aspect of a vibrant democracy lies in safeguarding the rights of every citizen, particularly their right to vote.
Recently, the issue of voter rights has gained significant attention, highlighting the importance of preserving this fundamental pillar of democracy. Nonprofit organizations nationwide have emerged as powerful advocates, tirelessly working to protect and expand voter rights for all individuals. Their dedication and relentless efforts aim to create a society where every voice is heard, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic background, or any other factor that may seek to silence or disenfranchise.
Armed with a deep sense of purpose and a passion for justice, these nonprofits stand as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. Their tireless work empowers individuals, educates communities, and advocates for policies that foster a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
Here is a list of nonprofit organizations supporting Independence Day by fighting for voter rights:
Brennan Center for Justice
The Brennan Center for Justice is a nonpartisan law and policy institute based in the United States. It was founded in 1995 at the New York University School of Law and named after Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr., a champion of individual rights and civil liberties. The center's mission is to develop and implement innovative reforms in the areas of democracy, justice, and liberty.
The Brennan Center engages in research, advocacy, and litigation to advance its goals. It focuses on a wide range of issues related to democracy and voting rights, criminal justice reform, fair and impartial courts, and protecting privacy and civil liberties in the face of new technologies. The center aims to address systemic problems and promote policies that enhance the fairness, inclusivity, and integrity of American democracy.
In the realm of voting rights, the Brennan Center advocates for policies that make voting more accessible, such as automatic voter registration, expanded early voting, and the restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals. The center conducts research and produces reports on voting laws and practices, and it provides legal assistance and expertise in voting rights cases.
Regarding criminal justice reform, the Brennan Center seeks to reduce mass incarceration, promote fair sentencing practices, and improve the fairness and accuracy of the criminal justice system. It advocates for reforms such as bail reform, alternatives to incarceration, and the elimination of racial and economic disparities in the criminal justice system.
The Brennan Center also focuses on the importance of fair and impartial courts, working to ensure that judicial selection processes are transparent and free from undue political influence. It supports policies that promote diversity on the bench and defends judicial independence.
Furthermore, the center addresses the challenges posed by new technologies and their impact on civil liberties and privacy. It examines issues related to government surveillance, data privacy, and the use of artificial intelligence and algorithms in criminal justice systems.
The Brennan Center's work encompasses research and analysis, public education and awareness campaigns, advocacy at the state and federal levels, and litigation through its own attorneys or by providing assistance to other organizations involved in legal challenges.
Ballotpedia
Ballotpedia is a nonprofit online encyclopedia that provides information on American politics, elections, and public policy. It serves as a comprehensive resource for voters, journalists, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding and engaging with the political process in the United States.
Ballotpedia was launched in 2007 with the goal of increasing transparency and accountability in government by providing accurate and unbiased information. It covers a wide range of topics, including federal, state, and local elections, ballot measures, elected officials, political parties, and key policy issues.
One of the primary features of Ballotpedia is its coverage of elections and candidates. It provides detailed profiles of political candidates running for various offices, including their background, positions on key issues, campaign finance information, and endorsements. The website also tracks election results and provides analysis and historical data on past elections.
In addition to election-related information, Ballotpedia offers comprehensive coverage of ballot measures. It provides details on the initiatives, referendums, and other measures that appear on the ballots in different states and localities. This includes explanations of the measures, arguments from both proponents and opponents, and information on campaign spending.
Ballotpedia is known for its commitment to neutrality and accuracy. Its content is written and edited by a team of researchers, writers, and editors who strive to provide unbiased information based on reliable sources. The website cites all sources and encourages users to verify the information independently.
Over the years, Ballotpedia has become a trusted resource for those seeking reliable information on American politics. It has gained recognition for its comprehensive coverage and user-friendly interface. The website is free to access, and its content is regularly updated to provide the most current information on political events and developments.
Rock the Vote
Rock the Vote is a non-profit organization in the United States that focuses on engaging young people in politics and encouraging them to participate in the electoral process. The organization was founded in 1990 by Jeff Ayeroff, a music executive, and Steve Barr, a political activist.
The main goal of Rock the Vote is to increase the political power and influence of young people by registering them to vote and educating them about the importance of civic engagement. The organization targets individuals between the ages of 18 and 29, a demographic that historically has had lower voter turnout compared to other age groups.
Rock the Vote uses various strategies to reach out to young people and promote their involvement in the political process. One of their primary activities is voter registration drives, both online and offline, to ensure that young people are registered to vote and have the necessary information to participate in elections. They provide resources and tools on their website, such as voter registration forms and information about candidates and issues, to make the process easier for young voters.
In addition to voter registration, Rock the Vote also focuses on youth outreach and education. They collaborate with musicians, celebrities, and other influential figures to raise awareness about the importance of voting and political participation. Rock the Vote has organized concerts, music tours, and other events to engage young people and encourage them to get involved in politics. They also use social media platforms and digital campaigns to reach a wider audience and promote their message.
Over the years, Rock the Vote has played a significant role in increasing youth voter turnout in the United States. They have successfully registered millions of young voters and provided them with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box. The organization has been involved in numerous advocacy efforts, including campaigns for voting rights, increased access to the polls, and youth-friendly policies.
Rock the Vote is a non-partisan organization, meaning they do not endorse specific candidates or political parties. Their primary focus is on encouraging young people to participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard through voting.
Anti-Defamation League
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism, bigotry, and all forms of discrimination and hate. Founded in 1913, the ADL's mission is to secure justice and fair treatment for all individuals, promote understanding and respect among diverse communities, and advocate for the protection of civil rights.
The ADL was initially established in the United States in response to the rampant anti-Semitism and discrimination faced by Jewish immigrants. Over time, the organization expanded its focus to address a wide range of prejudices and injustices targeting various religious, ethnic, and social groups. While its roots are in combating anti-Semitism, the ADL has become a prominent voice against bigotry and intolerance in general.
The ADL engages in various activities to fulfill its mission. These include:
- Education and Awareness: The ADL provides educational resources, training programs, and initiatives to promote tolerance, combat bias, and foster understanding among different communities. They work with schools, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies to promote inclusive and respectful environments.
- Advocacy and Legislation: The ADL actively engages in advocacy efforts to shape public policy and legislation that promotes equality, civil rights, and the elimination of hate crimes. They work closely with lawmakers, government officials, and other organizations to address issues related to discrimination and bias.
- Research and Monitoring: The ADL conducts research and monitors hate groups, extremist activities, and online hate speech. They publish reports and provide analysis on trends in anti-Semitism, racism, Islamophobia, and other forms of prejudice, aiming to raise awareness and promote informed action.
- Combating Cyberhate: With the rise of the internet and social media, the ADL recognizes the need to address online hate speech and harassment. They work to identify and expose online hate, collaborate with technology companies to develop policies against hate speech, and provide resources for individuals and communities to combat cyberbullying and online discrimination.
- Interfaith and Intergroup Relations: The ADL fosters relationships and dialogue among different religious, ethnic, and cultural communities to promote mutual understanding and respect. They facilitate interfaith programs, organize conferences, and participate in initiatives aimed at building bridges and countering prejudice.
The ADL has gained recognition and support globally for its work in combating hate and promoting social justice. While it originated in the United States, it has expanded its presence and partnerships worldwide, collaborating with organizations and governments to address discrimination and hate on an international scale.
APIA Vote
APIA Vote, also known as Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization in the United States that aims to increase the civic engagement and political participation of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other underrepresented communities. The organization was founded in 2008 in response to the growing need for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices to be heard in the political process.
APIA Vote focuses on several key areas to fulfill its mission:
- Voter Mobilization: APIA Vote conducts voter registration drives, education campaigns, and outreach efforts to encourage AAPI individuals to register to vote and actively participate in elections. They work to raise awareness about the importance of voting and provide resources to help community members navigate the electoral process.
- Civic Engagement: The organization strives to empower AAPI communities by promoting civic engagement beyond voting. They encourage community members to get involved in grassroots organizing, advocacy, and community leadership to address issues that affect their lives.
- Research and Data: APIA Vote conducts research and collects data on AAPI demographics, voting patterns, and political issues to better understand the needs and concerns of the community. This information helps inform their strategies and policy recommendations.
- Policy Advocacy: APIA Vote engages in policy advocacy at the local, state, and national levels to promote policies that address the unique challenges and aspirations of AAPI communities. They work with lawmakers, government agencies, and other organizations to advocate for policies that advance social justice, civil rights, and equity.
- Coalition Building: APIA Vote collaborates with other community-based organizations, civil rights groups, and allies to build coalitions and amplify AAPI voices. By fostering partnerships and alliances, they strive to create a broader impact and work towards shared goals.
APIA Vote has been instrumental in increasing AAPI voter turnout and raising awareness about the importance of AAPI political participation. They have played a significant role in mobilizing AAPI voters, particularly in key battleground states during elections, and have advocated for policies that address issues such as immigration, language access, education, and healthcare.
NALEO Educational Fund
The NALEO Educational Fund, also known as the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund, is a non-profit organization in the United States that focuses on increasing civic engagement and political participation among Latino communities. Established in 1981, NALEO Educational Fund seeks to empower Latinos to fully participate in the democratic process, advocate for policies that address their needs, and promote Latino leadership and representation in government.
NALEO Educational Fund carries out its mission through various initiatives and programs:
- Voter Engagement: The organization conducts voter registration drives, voter education campaigns, and Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts to encourage eligible Latinos to register to vote and participate in elections. They provide resources and information in both English and Spanish to ensure that Latino voters are well-informed about the electoral process and their rights.
- Leadership Development: NALEO Educational Fund offers leadership development programs and training opportunities for emerging Latino leaders. These programs aim to strengthen the skills and knowledge of individuals interested in public service, equipping them with the tools necessary to run for office, serve their communities, and effect change.
- Policy Research and Advocacy: The organization conducts research and analysis on issues that impact Latino communities and advocates for policies that address their needs. They work to ensure that the concerns and perspectives of Latinos are taken into account when formulating policies related to immigration, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and other key areas.
- Census and Redistricting: NALEO Educational Fund actively engages in efforts to promote the accurate counting of Latinos in the decennial census and advocates for fair and equitable redistricting processes. They provide resources and information to encourage Latino participation in the census, which plays a crucial role in determining political representation and the allocation of resources.
- Technical Assistance and Training: The organization offers technical assistance and training to elected officials, community leaders, and organizations serving Latino communities. They provide guidance on effective governance, policy development, community engagement, and other aspects related to leadership and public service.
NALEO Educational Fund works collaboratively with various partners, including elected officials, community organizations, and academic institutions, to advance its goals and support the Latino community. Through their efforts, they aim to create a more inclusive and equitable democracy that reflects the diversity and interests of all Americans.
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization based in the United States that promotes and protects civil rights and combating racial discrimination. Established in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers' Committee operates with the goal of ensuring equal justice and equal opportunity for all.
The Lawyers' Committee engages in various activities and initiatives to advance its mission:
- Legal Advocacy: The organization provides pro bono legal representation to individuals and groups facing discrimination and civil rights violations. They handle cases across various issues, including voting rights, educational equity, employment discrimination, fair housing, criminal justice reform, and hate crimes. The Lawyers' Committee litigates cases in federal and state courts to protect and enforce civil rights laws.
- Election Protection: The Lawyers' Committee leads the Election Protection program, which is the nation's largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition. Through this program, they work to ensure that all eligible voters have access to the polls, and that their votes are counted accurately. They provide voter education, voter assistance hotlines, and on-the-ground monitoring during elections to address voting rights violations and voter suppression.
- Policy Advocacy: The Lawyers' Committee advocates for policies that promote civil rights and racial justice. They engage with policymakers, legislators, and government agencies to shape and influence legislation and policies that impact marginalized communities. They also provide expertise and analysis on civil rights issues to inform public discourse and decision-making processes.
- Community Outreach and Education: The Lawyers' Committee conducts community outreach and education programs to empower individuals and communities with knowledge about their rights and how to address discrimination. They organize workshops, trainings, and educational campaigns to raise awareness about civil rights issues, promote civic engagement, and build partnerships with community organizations.
- Research and Publications: The Lawyers' Committee conducts research, produces reports, and publishes resources that highlight the challenges faced by marginalized communities and offer recommendations for policy reform. Their publications provide data, analysis, and legal insights on racial profiling, criminal justice disparities, voting rights, and fair housing.
The Lawyers' Committee collaborates with a network of lawyers, law firms, and civil rights organizations to amplify their impact and extend their reach. They work on both national and local levels to address systemic inequalities and advocate for the rights of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups.
Arab American Institute
The Arab American Institute (AAI) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that focuses on representing and advocating for the Arab American community. Founded in 1985 by James Zogby, the AAI works to empower Arab Americans, promote their inclusion and integration into American society, and advocate for policies that address their concerns and interests.
The Arab American Institute engages in various activities to fulfill its mission:
- Advocacy and Policy: AAI advocates for policies at the national level that advance the rights and interests of Arab Americans. They work with lawmakers, government agencies, and other organizations to promote policies related to civil rights, immigration, hate crimes, discrimination, education, and foreign policy issues affecting the Arab world.
- Research and Publications: The AAI conducts research, produces reports, and publishes resources that provide insights into the experiences, challenges, and contributions of Arab Americans. They aim to provide accurate and nuanced information about the Arab American community to policymakers, the media, and the general public.
- Leadership Development: The AAI works to foster leadership within the Arab American community by providing training and resources to individuals interested in public service, community organizing, and advocacy. They aim to empower Arab Americans to participate actively in political, civic, and community affairs.
- Voter Mobilization and Engagement: The AAI conducts voter registration drives, educational campaigns, and outreach efforts to encourage Arab Americans to participate in the electoral process. They provide resources and information to ensure that Arab American voters are well-informed about the issues and candidates.
- Public Education and Awareness: AAI conducts public education campaigns to raise awareness and promote understanding of the Arab American community and its contributions to American society. They strive to challenge stereotypes, combat discrimination, and promote a more inclusive and tolerant society.
The Arab American Institute also collaborates with other organizations, both within the Arab American community and across diverse communities, to advance common goals and address issues of mutual concern.
League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan political organization in the United States that was founded in 1920, just months before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The LWV was initially formed to help women exercise their newly acquired voting rights, and it has since expanded its mission to promote active and informed participation in democracy for all citizens.
The League of Women Voters operates at the local, state, and national levels, with chapters across the country. Its activities and initiatives revolve around several key areas:
- Voter Education: The LWV provides nonpartisan information and resources to educate voters about the electoral process, candidates, and issues. They organize candidate forums, publish voter guides, and conduct voter registration drives to ensure that citizens have the information they need to make informed decisions at the polls.
- Advocacy and Policy Positions: The LWV takes positions on various policy issues based on thorough study and member consensus. These positions form the basis for the organization's advocacy efforts at all levels of government. The LWV advocates for policies that promote voter rights, social justice, environmental sustainability, healthcare access, education, and other issues aligned with its mission.
- Voter Protection: The LWV is committed to protecting the voting rights of all citizens and works to combat voter suppression, promote fair redistricting processes, and ensure accessibility and integrity in elections. They monitor elections, provide resources on voting rights, and advocate for reforms that enhance the democratic process.
- Civic Engagement: The LWV encourages citizens to engage in the democratic process beyond voting. They promote participation in community and public policy discussions, support grassroots organizing, and provide resources for individuals to become active in their local communities and government.
- Public Education: The LWV conducts educational programs and events to inform the public about important issues, such as voter rights, redistricting, and government processes. They aim to empower citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in democracy effectively.
The League of Women Voters is known for its nonpartisan approach, focusing on providing unbiased information and fostering civil discourse. While it does not endorse or support specific candidates or political parties, the LWV is actively engaged in promoting democracy and citizen participation.
ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that works to protect and defend individual civil liberties and constitutional rights. Founded in 1920, the ACLU has played a significant role in landmark legal cases and advocacy efforts that have shaped civil liberties and civil rights in the country.
The ACLU operates through a national office and affiliates across the United States. Its work focuses on various areas:
- Litigation: The ACLU engages in litigation to protect civil liberties and constitutional rights. They often provide legal representation to individuals or groups whose rights have been violated and take on cases that have the potential to set legal precedents in areas such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, privacy rights, and criminal justice reform.
- Advocacy and Policy Reform: The ACLU advocates for policy reforms at the local, state, and federal levels. They lobby lawmakers, engage in public education campaigns, and work with grassroots organizations to shape legislation and policies that protect civil liberties and promote social justice. The ACLU also provides analysis and expertise on civil liberties issues to inform public discourse and policy debates.
- Public Education and Awareness: The ACLU works to educate the public about civil liberties and constitutional rights. They provide resources, conduct public forums, publish reports, and organize events to raise awareness about issues such as voting rights, racial inequality, reproductive freedom, gender equality, surveillance, and other topics related to civil liberties and civil rights.
- Community Engagement: The ACLU actively engages with communities, supporting and partnering with local organizations to address civil liberties issues at the grassroots level. They provide resources and assistance to individuals and groups seeking to protect their rights and organize campaigns that empower communities to take action.
The ACLU is committed to defending the principles of equality, justice, and freedom, and it takes on cases and initiatives regardless of political affiliation or ideology. Its work has had a significant impact on shaping constitutional law and protecting individual rights throughout the history of the United States.
State Voices
State Voices is a national nonprofit organization based in the United States that focuses on empowering grassroots organizations and building networks to enhance civic engagement and promote social and racial justice. Founded in 2008, State Voices works to strengthen democracy by connecting and supporting community-based organizations in states across the country.
State Voices carries out its mission through several key strategies and initiatives:
- Coalition Building and Support: State Voices helps foster collaboration among diverse organizations, including community-based groups, advocacy organizations, and civic engagement entities. They provide support, resources, and technical assistance to these organizations to enhance their capacity for effective community organizing, voter engagement, and policy advocacy.
- Civic Engagement: State Voices promotes civic engagement through voter registration, voter education, and Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts. They work to increase voter turnout and ensure that all eligible individuals have access to the tools and information necessary to participate in the electoral process.
- Data and Technology: State Voices provides data and technology tools to organizations in their network to support their work in civic engagement and community organizing. These tools help organizations streamline their efforts, target resources effectively, and analyze data for better decision-making.
- Policy Advocacy: State Voices supports organizations in their advocacy efforts to address issues related to racial and social justice, voting rights, economic equity, and other key areas. They provide training, resources, and coordination to help organizations effectively advocate for policies that advance their communities' interests.
- Leadership Development: State Voices invests in leadership development programs and training for emerging leaders from underrepresented communities. They provide opportunities for skill-building, strategic thinking, and collaboration, aiming to cultivate a diverse and inclusive pipeline of leaders who can drive change at local, state, and national levels.
State Voices operates in partnership with state-based tables, which are collaborative networks of organizations working together to achieve common goals. These state tables serve as hubs for coordination, information-sharing, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders within a particular state.
Fair Vote
FairVote is a nonprofit organization in the United States that advocates for electoral reforms to promote fair and representative democracy. Founded in 1992, FairVote focuses on advancing ranked-choice voting, proportional representation, and other innovative electoral systems that aim to improve representation and voter engagement.
FairVote works towards its mission through several strategies and initiatives:
- Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV): FairVote promotes the adoption of ranked-choice voting, also known as instant-runoff voting, in elections. RCV allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, ensuring that winners are elected with majority support. This system eliminates the need for separate runoff elections and encourages candidates to appeal to a broader base of voters.
- Proportional Representation (PR): FairVote advocates for proportional representation systems in legislative bodies. PR systems aim to allocate seats proportionally to the percentage of votes received by each political party or group, ensuring fair representation for diverse viewpoints. FairVote supports the use of multi-member districts, party-list systems, and other PR methods to achieve more accurate representation.
- Redistricting Reform: FairVote works to address issues related to gerrymandering, the manipulation of district boundaries to favor a particular political party. They advocate for redistricting reforms that promote fairness, transparency, and citizen participation in the drawing of electoral districts. FairVote supports independent redistricting commissions and other mechanisms to mitigate partisan manipulation.
- Public Education and Research: FairVote conducts research, produces reports, and provides educational resources to raise awareness about electoral systems and their impact on representation. They aim to educate policymakers, the media, and the public about the benefits of ranked-choice voting, proportional representation, and other reforms that enhance democracy.
- Advocacy and Partnerships: FairVote collaborates with grassroots organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advocate for electoral reforms. They engage in legislative advocacy, provide technical expertise, and build coalitions to advance their goals at the local, state, and national levels.
Spread the Vote
Spread the Vote is a nonprofit organization in the United States that focuses on helping individuals obtain the identification necessary to exercise their right to vote and access essential services. Founded in 2017, Spread the Vote operates with the belief that identification is a fundamental tool for empowerment and access to various opportunities.
Spread the Vote carries out its mission through several key initiatives and programs:
- Voter ID Assistance: Spread the Vote helps eligible individuals navigate the often complex process of obtaining voter identification. They provide direct support by assisting individuals in gathering the required documentation, filling out application forms, and covering the costs associated with obtaining identification documents, such as birth certificates or state IDs.
- Mobile Registration and Outreach: Spread the Vote operates mobile registration units that travel to communities, events, and locations where individuals may need assistance with voter registration and identification. Through these mobile units, they provide on-the-spot support, information, and resources to help individuals overcome barriers to obtaining identification and registering to vote.
- Voter Education and Advocacy: Spread the Vote conducts voter education campaigns to raise awareness about voter ID laws, voter registration deadlines, and the importance of voting. They work to debunk myths and provide accurate information to combat voter suppression and ensure that all eligible individuals are informed about their rights and the steps required to participate in the electoral process.
- ID Assistance for Essential Needs: Spread the Vote recognizes that identification is crucial for accessing essential services beyond voting, such as obtaining employment, housing, healthcare, and social services. They assist individuals in obtaining IDs that can help break down barriers to employment, housing stability, and accessing public benefits.
- Volunteer and Community Engagement: Spread the Vote actively engages volunteers in their efforts to assist individuals with obtaining identification and voter registration. They provide training and support for volunteers who want to contribute their time and skills to help expand access to identification and promote voter participation. Spread the Vote also collaborates with local organizations and community leaders to reach individuals who may face challenges in obtaining identification.
Asian American Advancing Justice
Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) is a national nonprofit organization based in the United States that focuses on civil rights advocacy and empowerment for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders (AAPI), and other underserved communities. Advancing Justice works to address systemic discrimination, promote social justice, and ensure equal access to opportunities and resources.
Advancing Justice operates through five independent but affiliated organizations:
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; AAJC: The Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; AAJC (AAJC) is based in Washington, D.C., and primarily focuses on policy advocacy, litigation, and community education. They work on a wide range of issues affecting AAPI communities, including voting rights, immigration, criminal justice reform, hate crimes, economic justice, and education.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; Los Angeles: Based in Los Angeles, California, Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA) provides direct legal services, community education, and advocacy on civil rights issues. They address immigration, labor and employment, language access, housing, and other areas impacting AAPI communities in the greater Los Angeles area.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; Atlanta: Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; Atlanta (Advancing Justice - Atlanta) focuses on advocacy, civic engagement, and legal services for the AAPI community in the Southeastern United States. They work to address issues such as immigrant rights, voter protection, language access, and racial equity.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; Chicago: Based in Chicago, Illinois, Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; Chicago (Advancing Justice - Chicago) provides legal services, advocacy, and community education on various civil rights issues. They focus on immigrant rights, language access, hate crimes, and other issues impacting AAPI communities in the Midwest.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; Asian Law Caucus: The Asian Americans Advancing Justice ; Asian Law Caucus (Advancing Justice - ALC) is based in San Francisco, California, and primarily focuses on legal services, community organizing, and policy advocacy. They address issues such as immigration, racial profiling, criminal justice reform, worker rights, and education equity.
Plastic Free July: Nonprofits Dedicated to Reducing Plastic Waste
This month is Plastic Free July, a global movement that began in 2011.
The event invites individuals and communities worldwide to take part in a challenge: to reduce their consumption of single-use plastics and make more sustainable choices throughout the month of July.
By participating in Plastic Free July, you are joining millions of people who are committed to creating a cleaner, healthier planet by tackling the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. This is an opportunity to raise awareness, inspire change, and discover creative alternatives to single-use plastics.
As part of the effort to reduce plastic waste, here is a list of nonprofits at the forefront of combatting the problems with the use of plastic.
Alliance to End Plastic Waste
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste is a non-profit organization launched in January 2019 to eliminate plastic waste and promote a circular economy for plastics. It is a global alliance of nearly 50 member companies across the plastics value chain, including chemical and plastic manufacturers, consumer goods companies, retailers, and waste management companies.
The alliance recognizes plastic waste as a pressing environmental issue requiring various stakeholders' collaborative action. Its members are committed to investing in and implementing solutions to help end plastic waste, particularly in the areas where it is most prevalent, such as in developing countries where waste management infrastructure may be lacking.
The alliance focuses on four strategic areas:
- Infrastructure: The alliance aims to support the development of waste management systems and infrastructure in regions that are heavily affected by plastic waste. This includes promoting the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of plastic waste.
- Innovation: The alliance seeks to facilitate the development of new technologies, business models, and materials that can help reduce plastic waste and enable the transition to a circular economy. This involves supporting research and development efforts and promoting collaboration among members and external partners.
- Education and Engagement: The alliance recognizes the importance of raising awareness and changing behaviors to address the plastic waste issue. It supports educational initiatives and engages with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to promote responsible plastic use and waste management practices.
- Clean-up: The alliance is committed to supporting and participating in projects and initiatives that aim to remove plastic waste from the environment. This includes beach clean-ups, river clean-ups, and other activities aimed at reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in oceans and waterways.
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste has committed over $1.5 billion to its mission over a period of five years (2019-2023). It collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to maximize its impact and drive systemic change in how plastics are used and managed worldwide.
The Story of Stuff Project
The Story of Stuff Project is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that aims to raise awareness and inspire action on consumption, sustainability, and social and environmental justice issues. The organization was founded by Annie Leonard in 2007, following the success of her viral online video called "The Story of Stuff," which explored the lifecycle of material goods and their impact on the planet.
The Story of Stuff Project uses storytelling, multimedia, and educational resources to engage and inform people about the environmental and social impacts of our consumption patterns. They believe that understanding the interconnectedness of systems, such as production, consumption, and waste, is crucial for creating a more sustainable and just society.
The organization focuses on various thematic areas, including:
- Consumerism: The Story of Stuff Project examines the negative consequences of excessive consumerism, such as overconsumption, waste generation, and depletion of natural resources. They encourage individuals to rethink their consumption habits and make more sustainable choices.
