There are many nonprofit organizations working to provide disaster relief response that impacts communities in the United States. Many of these organizations also respond to disasters outside the U.S. Listed below is a selection of nonprofits you can find on the Groundswell app:

SBP - St. Bernard's Parish

SBP is a nationally recognized disaster resilience and recovery organization whose mission is to shrink the time between disaster and recovery. Founded in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina, SBP has grown to an organization with more than 80 employees and 240 AmeriCorps members. Still headquartered in New Orleans, SBP has nine additional active operating sites around the country.

Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope is an American nonprofit humanitarian and disaster relief organization that provides food, supplies, and humanitarian services to impoverished or otherwise needy populations throughout the world.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross, also known as The American National Red Cross, is a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States.

Operation BBQ Relief

Armed with a caravan of cooks, mobile pits, kitchens, and volunteers, Operation BBQ Relief delivers the healing power of BBQ in times of need, feeding first responders and communities affected by natural disasters along with year-round efforts to fight hunger through The Always Serving Project® and Camp OBR™ programs.

Team Rubicon

Team Rubicon’s mission is to provide disaster relief response to those affected by natural disasters, no matter when or where they strike. By pairing the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, medical professionals, and technology solutions, Team Rubicon aims to provide the greatest service and impact possible. Founded in 2010, Team Rubicon has deployed across the United States and around the world to provide immediate relief to those impacted by disasters and humanitarian crises.

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. WCK is first on the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. We build resilient food systems with locally-led solutions.

All Hands And Hearts

All Hands and Hearts is an organization committed to effectively and efficiently addressing the immediate and long-term needs of global communities impacted by disasters. All Hands and Hearts arrives early for the first response and stays late to rebuild schools and homes in a disaster-resilient way.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Their teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, and logistic and administrative staff - most of them hired locally. Their actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality.

International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people affected by these crises—including the climate crisis—to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

International Medical Corps

International Medical Corps is a global, nonprofit, humanitarian aid organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering by providing emergency medical services, as well as healthcare training and development programs, to those affected by disaster, disease or conflict.

Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps acts as a connector, a collaborator, a catalyst, and an advocate for change. For 40 years and in more than 40 countries, Mercy Corps has helped communities forge new paths to prosperity in the face of disaster, poverty, and the impacts of climate change.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical assistance and disaster relief response in the United States and internationally. Direct Relief works to expand access to medicine and healthcare by equipping doctors and nurses with lifesaving medical resources.

International Committee of the Red Cross

Established in 1863, the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting laws that protect victims of war. An independent and neutral organization, its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We are based in Geneva, Switzerland, and employ over 20,000 people in more than 100 countries. The ICRC is funded mainly by voluntary donations from governments and from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Americares

Americares saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential. Americares meets urgent health needs of survivors in shelters and those cut off from care, often in remote areas.

CARE

CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. Whether it is a sudden emergency or an ongoing crisis, CARE works to aid people in need around the world.

Donate to any of these organizations using the Groundswell app.

As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22, we are shining a spotlight on one of the greatest threats to this planet: climate change. It is an issue that the United Nations calls a defining crisis of our time. And many Americans agree, with over 60% believing that governments are not doing enough to address climate change. In five of the last six years, costs from climate and weather-related disasters have exceeded $100 billion annually, intensifying the need to support nonprofits focused on tackling the challenges head on.

Consider supporting one of these high-impact climate change charities fighting to save our planet.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF)

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit environmental organization that focuses on reducing air pollution and promoting clean energy solutions. The organization was founded in 1996 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

What does Clean Air Task Force do?

CATF works to advance policies and technologies that can reduce harmful air pollutants, including greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. They collaborate with government agencies, industry leaders, and other organizations to promote clean energy solutions such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the electrification of transportation.

In addition to policy advocacy, CATF also conducts scientific research and analysis to identify the most effective solutions for reducing air pollution and improving public health. They work to educate the public and raise awareness about the importance of clean air and a healthy environment.

What has Clean Air Task Force accomplished?

Some of CATF's notable achievements include contributing to the development of the Acid Rain Program in the United States, which successfully reduced sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants. They have also been involved in the development of clean energy policies in several states, including Massachusetts and New York.

The Clean Air Task Force is a respected and influential organization that is making a significant impact on reducing air pollution and promoting clean energy solutions.

Action for the Climate Emergency

Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE) is a UK-based grassroots organization focused on climate change activism and advocating for government action on the climate crisis. The organization was founded in 2019 and has since grown to become a national network of local groups.

What is Action for Climate Emergency’s mission?

ACE's mission is to build a mass movement of people demanding urgent action on the climate emergency. They work to mobilize communities and individuals to take action through protests, lobbying, and other forms of direct action. The organization also promotes education and awareness-raising around climate issues, with a focus on empowering individuals and communities to take positive action.