- Plastics and Pollution: The organization addresses the issue of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and human health. They advocate for reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling and waste management practices, and supporting policies prioritizing environmental sustainability.
- Climate Change: The Story of Stuff Project highlights the connection between our consumption patterns and climate change. They aim to educate people about the carbon footprint of different products and advocate for systemic changes that prioritize renewable energy and sustainable practices.
- Social and Environmental Justice: The organization emphasizes the importance of social and environmental justice in achieving a sustainable future. They explore issues such as fair trade, workers' rights, environmental racism, and the impacts of extractive industries on marginalized communities.
The Story of Stuff Project provides educational materials, including videos, lesson plans, and guides for free on their website. They also engage in advocacy efforts, collaborate with other organizations, and promote grassroots initiatives that align with their mission.
Plastic Oceans International
Plastic Oceans International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans and working towards finding solutions to address this global problem.
The organization was founded in 2009 by Jo Ruxton and Craig Leeson, following the production of their award-winning documentary film, "A Plastic Ocean."
Plastic Oceans International focuses on the following key areas:
- Education and Advocacy: The organization aims to educate individuals, communities, and decision-makers about the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and human health. They engage in advocacy efforts to promote policy changes and initiatives that reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.
- Scientific Research: Plastic Oceans International supports and conducts scientific research to better understand the extent and consequences of plastic pollution in the world's oceans. They collaborate with scientists, universities, and research institutions to gather data and provide evidence-based solutions.
- Film and Media: Building on their documentary film, Plastic Oceans International uses film and media as powerful tools to raise awareness and inspire action. They produce films, documentaries, and short videos that highlight the issue of plastic pollution and its impact on marine life and ecosystems.
- Youth Engagement: The organization recognizes the importance of involving and empowering young people in the fight against plastic pollution. They develop educational programs and initiatives that engage students and youth organizations to create awareness, inspire behavioral change, and foster future environmental leaders.
- Corporate Engagement: Plastic Oceans International works with businesses and corporations to promote sustainable practices, reduce plastic waste in their operations, and support the development of innovative solutions. They collaborate with companies to raise awareness and develop sustainable business models that minimize plastic pollution.
Through its various initiatives and partnerships, Plastic Oceans International seeks to inspire individuals, organizations, and governments to take action and implement long-term solutions to reduce and ultimately eliminate plastic pollution.
Ocean Blue Project
The Ocean Blue Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the world's oceans and waterways.
Founded in 2012 by Richard and Shelly Timeus, the organization is based in the United States and operates globally.
The Ocean Blue Project focuses on several key areas:
- Beach and River Cleanup: The organization organizes and leads beach and river cleanup events to remove trash and debris from coastal areas and waterways. They engage volunteers in these cleanup efforts, raising awareness about the impact of marine pollution and promoting responsible waste management practices.
- Ecological Restoration: The Ocean Blue Project implements projects to restore and rehabilitate coastal ecosystems, such as dunes, wetlands, and estuaries. By undertaking habitat restoration initiatives, they aim to improve the health and resilience of marine ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
- Water Quality Monitoring: The organization conducts water quality testing and monitoring programs to assess various water bodies' health and pollution levels. This data helps identify areas of concern and supports advocacy efforts for improved water quality standards and pollution prevention.
- Education and Outreach: The Ocean Blue Project strongly emphasizes education and community outreach. They develop educational programs, workshops, and presentations to raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable practices. They also collaborate with schools and community organizations to engage and inspire future generations to become ocean stewards.
- Research and Innovation: The organization supports initiatives to understand and address ocean health challenges. They collaborate with scientists and researchers to develop innovative solutions and technologies that promote conservation and restoration efforts.
The Ocean Blue Project relies on volunteers, partnerships, and donations to accomplish its mission. They encourage individuals and communities to get involved through volunteering, participating in cleanup events, and supporting their initiatives.
The Ocean Cleanup
The Ocean Cleanup is a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 by Dutch inventor and entrepreneur Boyan Slat. The organization aims to develop advanced technologies to remove plastic pollution from the world's oceans.
The Ocean Cleanup focuses on the following key areas:
- System Development: The organization designs and develops systems and technologies to remove ocean plastic waste. Their flagship project, "System 001," also known as "The Interceptor," is an autonomous floating device that uses the ocean's natural currents to collect and concentrate plastic debris for extraction.
- Research and Development: The Ocean Cleanup invests in research and development efforts to continually improve its systems and technologies. They collaborate with scientists, engineers, and oceanographers to better understand the dynamics of plastic pollution and develop innovative solutions.
- Deployment and Cleanup Operations: The organization conducts deployment and cleanup operations in areas heavily affected by plastic pollution. They target oceanic gyres, where plastic debris accumulates due to ocean currents. By strategically deploying their systems, they aim to intercept and remove large amounts of plastic waste.
- Recycling and Sustainability: The Ocean Cleanup recognizes the importance of recycling and sustainable waste management practices. They explore ways to efficiently process and recycle the collected plastic waste to prevent it from re-entering the ocean. They also advocate for sustainable practices, raise awareness about the need to reduce single-use plastics and promote a circular economy.
The Ocean Cleanup's work has gained significant attention and support globally. They rely on a combination of private donations, corporate sponsorships, and partnerships to fund their operations and research efforts. They aim to clean up existing plastic pollution and contribute to long-term solutions that prevent further accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans.
Plastic Tides
Plastic Tides is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about plastic pollution and promotes solutions through adventure, education, and community engagement.
The organization was founded in 2013 by Christian Shaw and Gordon Middleton, two outdoor enthusiasts who were inspired to take action after witnessing the extent of plastic pollution during a stand-up paddleboarding expedition.
Plastic Tides focuses on three primary areas:
- Adventure: The organization uses stand-up paddleboarding and other adventure-based activities as a platform to explore, document, and raise awareness about plastic pollution in waterways. They embark on expeditions in various locations, showcasing plastic pollution's environmental and human health impacts.
- Education: Plastic Tides is committed to educating communities, schools, and individuals about the issue of plastic pollution and the importance of adopting sustainable practices. They offer educational programs, workshops, and presentations focusing on plastic pollution prevention, waste reduction, and promoting a circular economy.
- Community Engagement: The organization emphasizes the power of community action in addressing plastic pollution. They collaborate with local communities, businesses, and organizations to organize clean-up events, promote sustainable practices, and inspire collective efforts to reduce plastic waste. Plastic Tides also encourages individuals to become "Plastic Tides Ambassadors" who champion the cause in their own communities.
Through their programs and initiatives, Plastic Tides aims to inspire behavior change, promote eco-conscious lifestyles, and drive advocacy for policy changes related to plastic waste management and pollution prevention. They work closely with partners and volunteers to amplify their impact and reach a broader audience.
Post Landfill Action Network
The Post Landfill Action Network (PLAN) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that empowers students and campuses to create zero-waste communities.
Founded in 2013 by Alex Freid, PLAN's mission is to catalyze a student-led movement that prevents waste generation, promotes sustainable consumption, and encourages the reuse and recycling of materials.
PLAN operates through three core strategies:
- Student Empowerment: The organization provides resources, training, and support to student leaders on college campuses to help them implement sustainable waste management practices. They offer guidance on waste reduction, recycling, composting, and establishing student-run enterprises that promote reuse and repair.
- Networking and Collaboration: PLAN connects student leaders, campuses, and sustainability organizations to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. They organize conferences, workshops, and networking events where students and sustainability professionals can exchange ideas, learn from each other's experiences, and develop strategies for waste reduction and sustainability initiatives.
- Campaigns and Advocacy: PLAN runs various campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for systemic change related to waste reduction and sustainable practices. They work on single-use plastics, food waste, and the circular economy. Their campaigns aim to engage and mobilize students and communities to drive policy changes and influence industry practices.
PLAN's efforts have resulted in the creation of student-led initiatives and programs on campuses across the United States and beyond. These initiatives include zero-waste programs, sustainable move-out programs, thrift stores, and campus composting systems.
Juneteenth: Nonprofits Celebrating Freedom and Embracing Unity
Each year on June 19th, a significant celebration takes place across the United States, commemorating a pivotal moment in the nation's history and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality.
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of a community that has faced centuries of adversity.
Juneteenth serves as a potent reminder of the long journey toward freedom and the unyielding spirit of African Americans throughout history. It is a day to honor the strength and resilience of those who endured the harsh realities of bondage while also recognizing the progress made since that momentous day in Texas. Today, Juneteenth has expanded beyond its regional origins to become a nationally recognized holiday, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality for all.
As we commemorate Juneteenth, it is crucial to recognize its historical significance and acknowledge the ongoing work needed to dismantle systemic racism.
Join us as we support the nonprofits and organizations that champion Juneteenth, honoring the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of African Americans and their unwavering commitment to freedom.
Equal Justice Initiative
The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is a nonprofit legal organization that seeks to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenge racial and economic injustice and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in society. EJI was founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for justice for the poor and the marginalized.
EJI Programs and Initiatives
- Direct representation: EJI lawyers represent people on death row, in death penalty cases, and in other criminal cases. EJI also provides legal representation to people who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.
- Investigations: EJI conducts investigations into racial and economic injustice, including the legacy of slavery and segregation, the death penalty, and mass incarceration. EJI's investigations have led to the closure of death row in Alabama and the release of dozens of people who were wrongfully convicted.
- Public education: EJI works to educate the public about the issues of mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial and economic injustice. EJI publishes reports, articles, and books on these issues, and it also offers training and workshops to lawyers, law students, and other professionals.
- Policy advocacy: EJI advocates for reforms to the criminal justice system. EJI has worked to pass legislation that would end the death penalty, reform the bail system, and reduce the number of people in prison.
EJI has been recognized for its work with numerous awards, including the MacArthur Foundation "Genius Grant" and the American Bar Association's Thurgood Marshall Award. EJI is headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, and it has offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and New York City.
EJI's accomplishments
- EJI has won over 200 exonerations of people who were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.
- EJI has helped to close death row in Alabama.
- EJI has helped to pass legislation that would end the death penalty, reform the bail system, and reduce the number of people in prison.
- EJI has educated the public about the issues of mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial and economic injustice.
EJI is a leading voice in the fight for justice for the poor and the marginalized. EJI's work is making a real difference in the lives of people who have been affected by mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial and economic injustice.
The Juneteenth Foundation
The Juneteenth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2020 to build a movement to recognize Juneteenth and celebrate the excellence of Black culture and freedom. The foundation's mission is to "create a platform for the nation to come together to celebrate Juneteenth and host one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in America."
The Juneteenth Foundation hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Juneteenth Honors, an upscale awards show that brings together African American culture's biggest names in music, sports, film, and philanthropy; the Juneteenth Celebrity Golf Tournament, which raises funds for scholarships and youth STEM programming; and the Juneteenth Freedom Festival, a week-long celebration of Juneteenth that includes concerts, speeches, and educational events.
The Juneteenth Foundation also works to educate the public about the history and significance of Juneteenth. The foundation's website provides information about the history of Juneteenth, as well as resources for teaching about Juneteenth in schools.
The Juneteenth Foundation is a valuable resource for those who want to learn more about Juneteenth and celebrate the excellence of Black culture and freedom. The foundation's work is helping to ensure that Juneteenth is recognized and celebrated as a national holiday.
The Juneteenth Foundation Accomplishments
- In 2021, Juneteenth was nationally recognized and celebrated for the first time ever as a federal holiday in the United States and around the world.
- The foundation has hosted a number of successful events, including the Juneteenth Honors, the Juneteenth Celebrity Golf Tournament, and the Juneteenth Freedom Festival.
- The foundation has worked to educate the public about the history and significance of Juneteenth.
- The foundation has raised funds for scholarships and youth STEM programming.
The Juneteenth Foundation is a valuable organization that is making a positive impact on the lives of Black Americans. The foundation's work is helping to ensure that Juneteenth is recognized and celebrated as a national holiday, and that the history and significance of Juneteenth is known by all.
Emancipation Park Conservancy
The Emancipation Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2014 to restore, manage, and enhance Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas. The park is a historic site that was founded in 1872 by freed slaves. It is the oldest public park in Houston and is one of the most important cultural landmarks in the city.
Emancipation Park Conservancy Goals
- To restore the park's historic structures and grounds.
- To create a safe and welcoming environment for all park visitors.
- To provide educational programs and events that celebrate the park's history and culture.
- To raise funds to support the park's ongoing maintenance and operations.
The Conservancy has made significant progress in achieving its goals. The park's historic structures have been restored, and the grounds have been improved. The park is now a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors, and it hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. The Conservancy has also raised significant funds to support the park's ongoing maintenance and operations.
The Emancipation Park Conservancy is a valuable asset to the Houston community. The park is a beautiful and historic place that is important to the city's history and culture. The Conservancy is working hard to preserve the park and make it a vibrant and welcoming space for all.
Emancipation Park Conservancy's Accomplishments
- Restored the park's historic structures, including the Emancipation Oak, the Freedman's Hall, and the Emancipation Monument.
- Improved the park's grounds, including the installation of new playground equipment, a walking trail, and a picnic area.
- Created a safe and welcoming environment for all park visitors, including the installation of security cameras and the hiring of security guards.
- Provided educational programs and events that celebrate the park's history and culture, including the Juneteenth Freedom Festival and the Emancipation Park Lecture Series.
- Raised significant funds to support the park's ongoing maintenance and operations.
The Emancipation Park Conservancy is a vital organization that is making a real difference in the lives of Houstonians. The Conservancy's work is helping to preserve a historic landmark, create a safe and welcoming space for all, and celebrate the city's rich history and culture.
Advancement Project
Advancement Project is a non-profit civil rights organization that works to dismantle systemic racism in the United States. The organization was founded in 1999 by Constance L. Rice, Penda Hair, and Wade Henderson.
Advancement Project Programs and Initiatives
- Voting rights: Advancement Project works to protect the right to vote for all Americans, particularly people of color. The organization has challenged voter ID laws, fought to restore voting rights to people with felony convictions, and worked to increase voter turnout among minority communities.
- Education: Advancement Project works to ensure that all children have access to a quality education, regardless of their race or zip code. The organization has challenged school funding inequities, fought to end the school-to-prison pipeline, and worked to improve teacher quality in minority schools.
- Criminal justice: Advancement Project works to reform the criminal justice system, which disproportionately incarcerates people of color. The organization has challenged mass incarceration, fought against racial profiling, and worked to reform the bail system.
- Economic justice: Advancement Project works to promote economic opportunity for all Americans, particularly people of color. The organization has challenged discriminatory lending practices, fought for fair wages, and worked to increase access to affordable housing.
Advancement Project has been successful in achieving a number of its goals. For example, the organization played a key role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 2006, which expanded the right to vote for millions of Americans. Advancement Project has also won a number of landmark cases in the areas of education, criminal justice, and economic justice.
Advancement Project is a leading voice in the fight for racial justice in the United States. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of people of color.
National Black Women’s Justice Institute
The National Black Women's Justice Institute (NBWJI) is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of Black women and girls through advocacy, research, and public education. The organization was founded in 1998 by Nkechi Taifa and Kimberlé Crenshaw.
NBWJI Programs and Initiatives
- Advocacy: NBWJI advocates for policies that improve the lives of Black women and girls. The organization has worked to pass legislation that would reform the criminal justice system, expand access to healthcare, and increase economic opportunities for Black women.
- Research: NBWJI conducts research on the issues that impact Black women and girls. The organization has published reports on topics such as mass incarceration, domestic violence, and economic inequality.
- Public education: NBWJI educates the public about the issues that impact Black women and girls. The organization offers trainings and workshops to lawyers, policymakers, and the general public.
NBWJI has been successful in achieving a number of its goals. For example, the organization played a key role in the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which expanded protections for victims of domestic violence. NBWJI has also published a number of groundbreaking reports on the issues that impact Black women and girls.
NBWJI is a leading voice in the fight for justice for Black women and girls. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of Black women and girls.
NBWJI's accomplishments
- Played a key role in the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which expanded protections for victims of domestic violence.
- Published a number of groundbreaking reports on the issues that impact Black women and girls, including "Black Women in the Criminal Justice System: A National Overview" and "Black Women's Lives Matter: The Criminalization of Black Women."
- Conducted research on the issues that impact Black women and girls, including mass incarceration, domestic violence, and economic inequality.
- Educated the public about the issues that impact Black women and girls, offering trainings and workshops to lawyers, policymakers, and the general public.
NBWJI is a vital organization that is making a real difference in the lives of Black women and girls. The organization's work is helping to improve the lives of Black women and girls in a number of ways, including by advocating for policies that improve their lives, conducting research on the issues that impact them, and educating the public about the issues that impact them.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Alvin Ailey Jr. (January 5, 1931 – December 1, 1989) was an American dancer, choreographer, and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT). He created AAADT and its affiliated Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (later Ailey School) as havens for nurturing Black artists and expressing the universality of the African-American experience through dance.
Ailey was born in Rogers, Texas, and grew up in Los Angeles. He began dancing at a young age and studied with Lester Horton, Martha Graham, and other leading choreographers. In 1958, he founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with a group of dancers from the New York City Ballet. The company quickly became one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world, and Ailey himself became one of the most celebrated choreographers of his generation.
Ailey's choreography was deeply rooted in the African-American experience, but it also spoke to a universal audience. His works were often based on African-American spirituals and folk tales, but they also explored themes of love, loss, and hope. Ailey's choreography was also known for its athleticism and its use of jazz and blues music.
In addition to his work as a choreographer, Ailey was also a passionate advocate for the arts. He founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in 1969 to provide training for young dancers, and he also established the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now Ailey II) in 1974 to give opportunities to emerging dancers.
Ailey died in 1989 at the age of 58. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to tour the world, and it remains one of the most important dance companies in the world.
Ailey's Most Famous Works
- Revelations (1960): This iconic work is a celebration of the African-American experience. It is set to spirituals and gospel music and is full of powerful imagery.
- Cry (1971): This work is a solo for a female dancer. It is set to music by Duke Ellington and is a powerful exploration of the pain and joy of the African-American experience.
- Night Creature (1975): This work is a celebration of the beauty of the African-American body. It is set to music by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn and is full of vibrant movement.
Ailey's work has had a profound impact on the world of dance. He was a pioneer in the field of modern dance, and his work helped to bring African-American dance to the forefront of the American cultural landscape. His legacy continues to inspire dancers and audiences around the world.
National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works to increase civic engagement and voter participation among African Americans. The NCBCP was founded in 1970 by a group of civil rights leaders, including the late Congressman John Lewis.
NCBCP Programs and Initiatives
- Voter registration: The NCBCP works to register African Americans to vote. The organization has registered millions of African Americans to vote since its founding.
- Voter education: The NCBCP provides voter education to African Americans. The organization offers training and workshops on how to register to vote, how to vote, and how to make informed voting decisions.
- Voter mobilization: The NCBCP mobilizes African Americans to vote. The organization works to get African Americans to the polls on Election Day.
- Research: The NCBCP conducts research on the issues that impact African American voter participation. The organization's research helps to inform the organization's work and the work of other organizations that are working to increase African American voter participation.
- Advocacy: The NCBCP advocates for policies that make it easier for African Americans to vote. The organization works to pass legislation that would expand early voting, same-day registration, and automatic voter registration.
The NCBCP has been successful in increasing African American voter participation. In the 2020 presidential election, African American voter turnout reached a record high of 66%. The NCBCP's work is helping to ensure that African Americans have a voice in the political process.
NCBCP's Accomplishments
- Registered millions of African Americans to vote.
- Provided voter education to millions of African Americans.
- Mobilized millions of African Americans to vote.
- Conducted research on the issues that impact African American voter participation.
- Advocated for policies that make it easier for African Americans to vote.
The NCBCP is a leading voice in the fight for African American voter participation. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of African Americans.
Race Forward
Race Forward is a non-profit organization that works to advance racial justice. The organization was founded in 1981 by Gary Delgado and is headquartered in Oakland, California.
Race Forward Programs and Initiatives
- Reporting and analysis: Race Forward produces reports and analyses on racial justice issues. The organization's reports are used by policymakers, journalists, and activists to inform their work.
- Training and education: Race Forward provides training and education on racial justice issues. The organization's training are designed to help people understand the history of racism in the United States and how to work for racial justice.
- Advocacy: Race Forward advocates for policies that advance racial justice. The organization works to pass legislation that would address racial disparities in areas such as education, housing, and criminal justice.
Race Forward has been successful in advancing racial justice. The organization has played a key role in the passage of legislation that would address racial disparities in areas such as education, housing, and criminal justice. Race Forward's work has also helped to raise awareness of racial justice issues and to build a movement for racial justice.
Race Forward's Accomplishments
- Played a key role in the passage of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which reduced the disparity between the sentences for crack cocaine and powder cocaine offenses.
- Published the report "The War on Drugs by the Numbers," which documented the disproportionate impact of the war on drugs on communities of color.
- Organized the "Black Lives Matter" movement, which has raised awareness of police violence against Black people.
Race Forward is a leading voice in the fight for racial justice. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of people of color.
Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a non-profit legal advocacy organization that specializes in civil rights and public interest litigation. The SPLC was founded in 1971 by Morris Dees, Joseph Levin, and Julian Bond.
SPLC Programs and Initiatives
- Legal advocacy: The SPLC litigates cases that challenge discrimination and hate crimes. The organization has won a number of landmark cases, including the case that led to the desegregation of public schools in Alabama.
- Public education: The SPLC educates the public about the dangers of hate and extremism. The organization publishes reports, articles, and educational materials on a variety of topics, including white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.
- Training and support: The SPLC provides training and support to individuals and organizations that are working to fight hate and extremism. The organization offers trainings on a variety of topics, including how to respond to hate crimes, how to build a community of resistance, and how to use social media to fight hate.
The SPLC has been successful in challenging discrimination and hate crimes. The organization has won a number of landmark cases, and its work has helped to raise awareness of the dangers of hate and extremism.
SPLC's Accomplishments
- Won the case that led to the desegregation of public schools in Alabama.
- Exposed the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups.
- Helped to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
- Educated the public about the dangers of hate and extremism.
- Provided training and support to individuals and organizations that are working to fight hate and extremism.
The SPLC is a leading voice in the fight against hate and extremism. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of people who are targeted by hate and extremism.
Embracing Humanity: World Refugee Day Nonprofits to Support
As the world continues to grapple with a myriad of challenges, one issue stands as a constant reminder of the fragility and strength of the human spirit: the global refugee crisis.
On World Refugee Day, marked annually on June 20th, we pause to acknowledge the millions of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. It is a day that both commemorates the resilience of those who have sought refuge and encourages us to come together as a global community to address their plight.
In recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming increase in forced displacement, with the number of refugees reaching a staggering record of more than 82 million people by the end of 2020. This crisis knows no boundaries and affects every corner of the globe, demanding urgent attention and compassion from governments, organizations, and individuals alike.
However, amidst the enormity of the challenge, there is a silver lining: the countless acts of kindness, generosity, and solidarity that have emerged from communities around the world. World Refugee Day is an occasion to celebrate the inspiring resilience of refugees while acknowledging the collective efforts made to support and integrate them into new societies.
World Refugee Day calls upon us to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges of empathy and understanding. It prompts us to reflect on the shared values that connect us all as human beings and compels us to take action towards creating a world that offers safety, dignity, and opportunities for those in need.
Join us in this exploration of compassion, resilience, and the power of human connection as we come together to observe World Refugee Day and work towards a more inclusive and just world.
Check out these nonprofits at the forefront of helping refugees receive life-changing provisions and shelter.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a renowned global humanitarian organization dedicated to providing emergency aid, relief, and long-term support to individuals and communities affected by conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. Established in 1933 at the request of renowned physicist Albert Einstein, the IRC has been at the forefront of responding to humanitarian crises worldwide, helping millions of people rebuild their lives and regain their independence.
The IRC operates in over 40 countries, offering a wide range of services that address the immediate needs of affected populations while also focusing on sustainable solutions and empowerment.
International Rescue Committee Key Areas
- Emergency Response: The IRC swiftly responds to crises, delivering life-saving assistance such as emergency shelter, clean water, healthcare, and protection to those affected by conflict or natural disasters.
- Health and Nutrition: The IRC provides critical healthcare services, including primary healthcare, reproductive health, nutrition programs, and the prevention and treatment of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.
- Education: Recognizing the transformative power of education, the IRC establishes safe learning environments, supports access to quality education, and offers innovative programs to help children and youth affected by crises regain a sense of normalcy and hope for the future.
- Economic Empowerment: The IRC promotes economic self-reliance through various initiatives, including vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and support for small businesses, aiming to rebuild livelihoods and enhance the economic well-being of individuals and communities.
- Women's Protection and Empowerment: The IRC is committed to addressing gender-based violence, promoting gender equality, and empowering women and girls in crisis-affected areas. They provide safe spaces, counseling, legal assistance, and economic support to survivors of violence.
- Advocacy and Policy: In addition to its direct service provision, the IRC advocates for policies and practices that protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. They work with governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to influence positive change on a global scale.
The IRC's impact is felt across the globe, providing essential support to refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and long-term solutions, the IRC strives to create lasting change and enable individuals and communities to rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.
USAHello
USAHello, formerly known as The Welcome to America Project, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers in the United States. Founded in 2001, USAHello provides online resources, education, and community support to help newcomers successfully integrate into American society and thrive.
The organization recognizes the unique challenges faced by refugees and immigrants as they navigate the complex process of resettlement and cultural adaptation. USAHello aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge, resources, and opportunities by offering a comprehensive range of multilingual and culturally sensitive services.
One of the primary offerings of USAHello is their online platform, which serves as a central hub for information and tools tailored to the needs of newcomers.
The USAHello platform provides a wealth of resources, including:
- language courses
- educational materials
- employment guidance
- legal support
- health information
USAHello's educational initiatives play a crucial role in empowering refugees and immigrants to succeed in their new environment. They offer English language courses that cater to different proficiency levels, helping individuals improve their language skills and enhance their communication abilities. Additionally, USAHello provides comprehensive educational resources for children, adults, and educators, fostering learning opportunities and facilitating academic integration.
Recognizing the importance of community support, USAHello actively connects newcomers with local communities and volunteers through their online platform. They facilitate mentorship programs, cultural exchange events, and networking opportunities, promoting social connections and fostering a sense of belonging.
Save the Children
Save the Children is a renowned nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to improving the lives of children worldwide for over 100 years.
Founded in 1919, in the aftermath of World War I, Save the Children's mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe.
The organization operates in over 100 countries, working tirelessly to address the unique needs and challenges faced by children living in poverty, conflict zones, and areas affected by natural disasters. Save the Children believes that every child deserves the right to survival, protection, development, and participation, and they strive to uphold these rights in all their programs and advocacy efforts.
Save the Children's Areas of Focus
- Child Survival and Health: The organization provides life-saving interventions to reduce child mortality and improve the overall health and well-being of children. They focus on essential healthcare services, nutrition programs, immunizations, and maternal and newborn care.
- Education and Child Development: Save the Children recognizes the transformative power of education and invests in initiatives that ensure access to quality education for all children. They establish schools, support early childhood development, promote literacy, and advocate for inclusive and equitable education systems.
- Child Protection: Save the Children is committed to safeguarding children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and violence. They work to prevent and respond to child trafficking, child marriage, child labor, and other violations of children's rights, while also promoting child-friendly justice systems.
- Emergency Response: When disasters strike, Save the Children is at the forefront of emergency response efforts. They provide immediate assistance, including food, shelter, healthcare, and protection services, to children and families affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other humanitarian crises.
- Advocacy and Policy: Save the Children advocates for policies and practices that prioritize children's rights and well-being at local, national, and international levels. They collaborate with governments, civil society organizations, and communities to shape policies, raise awareness, and promote positive change for children.
The organization's work is guided by the principles of accountability, transparency, and efficiency, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to maximize impact. Save the Children also actively collaborates with local partners and communities, recognizing the importance of local knowledge and ownership in creating sustainable change.
Save the Children's commitment to the world's most vulnerable children continues to drive their efforts to build a better future. By advocating for children's rights, providing vital services, and empowering communities, they strive to create a world where every child can thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America (LSA) is a network of Lutheran social ministry organizations dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities across the United States.
LSA represents over 300 member organizations, including health care providers, senior services, child welfare agencies, disability support services, and other nonprofit entities. These organizations collectively provide a wide range of social services and support to millions of people in need.
The roots of Lutheran social ministry in the United States can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Lutheran churches established orphanages, hospitals, and other charitable institutions to care for the vulnerable and underserved. Over time, these individual efforts grew into a network of organizations working under the umbrella of LSA.
LSA member organizations are guided by Lutheran values, including a commitment to compassion, justice, and service. They strive to address the holistic needs of individuals and communities, providing support in areas such as healthcare, education, employment, housing, refugee resettlement, disaster response, and more.
LSA's collective impact spans across diverse populations, including children, youth, families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and those experiencing poverty or homelessness.
In addition to direct service provision, LSA serves as a platform for collaboration, learning, and advocacy. The organization facilitates knowledge sharing among its members, fostering innovation and best practices in the field of social ministry. LSA also advocates for policies and funding that promote social justice and strengthen the social safety net, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are recognized and addressed at local, state, and national levels.
LSA is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity within its network and its service delivery. It embraces the richness of different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, recognizing that diversity strengthens its collective ability to make a positive impact.
Home for Refugees
Home for Refugees USA is a faith-based nonprofit organization that advocates for resettlement assistance and creates community relationships for ongoing support to help alleviate our worldwide displacement crisis. They are an independent organization, financially supported by private community donations.
Home for Refugees USA works with refugee resettlement agencies to provide refugees with the support they need to rebuild their lives in the United States. This includes providing financial assistance, help with finding housing and employment, and access to healthcare and education. Home for Refugees USA also works to build community relationships with refugees and their families, and to educate the public about the refugee crisis.
In addition to their resettlement work, Home for Refugees USA also advocates for policies that will help refugees and asylum seekers. They work to raise awareness about the refugee crisis and to urge the government to increase the number of refugees admitted to the United States each year.
Home for Refugees USA is committed to providing refugees with the support they need to rebuild their lives in the United States. They believe that refugees are an asset to our country, and they are working to create a more welcoming and inclusive society for all.
Ways you can help Home for Refugees USA:
- Donate money to support their work
- Volunteer your time to help refugees
- Advocate for policies that will help refugees and asylum seekers
- Educate yourself and others about the refugee crisis
Home for Refugees USA is making a difference in the lives of refugees around the world. With your help, they can continue to provide the support that refugees need to rebuild their lives.
Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) is a prominent humanitarian organization that operates in the United States, providing assistance and support to individuals and communities affected by poverty, disasters, and emergencies, both domestically and internationally.
Established in 1993, Islamic Relief USA is an independent, nonprofit organization that is part of the global Islamic Relief Worldwide network.
The mission of Islamic Relief USA is to alleviate suffering, promote sustainable development, and empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and improve their well-being. The organization's work is guided by Islamic values of compassion, service, and social justice, while also embracing principles of accountability, transparency, and collaboration.
IRUSA programs and initiatives
- Emergency Relief: Islamic Relief USA responds swiftly to emergencies and disasters, providing life-saving assistance such as food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and essential supplies to affected populations. They work to restore dignity and rebuild lives in the aftermath of crises.
- Development Projects: IRUSA implements sustainable development projects aimed at eradicating poverty and empowering communities. These initiatives focus on areas such as education, healthcare, livelihoods, water and sanitation, and infrastructure development. The organization places a strong emphasis on long-term solutions that create lasting positive change.
- Orphan Support: Islamic Relief USA supports vulnerable orphans by providing access to education, healthcare, and essential support services. Through their orphan sponsorship program, they offer financial assistance and guidance to ensure that children in need have the opportunity to grow and thrive.
- Refugee Assistance: IRUSA is committed to supporting refugees and displaced persons, both internationally and within the United States. They provide essential services, including healthcare, education, livelihood support, and psychosocial care, helping refugees rebuild their lives and integrate into new communities.
- Advocacy and Education: Islamic Relief USA engages in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about global humanitarian issues, promote social justice, and advocate for policies that address the root causes of poverty and inequality. They also organize educational programs and campaigns to foster understanding, empathy, and compassion within communities.
US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of refugees, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations in the United States.
Founded in 1911, USCRI has a long history of providing support, protection, and opportunities for those fleeing persecution, violence, and hardships around the world.
US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants Key Areas
- Refugee Resettlement: USCRI is actively involved in the resettlement process of refugees arriving in the United States. The organization works with government agencies, communities, and local partners to provide essential services such as housing, employment support, language training, cultural orientation, and access to healthcare, helping refugees rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.
- Immigrant Integration: USCRI recognizes the importance of immigrant integration and supports initiatives that promote successful integration into American society. This includes providing language classes, employment assistance, education programs, and social services to immigrants, enabling them to fully participate in their communities and realize their potential.
- Child and Family Services: USCRI prioritizes the well-being and protection of children and families. The organization offers a range of services that address the unique needs of refugee and immigrant children, including foster care, adoption, family reunification, and support for unaccompanied minors. USCRI advocates for policies that safeguard the rights and best interests of children in migration.
- Policy Advocacy and Research: USCRI plays an active role in advocating for policies that promote refugee and immigrant rights, fairness, and inclusivity. The organization conducts research, produces reports, and engages with policymakers and stakeholders to influence positive change in immigration and refugee-related policies at the national and local levels.
- Anti-Trafficking Efforts: USCRI works to combat human trafficking by raising awareness, providing support services to survivors, and advocating for stronger anti-trafficking policies and practices. The organization collaborates with law enforcement, service providers, and communities to prevent trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
USCRI recognizes the value and contributions that refugees and immigrants bring to American society and strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. By providing critical support, advocating for policy reforms, and promoting social cohesion, USCRI works towards a more compassionate and equitable society that embraces and supports refugees and immigrants.
No One Left Behind (NOLB)
No One Left Behind (NOLB) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that is dedicated to assisting and advocating for Afghan and Iraqi wartime allies who have served alongside the U.S. military and government in various capacities.
The organization was founded in 2013 with the mission of ensuring that no ally is left behind in the countries they have served.
NOLB focuses on providing critical support and resources to these wartime allies, who often face threats and persecution in their home countries due to their association with the United States. These individuals, including interpreters, translators, cultural advisors, and support staff, have risked their lives to assist American troops and contribute to the mission's success.
The primary goal of No One Left Behind is to facilitate the resettlement and integration of these wartime allies and their families into the United States. The organization works to navigate the often complex and lengthy visa application processes, providing legal assistance, guidance, and advocacy to ensure that these deserving individuals can access the protection and opportunities they need.
In addition to visa support, NOLB offers a range of services to assist with the transition and integration of these individuals and their families. This includes practical support such as housing, employment assistance, education resources, healthcare access, and other essential needs.
Furthermore, No One Left Behind recognizes the importance of advocacy and raising awareness about the challenges faced by wartime allies. The organization actively engages in advocacy efforts to ensure that their contributions are recognized and that policies and resources are in place to support their successful resettlement and long-term well-being.
No One Left Behind collaborates with government agencies, community partners, and like-minded organizations to maximize its impact and expand its reach.
HIAS
HIAS, formerly known as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, is a global nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid, protection, and assistance to refugees and displaced persons. Founded in 1881, HIAS has a rich history of helping refugees and immigrants of all backgrounds and beliefs, guided by the values of welcome, safety, and inclusion.
Originally established to assist Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution and violence in Eastern Europe, HIAS has expanded its mission over the years to support refugees and displaced persons worldwide, regardless of their nationality, religion, or ethnicity. The organization operates in more than a dozen countries and has offices across the United States.
HIAS services and programs
- Resettlement Services: HIAS works with governments and communities to resettle refugees, providing them with essential support and resources as they rebuild their lives in a new country. This includes assistance with housing, employment, language and cultural orientation, education, and access to healthcare.
- Legal Services: HIAS provides legal aid and representation to refugees and asylum seekers, helping them navigate complex immigration processes, understand their rights, and access legal protections. They advocate for fair and just immigration policies that uphold the rights and dignity of individuals forced to flee their homes.
- Protection and Advocacy: HIAS is committed to protecting the rights of refugees and displaced persons. The organization advocates for policies and practices that ensure the safety, well-being, and inclusion of refugees in their host countries. They work to combat xenophobia, discrimination, and other challenges faced by displaced populations.
- Refugee Integration: HIAS promotes the successful integration of refugees into their new communities. They provide support services that facilitate social and economic integration, including language and vocational training, mentorship programs, and community engagement initiatives. HIAS recognizes the contributions that refugees can make to their host societies and strives to foster inclusive environments where refugees can thrive.
- Global Humanitarian Response: HIAS responds to humanitarian crises around the world, providing emergency assistance, protection, and support to displaced populations. They work in partnership with local communities, organizations, and governments to deliver life-saving aid, address immediate needs, and advocate for long-term solutions.
HIAS also engages in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees, promote policies that protect their rights, and build public support for a compassionate and inclusive approach to refugee issues.
TENT Partnership for Refugees
The TENT Partnership for Refugees is a global network of companies that are committed to supporting refugees and forcibly displaced people.
Founded in 2016 by Hamdi Ulukaya, the CEO of Chobani, TENT aims to mobilize the private sector's resources, expertise, and influence to create opportunities for refugees and help them integrate into local economies.
TENT believes that businesses have a crucial role to play in addressing the challenges faced by refugees and unlocking their potential. By engaging companies of all sizes and sectors, TENT strives to harness their unique capabilities, including job creation, skills development, entrepreneurship, and access to markets, to generate sustainable solutions for refugees.
The partnership works with its member companies to develop innovative initiatives and programs that can make a positive impact on the lives of refugees. These initiatives often focus on areas such as employment, vocational training, entrepreneurship, supply chain integration, and market access. TENT supports its members by providing expertise, resources, and best practices to guide their efforts in creating inclusive and supportive environments for refugees.
TENT also advocates for policies that encourage refugee entrepreneurship, facilitate labor market integration, and foster inclusive business practices. By collaborating with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, TENT aims to shape policy discussions and promote favorable conditions for refugees to thrive.
In addition to its corporate engagement, TENT engages in research and knowledge-sharing activities to better understand the economic potential of refugees and the most effective approaches for their inclusion. The partnership facilitates learning exchanges, conferences, and workshops where companies, experts, and stakeholders can share insights, experiences, and strategies for refugee support.
The TENT Partnership for Refugees has grown to include a diverse and global network of companies committed to making a positive difference in the lives of refugees. By leveraging the power of the private sector, TENT aims to change the narrative around refugees and demonstrate that their inclusion is not only a humanitarian imperative but also an economic opportunity.
Celebrating the Majesty of Our Oceans: Dive into World Oceans Day with These Nonprofits
World Oceans Day, observed every year on June 8th, serves as a global reminder of the vital role our oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. It is a day when people from all walks of life come together to acknowledge the significance of our oceans and take action to protect and preserve them for future generations.
The oceans face numerous challenges, such as plastic pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and the impacts of climate change. As we delve into these pressing issues, we shed light on the importance of sustainable practices, responsible consumption, and the collective efforts needed to protect and restore the health of our oceans.
This World Oceans Day, let us be inspired to take action. Together, we can make a difference by raising awareness, supporting conservation initiatives, and making conscious choices that contribute to the well-being of our oceans. Join us on this incredible journey as we celebrate the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and strive to create a brighter future for our oceans and the countless creatures that call them home.
These nonprofits are spearheading the preservation and clean up of our oceans.
Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a prominent nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches.
Established in 1984 by a group of passionate surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation has since grown into a global network of activists, volunteers, and supporters who work tirelessly to safeguard coastal ecosystems.
Surfrider Foundation Mission
The mission of the Surfrider Foundation is to ensure the enjoyment and protection of the ocean and coastal areas for present and future generations. They focus on five main areas of environmental concern: clean water, coastal preservation, ocean protection, beach access, and plastic pollution. By addressing these key issues, the Surfrider Foundation strives to maintain the health and integrity of coastal ecosystems while promoting a sustainable relationship between humans and the ocean.
One of the primary objectives of the Surfrider Foundation is to safeguard water quality and promote clean beaches. They actively monitor water pollution, advocate for stronger water quality standards, and engage in campaigns to reduce and eliminate sources of contamination. Through their efforts, they aim to protect the health of beachgoers, marine life, and the overall ecological balance of coastal areas.
Coastal Preservation and Ocean Protection Advocacy
Coastal preservation is another critical aspect of the Surfrider Foundation's work. They advocate for responsible land-use practices, oppose coastal development that threatens natural habitats, and promote the conservation of sensitive ecosystems such as dunes, wetlands, and mangroves. By safeguarding these areas, the foundation helps maintain biodiversity, protect wildlife habitats, and preserve the natural beauty of our coastlines.
The Surfrider Foundation also plays a vital role in ocean protection by advocating for the creation and enforcement of marine protected areas (MPAs). These protected areas help restore and preserve marine biodiversity, enhance fisheries, and support ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. Through their advocacy and education efforts, the foundation works to raise awareness about the importance of these protected areas and their positive impacts on ocean health.
In addition to conservation efforts, the Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to ensuring beach access for all. They work to preserve and expand public access to beaches, challenge privatization attempts, and advocate for policies that guarantee the public's right to enjoy coastal areas. By protecting beach access, the foundation promotes inclusivity and the opportunity for everyone to experience the beauty and serenity of the shoreline.
Finally, the Surfrider Foundation actively addresses the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. They organize beach cleanups, raise awareness about the impacts of single-use plastics, and advocate for policies and initiatives to reduce plastic waste. Through their campaigns and educational programs, they strive to inspire individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt sustainable practices and reduce plastic pollution at its source.
The Ocean Foundation
The Ocean Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving and protecting the world's oceans and coastal communities.
Established in 2002, The Ocean Foundation serves as a philanthropic organization that supports and empowers initiatives aimed at promoting ocean conservation, research, and sustainable practices.
The Ocean Foundation Mission
The primary mission of The Ocean Foundation is to support, strengthen, and promote organizations and individuals working towards ocean conservation and restoration. They provide grant funding, strategic advice, and administrative support to a wide range of projects and programs focused on marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity, and community engagement.
One of the key areas of focus for The Ocean Foundation is promoting marine conservation and restoration efforts. They collaborate with local communities, scientists, and conservation organizations to develop and implement projects that restore degraded habitats, protect vulnerable marine species, and preserve biodiversity. Through their support, they aim to improve the health and resilience of marine ecosystems around the world.
Sustainable Fisheries Practices and Scientific Research
The organization also places a strong emphasis on promoting sustainable fisheries practices. They work with fishermen, seafood businesses, and policymakers to encourage sustainable fishing methods that minimize environmental impacts and preserve fish stocks for future generations. By promoting sustainable fisheries, The Ocean Foundation aims to protect the delicate balance of marine ecosystems while ensuring the livelihoods and food security of coastal communities.
Another important aspect of The Ocean Foundation's work is conducting and supporting scientific research. They fund research projects that advance our understanding of ocean processes, climate change impacts, and the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. By supporting scientific endeavors, they aim to inform evidence-based decision-making and develop effective conservation strategies.
In addition to funding and supporting projects, The Ocean Foundation engages in policy advocacy and public outreach. They work to raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and advocate for policies that protect marine environments, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable practices. By collaborating with governments, businesses, and the public, they strive to create a collective impact and drive positive change for the oceans.
Oceana
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation.
Founded in 2001, Oceana focuses on promoting policies and initiatives that protect and restore the world's oceans. Through science-based campaigns, legal advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, Oceana works to address major threats to marine ecosystems, promote sustainable fishing practices, and ensure the health and abundance of ocean life.
Oceana’s Mission
The core mission of Oceana is to achieve measurable change in ocean conservation by combining sound science and policy expertise with public outreach and engagement. Their campaigns are designed to tackle pressing issues such as overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the impacts of climate change on the oceans. By addressing these challenges, Oceana aims to restore the biodiversity and productivity of marine ecosystems and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
One of Oceana's primary focuses is advocating for sustainable fisheries management. They work to end overfishing and implement science-based policies that ensure the long-term health and resilience of fish populations. Through their campaigns, Oceana strives to promote sustainable fishing practices, protect essential fish habitats, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
Protecting and Preserving Marine Habitats and Species
Oceana also plays a crucial role in protecting and preserving marine habitats and vulnerable species. They work to establish marine protected areas (MPAs), advocate for stronger habitat protections, and support efforts to reduce destructive fishing practices. By safeguarding these critical habitats and advocating for their restoration, Oceana helps to maintain the ecological balance and biodiversity of our oceans.
Another important aspect of Oceana's work is addressing the issue of pollution in the oceans. They campaign to reduce plastic pollution, advocate for policies that minimize pollution from land-based sources, and promote innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of pollution on marine ecosystems. Oceana's efforts aim to protect marine life, reduce the threat of marine debris, and raise awareness about the importance of responsible waste management.
In addition to their advocacy and policy work, Oceana conducts scientific research to inform their campaigns and policy recommendations. They collaborate with experts and utilize cutting-edge technologies to gather data on marine ecosystems, fish populations, and the impacts of human activities on the oceans. By leveraging scientific evidence, Oceana strengthens their advocacy efforts and drives evidence-based decision-making.
The Ocean Conservancy
The Ocean Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of ocean ecosystems.
Established in 1972, The Ocean Conservancy works collaboratively with scientists, policymakers, businesses, and individuals to find innovative solutions and advocate for policies that promote healthy oceans and a sustainable future.
Ocean Conservancy’s Mission
The mission of The Ocean Conservancy is to create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the well-being of coastal communities. They tackle a wide range of issues affecting the oceans, including marine pollution, ocean acidification, climate change, overfishing, and habitat degradation. By addressing these challenges, The Ocean Conservancy strives to safeguard marine biodiversity, support sustainable fisheries, and ensure the resilience of coastal ecosystems.
One of the key areas of focus for The Ocean Conservancy is marine debris and ocean pollution. They lead the International Coastal Cleanup, the world's largest volunteer effort for ocean health, where thousands of volunteers gather annually to remove trash and debris from beaches and waterways. The organization also works on initiatives to reduce plastic waste and improve waste management practices to prevent pollution from entering the ocean.
Ocean Conservancy Advocacy and Raising Awareness
The Ocean Conservancy also advocates for science-based policies and legislation that promote sustainable fishing practices and protect marine habitats. They collaborate with stakeholders and policymakers to develop and implement effective fisheries management plans, advocate for the establishment of marine protected areas, and work towards ending overfishing and destructive fishing practices. By promoting sustainable fisheries, The Ocean Conservancy aims to protect marine biodiversity, maintain the health of fish stocks, and support the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Additionally, The Ocean Conservancy focuses on the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems. They work to raise awareness about the links between the health of the ocean and climate change, advocate for reducing carbon emissions, and support initiatives that enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems in the face of climate-related challenges. Through their efforts, they strive to protect vulnerable coastal communities and ensure the long-term health of the ocean.
The organization also conducts scientific research and analysis to inform their conservation strategies and policy recommendations. They work with experts and partner with research institutions to gather data, assess the state of marine ecosystems, and identify areas in need of protection or restoration. By utilizing scientific evidence, The Ocean Conservancy strengthens their advocacy efforts and contributes to evidence-based decision-making.
The Ocean Cleanup
The Ocean Cleanup is a nonprofit organization that aims to develop and deploy advanced technologies to remove plastic pollution from the world's oceans.
Founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat, a young inventor and entrepreneur, The Ocean Cleanup is dedicated to tackling the global problem of marine debris and working towards a cleaner, healthier ocean.
The Ocean Cleanup’s Missions and Goals
The primary goal of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop scalable and efficient systems to extract plastic waste from the ocean. Their flagship project involves the deployment of large floating devices known as "cleanup systems" or "interceptors." These systems utilize ocean currents to passively collect and concentrate plastic debris, enabling its extraction for proper disposal or recycling.
The concept behind The Ocean Cleanup's technology is to create floating barriers that passively capture and concentrate plastic debris as it moves with the currents. By leveraging natural oceanic forces, the organization aims to remove significant amounts of plastic waste from the surface of the ocean, with the ultimate goal of reducing the size of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and other accumulation zones.
The Ocean Cleanup Research and Development
The Ocean Cleanup conducts extensive research and development to continually refine and improve their technology. They collaborate with scientists, engineers, and experts to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of their cleanup systems. Through rigorous testing and iterations, they work to optimize the performance of their devices and minimize potential impacts on marine life.
In addition to cleanup efforts, The Ocean Cleanup recognizes the importance of prevention and aims to raise awareness about the need to reduce plastic pollution at its source. They conduct scientific studies, publish reports, and engage in educational outreach to highlight the impacts of plastic waste on marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. By raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices, they strive to inspire global action and drive systemic change.
The Ocean Cleanup's work is supported by a combination of public and private funding, including donations, partnerships, and sponsorships. They collaborate with governments, businesses, research institutions, and nonprofits to maximize their impact and create a global movement dedicated to ocean conservation.
While The Ocean Cleanup's efforts are ambitious and have garnered significant attention, it's important to note that cleaning up the ocean's plastic pollution is a complex challenge with various factors to consider. While their technology holds promise, it is not a standalone solution to the plastic pollution crisis. Addressing plastic waste requires a comprehensive approach that includes reduction, proper waste management, policy changes, and a shift towards a circular economy.
Nevertheless, The Ocean Cleanup has made significant strides in advancing the conversation around plastic pollution and taking tangible action to remove debris from the oceans. Their dedication to innovation, research, and collaboration has positioned them as a prominent organization in the fight against marine plastic pollution, inspiring individuals, businesses, and governments to work towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for our oceans.
Coral Reef Alliance
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of coral reefs around the world.
Founded in 1994, CORAL works with local communities, governments, and organizations to develop sustainable solutions that protect coral reefs, enhance their resilience, and promote the well-being of coastal communities that depend on these vital ecosystems.
CORAL Empowering Communities
CORAL's approach is centered on the belief that the key to successful coral reef conservation lies in engaging and empowering local communities. They work closely with communities living near coral reefs, collaborating with them to develop and implement conservation strategies that align with their cultural values and socioeconomic needs. By involving local stakeholders in decision-making processes, CORAL fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring long-term sustainability of conservation efforts.
One of CORAL's primary focus areas is the establishment and management of marine protected areas (MPAs). They work with governments and local communities to create and manage MPAs that provide refuge for coral reefs, protect critical habitats, and support the recovery of damaged ecosystems. CORAL recognizes the importance of effective governance and community involvement in ensuring the success of MPAs, and they provide support in capacity building, education, and monitoring to enhance the effectiveness of these protected areas.
In addition to MPA establishment, CORAL works to address the root causes of coral reef degradation, such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. They promote sustainable fishing practices, advocate for improved wastewater management, and support initiatives that mitigate the impacts of climate change on coral reefs. By addressing these threats holistically, CORAL strives to enhance the resilience of coral reefs and promote their long-term survival.
CORAL’s Education and Outreach Initiatives
Education and outreach are also integral to CORAL's work. They engage in public awareness campaigns, provide training programs, and conduct scientific research to raise awareness about the value of coral reefs and the importance of their conservation. By inspiring individuals, communities, and decision-makers, CORAL seeks to create a global movement that values and protects these fragile and essential ecosystems.
CORAL's efforts are grounded in science, collaboration, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. Through their community-centered approach, they aim to create positive change, preserve biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on coral reefs. With a vision of healthy and thriving coral reef ecosystems, CORAL continues to make significant contributions towards the conservation and restoration of these incredible marine habitats.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a nonprofit marine conservation organization that has gained global recognition for its direct action campaigns to protect marine wildlife and habitats.
Founded in 1977 by Captain Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd operates on the principle of "aggressive nonviolence" and employs innovative tactics to expose and confront illegal activities threatening the world's oceans.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s Mission
Sea Shepherd's mission is to defend, conserve, and protect marine ecosystems and wildlife through a combination of on-the-ground activism, grassroots movements, and international collaboration. They target issues such as illegal fishing, poaching, habitat destruction, and wildlife trafficking, focusing on areas where immediate action is required to prevent irreparable harm to marine environments.
One of Sea Shepherd's notable campaigns involves taking direct action against illegal fishing practices, particularly those targeting endangered species and marine mammals. They deploy their fleet of vessels to patrol the oceans, document and report illegal activities, and intervene when necessary to disrupt illegal fishing operations. Their efforts have resulted in the seizure of illegal fishing gear, the apprehension of poachers, and the protection of countless marine species.
Sea Shepherd Against Plastic Pollution and Action Campaigns
Sea Shepherd is also actively involved in initiatives to combat the global issue of plastic pollution. They organize beach clean-ups, promote responsible waste management, and conduct campaigns to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of plastic on marine ecosystems. Through these efforts, Sea Shepherd strives to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the oceans and advocate for systemic changes to address this environmental crisis.
In addition to their direct action campaigns, Sea Shepherd places a strong emphasis on public outreach and education. They work to raise awareness about marine conservation issues through documentaries, media campaigns, and public speaking engagements. By engaging with the public and inspiring individuals to take action, Sea Shepherd aims to foster a global community that values and protects marine life and habitats.
Marine Megafauna Foundation
The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research, conservation, and protection of large marine species, often referred to as marine megafauna.
Established in 2009, MMF focuses on understanding the ecology and behavior of these magnificent creatures and works towards securing their long-term survival.
Marine Megafauna Foundation’s Objective and Mission
The primary objective of the Marine Megafauna Foundation is to generate scientific knowledge that can inform conservation strategies and policies for marine megafauna. They conduct research expeditions and fieldwork in collaboration with scientists, universities, and local communities to gather data on species such as whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Through their research, MMF aims to uncover critical information about the biology, population dynamics, migratory patterns, and ecological roles of these iconic marine creatures.
MMF's work extends beyond research. They are actively engaged in conservation efforts to protect marine megafauna and their habitats. This includes collaborating with governments, NGOs, and local communities to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) and advocate for the enforcement of regulations that safeguard these vulnerable species. By working at the grassroots level, MMF seeks to involve communities in marine conservation and empower them to become stewards of their local marine resources.
MMF’s Education and Outreach Programs
Education and outreach are integral components of MMF's mission. They strive to raise awareness about the importance of marine megafauna and the need for their protection. Through community-based education programs, workshops, and public events, MMF aims to inspire a sense of stewardship and encourage sustainable practices that minimize human impacts on these species and their habitats.
Furthermore, MMF recognizes the critical role that local communities play in marine conservation. They collaborate with coastal communities to develop sustainable livelihood alternatives, promoting eco-tourism, and supporting initiatives that generate income while protecting marine megafauna.
By highlighting the economic and ecological value of these species, MMF helps foster a sense of shared responsibility and encourages the adoption of practices that benefit both marine life and local communities.
Alliance to End Plastic Waste
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste is a global nonprofit organization established in 2019 with the goal of addressing the challenge of plastic waste and pollution in the environment. It brings together companies from across the plastics value chain, including plastic producers, consumer goods manufacturers, waste management companies, and recycling organizations, to work collaboratively towards finding sustainable solutions to end plastic waste.
Alliance to End Plastic Waste Key Pillars of Focus
The Alliance recognizes that plastic waste is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. Its efforts are centered around four key pillars: infrastructure, innovation, education, and engagement. By focusing on these areas, the Alliance aims to create a circular economy for plastics, where waste is minimized, and plastic materials are reused, recycled, or recovered.
Infrastructure development is a crucial aspect of the Alliance's work. They invest in projects and initiatives that improve waste management systems, including the collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic waste. By enhancing infrastructure in regions with limited waste management capabilities, the Alliance aims to prevent plastic waste from entering the environment and reduce the flow of plastic into rivers and oceans.
Innovation plays a significant role in the Alliance's approach. They support the development and deployment of new technologies, materials, and business models that promote sustainable practices and alternatives to single-use plastics. By fostering innovation, the Alliance aims to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and circular plastic economy.
Advocacy and Driving Behavioral Shifts
Education and engagement are essential components of the Alliance's strategy. They collaborate with governments, NGOs, and communities to raise awareness about plastic waste and its impact on the environment. By promoting responsible consumer behavior, advocating for policy changes, and encouraging public participation, the Alliance seeks to drive behavioral shifts and create a global movement committed to reducing plastic waste.
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste recognizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships. It works with governments, intergovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage expertise, share best practices, and mobilize resources for impactful projects. By bringing together different sectors and stakeholders, the Alliance aims to achieve collective action and create systemic change in the way plastic is produced, used, and managed.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, located in Monterey, California, is one of the world's leading public aquariums and a renowned center for marine education, conservation, and research.
Since its opening in 1984, the aquarium has been dedicated to showcasing the diverse marine life of the Monterey Bay region, inspiring visitors to appreciate and protect the oceans.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Experience
Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a captivating experience that allows visitors to explore and learn about the wonders of marine life. Its exhibits feature a wide range of marine species, from vibrant fish and mesmerizing jellyfish to playful sea otters and majestic sharks. Through carefully designed exhibits and interactive displays, the aquarium aims to foster a deep connection between visitors and the ocean, promoting understanding, empathy, and conservation.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is renowned for its pioneering efforts in promoting sustainable seafood practices. The aquarium's Seafood Watch program provides science-based recommendations and resources to help consumers and businesses make choices that support healthy oceans. By raising awareness about sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, the aquarium plays a crucial role in promoting the long-term health and sustainability of marine ecosystems.
Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Mission
Education and conservation are at the core of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's mission. They offer a range of educational programs and initiatives for people of all ages, including school programs, summer camps, and workshops. Through these programs, the aquarium aims to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the ocean, fostering the next generation of marine conservationists and environmental stewards.
The aquarium is actively involved in marine research and conservation efforts. Its scientists conduct studies on various marine species and ecosystems, contributing to our understanding of marine biology and ecology. The aquarium also participates in collaborative research projects and conservation programs aimed at protecting endangered species and habitats, such as the conservation of sea otters and the restoration of kelp forests.
Beyond its physical presence, the Monterey Bay Aquarium reaches a global audience through digital platforms and online initiatives. Their live webcams allow people around the world to observe marine life in real-time, and their website offers resources and information about marine conservation and sustainability.
Project AWARE
Project AWARE is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of ocean ecosystems and the protection of marine life. Established in 1989, Project AWARE works towards its mission through a combination of education, advocacy, and direct action initiatives, engaging divers, activists, and the public to take an active role in ocean conservation.
Project AWARE’s Focus and Key Areas
The organization's name, AWARE, stands for Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility, and Education. Project AWARE focuses on several key areas of marine conservation, including the reduction of marine debris, the protection of sharks and rays, and the promotion of coral reef conservation.
One of Project AWARE's primary campaigns is focused on tackling the issue of marine debris, particularly plastic pollution. Through their Dive Against Debris program, they mobilize divers and ocean enthusiasts to participate in underwater clean-up activities, collecting data on marine debris and contributing to global efforts to address this significant environmental problem. By raising awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution and promoting responsible waste management, Project AWARE works towards reducing the amount of marine debris that enters our oceans.
Protecting Ocean Wild Life: Sharks and Rays
Project AWARE is also committed to the protection of sharks and rays. Through their Sharks in Peril campaign, they advocate for science-based shark conservation policies, work to strengthen shark fishing regulations, and raise awareness about the importance of these apex predators to the health of marine ecosystems. By dispelling misconceptions and promoting the sustainable management of shark populations, Project AWARE aims to protect these vulnerable species from overfishing and habitat destruction.
Coral reef conservation is another focal point for Project AWARE. Their Coral Conservation campaign emphasizes the importance of preserving and restoring coral reefs, which are critical ecosystems that support a vast array of marine life. Project AWARE engages divers and local communities in coral restoration efforts, conducts research on coral health and resilience, and advocates for the protection of coral reef habitats.
Education and awareness are central to Project AWARE's approach. They develop educational resources, conduct workshops, and collaborate with dive centers and schools to provide training on marine conservation and sustainable diving practices.
By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, Project AWARE aims to create a global community of ocean advocates who actively contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of lands and waters for the benefit of nature and people. Founded in 1951, TNC has grown to become one of the largest and most influential environmental organizations in the world, with a presence in more than 70 countries.
The Nature Conservancy employs a science-based and collaborative approach to conservation. They work with governments, local communities, indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders to develop and implement innovative solutions that protect and restore natural ecosystems.
The Nature Conservancy Key Strategies
One of TNC's key conservation strategies is the establishment and management of protected areas. They acquire and manage lands and waters of ecological significance, aiming to preserve critical habitats, safeguard biodiversity, and provide refuge for threatened and endangered species. Through their conservation efforts, TNC has helped protect millions of acres of land and thousands of miles of rivers and coastlines around the world.
TNC also recognizes the importance of sustainable land and water management practices. They work with farmers, ranchers, and other landowners to promote sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries practices that minimize negative environmental impacts while supporting livelihoods. By combining conservation science with economic incentives and market-based approaches, TNC aims to demonstrate that conservation and sustainable development can go hand in hand.
TNC Research and Innovations
In addition to their on-the-ground conservation work, TNC invests in scientific research and innovation. They collaborate with scientists and experts to study ecosystems, develop new conservation strategies, and assess the impacts of climate change on nature and communities. TNC also utilizes advanced mapping and modeling technologies to identify priority areas for conservation and inform decision-making processes.
Climate change is a significant focus for TNC. They work to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by promoting nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use practices. TNC also seeks to enhance the resilience of natural systems to climate change, helping ecosystems adapt and communities cope with the impacts of a changing climate.
Embracing Diversity: Celebrating the Colors of PRIDE Month with these Nonprofits
As June approaches, the world gears up to honor and celebrate Pride Month, an annual commemoration that serves as a powerful testament to the vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
Pride Month is a time for reflection, empowerment, and solidarity, as individuals and communities come together to acknowledge the progress made, recognize the ongoing struggles, and champion the principles of love, acceptance, and equality for all.
Since its inception, Pride Month has evolved into a global phenomenon, transcending borders, cultures, and identities. It stands as a poignant reminder of the relentless pursuit of human rights and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride Month is not solely about festivities and parades; it is also an opportunity for deep introspection and conversation. It invites us to confront the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community still faces worldwide, such as discrimination, marginalization, and unequal treatment. It is a call to action to advocate for inclusivity, educate ourselves and others, and create safer and more accepting environments where all individuals can thrive authentically.
Here is a list of nonprofits at the forefront of advocating for equal rights and PRIDE culture.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a leading organization in the United States that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth. It plays a significant role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and is closely related to the spirit of PRIDE Month.
The organization was founded in 1998 by James Lecesne, Peggy Rajski, and Randy Stone. It was named after the Academy Award-winning short film "Trevor," which tells the story of a gay teenager who attempts suicide due to rejection and bullying. The Trevor Project aims to prevent such tragedies by providing a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
The Trevor Project Services
The Trevor Project operates various programs and services to support LGBTQ+ youth. Its most well-known service is the Trevor Lifeline, a 24/7 crisis intervention hotline that offers immediate assistance and support to individuals in distress. The hotline is staffed by trained counselors who are knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues and can provide confidential counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services.
In addition to the Trevor Lifeline, the organization offers other resources, including:
- TrevorChat, a confidential instant messaging service
- TrevorText, a text-based crisis support service
The Trevor Project also focuses on raising awareness about LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention and promoting a positive and accepting environment for all young people. It provides educational resources, training programs, and workshops for schools, educators, parents, and other professionals to help them better support LGBTQ+ youth and create inclusive environments.
The Trevor Project’s Mission
The mission of The Trevor Project aligns closely with the values of PRIDE Month, as both aim to promote respect, acceptance, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. PRIDE Month celebrates the diversity and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals, while The Trevor Project addresses the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and works to prevent self-harm and suicide.
During PRIDE Month, The Trevor Project often collaborates with other organizations and participates in events and initiatives that raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and suicide prevention. It emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces and fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ youth, as their well-being and mental health are crucial aspects of the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The Point Foundation
The Point Foundation is a nonprofit organization in the United States that provides scholarships, mentorship, and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students. It was established in 2001 and has since become the largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ+ students in the country.
The foundation was founded by philanthropists and entrepreneurs Bruce Lindstrom and Carl Strickland, who sought to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students in pursuing higher education. The Point Foundation aims to empower LGBTQ+ individuals by providing financial assistance and support to help them achieve their educational and career goals.
The Point Foundation Scholarship Program and Mentorship
The scholarship program offered by The Point Foundation is highly competitive, and applicants go through a rigorous selection process. The foundation evaluates candidates based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, involvement in the LGBTQ+ community, and financial need. Successful scholars receive financial support to cover their tuition fees, books, supplies, and living expenses while pursuing their education.
However, the support provided by The Point Foundation goes beyond just financial aid. Scholars are also paired with mentors who are professionals in their fields, offering guidance, support, and networking opportunities. Additionally, the foundation provides various resources and programs to help scholars develop leadership skills, connect with other LGBTQ+ students, and navigate the challenges they may face in their educational journey.
The Point Foundation’s Impact
Through its work, The Point Foundation strives to create a more inclusive and accepting society by empowering LGBTQ+ students and helping them become future leaders in their respective fields. The foundation has had a significant impact on the lives of numerous individuals, providing them with opportunities and support that may not have been otherwise accessible to them.
Family Equality Council
Family Equality Council is a prominent nonprofit organization in the United States that advocates for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ families. The organization was founded in 1979 under the name "Family Pride Coalition" and later rebranded as "Family Equality Council" in 2007 to better reflect its mission and goals.
Work by Family Equality Council
The primary focus of Family Equality Council is to ensure that LGBTQ+ families have the same legal rights, protections, and opportunities as their heterosexual counterparts. The organization works on various fronts, including policy advocacy, public education, and community support.
Family Equality Council engages in advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels to advance legislation and policies that protect and support LGBTQ+ families. They work to promote nondiscrimination laws, marriage equality, adoption and foster care rights, and access to assisted reproductive technologies. The organization also works to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system.
Family Equality Council Resources
In addition to advocacy, Family Equality Council provides resources, support, and community-building opportunities for LGBTQ+ families. They offer programs such as support groups, online communities, educational materials, and social events to help LGBTQ+ parents and their children connect with each other and navigate the complexities of family life.
The organization also organizes events and campaigns to raise awareness about the diversity and experiences of LGBTQ+ families. One of their notable initiatives is the annual "Family Week," a week-long gathering in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where LGBTQ+ families come together for networking, workshops, and celebrations.
Through its work, Family Equality Council aims to promote legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families and create a more inclusive society that recognizes and respects the diverse family structures and identities within the LGBTQ+ community.
National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) is a nonprofit advocacy organization based in the United States. It was founded in 2003 with the mission of advocating for policy change and social justice to advance the rights and equality of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
NCTE works to address the unique challenges faced by transgender people by focusing on policy advocacy, public education, and community empowerment. The organization strives to create a society where transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are able to live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity.
NCTE Advocacy and Research
One of the key areas of NCTE's work is policy advocacy. The organization engages in efforts to advance transgender-inclusive policies at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes advocating for legal protections against discrimination, access to healthcare, identification documents that reflect gender identity, fair treatment in the criminal justice system, and other issues that affect the lives of transgender individuals.
NCTE also conducts research and collects data on the experiences and needs of transgender people. They use this information to inform their advocacy efforts, provide evidence-based recommendations, and raise awareness about the challenges faced by the transgender community.
NCTE Resources and Support
In addition, NCTE provides resources and support to transgender individuals and their families. They offer educational materials, toolkits, and guides to help individuals navigate legal and healthcare systems, understand their rights, and access necessary services. The organization also runs a helpline to provide direct assistance and support to transgender individuals.
Through its work, the National Center for Transgender Equality strives to empower transgender individuals, challenge systemic discrimination, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. It is an important voice in the fight for transgender rights and has made significant contributions to advancing transgender equality in the United States.
SAGE
SAGE (Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders) is a nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to serving and advocating for the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adults. It was founded in 1978 and has since become a leading organization focused on LGBTQ+ aging issues.
SAGE’s Mission
The primary mission of SAGE is to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults by providing direct services, conducting research, and advocating for policy changes. The organization recognizes the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ elders, including higher rates of social isolation, healthcare disparities, and discrimination.
SAGE offers a range of services and programs to support LGBTQ+ older adults. These services include support groups, social activities, cultural and educational events, and counseling. SAGE also provides information and referrals to help older adults access LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare, housing options, and legal assistance. Additionally, the organization offers training and resources to service providers and caregivers to enhance their understanding and sensitivity to the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults.
SAGE Advocacy and Research
In terms of advocacy, SAGE works to influence public policy and promote legislation that protects the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ elders. The organization actively engages with lawmakers and government agencies to advocate for inclusive policies, such as nondiscrimination protections, access to healthcare, and affordable housing options. SAGE also collaborates with other organizations and coalitions to amplify the voices and concerns of LGBTQ+ older adults on a national level.
SAGE conducts research on LGBTQ+ aging to gather data and evidence that inform their advocacy efforts and program development. They aim to highlight the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ older adults, including issues related to healthcare, caregiving, social support, and economic security.
GLSEN
GLSEN (pronounced "glisten") is a nonprofit organization that focuses on creating safe and inclusive K-12 schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students. Founded in 1990, GLSEN has become a leading organization in the United States advocating for LGBTQ+ youth and working to address issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination in educational settings.
GLSEN’s Mission and Work
GLSEN's primary mission is to ensure that every LGBTQ+ student can learn and thrive in a school environment free from bias, violence, and judgment. The organization works to achieve this goal through a combination of research, policy advocacy, educational resources, and youth empowerment programs.
GLSEN conducts research studies to examine the experiences of LGBTQ+ students in schools and to gather data on issues such as harassment, bullying, and school climate. The findings from these studies are used to inform GLSEN's advocacy efforts and shape the development of inclusive policies and programs.
The organization engages in policy advocacy at the local, state, and national levels to promote laws and policies that protect LGBTQ+ students. GLSEN works with policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders to advocate for inclusive anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies, comprehensive sex education that is LGBTQ+ inclusive, and supportive school environments.
GLSEN also develops and provides educational resources and training programs to educators, administrators, and school staff to help them create safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students. These resources include lesson plans, toolkits, and professional development programs that aim to foster understanding, promote acceptance, and address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth.
GLSEN Initiative and Resources
One of GLSEN's notable initiatives is the "Day of Silence," a student-led national event held annually in which participants take a vow of silence to bring attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and harassment in schools. The organization also supports LGBTQ+ student-led clubs, commonly known as Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), providing resources and assistance to help students create and sustain these clubs.
Furthermore, GLSEN has developed the "Safe Space Kit," a resource package that provides guidance on how to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students in schools, including stickers and posters that indicate support for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
GLAAD
GLAAD (formerly known as the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) is a nonprofit organization that works to accelerate acceptance and promote fair and accurate representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people in the media. GLAAD was founded in 1985 and has since become a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and equality.
The primary mission of GLAAD is to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are portrayed authentically, fairly, and inclusively in all forms of media, including film, television, news, and digital media. The organization believes that fair and accurate media representations have the power to shape public opinion, challenge stereotypes, and foster understanding and acceptance.
GLAAD Advocacy, Media Monitoring, and Public Education
GLAAD works through a multifaceted approach that includes advocacy, media monitoring, and public education. The organization engages with media professionals, industry leaders, and content creators to encourage accurate and inclusive portrayals of LGBTQ+ people. They provide resources, trainings, and guidelines to help media outlets and content creators navigate LGBTQ+ representation in an informed and responsible manner.
GLAAD also conducts media monitoring to track the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the media and assess the quality and accuracy of their portrayals. This includes analyzing news coverage, entertainment programming, and online content to identify instances of bias, stereotypes, or misrepresentation. GLAAD uses this research to advocate for improvements and hold media outlets accountable for fair and accurate representation.
In addition to advocacy and monitoring, GLAAD engages in public education campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness and foster understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. The organization works to amplify the voices and stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting diverse experiences and advocating for social change. GLAAD also collaborates with other organizations and communities to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and equality in various sectors.
Equality Texas Foundation
The Equality Texas Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Texas, United States, that advocates for the rights and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Texans. The foundation was established in 1989 and works to create a fair and inclusive Texas where all LGBTQ+ individuals can live freely and authentically.
Equality Texas Foundation’s Mission and Advocacy
The primary mission of the Equality Texas Foundation is to advance policy changes, educate the public, and build support for LGBTQ+ equality in Texas. The organization focuses on a range of issues, including nondiscrimination protections, safe schools, healthcare access, family recognition, and transgender rights.
Through policy advocacy, the Equality Texas Foundation engages with lawmakers, policymakers, and government agencies to promote LGBTQ+-inclusive legislation and policies. They work to secure legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals are treated equally in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, and healthcare.
Equality Texas Foundation Public Education and Awareness Campaigns
The foundation also conducts public education and awareness campaigns to foster understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ issues. They provide educational resources, organize community forums, and engage in public dialogue to challenge misconceptions, combat stereotypes, and promote LGBTQ+ equality. Additionally, they work to build alliances and coalitions with other social justice organizations to amplify their advocacy efforts.
Equality Texas Foundation is committed to creating safe and supportive school environments for LGBTQ+ students. They work to promote comprehensive anti-bullying policies, inclusive sex education, and the establishment of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools. The organization provides resources and support to educators, administrators, and students to ensure that LGBTQ+ students can thrive and receive the necessary support in their educational journey.
Furthermore, the Equality Texas Foundation advocates for transgender rights, including access to gender-affirming healthcare, legal recognition of gender identity, and inclusive policies in areas such as identification documents and sports participation.
Center for Constitutional Rights
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization based in the United States. It was founded in 1966 by attorneys committed to using the law as a tool for social justice and advancing constitutional rights. CCR focuses on defending and protecting civil liberties, human rights, and social justice causes through litigation, advocacy, and education.
CCR’s Mission and Strategies
The primary mission of the Center for Constitutional Rights is to challenge government abuses and systemic injustice, both in the United States and internationally. The organization has been involved in landmark legal cases and advocacy efforts on a wide range of issues, including racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, gender equality, government surveillance, and corporate accountability.
CCR utilizes impact litigation as a key strategy to effect systemic change and protect constitutional rights. The organization has litigated cases in various courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, to challenge discriminatory laws and policies, combat police misconduct, defend the rights of marginalized communities, and seek accountability for human rights abuses. CCR often represents individuals and grassroots organizations whose rights have been violated and may not have access to legal representation otherwise.
CCR Shaping Public Discourse
In addition to litigation, CCR engages in strategic advocacy and public education to raise awareness and promote understanding of pressing social justice issues. They provide legal and technical support to grassroots organizations, social justice movements, and communities impacted by injustice. CCR also publishes reports, organizes campaigns, and conducts outreach activities to mobilize support and shape public discourse on critical human rights and civil liberties concerns.
The Center for Constitutional Rights has been actively involved in international human rights advocacy. They have worked on cases related to war crimes, torture, unlawful detentions, and other human rights abuses committed by governments and corporations. CCR has sought to hold accountable individuals and institutions responsible for human rights violations, and they have collaborated with international organizations and coalitions to advance global human rights standards.
Transgender Law Center
The Transgender Law Center (TLC) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that focuses on advancing the rights and well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Founded in 2002, TLC is one of the largest transgender legal organizations in the country and is dedicated to achieving transgender equality through legal advocacy, education, and community empowerment.
Transgender Law Center’s Mission
The primary mission of the Transgender Law Center is to change laws, policies, and systems to ensure that all transgender and gender non-conforming people can live with dignity, respect, and equality. The organization works on a range of issues affecting the transgender community, including healthcare access, employment discrimination, immigration rights, criminal justice reform, education, and identification document changes.
TLC engages in impact litigation to challenge discriminatory laws and practices, seek legal remedies for violations of transgender rights, and establish legal precedents that protect transgender individuals. They provide legal representation to transgender individuals facing discrimination and work to change laws and policies that perpetuate inequality and harm.
The Transgender Law Center also focuses on public education and community empowerment. They provide resources, trainings, and legal clinics to transgender individuals, their families, and service providers to increase understanding of transgender issues and promote legal and social inclusion. TLC also conducts workshops, conferences, and community organizing initiatives to build power within the transgender community and foster collective action for social change.
The Center for Black Equity
The Center for Black Equity (CBE) is a national nonprofit organization in the United States that focuses on promoting health and wellness, economic empowerment, and social justice within the Black LGBTQ+ community. Founded in 1999, CBE works to address the unique challenges and experiences faced by Black LGBTQ+ individuals and advocate for their rights and inclusion.
The primary mission of the Center for Black Equity is to promote equity, access, and acceptance for Black LGBTQ+ individuals across various spheres of life. The organization focuses on several key areas, including health disparities, economic empowerment, political advocacy, and cultural expression.
CBE Community Empowerment
CBE works to address health disparities within the Black LGBTQ+ community by promoting access to healthcare, HIV/AIDS prevention, and other health services. They collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers to increase awareness, improve healthcare outcomes, and advocate for policies that address the specific needs of Black LGBTQ+ individuals.
In terms of economic empowerment, the Center for Black Equity seeks to enhance economic opportunities for Black LGBTQ+ individuals through entrepreneurship, employment, and financial literacy programs. They provide resources, training, and support to help foster economic self-sufficiency and reduce economic disparities within the community.
CBE Advocacy and Events
CBE also engages in political advocacy to ensure that the voices and concerns of Black LGBTQ+ individuals are represented in policy discussions and decision-making processes. They work to promote laws and policies that protect the rights and dignity of Black LGBTQ+ individuals, fight against discrimination, and advance social justice.
Furthermore, the Center for Black Equity recognizes the importance of cultural expression and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. They organize and support cultural events, including pride celebrations, film festivals, art exhibits, and other platforms that amplify the voices and experiences of Black LGBTQ+ communities.
The National LGBTQ Task Force
The National LGBTQ Task Force, commonly referred to as the Task Force, is a nonprofit advocacy organization in the United States that focuses on advancing the rights and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Founded in 1973, the Task Force is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in the country and has played a significant role in shaping LGBTQ+ activism and policy.
The primary mission of the National LGBTQ Task Force is to build power, take collective action, and create change for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. The organization works on a broad range of issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, social justice, economic justice, racial justice, and healthcare equality.
National LGBTQ Task Force Advocacy
The Task Force engages in policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels to promote LGBTQ+ inclusive laws, regulations, and policies. They work to secure legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, advocate for transgender rights, fight against HIV/AIDS stigma, and address other issues affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. The Task Force collaborates with lawmakers, government agencies, and coalitions to influence policy changes and advance equality and justice.
In addition to policy advocacy, the Task Force focuses on grassroots organizing and community mobilization. They support and collaborate with local LGBTQ+ organizations and activists, providing resources, training, and guidance to help build strong and effective advocacy networks. The organization organizes and supports LGBTQ+ conferences, leadership development programs, and grassroots campaigns to empower LGBTQ+ individuals and communities to take action and create change.
Through its work, the National LGBTQ Task Force has contributed to significant advancements in LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. The organization has been at the forefront of advocating for LGBTQ+ equality, supporting grassroots organizing, and fostering a sense of community and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ movement.
The Guide to Being a Modern Philanthropist: Elevate Your Impact With Groundswell
This guide is intended to provide resources and inspiration for Groundswell users on how to donate to causes they care about. It provides tips to best identify and donate to charities that have a proven track record of impact. It also discusses how to think about geography and size when deciding where to donate, and explains the ways in which even small, recurring donations can have be powerful for charities working on the frontlines every day.
Groundswell can be your partner in your journey as a modern philanthropist. Your donations are a critical part of addressing society's myriad issues, such as poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental concerns. And giving to others is also good for you. It has been shown that people who donate to charity experience increased happiness and well-being compared to those who do not give. This sense of satisfaction comes from the knowledge that your actions are making a positive impact on the world and helping those in need.
Through Groundswell, you can easily add funds to your account, browse or search for charities, and donate in a matter of minutes. In this guide, we help demystify some of the questions you might have as you consider where, when and how to donate.
Six Tips to Becoming a Modern Philanthropist
Summary
- Pick causes and charities that align with your values: When deciding what you want to support, start by taking into consideration the people, places, or problems that you care about most.
- Understand impact through the lens of size & geography: The geographic reach of different charities' programs, and how large or small they are, can help as you determine what to support.
- Evaluate best in class charities: Learn how to assess not only the financial health of an organization, but also what questions to ask when looking at other impact metrics.
- Set a giving goal: Decide how much you want to give annually through Groundswell, and follow the simple steps to set up contributions to achieve that goal.
- Maximize impact through recurring donations: Simplify your giving and provide nonprofits with a steady stream of revenue through monthly, recurring donations.
- Optimize your giving through tax-efficient strategies: Leverage the versatility of Groundswell to reduce your tax burden through payroll giving, stocks contributions, and bunching.
1. Pick Causes & Charities that Align with Your Values
Your giving journey often is deeply personal, rooted in your own values and lived experiences. When deciding what causes you want to support, it’s important to start by taking into consideration the people, places, or problems that you care about most. Who or what do you want to impact? What cause is most aligned with that? Use that as a starting point to then find the charities best positioned to have an impact on what you care most about. Focusing on specific cause areas allows you to be more intentional about how you donate.
There are thousands of causes and more than a million nonprofits on the Groundswell platform that tackle challenges from all angles, from improving K-12 education or finding a cure for Alzheimer’s to reducing plastics in the ocean or protecting women’s rights.
After determining what causes matter most to you, it’s also helpful to identify the type of impact you are seeking to make. Are you interested in supporting organizations that are “on the ground” providing direct services or those doing longer-term, important policy and research work? That can help guide you in picking the charities that you want to donate to.
2. Understand Impact: Size & Geography
Where to donate
When deciding where to donate, it’s also important to determine where you want that impact to happen. For many people, where they give is closely linked to where they live – their local food pantry, homeless shelter, house of worship, or neighborhood school.
Others may want to focus their giving beyond where they live and donate to organizations that operate in certain regions or even other countries. There’s no ‘right’ answer - and many people choose to donate both locally and globally to a cause they care about. For example, you may want to support an organization that is both on the frontlines supporting refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, as well as helping resettle refugee families near your town in the U.S.
Does size matter?
Similarly, there is no right answer for what size organization is best to donate to. Whether they are large or small, if they have a strong track record of impact and do not have a pattern of mismanagement of funds, they are worthy recipients of donations.
Many people want to donate to organizations that have a proven track record of implementing large-scale programs, or are on a strong growth trajectory, year over year. Larger organizations generally have shown their ability to receive larger amounts of funding, and in turn design and implement programs at a scale that have a greater impact towards the causes you care about most. But small organizations can also be extremely impactful - even if the radius or scope of impact is smaller. Although many of today’s social and environmental problems are massive in scale, the vast majority of nonprofits are tiny; indeed, most nonprofits in the United States are small, grassroots organizations - and 20% have annual budgets of less than $50,000. For smaller nonprofits, even the smallest donation on an annual or monthly, recurring basis can have a huge impact on their ability to sustain programs or even expand.
3. Evaluate "Best in Class" Charities
There are multiple ways to assess the quality of a charity; many ratings sites focus primarily on financial metrics, but it is equally important to assess not only how an organization is managing its funds, but also the quality of its work. And while a rating system like Charity Navigator can be helpful, it is important to know that no rating system is comprehensive. Groundswell offers an important starting point - we only feature organizations that are in good standing with the IRS and eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.
- Programmatic Impact: Understanding a nonprofit’s impact - through its programs and the populations that it serves - is an important way to evaluate its effectiveness in tackling the causes you care about. Many nonprofits provide details about programming approaches on their websites, including testimonials, photos, and reports detailing specific results. Keep in mind that understanding and assessing impact is highly qualitative - there is no clear ‘score’ - especially because what or who is being impacted varies across the thousands of nonprofits.
- Financial Management: Nonprofits, especially larger ones, are required to disclose details related to their financial performance annually – to include assets, revenue and breakdown of expenses in forms submitted to the IRS. Many nonprofits are proactively transparent about their finances and post audited financial statements and other reports on their websites. But financial data does not always tell a complete story. There may be important investments in fundraising staff, which two years later yield a windfall in donations that can be put towards programs.
- Advisories: Sometimes there are advisories based on pending or ongoing legal action. Groundswell works to monitor these advisories and remove any charities that it believes are acting improperly or mismanaging donor funds. We also remove any charities that have had their nonprofit status revoked by the IRS.
- Groundswell-curated Featured Causes: While many donors might want to do their own research, sometimes it’s far easier (and efficient) to put your trust in others. Groundswell’s impact team provides donors with additional inspiration, and has done the vetting work to determine cause-specific organizations that are well run and most importantly having a strong impact.
4. Aim High with a Giving Goal
You can use Groundswell’s calculator found under your Profile to set or edit your annual giving goal. This can be a flat amount, or a percentage of your annual salary. While estimates vary, a common range for giving as a percentage of annual salary is between 2-6%.
The good news is that with your Groundswell Personal Giving Account, you can easily set up recurring contributions to stay on track to meet your goals. It’s also important to maximize the matching offered by your company’s giving program, where applicable.
Your giving goal can help fund recurring donations, as well as account for unexpected events that you may want to donate to.
5. Level Up with Recurring Donations
Recurring donations can be a great component of your philanthropic strategy. As a bonus, there are benefits for both donors as well as nonprofits.
For donors, setting recurring donations to autopilot every month or quarter means you don’t have to think about it or go through the steps to do it on a regular basis.
Put simply, it’s a smart use of your time. It is also a symbol of a donor’s commitment to a cause, and a belief in the nonprofit’s ability to have a positive impact - not just in a moment of crisis, but on a continuous basis. Groundswell’s recurring contributions and donations features help facilitate recurring giving.
For charities, recurring donations provide a steady, predictable stream of revenue that helps with budget planning. For many organizations, large or small, recurring donations can have a huge impact. Similar to the trends in grassroots political fundraising, having many small-dollar donors is good for nonprofits.
It helps them build awareness and shows to the larger-dollar donors that there is a community that believes in the nonprofit’s mission. It also helps de-risk; nonprofits with one or two large donors and very few small-dollar donors can run into major problems if any of those large donors stop supporting their work.
6. Optimize Your Tax-Efficient Giving
You can leverage the versatility of your Groundswell Personal Giving Account, which is underpinned by a Donor-Advised Fund, to be strategic and reduce your tax burden.
Donate appreciated stock
If you have appreciated stocks that you've held for more than a year and you donate them through your Groundswell account, you won't have to pay capital gains tax on the appreciation when those shares are exchanged for their market value.
Plus, you'll be eligible for a tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of contribution into your Groundswell account.
Give with payroll
You can leverage Groundswell’s Payroll feature to make giving more tax efficient. Contributions to Groundswell through payroll deductions are eligible for an immediate tax deduction for the amount contributed. This means that your taxable income for the year is reduced by the amount of your contribution. Contributing on a recurring basis via payroll also makes it easier to “set and forget” and achieve your giving goals more efficiently.
Bundle contributions
You can also take advantage of the Donor-Advised Fund structure of Groundswell to make a larger contribution in a single tax year and maximize tax benefits by itemizing deductions in the year that the larger contribution is being made - commonly known as “bunching.”
For example, if you typically give $5,000 to charity each year but decide to give $25,000 to your Groundswell account in one year, you can itemize your deductions that year and take the standard deduction in the following years. By doing so, you may be able to minimize your tax burden over time while still supporting the charities you care about.
Want access to other toolkits like this?
Corporate giving programs aim to empower employees and help companies facilitate and support philanthropic efforts. As global access grows and corporations become more diverse, employee representation becomes an increasingly important subject.
Groundswell enables companies to lay the foundation for their employees to adopt a generous giving attitude towards charities and world-shaping efforts.
The Science of Giving: Why Do People Donate to Charity?
It’s easy enough to give away that old sofa stashed in the corner of your garage. But why do people donate to charity? What causes you, or anyone else, to send a $100 check to a foundation or spend an evening tutoring underserved youth? We have dozens of sayings about giving. Do good and good things will happen to you. To whom much is given, much is expected. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. There’s more, but the point is that giving is a part of the human experience. Without a doubt, for many people, it seems the right thing to do. People give because it feels good to do so. Americans are a particularly generous lot. In fact, 60% of us give money, 72% help strangers and 42% volunteer, often just because we are asked. And during the pandemic? Americans became even more generous. In 2020 and 2021, donations were higher than they were in 2019. The average donation per person was $574 in 2021.What’s more, there are undeniable psychological and scientific benefits that make donating important to the human spirit and will keep people giving generously into the foreseeable future.
The Science of Giving: What Happens in the Brain
For Americans, there are plenty of opportunities to spend money which, researchers admit, provide a dopamine hit. So it can be tempting to think that we’re just a purchase away from nirvana. But the accumulation of things is not the type of spending that makes a difference in our lives or the lives of others. We get more bang for the buck, so to speak, when we give to others. That’s because giving has a positive impact on the brain. It makes sense that our brains would reward us for helping to preserve society, releasing the same types of feel-good chemicals as during exercise. It is one of the evolutionary traits that has helped us build prosperous civilizations. In fact, in 2006, Jorge Moll and Jordan Grafman, neuroscientists at the National Institutes of Health, were able to measure the neural activity of giving, thus proving what we intuitively knew already. Subjects were allocated money that they could either keep for themselves or donate to selected charities. By tracking the impact on the pleasure centers of the brain, researchers discovered that the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the subgenual area lit up when subjects donated the money. These are the same parts of the brain that light up when presented with a delicious meal or when talking about a romantic partner.
Why Do People Donate to Charity?
For years, there has been a philosophical discussion about whether or not charitable giving is altruistic. Do people give their money and donate their time just for the purpose of doing good, expecting nothing in return? Psychologists and philosophers argue that because charitable acts lead to feelings of happiness and satisfaction, true altruism does not exist.But many people consider this argument flawed. When it comes to human behavior, there are many shades of gray. If a benefactor feels happier following an act of kindness, that doesn’t mean that the motivation is self-serving.
Altruism
Altruism is a hallmark of cooperation. Cooperation underpins our society and is, in part, what separates humans from animals. Why do people donate? Because it feels good. Our society is built on the values of empathy, compassion and solidarity, among others. People give because doing so fosters a sense of belonging and generates meaning and purpose in their lives. There are other good outcomes, as well.
Giving May Help Depression
It’s pretty obvious that giving makes people happier. Michael Norton, professor of psychology at Harvard and co-author of the book, “Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending,” agrees. “When we tell people ‘Hey, did you know that giving to other people can make you happy?’ Most people are not blown away. They’ve had experiences that make them happy. They understand the concept, but it doesn’t occur to us that often to give instead of getting stuff for ourselves.”If you’re assuming that depression is not a major factor in your company, don’t be so sure. According to a July 2021 survey by SilverCloud Health, approximately two-thirds of U.S. workers suffer from clinical levels of depression or anxiety. Depression may mean that employees exhibit a high rate of absenteeism and fall short in key areas of performance, including decision-making, focus and communications. When an employee is depressed, it can have a devastating effect on the workplace. Depression is generally accompanied by a decline in how an individual views themselves. It may seem intuitive for those suffering from depression to attempt to bolster their self-image by focusing on, for example, getting others to notice their positive qualities. But researchers found that goals centered around self-image will likely make matters worse. Alternatively, they found that the pursuit of compassionate goals, that is, helping others, seems to alleviate the symptoms of depression and improve personal relationships. Perhaps that’s because helping others puts one’s own life into perspective and generates a more optimistic outlook.
Giving Increases Longevity
Charitable volunteering could even increase your lifespan. A classic study published in the Journal of Health Psychology concluded that elderly volunteers had a 44% lower mortality rate within the next five years after controlling for health habits, social support and other factors. According to researchers, prosocial spending or spending money on other people (which includes charitable donations) can even lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, both risk factors for a number of health conditions.
The Charitable Brain and Your Corporate Giving Programs
According to Michael Norton, automatic withdrawals may not be enough to engage your employees. “(Automatic withdrawals are) not going to have as big an impact on my life as if I’m thinking about who I’m giving to and why I’m giving to them and the impact that I’m having.” When you understand how and why charitable giving makes people happy, you can leverage this information to make your corporate giving program one that will not only engage and delight your employees but accrue benefits to the company and to the broader society as well. The best programs align with corporate values and help employees establish habits that facilitate giving in a memorable and meaningful way. Certainly, it makes sense for companies to implement programs that are easy to administer. But they must also ensure that employees are involved in selecting charities, auditing themselves, managing their giving targeting, tracking the good deeds of the non-profits and maybe even volunteering. With a properly executed corporate giving program, companies can realize the many benefits that such a plan has to offer to its employees and to the communities it serves. At Groundswell, we can help you give your corporate giving program a whole new look and feel and make it a pillar of your compensation system. Contact us for more information.
From Dock to Dish: A Deep Dive Into Seafood Sustainability
This week we dive into an interview with Wendy Norden, Director of Science and Global Strategies at Seafood Watch Program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, discussing the interconnected depths of consumer buying, aquaculture, climate change, and economics of seafood.Celebrating seafood sustainability is a cause bigger than itself affecting human populations around the world as much as the species we fish and farm, and a cause that Meg Vandervort of Groundswell is particularly passionate about. Meg sat down with Wendy Norden from the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program with questions to help all of us non-marine biologists understand the challenges and successes surrounding sustainable seafood. Wendy spent years working underwater as a marine biologist and researcher, before moving to New Zealand and working in a government role overseeing their seafood industry. For the past twelve years, Wendy has been with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and is currently the Director of Science and Global Strategies for their Seafood Watch Program, responsible for the overall scientific integrity, vision, innovation, and direction of the program. She’s also in charge of maintaining global strategic direction and partnerships that support global fisheries and aquaculture improvement.
Welcome! In celebration of World Oceans Day this year, I’m excited to dive into a topic near and dear to me—seafood sustainability. I’m a huge fan of Monterey Bay Aquarium and have been following the Seafood Watch program for some years now. For those who aren’t as familiar, can you give a brief overview of what Seafood Watch is doing to advance healthier oceans?
Wendy: Sure, and of course. Seafood Watch provides the information needed to make better choices at the supermarket, and we'll work with business partners to really source seafood and see that it’s more responsibly done. And it really boils down to very difficult subject matter into a guide, like red, yellow, and green, knowing what to source and also knowing that you know, consumer choices really do matter quite a bit. You know, that also has very broad reaching applications as well. So when consumers make choices in the United States, our business partners kind of come to the table—they want to source those seafood products that the consumers are looking for and also to make a better planet as well. But on top of that, it also gives producers around the world an idea of where their product is in terms of sustainability. And it is a big landscape, right, from really great production to really poor and everything kind of in between. So, we provide that information that helps guide purchasing but also helps industry understand about sustainability in order to make change and make things better, because our goal really is about celebrating seafood, making the right choices, and hopefully improving the rest.
That’s wonderful! I’m actually curious to learn a little bit more about you. We always love to highlight the people behind some of these amazing movements that are happening, but can you give us a brief history or your journey to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Seafood Watch program, and have you always had a passion for the ocean growing up?
Wendy: It’s a very winding path. Growing up I got into scuba diving. Before college, I worked several jobs and saved a lot of money because I wanted to travel, so then I went to New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji as a young person. When I went scuba diving in most of these places for the first time, I did not realize at that point that it could be a job, like you could actually do this kind of work. The minute I came back home, I officially got advanced certified and I enrolled in college to really be a marine biologist. Everyone told me at that point, “that's nice, you'll never get a job”, but I was determined to do it anyway because I knew I’d figure it out. Throughout college, I had a lot of great internships, and I did a lot of work underwater. I got more experience doing research, but I wanted to do more. I ended up moving to New Zealand for several years, and I got a really great job working for the government working on a program to reduce bycatch, and I actually worked on the observer program for the whole country. That really helped me understand how to work better with the industry, how to set goals that maybe people didn't agree with, but learned how to actually work together. That and science, plus understanding what to actually call it, really helped me. With that experience, I ended up working in academics for a while. When I got to Seafood Watch, all that experience helped me understand how to apply science in an understandable way—how to work with the industry, knowing that you might be at odds at some point, but you actually all want the same end goal as well. It really helped me set up my career, and I’ve been with Seafood Watch for almost twelve years now. It’s been a very exciting journey. I learn every day—something different, something new—and I have amazing partners.
That’s exciting! Sounds like a dream job.
Wendy: Yeah, I feel really lucky. I never get bored. I find I'm amazed at the people that I meet all the time because I travel—or I used to before COVID— all over the place, talking to people about seafood, working with producers, understanding where everyones’ values are. At the end of the day, everyone wants to do a good job for seafood sustainability.
You touched on something that leads me to my next question about seafood sustainability in general, which is that it's actually an extremely complex thing, and it's not so cut and dry, like just buying from the local fisherman, or don’t eat fish.
But between sustainable fishing practices, aquaculture and the seafood supply chain – it's a lot to wrap your head around. What would you say for someone who's just getting into understanding this topic? What is the most pressing thing we can focus on?
Wendy: I feel like at any level, if you want to get involved, there's a place for you. I think if you really just want to, say, I want to understand the source of a particular seafood and I'm going to purchase responsibly, use our information. We boil it all down into very simple red, yellow and green. All of our reports and assessments are online, so if you want to dig a little deeper, you can read those assessments and understand the issues. There really is a place for any level of information you want, essentially, because we put it all out there. It's all out there publicly available. I think it really is important to know that the choices we make do matter at the grocery store. They do mean something. And they help us do our work and improve, because we want to celebrate seafood. We think eating seafood is a great thing. We want to have all seafood produced in a way that's sustainable and when I say sustainable, I mean the environment. I mean food security. I also mean things like better equity and supply chains. So, it really has to be good for people and the ocean.
Oh, that's so interesting. I'm also curious, from the general consumers’ perspective, a question that might come up is “should I potentially avoid buying a particular type of seafood?” For example, if I'm buying shrimp, is it more likely that it's unsustainably caught or has human trafficking attached to it?
Wendy: I go back to using our recommendations. The red is really what things you should avoid. Our hope is that red doesn't stay red. Our hope is not like you just abandon it and say, I'm not buying this again. But it does matter because when consumers don't buy something because it's red, that gives us a lot of incentives to go to the industry and say look, this is really what people are wanting. They want more sustainable products. That does go a long way. What we do in our reports is dig into those major issues. Why does it cause red? So we have standards that we develop from wild-capture and fisheries. We know scientifically why it's not sustainable, and it gives us the consumer demand. It really gives us that extra incentive for the industry to make those changes, which are also good for them. Any seafood product generally can be the best choice, farmed from any country that has a species—it's just a matter of us getting the right data, and us being able to say it isn't being done the right way. So the ability is there, like our green listing isn’t completely aspirational. It is doable, but it's a high bar. Everyone can actually get there. And that is our goal: To push the entire industry and have a much more sustainable industry overall.
On a brighter note, what are some of the bigger recent accomplishments that the Seafood Watch program has had that maybe people don't know about?
Wendy: Well, I think a big one that we haven't talked about enough is our development of our improvement verification platform, which doesn't sound very exciting, but it really is. We have developed the technology with partners to collect data efficiently and quickly on a farm and then scale it up to a region to understand. We actually can assess thousands of farms and in little time spent, get them to that green level. That has not happened in the past. We've developed technology that basically works online or offline and collects data efficiently and quickly, and then we scale it up to a region so you can have more scalable change. It also identifies areas needing improvement. We already have 2,000 shrimp farms going through the system that are green. To me, that's a huge accomplishment that's taken us a long time to develop. Very exciting. We also have recently launched aquaculture governance indicators, which again doesn't sound exciting, but it is because we have developed these indicators. We don't really know what makes really good aquaculture governance structures. What do you need to have? What are the key elements? We worked on developing those key elements to help the governance structures, and it isn't just about legislation, it's about how the industry is formed, and how reactive it is to change and how adaptable it is that the system in place in a country or region that allows for good things to happen allowing for sustainability. Understanding those underlying conditions and what gets in the way of sustainability is super important, because it isn't as simple as saying, here's a checklist. There's a reason why that isn't happening. And it could be infrastructure, it could be poverty, it could be too many illegal things happening. It could be many different things. It helps us understand underlying conditions that exist. A third one I'll just briefly talk about, one issue, is why use antibiotics for aquaculture? And that’s spread across every production system from farm salmon, shrimp, tilapia, you name it. We convened a large working group of fifty people from over twenty-one countries in the last year with the World Bank and came up with the key areas of impact on antibiotics, because we still don't even know that necessarily. What are our key recommendations going forward about what we think we should do, and how do you actually make sure the antibiotic issue doesn’t get out of control? Because right now, with warming water temperatures, you're gonna have more disease, more need for antibiotics. And in poor countries, you often don't even have labels on bottles for these things. Some people don’t really know what they're putting in their ponds. We are going to be launching our key recommendations very soon on that government and industry and then we're also doing a series of workshops to talk to farmers directly and find out what their needs are.
Wonderful, thank you so much for your insight and time, Wendy!
For Seafood Watch’s consumer guides to buying sustainable seafood that Wendy mentions, you can find them at SeafoodWatch.org.Log into your Groundswell Personal Giving Account to support Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Seafood Watch Program.
How To Become a Philanthropist: 7 Steps To Change the World
If you’re wondering how to become a philanthropist, it’s easier than you think. Anyone can do it and, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just for the wealthy. Make no mistake about it: Humans are social creatures. We love to help one another. That’s why philanthropy is so popular. It’s a feel-good activity that improves our world. And the benefits far outweigh the costs. Before you start contributing to worthy causes, however, it helps to understand the options available to you. You’ll want to make good decisions so that you maximize the impact you want to make in the world. No worries, either, about how much — or how little — money you have. All you need is a vision and a plan.
What Is Philanthropy?
A philanthropist is an entity, either a person or a corporation, that provides time, money, or resources — and perhaps all three — to people or nonprofits in need of assistance. The overarching goal is to make lives better for others (or the world we inhabit). Philanthropy is often associated with large sums of money and wealthy people. But, as mentioned, philanthropists can be any person or entity. Even a tiny business can be philanthropic.Some philanthropists rise to rockstar status and are known for their generosity. For example, Warren Buffett, Melinda Gates and Oprah Winfrey are just a few among the mega-rich who have given large sums and had an impact on important social and environmental issues. But you don’t have to be a millionaire, and indeed - many nonprofits are supported by hundreds of thousands of people who give modestly. Even a relatively small donation - alongside hundreds of others who also are giving a small amount - can add up to hugely impactful levels of support for nonprofits working to support communities in need.
What Philanthropy Looks Like
Philanthropy can take a number of forms. These include, for example:Money: Donations may be one time only or on a regular basis. Philanthropists may also bequest money after death or establish a trust.Time: Those who don’t have money to donate or prefer to contribute in other ways can donate time and labor. Examples include volunteering at a homeless shelter or tutoring students after school. As with monetary donations, these can be one-time, yearly or more frequent contributions. Many small, community-based nonprofits are dependent upon the generosity of their volunteers’ time to extend the impact of their mission.Resources: These donations, known often as “in-kind,” include furniture, vehicles, food, clothing, toys, computers, etc.
Benefits of Changing the World With Philanthropy
It may seem to be a cliche, but the benefits of philanthropy are immeasurable for those donating time, money or other resources:
- Lends perspective: Philanthropy heightens your sense of connectivity to the world and the things that really matter.
- Better health: Your mental health and physical wellbeing both improve when you give back.
- Lower stress levels: Volunteering has been proven to lower stress and enhance feelings of well-being by releasing dopamine.
- Tax reductions: Donations may be written off on personal taxes.
- Social interaction: Volunteering can offer opportunities to network and meet others who are committed to similar causes, and connections can be formed among a group of donors providing financial support.
- Improved skill set: As a volunteer or a donor who has researched the causes that nonprofits are working on, you will learn new skills, both hard and soft, and improve your leadership acumen.
How To Become a Philanthropist
As with any good strategy, you’ll need a road map to get to your final destination. Follow these seven steps to become a philanthropist:
1. Clarify Your Goals
Before you decide where to put your time and effort, you’ll need to understand what’s most important to you. What do you value? Where can you make a difference? What would feel good to do? Include your personal or professional goals such as expanding your network. Whether it’s working for climate change or helping your community’s underserved population get the resources they lack, make sure that you feel passionate about the issue.
2. Determine Your Commitment
Before you decide what to do, you need to determine how to do it. Do you want to give money or time? If it’s money, what can you afford? If you plan to volunteer, how much time do you have? When can you volunteer?
3. Choose Your Organization
Once you know the type of commitment you can make, research and vet organizations. Do they align with your mission and values? Where do they work? If you know you want to focus on homelessness in your community, determine if the organization is serving the homeless population in your city. Most organizations share information about their programs, their leadership and how they use their charitable donations. If you have questions, ask. The organization should be transparent and credible.
4. Check With Your Company
Before you completely nail down a target nonprofit, check out the support your company may offer – whether that be a match or volunteer opportunities.
5. Establish a Plan
Based on the causes you care about, the resources you want to commit to and the organizations you want to support, determine your giving cadence. For many, setting up recurring, monthly donations means you can ‘set it and forget it.’ But you might also want to consider setting aside some funds for donating during an emergency - whether it's a hurricane on the Gulf Coast, the war in Ukraine, or a social justice issue.
6. Stay Engaged and Curious
Find your community, and learn about other organizations that are doing important work in support of the causes you care about. You might find that in order to tackle an issue that you’re passionate about, multiple organizations are needed to make change. You can create social connections in-person or online to discover more organizations.
7. Trumpet the Cause
Now that you’re a practicing philanthropist, tell others about the organizations you support and why. They may be inspired to help or to find a cause of their own.
Have Fun With It!
Philanthropy is something anyone can do. Whether you donate time or money, it offers great benefits and improves the lives of others. Find the organization or cause you want to support and go for it. It’s a fun and easy way to give back to the community and expand your horizons.If you would like to know more about a corporate giving program, contact Groundswell. We can help turn philanthropic giving into an essential employee benefit.
Donor-Advised Fund vs. Private Foundation: What's the Difference?
Donating directly to a charitable organization might be the simplest way to give, but there are also various philanthropic vehicles available for minimizing taxes and maximizing impact. Two of the better known structures are donor-advised funds (DAF) and private foundations.
Donor-Advised Fund vs. Private Foundation
While there are 1.4 million registered public charities in the United States, less than 1% are donor-advised funds. Likewise, private foundation numbers, at around 90,000, are relatively modest. The impact of these nonprofit organizations, on the other hand, can be considerable. Here are the key differences between donor-advised funds and private foundations.
What Is a Donor-Advised Fund?
The donor-advised fund (DAF) is a tax-advantaged personal giving account established at a public nonprofit sponsor organization. The account is opened in the donor’s name and contributions are made to the organization(s) chosen by the donor. That might be a charity, but it could also be a university, religious foundation or financial institution. DAFs are enjoying unprecedented popularity with donations jumping by 27% since 2019. Giving from DAFs topped $34.67 billion in 2020, with the five largest — Fidelity, National Philanthropic Trust, Schwab, Vanguard and Silicon Valley Community — accounting for $24.5 billion alone. That said, the size of the average fund is a lot less, at around $150,000. Donors can gift cash, stock, real estate or other assets to a donor-advised fund. Traditionally, DAFs have been viewed as a tax-efficient way to give over a longer period of time without any annual obligation to distribute funds (thus the nickname “zombie philanthropy”), but now Groundswell is empowering corporations to unlock the advantages through our Philanthropy-as-a-Service platform. Whereas DAFs have conventionally been the preserve of the ultra-rich and brokerages, we’re offering access starting at $1 million (the lowest minimum contribution in the industry) to help employees with meaningful giving that benefits communities.
What Is a Private Foundation?
A private foundation, on the other hand, is a legal entity established solely for charitable purposes. Usually launched as a family or organization’s legacy initiative, the private foundation is a long-term project whose influence can spread worldwide. That’s certainly true of three of the biggest three: the Bill and Melinda Gates, Ford and Getty foundations. Private foundations are administered by a board of directors and can receive funds via real estate, investment assets or charitable donations. Unlike public charities, however, they usually derive their financial support from a single source, whether it’s a person, family or organization.
Key Differences Between Donor-Advised Fund vs. Private Foundation
There are a few important distinctions to note between the two, particularly when it comes to the overarching mission and vision.
Longevity
Most donor-advised funds are intended to support charitable giving during the philanthropist’s lifetime, although some do extend to a further generation or two. One of the criticisms of DAFs is that rather than distributing donations to non-profit organizations in need, they are used by the rich to “park” private wealth in a tax deductible fund. That’s not the Groundswell approach. Our platform is designed to establish a minimum annual distribution for DAFs to bring communities to life, not mothball zombie philanthropy funds. Private foundations, by contrast, focus firmly on the future legacy, and most are established as permanent entities that will outlive the founder.
Control
The board of directors (which can include the founder) manages a private foundation. For a DAF, the sponsor organization has control, although the donor may give their recommendation or advice on how grants are distributed.
Profile
Private foundations often celebrate a particular goal or set of values, so concealing the founder’s identity is rarely a concern. DAFs do offer confidentiality, so they are a useful vehicle for benefactors who want to support a charitable organization anonymously.
Establishment
There is a lower barrier to entry for donor-advised funds, some of which can be set up with as little as $5,000, although upwards of $100,000 is more common. Because all legal formalities are covered by the parent organization, DAFs are relatively easy to set up. By contrast, private foundations take longer to establish, and the legal, administrative and tax affairs require professional support. Private foundations usually start with funds of $10 million or more.
Tax Matters
Arguably the biggest difference between the two is in terms of tax regulation. For private foundations, the IRS dictates that a 5% minimum of net investment assets must be distributed annually in the form of grants or administrative expenses. To set up a private foundation, the founder(s) must apply for recognition of exemption under Section 501(c)(3) with the IRS, and will subsequently need to file detailed tax returns on board members’ compensation, fees and grants. All are a matter of public record. Donor-advised funds, on the other hand, do not require any annual grants to be administered but do offer immediate tax advantages, particularly if the donor is receiving a windfall, inheritance or revenue from a business or property sale. Neither do DAF donors have to file tax returns to the IRS, not least because ultimate control of the DAF is with the sponsor nonprofit organization.
We’re Here To Support Your Giving Efforts
Despite the “zombie” tag, DAFs are by no means evil by nature. In fact, they can be an effective way to drive meaningful giving that brings communities to life. To find out how we’re raising zombie philanthropy from the dead with an employee benefit that benefits the world, get in touch with us today.
Anna Malaika Tubbs: On Celebrating Black Motherhood, and Creating a Social Justice-Driven Portfolio
At Groundswell, we are privileged to talk to a wide range of individuals about philanthropy in all its forms. That is why we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with New York Times best-selling author of The Three Mothers, Anna Malaika Tubbs. The Three Mothers shines a light on mothers Alberta King, Louise Little, and Berdis Baldwin, who raised and shaped Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X., and James Baldwin. The book celebrates their legacy and Black motherhood which has shaped much of American history. Anna believes in supporting philanthropic organizations that recognize the importance of motherhood, particularly for black women in America.
Thanks for joining us, Anna. It’s an honor to speak with you. You begin your book by outlining your personal tie to three very incredible mothers — Alberta King, Louise Little, and Berdis Baldwin — and how their history spans over the past century. That’s incredible. What ultimately led you to exploring these three incredible women in particular?
It was done out of curiosity, and it was a sort of elimination process, in the sense that I knew I wanted to do a project like Hidden Figures, Margot Lee Shetterly's book. I wanted to be a person who discovered other hidden figures; other black women whose tales we should have known all along but had been lost, erased, or hidden.
I had an amazing mother who was always talking about the significance of celebrating mothers and paying more attention to the crucial role that moms play in our society.
So I've always had this idea in my head that I'm going to do something about black mothers who should have been known.I wanted to focus on the civil rights movement because it comes up so frequently in our policy debates and other discussions. I whittled it down to these three since they were born within six years of each other, and their famous kids were born within five years of each other. This brought them together over time without reducing their complexity and diversity, while celebrating their differences; each chapter covers ten years of their lives.
What I think is so great about your book is your approach to research, and how you were so honest about what information you could find and what you could not. The absence of history is equally as important. That said, you talk about the erasure of Black Women in history, especially through the eyes of Alberta, Louise, and Berdis. Even through your initial research it was hard to nail down exact details like birthdays, and you say Berdis’s name wasn’t even listed in the US. Census. For those who are unaware, can you outline why this Is so important to explore this history and how it better informs us today?
The research process was really difficult, and I'd like to point out that this was also the subject of my PhD dissertation, so this is completely original research.
I needed to dig for every single detail that I uncovered, and even if I found a small nugget of information, I needed to push further to understand the context behind it.
Also, I needed to remember that a lot of what I was finding had been filtered via men, typically white men, who recounted these stories quite differently from how I would. So it was highly complicated, requiring a variety of procedures such as contacting local historians, searching census data, locating land deed, birth certificates, death certificates, and interviewing family members. I'm doing my best to fill in the blanks with information from documents I discover. But it is a reminder to us, first and foremost, of how we value various lives in different ways.
I like to speak about each of our lives as if they are puzzles, and certain puzzles we put together, frame, and hang, either on a mantel or on a wall, to treasure, marvel at, celebrate, and honor.
Then there are the puzzles that we just leave on the ground; every time we move, we leave some pieces in one house, we may throw them away, or the dog may chew on them; no one is ensuring that we retain this information, notice it, or care about it. So I was there, putting the puzzle pieces together.
What I believe is important is that we do this for more people; each story does matter, especially when we see how black women have contributed everything they could to the progression of this nation.
Unfortunately, we continue to disregard their lives, saying, your history doesn't matter, your contributions don't matter. As a result, we've arrived at a point where we don't understand what's going on in our country. We believe that all of these instances of sexism and racism, the intersectionality of the two, as well as the many other isms with which it intersects, occur at random or independently of one another, rather than as a product of years and years of devaluing lives.It's done through systems, regulations, and extremely strategic tactics to eliminate people in order to keep those puzzle parts scattered and concealed. So I simply want more of us to take on that project. I don't want this to be the only book about the three of them. I was declaring that they are worthy of study, worthy of celebration, and worthy of being on the cover of a book. Because what they deserve, in my opinion, was to be seen, celebrated, and honored.
Speaking especially of Alberta, Louise, and Berdis' stories, what surprised you when writing your book, and what was left out of their history?
When I first came up with the idea, I merely wanted to recognize them as individuals with their own interesting lives. I knew they'd be not just intriguing, but also valuable to our society in the ways they were generating life beyond their children through activism and creativity. I wasn't trying to argue that since Alberta [King] did this, Martin [Luther King] did this—I wasn't trying to emphasize the sons in that way. But every piece of information madethe relationship and connections so evident, they’re undeniable.Even if I didn't tell you their names and only described the women based on their passions and approach to fighting for freedom, you'd be able to connect them with their sons. Even if you only know a little bit about the sons.Those are the instances where it's surprising we didn't already know their names.
Moms affect their children in a variety of ways, and you can't dispute it in these three cases.
Because you almost had to work at separating them, it made the erasure even more infuriating. You must purposefully leave out the fact that they are linked. During the course of writing this book, I discovered that the sons did give credit to their mothers. So it's not really their fault; rather, it's those of us who have researched them and determined that they don't fit our racist patriarchal view of who matters. Those who have said, we'll leave that as a footnote but we're not going to center it in the way you believe it should be centered in the record.
You talk about how the media played a role in the erasure of these women’s stories, which essentially shaped what the narratives would become. How does this affect those that are intentionally being erased?
This is a fantastic segue for me to speak about my TED talk, because it's all about storytelling and how we follow the stories that we’re told and how our policy reflects that. In the TED talk, I address the way we talk about moms in the stories we share, not only on an interpersonal level, but in media and in literature. We thank moms for being selfless and putting everyone else's needs ahead of their own.
Moms themselves then believe they should be individuals who don't have their own needs and don't have their own identities.
That can be excruciatingly painful, frustrating, and confusing. It also expands on the stories we're telling in the media that don't highlight the contributions of mothers. We as a society believe that mothers are exclusively important in the domestic sphere, or we take those contributions for granted, or employers will try to fire mothers because they believe they are distracted, even though there is no evidence to support this.Then we see that when it comes to voting for policies that could actually help moms and provide them the support and resources they need for their important job, we can't get them passed because people don't seem to believe they're required. So, if you don't believe the role is important, or that it is easy, you're not going to vote for things like parental leave.We live in a country that does not value motherhood; we do not have affordable childcare, universal preschool, or even universal health care, all of which overlap with the role of motherhood. During the pandemic, we saw many women, particularly moms of color, leave their work because they had no other option. I do believe that a lot of that stems from our cultural understanding of motherhood; if more of us understood the essential nature of the job, stay-at-home moms, for example, what they do for all of us, not just for their children, but for all of us day in and day out, it would be easy for us to say, "Yeah, let's vote for those things. We need that," so I want us to see more stories that represent mothers accurately and their role more appropriately.
Out of curiosity, are you aware of any other cultures outside of America that properly values motherhood?
We've seen these rankings in terms of maternal health and motherhood happiness in the United States, which is really low when compared to other countries. We have a maternal health problem that is disproportionately affecting black women and women of color, but it also affects all women; women are dying at higher rates in this country. That is something that we should all be very concerned about.
Mothers are reporting higher levels of postpartum depression, they're burning out, they're exhausted.
They feel like there's something wrong with them, because they've been told they're supposed to take care of all of this, and then not be thanked for it. As if it's okay to be invisible.Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, for example, have models and policies that we may replicate in the United States. Scandinavia has a more homogeneous culture than the United States; we have a lot more diversity here. However, this does not preclude the adoption of universal parental leave or the distribution of baby boxes in the United States. In Sweden, for example, parents receive a package including the fundamental necessities that they will require when raising a child. That is something we could do in the United States. We could create daycare centers in companies so that if parents do return to work outside the home, they may bring their children with them to the same location, which would increase production for the entire company.
There are many bits and pieces and policies from other countries that I believe we can still apply to the United States, despite the fact that our population is considerably more diverse than that of most other countries.
What organizations would you include now in your own giving portfolio for advocacy work, particularly around motherhood?
The first one I think of is Black Mama's Matter. In the United States, black women, particularly black moms, are still considered as less than human beings. Their effort to build this alliance of people with diverse knowledge, backgrounds, and experiences to address the core causes of black maternal health and the black mother’s experience in the United States is critical.
I wanted to write about black mothers because the dehumanization is evident when you look at the relationship between our country and black mothers in the United States – mothers being refused basic treatment, denied human respect, and being treated with a lack of basic decency.
I also really love the work of the Young Women's Freedom Center. It's in San Francisco, and it works with women who have been impacted by various systems, such as incarceration or juvie. All of these other things that have locked our young women of color away and then blamed them for their experiences, rather than the systems that have pushed them to the margins and forgotten about them and tried to ignore them. Through working with the center, they can reclaim their identity and use their voice.Essie Justice Group is another. It is led by a friend of mine. We see that the cost of having a loved one in prison is quite high, and black women are spending a lot of their money paying into this mass incarceration system in the United States. Instead of addressing the various issues that lead to them being taken away and locked up, we continue to place that burden on the shoulders of black women. So anything that relieves that weight, anything that reminds us that this isn't just a black woman's problem to fix, but that it will affect our entire nation is work that I support and a message that I try to elevate.
If we can come together and really focus on the experience of black women, it will be beneficial to us all.
All of those organizations sound incredible. What is your process of finding which organizations to support around a cause?
I like to begin by asking why we want to talk about black women, and by discussing the legislation that has existed from the beginning of slavery and states that black women are the producers of property rather than the producers of life. It is important to understand that from the start, the idea that a black person's life begins as property is key to understanding the ills of our nation.That is what we want to examine, as well as how this concept about the life of a black person has permeated so many different systems. Then we'd want to know who the organizations are that are dealing with those various systems. So whether that's through tackling mass incarceration – which continues to say that these people are objects and not people, and we can control their lives and their lives matter less than other people's lives – or through thinking about the American gynecological system, and how it's based on experimenting on the bodies of enslaved black women.I’d ask: How is all that still playing out today? Who are the organizations that recognize black women as having been viewed as less than human? What are they doing now to fight for humanity? That's how I'd organize a portfolio.
For our last question, what advice would you give to someone who wishes to be a true ally, especially after reading your book?
That's a great question. When the topic of allyship comes up, I remember my mother, a white woman with black children.
She would approach me and say, "In this world, I have no idea what it's like to be a black girl or a black woman. And I'm not going to pretend I know; I'm not going to claim to understand your experiences. But what I can say is that I believe you are worthy of the same respect and dignity that everyone else is, and I will walk with you, learn with you, and do my best to make this world a better place for you."
I'm paraphrasing; these are not exact words; they are a compilation of lessons learned throughout the last 29 years of my life. But this was her general approach to things, and that's exactly what we're looking for in allies.We're not expecting somebody to say, "I know what it's like to be a black woman," because that's not the correct thing to say. Don't say anything like that. It's fine to recognize that your and mine experiences will differ in this regard. You may say "I feel you are entitled to be regarded as a human being and to have access to the same resources as I do. And I will do my part to help with that. And I will walk beside you and learn alongside you. And it shouldn't be much more complicated than that as a result of that mindset, there will be sacrifices. And I'm not going to pretend that I understand what it's like to be you." I believe it is an accurate summary. And perhaps, more individuals will feel at ease embracing that charge.
Night of the Living DAF: How Groundswell is Raising Zombie Philanthropy From the Dead
No one likes zombies. They’re noisy. They’re disgusting. Worst of all, they try to eat your brain.But perhaps the spookiest thing about them? They’re mindless. Zombies are automatons who amble along without thinking. Left to their own devices, they would go on like that, mindlessly, forever. Never changing, never helping, never improving.It is this critique of the undead that gets levelled at a form of charity dubbed zombie philanthropy. In this critique, the drivers of zombie philanthropy are Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)s. To quote The Washington Post:This is problematic. We’re in a world where there is no time to waste. There are too many crises facing our country and global community and it serves no one to have money sitting on the sidelines. At Groundswell we’re going to change that by building a platform that will better facilitate these funds and empower donors to make an impact quickly.
WTF is a DAF and who contributes to them?!
A Donor Advised Fund allows donors to put all of their charitable dollars into one single fund, receive an immediate tax deduction, grow those assets over time, and distribute assets to nonprofits of their choice at any given time. It was established in the 1930’s to handle charitable donor-advised fund contributions on behalf of organizations, private individuals, and families. Since then, DAFs have been primarily utilized by the ultra-wealthy. According to the 2020 Donor-Advised Fund Report, grants to qualified organizations from DAF accounts totaled $27.37 billion in 2019, up 15.4% from $23.72 billion in 2018. But considering there are over $140 billion in total assets squirreled away in DAFs, $27 billion is merely a fraction of the impact potential they represent.
Why Do DAFs (Sometimes) Become Zombies?
Donor Advised Funds are popular due to their ease of use. Donors typically struggle with deciding where to direct their philanthropic contributions, especially when large sums of low-value assets are contributed. Managing several beneficiaries while meeting a deadline might be difficult. As a result, one-stop-shop giving simplifies the philanthropic process.Why have DAFs become the target of “zombie philanthropy” accusations? The critiques typically go like this:
- Unlike with private foundations, there is no requirement for minimum distributions from Donor Advised Funds. As a result, investors routinely deposit significant amounts of equity or cash in those accounts with no need to distribute them right away. This means that a DAF’s capital can sit static for years or decades, and never actually reach a nonprofit.
- This is particularly worrisome at a time when nonprofits need funds urgently, not in a distant future.
- Some individuals use DAFs primarily for income tax reductions, balancing their tax bill with their giving, so that the upside, like capital gains, is neutralized. Others use DAFs to pass on money to their offspring, once again with minimal taxes.
With DAFs, people can sidestep learning about the best causes in place of simply dumping the money in a pot on the advice of someone else.We recognize these critiques. Any tax instrument can be manipulated depending on a user’s intentions (we’re looking at you, Peter Thiel). However, we don’t believe DAFs are inherently evil and are instead breathing new life into the zombie philanthropy model.Groundswell reaps the benefits of DAFs without the downsides. And we believe that this approach can be scaled to reach any prospective donor, not just the ultra-rich.
How Groundswell is Raising Zombie Philanthropy From the Dead
Groundswell is built differently.Legacy DAF providers also happen to be massive asset managers. No wonder their platforms are designed to keep money in the DAF, and not move it out to charity. In fact, it’s in their best interest for it to play out that way.However, Groundswell is built to move money as efficiently as possible out of the system and into the hands of charities.The objectives of our platform are aligned directly with the goals of charities – including the goal of disbursing as much money as possible into the community. That’s probably because we were founded by a former nonprofit executive, a key difference in Groundswell vs. the competition.We have no beef with DAFs and not every DAF fund is a zombie. The fact is, when funds are transferred to a DAF, they will eventually finance a program sponsored by the donor, though it may be slow and delayed funding means delayed impact.As we already mentioned, we believe that Donor Advised Funds are not inherently evil – even if they are exploited by a large number of ultra-wealthy individuals and fail to generate as much good as intended. In principle, DAFs can be powerful but, like everything else, they must evolve.That’s why Groundswell is supportive of recent talks aimed at reforming Donor Advised Funds to include, among other things, a minimum annual distribution. DAFs, built and leveraged appropriately, can bring massive efficiencies to the nonprofit sector and the giving of ordinary Americans.So instead of allowing these legacy Donor Advised Funds to shuffle around mindlessly like zombies, let's build an alternative like Groundswell that breathes life back into the Donor Advised Fund and democratizes philanthropy for the 99%.
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?
The Guide to Being a Modern Philanthropist: Elevate Your Impact With Groundswell
This guide is intended to provide resources and inspiration for Groundswell users on how to donate to causes they care about. It provides tips to best identify and donate to charities that have a proven track record of impact. It also discusses how to think about geography and size when deciding where to donate, and explains the ways in which even small, recurring donations can have be powerful for charities working on the frontlines every day.
Groundswell can be your partner in your journey as a modern philanthropist. Your donations are a critical part of addressing society's myriad issues, such as poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental concerns. And giving to others is also good for you. It has been shown that people who donate to charity experience increased happiness and well-being compared to those who do not give. This sense of satisfaction comes from the knowledge that your actions are making a positive impact on the world and helping those in need.
Through Groundswell, you can easily add funds to your account, browse or search for charities, and donate in a matter of minutes. In this guide, we help demystify some of the questions you might have as you consider where, when and how to donate.
Six Tips to Becoming a Modern Philanthropist
Summary
- Pick causes and charities that align with your values: When deciding what you want to support, start by taking into consideration the people, places, or problems that you care about most.
- Understand impact through the lens of size & geography: The geographic reach of different charities' programs, and how large or small they are, can help as you determine what to support.
- Evaluate best in class charities: Learn how to assess not only the financial health of an organization, but also what questions to ask when looking at other impact metrics.
- Set a giving goal: Decide how much you want to give annually through Groundswell, and follow the simple steps to set up contributions to achieve that goal.
- Maximize impact through recurring donations: Simplify your giving and provide nonprofits with a steady stream of revenue through monthly, recurring donations.
- Optimize your giving through tax-efficient strategies: Leverage the versatility of Groundswell to reduce your tax burden through payroll giving, stocks contributions, and bunching.
1. Pick Causes & Charities that Align with Your Values
Your giving journey often is deeply personal, rooted in your own values and lived experiences. When deciding what causes you want to support, it’s important to start by taking into consideration the people, places, or problems that you care about most. Who or what do you want to impact? What cause is most aligned with that? Use that as a starting point to then find the charities best positioned to have an impact on what you care most about. Focusing on specific cause areas allows you to be more intentional about how you donate.
There are thousands of causes and more than a million nonprofits on the Groundswell platform that tackle challenges from all angles, from improving K-12 education or finding a cure for Alzheimer’s to reducing plastics in the ocean or protecting women’s rights.
After determining what causes matter most to you, it’s also helpful to identify the type of impact you are seeking to make. Are you interested in supporting organizations that are “on the ground” providing direct services or those doing longer-term, important policy and research work? That can help guide you in picking the charities that you want to donate to.
2. Understand Impact: Size & Geography
Where to donate
When deciding where to donate, it’s also important to determine where you want that impact to happen. For many people, where they give is closely linked to where they live – their local food pantry, homeless shelter, house of worship, or neighborhood school.
Others may want to focus their giving beyond where they live and donate to organizations that operate in certain regions or even other countries. There’s no ‘right’ answer - and many people choose to donate both locally and globally to a cause they care about. For example, you may want to support an organization that is both on the frontlines supporting refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, as well as helping resettle refugee families near your town in the U.S.
Does size matter?
Similarly, there is no right answer for what size organization is best to donate to. Whether they are large or small, if they have a strong track record of impact and do not have a pattern of mismanagement of funds, they are worthy recipients of donations.
Many people want to donate to organizations that have a proven track record of implementing large-scale programs, or are on a strong growth trajectory, year over year. Larger organizations generally have shown their ability to receive larger amounts of funding, and in turn design and implement programs at a scale that have a greater impact towards the causes you care about most. But small organizations can also be extremely impactful - even if the radius or scope of impact is smaller. Although many of today’s social and environmental problems are massive in scale, the vast majority of nonprofits are tiny; indeed, most nonprofits in the United States are small, grassroots organizations - and 20% have annual budgets of less than $50,000. For smaller nonprofits, even the smallest donation on an annual or monthly, recurring basis can have a huge impact on their ability to sustain programs or even expand.
3. Evaluate "Best in Class" Charities
There are multiple ways to assess the quality of a charity; many ratings sites focus primarily on financial metrics, but it is equally important to assess not only how an organization is managing its funds, but also the quality of its work. And while a rating system like Charity Navigator can be helpful, it is important to know that no rating system is comprehensive. Groundswell offers an important starting point - we only feature organizations that are in good standing with the IRS and eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.
- Programmatic Impact: Understanding a nonprofit’s impact - through its programs and the populations that it serves - is an important way to evaluate its effectiveness in tackling the causes you care about. Many nonprofits provide details about programming approaches on their websites, including testimonials, photos, and reports detailing specific results. Keep in mind that understanding and assessing impact is highly qualitative - there is no clear ‘score’ - especially because what or who is being impacted varies across the thousands of nonprofits.
- Financial Management: Nonprofits, especially larger ones, are required to disclose details related to their financial performance annually – to include assets, revenue and breakdown of expenses in forms submitted to the IRS. Many nonprofits are proactively transparent about their finances and post audited financial statements and other reports on their websites. But financial data does not always tell a complete story. There may be important investments in fundraising staff, which two years later yield a windfall in donations that can be put towards programs.
- Advisories: Sometimes there are advisories based on pending or ongoing legal action. Groundswell works to monitor these advisories and remove any charities that it believes are acting improperly or mismanaging donor funds. We also remove any charities that have had their nonprofit status revoked by the IRS.
- Groundswell-curated Featured Causes: While many donors might want to do their own research, sometimes it’s far easier (and efficient) to put your trust in others. Groundswell’s impact team provides donors with additional inspiration, and has done the vetting work to determine cause-specific organizations that are well run and most importantly having a strong impact.
4. Aim High with a Giving Goal
You can use Groundswell’s calculator found under your Profile to set or edit your annual giving goal. This can be a flat amount, or a percentage of your annual salary. While estimates vary, a common range for giving as a percentage of annual salary is between 2-6%.
The good news is that with your Groundswell Personal Giving Account, you can easily set up recurring contributions to stay on track to meet your goals. It’s also important to maximize the matching offered by your company’s giving program, where applicable.
Your giving goal can help fund recurring donations, as well as account for unexpected events that you may want to donate to.
5. Level Up with Recurring Donations
Recurring donations can be a great component of your philanthropic strategy. As a bonus, there are benefits for both donors as well as nonprofits.
For donors, setting recurring donations to autopilot every month or quarter means you don’t have to think about it or go through the steps to do it on a regular basis.
Put simply, it’s a smart use of your time. It is also a symbol of a donor’s commitment to a cause, and a belief in the nonprofit’s ability to have a positive impact - not just in a moment of crisis, but on a continuous basis. Groundswell’s recurring contributions and donations features help facilitate recurring giving.
For charities, recurring donations provide a steady, predictable stream of revenue that helps with budget planning. For many organizations, large or small, recurring donations can have a huge impact. Similar to the trends in grassroots political fundraising, having many small-dollar donors is good for nonprofits.
It helps them build awareness and shows to the larger-dollar donors that there is a community that believes in the nonprofit’s mission. It also helps de-risk; nonprofits with one or two large donors and very few small-dollar donors can run into major problems if any of those large donors stop supporting their work.
6. Optimize Your Tax-Efficient Giving
You can leverage the versatility of your Groundswell Personal Giving Account, which is underpinned by a Donor-Advised Fund, to be strategic and reduce your tax burden.
Donate appreciated stock
If you have appreciated stocks that you've held for more than a year and you donate them through your Groundswell account, you won't have to pay capital gains tax on the appreciation when those shares are exchanged for their market value.
Plus, you'll be eligible for a tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of contribution into your Groundswell account.
Give with payroll
You can leverage Groundswell’s Payroll feature to make giving more tax efficient. Contributions to Groundswell through payroll deductions are eligible for an immediate tax deduction for the amount contributed. This means that your taxable income for the year is reduced by the amount of your contribution. Contributing on a recurring basis via payroll also makes it easier to “set and forget” and achieve your giving goals more efficiently.
Bundle contributions
You can also take advantage of the Donor-Advised Fund structure of Groundswell to make a larger contribution in a single tax year and maximize tax benefits by itemizing deductions in the year that the larger contribution is being made - commonly known as “bunching.”
For example, if you typically give $5,000 to charity each year but decide to give $25,000 to your Groundswell account in one year, you can itemize your deductions that year and take the standard deduction in the following years. By doing so, you may be able to minimize your tax burden over time while still supporting the charities you care about.
Want access to other toolkits like this?
Corporate giving programs aim to empower employees and help companies facilitate and support philanthropic efforts. As global access grows and corporations become more diverse, employee representation becomes an increasingly important subject.
Groundswell enables companies to lay the foundation for their employees to adopt a generous giving attitude towards charities and world-shaping efforts.
Unleash the Power of Your Employee Giving Program: Best Practices Guide
Your Best Practices Guide for Maximizing Your Employee Giving Participation
This guide provides you with tools and tips to maximize employee participation in your giving program, not just when the program launches but throughout the entire year.
Leveraging our expertise in the social impact and nonprofit sectors, Groundswell is here to support you and your employees on your impact journey.
Overview
Employee giving programs can be a great way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, engage employees, and make a positive impact on the community. But too often, employees don’t take full advantage of the opportunities provided through their giving programs, leaving billions of funds unmatched every year. For some, this is due to either a lack of awareness about their company's giving program, or for others because an unwieldy donation portal and match process that leaves employees frustrated. Groundswell's technology brings corporate giving into the 21st century and unleashes the modern philanthropist in all of your employees.
Whether your goal is to grow the percentage of employees participating in your giving program, increase the amount of funds going to nonprofits, or to better understand the causes that matter most to your employees, these best practices can help you achieve those goals.
By reducing the administrative burden required to launch and implement a Giving Program, Groundswell frees you up to focus on what matters most: inspiring your employees and having a positive impact on the world through your company’s support for charitable causes.
6 Tips for Maximizing Participation in Your Employee Giving Program
1. Communicate Early and with Intention
Communication is a critical component of any successful giving program. We want you to have the tools to effectively share program details and encourage participation - whether launching a new employee giving program or transitioning from an existing one.
The key is to help employees understand why and how Groundswell fits into your company’s broader vision around corporate citizenship and employee engagement - and build enthusiasm around the potential to collectively have a positive impact on the world through donations to charities.
Program Launch Communications:
Here are some ways to think about the program launch. Depending on whether this is a new program or transitioning from an existing one, your adoption plan may change. You don’t want to inundate employees with too much information, while also providing them with the resources they need to successfully enroll in the program and easily engage on the platform.
- Keep it short, and emphasize that the intent is to center employees in corporate philanthropy and make it as easy as possible for employees to give.
- If the Giving Program is new: Why now? How does it align with your company’s values? Why is Groundswell a good fit for the company?
- If the program is replacing an existing program: Why now? What’s different (and better) from the previous program? New matching or gifting features? It may also be helpful to highlight the tax effectiveness of the donor-advised fund model.
Monthly Program Communications
In order to encourage ongoing participation in your program, and for employees to take advantage of the gifts and matches offered by your company, we encourage monthly nudges to remind employees about the program.
Monthly Cause Spotlights
- Start off the month by highlighting some timely causes - make sure to link to Groundswell-curated “Featured Cause” Portfolios that Groundswell uploads to the dashboard every month for a hand-off approach to spotlighting.
- Share “Cause of the Month” information with employees, leveraging the toolkits found in Groundswell’s Resource Center.
Engagement & Impact Reporting
- Utilize the data that you can find on your company Dashboard or download via CSV to highlight some of your company’s collective impact - including a percentage of employees enrolled, the total dollar amount that has been donated, as well as top nonprofit donation recipients and/or cause areas.
- This helps employees see how their individual donations are having a larger impact as part of your company’s collective giving program.
2. Drive Early Adoption through Gifts
Gifts can be a terrific way to get employees to sign up and start using the Groundswell platform immediately. Here are a few tips on how to drive early adoption using the Gifting feature:
- Launch with a one-time gift into employees’ Giving Accounts that will show up as soon as employees enroll. This can be a great way to create buzz about the program and empower employees to donate and make an impact immediately - even before they contribute their own funds to their Groundswell account.
- Throughout the year, provide unexpected, ad hoc gifts into employees’ accounts - for work anniversaries, milestones, great performance, etc.
- A way to make it fun is to do a lottery at All Hands meetings by randomly selecting an employee to receive $25 in their Groundswell account. Follow this link or reach out to the Groundswell Customer Success team to learn more.
3. Inspire Engagement through Matching
- Set up a matching program that immediately doubles the impact when an employee puts funds into their Groundswell Giving Account. This creates a feeling of “we’re in this together” - and drives home the message about an equitable approach to corporate philanthropy.
- A match program can run for an entire year, or be tailored to specific months.
- With the Groundswell match happening at the point of contributing funds to the Groundswell account, employees can tangibly see and feel what it means to double the impact for the charities and causes that matter most to them.
4. Leverage Cause Campaigns & Respond to the Emergent Events
Planned Campaigns:
- Utilize a Social Impact Cause Calendar to plan monthly or bi-monthly communications to employees highlighting specific causes - with resources to educate employees about the cause, and a curated list of nonprofits most relevant to the cause. You can refer to Groundswell’s monthly cause portfolios that are updated to reflect timely causes and issues.
- Tip: Plan your annual budget to launch match campaigns focused on specific charities or cause areas throughout the year.
Unforeseen Events:
- Utilize Groundswell’s curated list of best-in-class nonprofits responding to disasters in the United States or globally. Being able to quickly and confidently point your employees to vetted nonprofits to donate to shows that you are responsive as a company and empowering employees to take action in moments of crisis.
- Tip: Keep a portion of your annual budget in reserve so that you can match employee donations and/or provide gifts to employees to expand the impact in response to the unforeseen emergency.
5. Engage Employee Resource Groups
Another mechanism to center employees in corporate philanthropy and recognize their own lived experiences: provide Employee Resource Groups (ERG) a platform to speak to key cause areas (e.g. AAPI Awareness, Black History Month, etc).
- ERGs can take the opportunity to recommend nonprofits that they think are most effective and related to the cause, and share their commitment to specific causes with the tag-line “My cause is ____ “
- Tip: Solicit recommendations from the Employee Resource Group for books to read, films, and documentaries to watch, and podcasts to listen to. This can generate a deeper understanding of causes and lead to engagement via donations to support the causes.
6. Lean Into End-of-Year Giving Spirit
30% of annual giving happens in December, with about 10% of all annual donations coming in the last three days of the year. For nonprofits, this can be a critical time to raise funds and prepare programming budgets for the next year.
You can leverage Groundswell's Giving Tuesday resources to launch an end-of-year donation campaign, featuring specific cause areas and nonprofits.
Tip: Set a budget aside for a surprise end-of-year gift - leveraging the fact that a large percentage of people prefer to donate at the end of the year.
Read related articles
- Is Your Donation Matching Program Inclusive and Equitable?
- The Workplace Giving Handbook: Everything You Need to Know
- 8 Workplace Giving Trends and How to Use Them
Groundswell is your ally in corporate philanthropy.
Corporate giving programs aim to empower employees and help companies facilitate and support philanthropic efforts. As global access grows and corporations become more diverse, employee representation becomes an increasingly important subject.
Groundswell enables companies to lay the foundation for their employees to adopt a generous giving attitude towards charities and world-shaping efforts.
Complete Handbook to Corporate Grants
Corporate grants are financial support provided by a business to a nonprofit organization, educational institution, or another type of community group.
These grants can be used to fund a wide range of projects, including programs and initiatives that align with the values and mission of the funding organization.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore the various types of corporate grants available, how to find and apply for these grants, and tips for success in securing funding.
Types of Corporate Grants
There are several types of corporate grants that organizations can apply for, depending on their needs and the focus of the funding organization. Some common types of corporate grants include:
General Operating Support: These grants provide funding for the general operations and administration of an organization, including salaries, rent, and other overhead costs.
Project-Specific Grants: These grants are provided to fund a specific project or initiative, such as a research project, community development program, or arts and culture event.
Capital Grants: These grants are provided to fund the purchase of long-term assets, such as equipment, real estate, or vehicles.
Sponsorship Grants: These grants provide financial support for a specific event or activity, such as a charity fundraiser or sporting event.
Matching Grants: These grants require the recipient organization raises a certain amount of funds on their own, which is then matched by the funding organization.
How to Find Corporate Grants
There are a few different ways to find corporate grants that may be a good fit for your organization. Here are some tips:
Research funding organizations: Many businesses have corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that provide grants to nonprofit organizations. Research the CSR programs of businesses in your industry or local area to see if they offer grants.
Use grant databases: There are many online databases that list corporate grants, such as Grants.gov and the Candid, formally known as Foundation Center. These databases allow you to search for grants based on your organization's location, mission, and area of focus.
Join grant-seeking networks: There are many online networks and forums for grant seekers, such as Candid, formally known as GrantSpace, and the Grant Professionals Association. These communities can be a valuable resource for finding corporate grants and learning about the grant-seeking process.
How to Apply for Corporate Grants
Once you have identified a corporate grant that is a good fit for your organization, the next step is to prepare and submit a grant proposal. Here are some tips for success:
Follow the application instructions carefully: Each grant program will have its own application requirements and guidelines, so it is important to follow these instructions carefully. Be sure to complete all required forms and provide any supporting documents that are requested.
Clearly articulate your needs and objectives: In your grant proposal, be sure to clearly explain your organization's needs and the specific objectives that you hope to achieve with the funding. Use specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to demonstrate the impact that the grant will have.
Demonstrate your organization's capacity to deliver: In addition to outlining your needs and objectives, it is important to demonstrate your organization's capacity to deliver on its proposed project or initiative. This may include information about your staff, volunteers, resources, and past successes.
Proofread and edit: A well-written and well-organized grant proposal is more likely to be successful. Be sure to proofread your proposal carefully and have at least one other person review it before submitting it.
Tips for Success in Securing Corporate Grants
Start early: Many corporate grant programs have deadlines that are several months in advance of the funding period. It is important to start researching and preparing your grant proposal as early as possible to allow sufficient time for revisions and any additional information that may be requested by the funding organization.
Build relationships with funders: Building relationships with potential funders can be a valuable asset in the grant-seeking process. Attend events and networking opportunities where you can meet with representatives from funding organizations, and consider reaching out to them directly to introduce your organization and its work.
Be persistent: Securing corporate grants can be competitive, and it is not uncommon to be rejected on the first try. Don't be discouraged by rejection – use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your grant proposal for the next round of funding.
In conclusion, corporate grants can be a valuable source of funding for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community groups. By researching and identifying appropriate grant programs, preparing a strong grant proposal, and building relationships with potential funders, your organization can increase its chances of success in securing corporate grants.
More about Groundswell
Groundswell is an affordable workplace giving program built for modern businesses. We give organizations the infrastructure and tools to make it easy to empower employees to support the causes they care about during moments that matter most.
Subscribe to our newsletter and reach out to our team to learn more about Groundswell.io.
The Workplace Giving Handbook: Everything You Need to Know
Workplace giving programs offer employees an important benefit.
It gives employees a way to support the causes they care about and trust that their support is actually doing good in the world.
It's not news that people are skeptical of corporate charity — it's why words like pink-washing and greenwashing have entered the public vocabulary. Workplace giving programs offer a way to combat that skepticism and give employees a reason to feel good about the places where they work.
But what exactly is workplace giving, and how do you set up an employee-powered giving program at your company?
What is Workplace Giving?
Workplace giving is any organized program that collects employee donations for charitable causes through payroll deductions and/or one-time donations. The company then disburses those donations to nonprofits.
Over the years, the term has evolved to include volunteer giving programs, and other forms of employee giving programs. These giving programs take many forms today, including payroll deductions, donation match programs, and volunteer giving programs.
Matching Gift Programs
Donation match programs are among the most popular types of workplace giving programs, offered at nearly 65% of Fortune 500 companies, and accounting for $2 billion to $3 billion in donations annually.
The concept is simple in theory: an employee donates to a qualified nonprofit, and the company then makes a matching donation to the same nonprofit.
In practice, matching gift programs can be cumbersome and difficult to manage. In fact, for every dollar donated through matching gift programs, more than $2 goes unclaimed.
Volunteer Programs
In addition to typical volunteer programs — serving dinners at a local shelter or reading to school kids, for example — many companies create or participate in volunteer fundraising events, such as walk-a-thons or charity 5k runs.
Employees participate as a team, and the money raised is donated to the specific non-profit named. These campaigns can be great for team building and bonding, not to mention providing high-profile PR opportunities for the company.
Volunteer Grants
Many companies offer grants to organizations where their employees volunteer. This kind of program ensures that the company is helping to support genuine community organizations that their employees care about. They help deepen the ties between the company and the community and send the message to your employees that you care about the things that are important to them.
Volunteer Hours Matching
The third iteration of volunteer donation programs rewards your employees with the extra cash they can donate to others based on hours that they spend volunteering with community organizations.
Giving employees paid time off for volunteering can make it difficult for workers to keep up with their workload and make more work for nonprofits. Some companies have found ways to reimburse employees for their time working in their communities.
One way is to deposit the equivalent of their salary for hours spent into a Groundswell Personal Giving Account. From there, the employee can direct the donation to their chosen cause, effectively doubling their impact on the ground.
Donations Through Payroll Deduction
Many companies offer employees the opportunity to make giving easy by enrolling in an automatic payroll deduction for a chosen charity. Payroll deductions allow employees to essentially budget their charitable contributions over the course of the year.
However, the choice of charities to support is usually very narrow — often only one or two charities are chosen by the board.
A growing number of CEOs are moving away from the top-down approach to corporate giving, and moving to a model that puts the choice in the hands of their employees.
What Is a Workplace Giving Campaign?
Workplace giving campaigns are typically annual events companies hold to encourage employee donations to a cause.
They're often held in the fall, to coordinate with the holiday season — and of course, the end of the tax year. They can, however, take place at any time. Their purpose is to publicize and raise awareness of any company-sponsored employee giving programs, and get more people involved in them.
Campaigns may also revolve around a specific need or event. These campaigns include disaster relief campaigns, or campaigns to support specific needs in the local community — supporting the unhoused, or providing funds for meals during a pandemic, for example.
How Does Workplace Giving Work?
The nuts and bolts of employee giving programs are rapidly evolving. Legacy workplace giving programs collected donations from employees then combined them and funneled them to one or two charities chosen by the board of directors or the CEO. Historically, there are two major models for doing this.
Payroll Deduction
Programs that collect charitable donations through payroll deductions are the most common workplace giving programs, accounting for nearly 75% of all employee giving annually. Payroll deductions make charitable giving easy on employees — they fill out a payroll deduction form once, and HR/Payroll does the rest. It's so easy, in fact, that when Google implemented a pilot payroll giving program, it increased the likelihood of donations to a promoted charity by 50% without reducing the average amount donated.
In addition, each participating employee has a running record of their deductions on their pay stub, with the current and year-to-date donations recorded. That's a big boon at tax time — their pay stub serves as proof of their donation, so they don't have to scrounge around looking for acknowledgment letters from the nonprofits they donate to.
Nonprofits also benefit from this type of workplace giving program in several ways: they get predictable, sustainable donations, and often get more donations. Just as important, a payroll deduction model reduces the amount of work that falls on their shoulders by transferring much of it to the company's payroll department. Managing a workplace giving campaign is a complex undertaking involving multiple steps and responsibilities.
- The company creates a campaign to engage and encourage employees to sign up for the giving program. This is no small undertaking — entire toolkits are devoted to teaching employees and volunteers to run successful campaigns.
- The employee fills out a pledge card, designating the amount of the donation and/or the amount to be deducted each pay period. If the company allows it, they may also choose one of several pre-approved nonprofits to receive their donation.
- The payroll department — or the company's payroll provider — sets up the recurring deduction for each employee.
- If the company also operates a matching donation program, HR processes all donations to set up the matching donation.
- Each pay period, the payroll department deducts and deposits the funds from each employee into a central account, then sends the final donation amount to the paying agent, such as the United Way.
- The paying agent distributes the funds to the designated organizations.
Donation Matching Programs
Donation match programs can also be time-consuming and difficult to navigate — so much so, that billions of dollars in matching funds go unclaimed every year. A typical donation match program works like this:
- The company determines which organizations will qualify for a matching gift and makes the list of qualifying organizations available to employees, and creates rules to determine the amount of the match. There may be differing amounts depending on the employee's position or other criteria. For example, all full-time employees may qualify for 100% matching, while managers qualify for 200% matching.
- The employee makes a donation to the charity of their choice.
- After determining that their chosen organization qualifies for a match, the employee fills out and submits a request to HR for their employer to match their donation.
- HR processes the request and determines the match amount based on the rules.
- The company sends a check for the matching amount to the qualifying organization.
Emerging Trends in Workplace Giving
Since the early 2000s, there's been a growing movement to allow employees more choices of donors. Many donation match programs, for example, will match employee donations to any 501(c)3 charity. New platforms are streamlining corporate and employee giving, reducing the amount of work and time that goes into managing workplace giving campaigns and employee giving programs in general.
The newest trends in corporate giving include making charitable giving part of the employee's benefits package and providing granular control and choice on when and where to donate their funds.
Advances in technology provided new tools — yes, there's an app for that — to help companies manage and deploy their corporate giving programs in ways that make sense for their workforces. As the workplace and trends in giving continue to evolve, employee giving programs will also evolve to keep pace and provide the most seamless, empowering giving experience.
Benefits of Workplace Giving Programs
Employee giving programs are not just good for the causes that get the donations. They provide important positives for employees, the company, and the community. These are a few of the most important.
- Improved Employee Recruitment: 55% of employees — including 75% of Millennials — would choose to work for a socially responsible company, even if they got paid less.
- Increased Employee Engagement: Employees are more engaged at work when they feel their employer aligns with their values.
- Increased Profitability: Companies with the most engaged workers are 21% more profitable.
- Better Public Image: People think more positively about businesses that give back to the community.
- Deeper Community Connections: A well-planned employee giving program helps the business connect and cement relationships with organizations in the community.
- Increased Employee Loyalty: Employees are more likely to recommend businesses that support them and their interests.
- Higher Retention Rates: Employees who take advantage of employee giving programs stay with the company 75% longer.
What Employees Care About
According to a recent Deloitte Workplace Giving survey, 37% of workers donated to charity through a workplace giving program, but — and this is a big but — when they looked at Millennial and Gen Z employees, that percentage skyrocketed to 58%.
Younger workers, those destined for leadership positions in future companies, care deeply about doing good in the world, and they reflect it in their behavior. They donate because they are connected to a cause or charity, because they want to support their community, and because giving makes them feel good.
When you make it easy for them to plant a tree, buy a kid a desk, or adopt sheltered puppies, your company is showing them that they respect and support the people that they are, not just the work that they do for your business.
Why Is Employee Giving Important?
In addition to the benefits to your employees and your business bottom line, employee giving also brings an immense benefit to the community.
In 2021, workplace giving programs raised more than $5 billion, with about 50% of that coming from matching gift programs. Those donations went to
- Education-related causes: 29%
- Health and wellness causes: 25%
- Community and economic development causes: 15%
Employees who donated through workplace giving programs reported that they donated to
- Hunger and homelessness relief: 47%
- Education: 23%
- Social and racial equity causes: 20%
The right workplace giving program empowers your employees to support the causes closest to their hearts, without judgment and with the confidence that their employer trusts them to put their money where it will matter the most.
How to Set Up a Workplace Giving Program
If this is your first time setting up a workplace giving program, there are some important steps to consider. You want a program that reflects your company's mission and core philosophy, one that your employees will embrace and be proud to use. These are some key principles to keep in mind and some action steps to get you started.
Evaluate Your Company's Corporate Social Responsibility Policy. If You Don't Have One, This Is A Good Time To Brainstorm.
- Create a vision for your CSR that balances your responsibilities to your shareholders/owners, your employees, the community, the planet, and any other stakeholders.
- Evaluate your current activities in light of community service. Do you partner with local organizations? Host volunteer activities? Make donations to local charities? Any of these would fit under the umbrella of CSR.
- Establish a corporate code of ethics detailing how your company will treat employees, customers, the environment, and competitors in all your dealings.
- Get strategic with your giving program to ensure that it aligns with your company's values and ethics.
Set a Budget for Your Giving Program.
- The amount you budget for corporate giving should be no more than you can afford to give without affecting the cash flow you need to operate your business.
- Many large companies earmark 1% - 5% of their pre-tax earnings for charitable giving. Small companies often donate 6% or more to charity.
- Consider designating profits from one particular product for giving.
- Use the Sabsevitz Ante-Up Formula — multiply last year's pre-tax net income by 1.2% to come up with a donation budget.
- Check out more suggestions for setting your budget in this blog post.
Set Up Guidelines for Your Program
- Employees: will all employees be included in your benefits program? Will they all be level-funded, or will some positions qualify for a higher workplace giving benefit?
- Moments That Matter: Can you make donations more meaningful by tying deposit amounts to specific events in the lives for your employees?
- Decide which charities/causes your company will support. Will you restrict employee giving to designated nonprofits? How expansive will your list of eligible organizations be?
Establish A Process For Collecting, Matching, And Donating Contributions.
- See the section on How Does Workplace Giving Work?
- (Hint: Groundswell takes the stress out of this step.)
Publicize The Program.
The key to a successful workplace giving program is awareness. Your employees can't use a benefit they don't know about, and your company won't reap the benefits if your customers and employees don't know what you're doing. These are a few suggestions for raising awareness of your new employee giving program.
- List it as a benefit in your recruitment materials.
- Provide an easy — and very visible — way to access your program's front end on your employee website, Discord, or other communication software.
- Highlight your program in the company newsletter.
- Create and distribute flyers explaining the program, its benefits, and how to use it to your employees.
- If you offer donation matches, make sure that local nonprofits are aware of it.
- Partner with local nonprofits and community organizations when it makes sense.
Is Workplace Giving Tax Deductible?
The simple answer is yes, in most cases, workplace giving is tax deductible, and has been since 1935 when Congress passed a law allowing corporations to deduct up to 10% of their pretax income on their tax returns. That limit was raised to 25% to encourage more giving during the pandemic.
Maximizing Tax Benefits for Workplace Giving
It's important to understand how tax-deductible donations work in order to maximize the benefits of a workplace giving program.
Some types of corporate giving offer more benefits than others.
DAFs offer unique tax benefits, but until recently, they've been reserved for high-dollar donors. Briefly, a DAF allows your company to make a donation at the most advantageous time — before the end of the tax year, for example — and take the deduction immediately, and decide when and where that money should be donated to nonprofits. In addition, DAFs make it more efficient to donate non-cash assets, such as stock and real estate, to charity, without incurring an additional tax burden.
Workplace Giving with Groundswell
Groundswell's innovative Philanthropy as a Service model democratizes workplace giving by setting up a Personal Giving Account — an individual DAF — for each employee, effectively putting the power of a DAF in the palm of their hand.
The company can make donations into each Personal Giving Account as part of an overall corporate giving strategy, timing the donations to provide the most benefit. The employee then decides when and where to make donations to the causes that are most important to them.
If you're ready to increase the impact of your workplace giving programs, contact us to learn more about how Groundswell can empower you and your employees to do more good and make the changes they want to see in the world.
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?
Israel-Palestinian Victims: Where to Support
What's happening:
- Israel has declared war against Hamas after the terrorist group launched a surprise attack from Gaza into Israeli territory on the morning of Saturday October 7, the Jewish Sabbath and a major holiday.
- In total, more than 1,400 Israelis were killed by Hamas militants, and over 100 civilians and soldiers were taken to Gaza as hostages.
- In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas and retaliated with airstrikes that have killed at least 2,800 Palestinians, and another 9,700 wounded, per Palestinian health officials.
- Escalation in the conflict will further endanger civilians on both sides, and humanitarian groups are working to provide support to those in need.
- Please consider donating today in support of organizations aiding those impacted.
Organizations providing humanitarian aid:
Groundswell has put together a list of organizations on the frontlines you can directly support:
- American Friends of Magen David Adom: Magen David Adom ensures 33,000 paramedics, EMTS, first responders, and first-aid providers -- volunteers and staff -- have the training, equipment, and medical supplies they need to treat all injured and ill people in Israel.
- Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF): As medical centers are overwhelmed, MSF is donating critical medical supplies to hospitals and health facilities in Gaza to respond to medical needs.
- IsraAID: IsraAID is partnering with local and civil society organizations to coordinate humanitarian efforts, providing psychosocial support, urgent aid to vulnerable communities, evacuees, and their families.
- Save the Children: Save the Children has been working with Palestinian children since 1953, with a permanent presence in the occupied Palestinian territory since 1973. Their main aims are to ensure children survive, learn, and are protected from all types of abuse.
- Palestinian Childrens Relief Fund: As a humanitarian organization, its teams are on the ground delivering crucial and life-saving medical relief and humanitarian aid where it is needed most.
The best way to support is to provide funding to one of the many nonprofits that are working to provide assistance to those impacted. You can support them directly today.
6 Tips For An Effective Corporate Volunteerism Program with Groundswell
For companies seeking to streamline their giving and volunteering in one place, Groundswell has a number of volunteer features designed to easily track, reward, and engage employees. We have been extremely thoughtful about the volunteerism features we’ve built - with an eye towards being value-add for companies that may need some support with their volunteerism initiatives, and want to streamline their giving and volunteering programs in one place - from design to execution to reporting.
6 Tips For An Effective Corporate Volunteerism Program
1. Set your goals:
When designing a volunteer program, it’s important to start by defining your goals, whether you’re focused on participation numbers, team-building, or the ability to provide additional support to a nonprofit that is already a recipient of corporate funding. None of these are mutually exclusive, but how you approach volunteerism, and the ways in which you execute it, may help advance certain goals more than others.
2. Identify internal champions:
A volunteer program is rarely successful unless there are internal champions that can provide peer-to-peer encouragement, or geographic-specific coordination. While Groundswell's volunteer platform provides important tools to facilitate and help execute volunteer programs, some of the most successful companies have internal champions or volunteer “ambassadors” who can engage and motivate their fellow employees to participate, as well as build critical relationships with nonprofits. For companies with different geographic hubs, having champions to spearhead volunteering events can help drive meaningful employee engagement at a more local level.
3. Create community across groups and locations:
Leverage regional champions and/or Employee Resource Group leads to help spearhead events that bring employees together across geographies and other affinity groups. Groundswell’s Volunteer Event Management tool enables companies to schedule and manage registration for larger events, as well as empower teams based in different regional hubs to schedule and track participation in their own volunteer events..A best practice is to designate a specific time of year for volunteer activation - whether a day of service, week or full month - so that employees can feel motivated and inspired to participate when the entire company is focused on volunteerism and service.
4. Align your Giving and Volunteering Program Through Dollars for Doers:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching feature - also known as Dollars for Doers - provides another way for employees to show their support for the causes that matter most to them. Through Volunteer Matching, an employee logs volunteer hours and then receives funds into their Groundswell account, to then be donated. And it also recognizes that some employees may have time to give, but not money to donate – and rewards them for that. You can set up a Volunteer Match program as a stand-alone, or combine with an existing donation matching program.
5. Design a program that includes remote or hybrid workers:
Many companies are eager to revive larger, in-person events. But not everyone may be based at the headquarters, and the “new normal” of hybrid work schedules may make it difficult for larger groups to come together. Groundswell’s volunteer platform can be customized to allow employees to volunteer their time even if they aren’t able to be at an event in-person. The Volunteer Hours Tracking Tool enables employees to log those individual volunteer hours, so that the company can capture their participation even if it is not with a larger group volunteer event.
6. Leverage Data for Internal Feedback and External Storytelling:
Groundswell’s streamlined reporting dashboard allows companies to easily access key metrics around volunteer hours, participation levels, and number of events. By integrating across giving and volunteering programs, companies can have a holistic view of their impact for ongoing or annual reporting requirements. The data is also an important tool for internal reporting and engagement - highlighting regions that may be particularly active in their giving and volunteering, and inspire more engagement for future events.
Celebrating the Rich Cultural Heritage: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on August 9 pays tribute to the world's indigenous communities.
About 370 to 500 million indigenous people are estimated to live in 90 countries worldwide. This year, the United Nations is highlighting indigenous youth as agents of change in recognition of the role that indigenous youth must occupy in decision-making around climate action, the search for justice for their people, and the creation of an intergenerational connection that keeps their culture, traditions, and contributions alive. Indigenous communities are threatened worldwide due to challenges ranging from discrimination to climate change.
Indigenous peoples makeup 15% of the world's extremely poor and suffer higher rates of landlessness, malnutrition, and internal displacement than other groups.
Numerous nonprofits are working to protect and preserve indigenous communities in the United States and worldwide – please consider supporting them today.
Cultural Survival
Cultural Survival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide.
The organization was founded in 1972 with the primary mission to defend and promote indigenous communities' cultural, political, economic, and social rights and empower them to determine their futures.
What the Cultural Survival organization does:
- Advocates for Indigenous Rights: Cultural Survival works to raise awareness about the challenges faced by indigenous peoples, including issues like land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination.
- Supports Grassroots Initiatives: The organization provides support and resources to grassroots projects and initiatives led by indigenous communities. This support helps strengthen their cultural practices, language preservation, and sustainable development efforts.
- Publishes Indigenous Media: Cultural Survival publishes various media platforms, such as a magazine, radio programs, and online content, to amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples and share their stories, struggles, and achievements with a global audience.
- Promotes Fair Trade: Cultural Survival supports fair trade practices by assisting indigenous artisans and producers market their traditional crafts and products. This initiative helps preserve cultural heritage while generating sustainable income for the communities.
- Conducts Research and Education: The organization researches indigenous issues, producing reports and educational materials to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about the challenges faced by indigenous peoples and the importance of protecting their rights.
- Fosters Capacity Building: Cultural Survival empowers indigenous leaders and communities through capacity-building programs, offering training in community organizing, legal rights, and sustainable resource management.
- Builds Networks and Alliances: The organization fosters alliances and collaborations with other NGOs, indigenous organizations, and human rights groups to strengthen collective efforts in promoting indigenous rights and welfare.
Red Eagle Soaring
Red Eagle Soaring is a nonprofit organization in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to empowering Native American and Indigenous youth through theater arts and storytelling.
Founded in 1992, the organization aims to provide a safe and culturally enriching space for young people to express themselves, explore their identities, and build confidence through creative expression.
What the Red Eagle Soaring organization does:
- Native Youth Theater Program: Red Eagle Soaring offers a comprehensive theater arts program tailored to Native American and Indigenous youth. Through workshops, rehearsals, and performances, participants learn various aspects of theater, including acting, stagecraft, playwriting, and directing.
- Cultural Empowerment: The organization emphasizes cultural empowerment by incorporating traditional Native storytelling, dance, and music into theatrical productions. This approach preserves cultural heritage and provides a unique and authentic platform for youth to share their stories and experiences.
- Youth Leadership Development: Red Eagle Soaring focuses on nurturing leadership skills among its participants. The organization encourages youth to take on responsibilities both on and off the stage, fostering a sense of ownership and agency in their artistic endeavors.
- Performances and Workshops: Red Eagle Soaring stages theatrical performances in various venues, including community centers, schools, and theaters, allowing the participants to showcase their talent and creativity to broader audiences. Additionally, the organization conducts workshops and outreach programs to reach more young people and expand its impact.
- Life Skills and Mentorship: Alongside theater training, Red Eagle Soaring provides participants with life skills development and mentorship. These programs focus on building self-esteem, communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, essential for personal growth and success in any field.
- Healing and Well-being: Red Eagle Soaring recognizes the healing potential of creative expression and storytelling. The organization helps youth process trauma and emotional challenges by providing a supportive and compassionate environment, contributing to their overall well-being and resilience.
Huairou Commission
The Huairou Commission is a nonprofit organization that empowers grassroots women and community-based organizations (CBOs) worldwide. Founded in 1995, the organization is named after Huairou, a rural town in China where the Fourth World Conference on Women occurred in 1995.
The Huairou Commission emerged from this conference to address the specific challenges women living in poverty and marginalized communities face.
What the Huairou Commission organization does:
- Women's Leadership and Capacity Building: The organization strengthens women's leadership capacities in grassroots and community-based organizations. They provide training, mentorship, and resources to enhance the skills of women leaders and enable them to become effective agents of change in their communities.
- Networking and Partnerships: The organization facilitates networking and collaboration among grassroots women's organizations, CBOs, and other civil society groups. By fostering partnerships, they create a global network of support for women's empowerment initiatives and share best practices for community development.
- Knowledge Sharing and Research: The Huairou Commission researches and documents women's issues, community-led development, and gender-based challenges marginalized communities face. They share this knowledge through publications, conferences, and online platforms to inform policymakers and practitioners.
- Community-Led Development: The organization promotes community-led development approaches, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge, culture, and traditional practices. They support initiatives designed and implemented within the communities, ensuring sustainable development that meets the specific needs of women and their families.
- Disaster Resilience and Climate Justice: The Huairou Commission addresses the unique vulnerabilities of women in disaster-prone regions and advocates for climate justice. They work to incorporate gender-responsive strategies in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation efforts, recognizing that women often play a critical role in disaster preparedness and recovery.
- Urban Development and Land Rights: The organization advocates for secure land tenure and housing rights for women in urban and peri-urban areas. They support community-driven initiatives for affordable housing, access to land, and basic services to improve the living conditions of women and their families in cities.
- Economic Empowerment: The Huairou Commission promotes economic empowerment among women by supporting income-generating activities and entrepreneurship opportunities. They facilitate access to financial services, skills training, and market linkages to enhance women's economic independence.
Nia Tero
Nia Tero is a nonprofit organization committed to partnering with and supporting Indigenous peoples and communities worldwide. The organization's name, "Nia Tero," is derived from two words from different indigenous languages: "Nia" means "purpose" in Swahili, and "Tero" means "life" in Hmong.
This reflects the organization's mission to work harmoniously with Indigenous peoples to protect their lands, cultures, and rights, recognizing the intrinsic connection between Indigenous communities and the planet's health.
What the Nia Tero organization does:
- Indigenous-Led Conservation: Nia Tero collaborates with Indigenous communities to advance conservation efforts that are led and guided by the communities. The organization recognizes Indigenous peoples' profound knowledge of their lands and ecosystems and empowers them to be the primary stewards of their territories.
- Land Rights and Tenure Security: The organization works to secure and defend the land rights of Indigenous communities. They advocate for legal recognition of customary land tenure systems and support efforts to protect Indigenous lands from illegal encroachments and land grabs.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: Nia Tero is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditional practices. The organization recognizes the importance of cultural heritage in maintaining the resilience and identity of Indigenous communities.
- Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation: Nia Tero addresses the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on Indigenous communities and territories. They support community-led climate adaptation and mitigation strategies that integrate traditional knowledge with modern science.
- Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment: The organization promotes sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous communities, supporting economic activities that align with their cultural values and ecological knowledge. This includes promoting sustainable agriculture, artisanal crafts, and eco-friendly enterprises.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Nia Tero actively builds partnerships with other conservation organizations, governments, and corporations to leverage resources and amplify the voices of Indigenous communities in decision-making processes that affect their lands and resources.
- Indigenous Leadership Development: The organization invests in the leadership development of Indigenous youth and women, recognizing their crucial role in shaping the future of their communities and advocating for their rights on local and global platforms.
Amazon Watch
Amazon Watch is a nonprofit organization that focuses on protecting the Amazon rainforest and advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin.
Founded in 1996, the organization operates at the intersection of environmental and human rights advocacy, working with Indigenous communities to defend their lands, cultures, and livelihoods from threats like deforestation, oil and gas extraction, and other destructive activities.
What the Amazon Watch organization does:
- Environmental Advocacy: The organization campaigns against deforestation, illegal logging, and environmental degradation in the Amazon rainforest. They work to raise awareness about the importance of the Amazon ecosystem in mitigating climate change and conserving biodiversity.
- Indigenous Rights and Land Defense: Amazon Watch partners with Indigenous communities to protect their ancestral territories from land grabs and encroachments by mining, oil drilling, and agriculture industries. They support Indigenous land titling initiatives and advocate for recognizing Indigenous land rights.
- Corporate Accountability: The organization monitors and challenges the actions of corporations operating in the Amazon region. They hold companies accountable for environmental and social impacts, aiming to promote responsible business practices that respect the rights of Indigenous communities.
- Campaigns against Oil and Gas Extraction: Amazon Watch opposes destructive oil and gas extraction projects in the Amazon. They work with local communities to resist harmful extractive activities threatening the environment and Indigenous peoples' livelihoods.
- Support for Community-led Initiatives: Amazon Watch provides support and resources to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous communities to defend their rights and territories. This includes legal assistance, training, and funding for sustainable development projects.
- Indigenous Rights Documentation: Amazon Watch conducts research and documentation to expose human rights violations and environmental abuses faced by Indigenous communities in the Amazon. They share these findings with the international community to promote accountability and justice.
- Climate Justice: The organization advocates for climate justice, emphasizing the role of the Amazon rainforest as a critical carbon sink and the impact of climate change on vulnerable Indigenous communities. They highlight the importance of Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices in climate resilience.
Native American Youth & Family Center
The Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA) is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to serving the Native American community, focusing on youth and families.
Founded in 1974, NAYA aims to provide culturally relevant services, support, and opportunities to empower Native American individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and overall well-being.
What the Native American Youth & Family Center organization does:
- Youth Programs: NAYA offers programs specifically designed for Native American youth, including academic support, leadership development, cultural enrichment, and mentorship opportunities. These programs aim to build confidence and foster a sense of identity and cultural pride among young Native Americans.
- Education and Academic Support: The organization provides educational support services, such as tutoring, homework help, and college preparation assistance. NAYA strives to improve educational outcomes for Native American students and increase their access to post-secondary education.
- Cultural Preservation and Revitalization: NAYA is committed to preserving and revitalizing Native American cultures, languages, and traditional practices. The organization hosts cultural events, workshops, and classes to pass down traditional knowledge and strengthen cultural connections within the community.
- Family Services: NAYA offers comprehensive family services, including parenting support, counseling, and access to resources for Native American families. The organization focuses on creating a supportive and nurturing environment for families to thrive.
- Housing Assistance: NAYA provides housing support services to help Native American individuals and families find safe and affordable housing. This includes rental assistance, housing counseling, and information on homeownership opportunities.
- Wellness and Healthcare Services: NAYA provides wellness programs and healthcare access to support the physical and mental well-being of Native American community members. This includes health screenings, counseling services, and wellness workshops.
- Youth and Family Empowerment: Overall, NAYA's mission is to empower Native American youth and families by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. The organization strives to create a strong and resilient community that celebrates and preserves Native American cultures and traditions.
First Nations Development Institute
First Nations Development Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Native American and Indigenous communities through community-driven solutions and economic development initiatives.
Founded in 1980, the organization supports sustainable economic and social progress for Native American tribes and organizations across the United States.
What the First Nations Development Institute organization does:
- Grantmaking and Capacity Building: The organization provides grants and capacity-building support to Native American tribes and organizations. These grants fund community-led projects, including economic development, food sovereignty, cultural preservation, education, and youth programs.
- Indigenous Food Systems: First Nations Development Institute promotes food sovereignty and revitalizes Indigenous food systems. They support initiatives encouraging traditional agricultural practices, local food production, and access to healthy, traditional foods.
- Economic Development and Entrepreneurship: The organization supports economic development efforts within Native American communities. This includes developing small businesses, providing entrepreneurial training, and supporting community-based enterprises.
- Native Youth and Education: First Nations Development Institute invests in the educational and leadership development of Native American youth. They provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and support for cultural education to empower the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
- Financial and Technical Assistance: The organization offers financial and technical assistance to Native American organizations and individuals seeking to improve their financial literacy, financial management, and asset-building skills.
- Data and Research: The organization researches and collects data on Native American economic and social issues. This information helps inform their grantmaking and advocacy efforts and contributes to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Native American communities.
- Philanthropic Engagement: First Nations Development Institute collaborates with other philanthropic organizations to increase support for Native American-led initiatives and community development projects. They work to increase awareness and investment in Native American causes.
Native American Heritage Association
The Native American Heritage Association (NAHA) is a nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian aid and support to Native American communities in need.
Founded in 1993, NAHA focuses on improving the living conditions, health, and overall well-being of Native American families, particularly those living in poverty on reservations.
What the Native American Heritage Association does:
- Emergency Assistance: NAHA provides emergency assistance to Native American families facing immediate hardships, such as food shortages, housing crises, and natural disasters. They offer critical support to help families overcome these challenges.
- Food and Nutrition: The organization runs food distribution programs that provide nutritious meals to Native American families, especially those who struggle with food insecurity on reservations where access to fresh and healthy food is limited.
- Elder Care: NAHA supports Native American elders by providing essential resources, medical supplies, and home repairs. The organization recognizes the importance of honoring and caring for Native American elders in the community.
- Medical and Dental Care: The organization offers medical and dental clinics on reservations, providing access to healthcare services often lacking in remote and underserved areas. These clinics help address health disparities and improve the overall well-being of community members.
- Warmth for Winter: NAHA runs the Warmth for Winter program, providing winter clothing, blankets, and heating assistance to families who face cold temperatures and lack the resources to stay warm during the winter months.
- Housing Improvements: The organization undertakes housing improvement projects, such as repairing roofs, installing insulation, and addressing critical home repairs to ensure safe and livable conditions for Native American families.
- Partnership and Collaboration: NAHA collaborates with Native American tribes, organizations, and other nonprofit groups to maximize their impact and ensure that their programs align with the needs and priorities of their communities.
Other causes to support:
The Big Donation Distribution Problem You Don’t Know About
At Groundswell, we are passionate about challenging the status quo, and one industry standard that we’ve set our sights on is the unconscionable donation distribution delays normalized by legacy platforms like Benevity, Cybergrants, and YourCause. These companies, which currently service the majority of Fortune 500 companies, routinely take 30-60 days to send a donor’s donation to charity, and 90-180 days to send a company’s matching gift.
We believe that this is wrong. So we’ve fixed it.
Groundswell is the fastest employee giving platform, sending both the employee's donation and the company's match together within 5 days.
Why do distribution timelines matter?
In this blog post I’m going to share with you why this is so powerful. But first, let me tell you why this is personal.
From 2010 through 2020 I served as the founder and CEO of the global humanitarian relief organization Team Rubicon (TR). TR responds to hundreds of disasters and crises each year, each mission carefully planned. One critical planning factor is fundraising - how much will the organization be able to successfully raise in the immediate onset of this event? The first 96 hours of an event are the most telling, as individual donations begin pouring in and corporations begin calling to make pledges. Using these early signals, a budget is prepared and a mission is launched.
Now fast-forward four months. A literal mountain of paper checks begin arriving, representing the matching donations that have finally been invoiced, collected, aggregated, and distributed to us by Benevity, Cybergrants, and YourCause. However, more often than not the mission was already over - and the money now unable to be spent effectively.
Don’t get me wrong - a nonprofit is never going to complain about donations coming in. But having not known that these checks were coming, they were not included in the original budgeting. This created massive headaches for our staff, but more importantly, represented a missed opportunity to have delivered more impact during the response phase.
When I started Groundswell, this was one very real problem that I set out to solve.
Why does it take so long for legacy platforms to distribute donations?
There are several things that lead to these distribution delays, the primary of which is these platform’s process of distributing donations in aggregated batches. That process looks like this:
- Employee 1 makes a $10 donation to a Charity X on September 1st, Employee 2 makes a $15 donation to Charity X on September 10th, and Employee 3 makes a $25 donation to Charity X on September 30th.
- In October, the legacy platform combines all donations designated for Charity X in September into a single amount - in this instance $50 ($10 + $15 + $25)
- On or around October 15th, $50 is sent to Charity X - often via a paper check
In this process, Employee 1’s donation does not reach the charity for at least 45 days. Worse yet, many platforms have a minimum donation threshold, which means that the platform will not process the distribution until a minimum amount has been designated for the charity. This often means that a donor’s money can sit as a pending payment for months or even years, until additional donors make enough donations to reach the threshold.
The process gets even more convoluted when there’s a corporate donation match involved. That process looks like this:
- Let’s assume Employees 1 and 2 in the above scenario work for Acme Corporate, while Employee 3 works for XYZ Corp. Acme Corp and XYZ Corp both offer employee donation matches.
- Following their respective September donations, the legacy platform will send both Acme Corp and XYZ Corp an invoice for the match amount owed by each company, $25 and $25 respectively in this example. This invoice is sent in late October for September’s donations.
- Both companies receive and review the invoice. Reconciling the invoice takes 1-2 weeks.
- Upon approval, administrators at both companies forward the invoice to accounts payable for payment. Acme Corp has net-30 payment terms and sends the legacy platform $25 in late November. XYZ Corp has net-60 payment terms, so does not send its $25 until late December.
- The platform receives all funds in late December and processes payment of the matching donations to Charity X in January.
This example clearly lays out how an employee that made a donation on September 1st may not have her matching donation reach the charity for five months! This process erodes the employee experience, creates unnecessary administrative tasks for company administrators, and delays critical cash flow for nonprofits.
How has Groundswell upended this process to make distributions in 5 days?
Groundswell’s commitment to social impact drives everything we do. Thus, we set out to set a new standard in donation distribution timelines. The result is that we:
- Instantly match an employee’s donation
- Send both the employee’s donation and the company match together within 5 days
- No longer aggregate these payments together, but instead send them individually
Now we have improved the employee experience, eliminated the administrative burden on companies, and improved the nonprofit’s cash flow.
But we’re not done. The only reason we’re waiting five days to distribute instead of sending the funds within 24 hours is because donors occasionally initiate credit card or ACH reversals, and it’s challenging to resolve these if we’ve already sent the funds to charity. However, we’re committed to examining the data over the coming months to determine what our reversal rate is, and whether we’re able to further reduce this timeline accordingly.
Help victims of Morocco's deadly earthquake
What's happening:
- A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on Friday, and with the death toll already surpassing 2,800 it is the deadliest and most powerful earthquake to hit the North African country in decades.
- The epicenter was in the High Atlas Mountains, located about 50 miles southwest of the popular tourist city of Marrakech.
- Rescue teams are struggling to reach those in affected areas due to roads blocked by the rubble left in the quake’s wake.
Organizations helping victims of Morocco's earthquake:
Disaster response organizations are mobilizing quickly to support the immediate, life-saving relief efforts as well as longer-term recovery. The best way to support is to provide funding to one of the many nonprofits that are working to provide assistance to those impacted.
Groundswell has put together a list of organizations you can directly support:
- International Committee of the Red Cross
- Team Rubicon
- CARE
- International Medical Corps
- Doctors without borders
- GlobalGiving
- UNICEF
The best way to support is to provide funding to one of the many nonprofits that are working to provide assistance to those impacted - please consider donating today.
October: Causes to Support
October recognizes Breast Cancer, Mental Illness, Poverty Eradication, Animals, and Arts & Humanities.
Nonprofit organizations are working on the frontlines to support causes and the communities most impacted - through direct programming, research, advocacy and much more. They rely on the support from donors to sustain their important work.
Join the Groundswell movement to learn about and support these nonprofits and countless others found on the Groundswell app.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, is an annual international health campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer, the most common cancer in women worldwide, and the most common cancer diagnosed in American women.
With one in eight women at risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, it is likely that many employees or their loved ones will be affected. But it is estimated that 50% of all people with cancer are afraid to tell their employers, whether because of sigma or insecurity that exists for people with cancer in the workplace.
There are many amazing nonprofit organizations that are working day in and day out to not only research breast cancer, but also to support preventative measures, as well as those undergoing treatment or on the road to recovery. Consider donating today.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Delivers help and hope when those affected by breast cancer need it most—now. We provide help and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services.
Empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events.
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Provides critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivorship.
Mental Illness
Mental Illness Awareness Week was established in 1990 to raise awareness about the mental illness crisis and provide resources for those impacted. Nearly 50 million American adults live with a mental illness condition, and many do not receive treatment or other support. The pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, especially for young adults - with those impacts continuing to persist in troubling ways.
Nonprofit organizations provide essential resources, therapies, and interventions, advocating for the rights and dignity of those affected by mental health conditions. They bridge gaps in the healthcare system, ensuring accessible and quality care, and fostering a society where mental wellness is prioritized. Consider supporting one of the charities that are working to advocate for and support those impacted by mental illness.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through the alignment of science, treatment, and education.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow.
World Animal Day
October 4th commemorates World Animal Day, in dedication to animal rights and welfare. Rooted in a 1925 event in Berlin, and aligned with Saint Francis of Assisi's feast day, this occasion champions the invaluable roles animals play in our ecosystems and daily lives. Yey, despite their significance, many face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and exploitation.
Nonprofits focused on animals are at the forefront of tackling these challenges. They rescue, advocate, educate, and innovate, ensuring animals receive the respect and care they deserve. Supporting these organizations allows them to advance their work, ranging from rescuing animals to advocating for legislative and policy changes.
Works in nearly 100 countries. At every level, we collaborate with people around the world to develop and deliver innovative solutions that protect communities, wildlife, and the places in which they live.
Protects and restores the diversity of life on Earth through innovative collaborations among individuals, communities, Indigenous peoples, governments, scientists, and businesses to drive the most pressing nature-based solutions to our planet’s urgent crises. Radical change requires radical collaboration.
Saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.
Poverty Eradication
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - also known as World Poverty Day - is observed every October 17 to bring attention to the struggle of people living in poverty and make their concerns heard. Since its inception in 1987, people from different countries, backgrounds, and beliefs gather every year on this day to show their renewed commitment and solidarity with the poor.
Poverty transcends geography, race and ethnicity - impacting people all over the world. There are numerous charities focused on alleviating and eradicating poverty through their programs, sustained in large part from donations large and small. Please explore and consider supporting their important work to reduce poverty rates all around the world.
Innovations for Poverty Action
Creates and shares evidence, while equipping decision-makers to use evidence to reduce poverty. With a long-term presence in 22 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, IPA leads the field of development in cutting-edge research quality, innovation, and impact.
A global community of humanitarians, partners, and supporters who share a common vision of a world where no one lives in poverty, fear, or oppression, and all can exercise their rights to a decent standard of living.
Helps protect people from malaria by funding anti-malaria nets, specifically long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), and works with distribution partners to ensure they are used.
Supporting Arts & Humanities
National Arts & Humanities Month is a collective celebration and recognition of culture in the United States. It is a time to celebrate the diversity of artistic expression in this country - amplifying a wide range of important voices and stories about the fabric of this country.
There are many ways to support National Arts & Humanities Month - including visiting a local museum, attending a concert, or visiting a local gallery. You can also support one of the many charities found within Groundswell's Arts & Culture cause area, including those in this month’s featured causes.
Builds recognition and support for the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts and to lead, serve, and advance the diverse networks of organizations and individuals who cultivate the arts in America.
A global impact nonprofit organization with a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
Uses the creative process to nurture the voices, hearts, and minds of historically marginalized youth, offering a space for them to imagine, believe, and represent their creative vision for their lives and communities.
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