What does Action for Climate Emergency do?

ACE's campaigns and initiatives focus on a range of issues related to the climate crisis, including renewable energy, divestment from fossil fuels, and ending government subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. They also advocate for policies that would support a just transition to a low-carbon economy, such as a Green New Deal.

In addition to their direct action campaigns, ACE also provides resources and support for local climate groups across the UK. They offer training, toolkits, and other resources to help groups organize effective campaigns and actions.

Overall, Action for the Climate Emergency is an important voice in the climate movement, working to build a powerful, grassroots movement for urgent action on the climate crisis.

Carbon 180

Carbon 180 is a US-based nonprofit organization focused on developing and promoting carbon removal solutions to address climate change. The organization was founded in 2015 and is based in Oakland, California.

What does Carbon 180 do?

Carbon 180's mission is to accelerate the transition to a net-zero carbon economy by promoting the development and deployment of carbon removal solutions. They work with policymakers, businesses, and other organizations to raise awareness about the importance of carbon removal and to advocate for policies that support its development.

The organization conducts research and analysis to identify the most promising carbon removal technologies and strategies and works to promote their deployment at scale. Carbon 180 also works to support the growth of the carbon removal industry by providing funding, technical assistance, and other forms of support to startups and other organizations working on carbon removal solutions.

What does Carbon 180 focus on?

Carbon 180's work is focused on three main areas: policy, innovation, and market development. They advocate for policies that support carbon removal, work to accelerate innovation in the field, and promote the development of markets for carbon removal solutions.

Overall, Carbon 180 is an important organization in the effort to address climate change by promoting the development and deployment of carbon removal solutions. Their work is helping to accelerate the transition to a net-zero carbon economy and reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment.

Sunrise Movement Education Fund

The Sunrise Movement Education Fund is a US-based nonprofit organization that focuses on climate advocacy and education. The organization was founded in 2017 and is based in New York City.

What does Sunrise Movement Education Fund do?

The Sunrise Movement Education Fund's mission is to build a movement of young people and their allies to advocate for bold action on climate change. They work to engage young people in the political process and to promote policies that address the climate crisis.

Where does Sunrise Movement Education focus its efforts?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas. They advocate for policies that support a just transition to a clean energy economy, including a Green New Deal. They also work to engage young people in the political process by organizing events, rallies, and other forms of activism.

The Sunrise Movement Education Fund also provides education and training for young people on climate issues and advocacy. They offer workshops, training, and other resources to help young people learn about the climate crisis and how to advocate for change.

The organization is affiliated with the larger Sunrise Movement, which is a grassroots organization that works to mobilize young people to take action on climate change. The Sunrise Movement Education Fund provides support for the Sunrise Movement's advocacy and organizing work.

The Sunrise Movement Education Fund is an important organization in the climate movement, working to engage young people in the political process and to advocate for bold action on climate change.

Conservation International

Conservation International (CI) is a US-based nonprofit environmental organization that is focused on protecting the natural world and promoting sustainable development. The organization was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

What is Conservation International’s mission?

CI's mission is to protect nature for the benefit of humanity. They work to conserve biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable development around the world. The organization's work is focused on four key areas: oceans, freshwater, climate, and biodiversity.

What does Conservation International do?

CI collaborates with governments, businesses, and communities to promote conservation and sustainable development. They work to promote policies that support conservation and sustainable development and provide technical assistance and other forms of support to help implement those policies.

The organization also conducts scientific research to understand the impacts of human activity on the natural world, and to identify strategies for conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. They work to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote public engagement in conservation efforts.

CI's work is focused on several key initiatives, including the protection of tropical forests, the conservation of marine ecosystems, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture and fisheries. The organization has also been involved in the development of several international agreements related to conservation and sustainable development, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Conservation International is an important organization in the global environmental movement, working to protect the natural world and promote sustainable development for the benefit of both people and the planet.

Climate Solutions Accelerator

The Climate Solutions Accelerator is a US-based nonprofit organization that focuses on accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy and addressing the climate crisis. The organization was founded in 2018 and is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

What is Climate Solution Accelerator’s mission?

The Climate Solutions Accelerator's mission is to mobilize communities and promote policies that will lead to a rapid and just transition to a sustainable, clean energy economy. They work to promote the development and deployment of clean energy technologies and to support the growth of clean energy jobs and businesses.

What does Climate Solution Accelerator focus on?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including transportation, buildings, renewable energy, and climate policy. They advocate for policies that support the adoption of clean energy technologies and provide technical assistance and other forms of support to help communities and businesses transition to a clean energy economy.

The Climate Solutions Accelerator also works to raise awareness about the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for action. They organize events, workshops, and other educational programs to engage the public and promote climate action.

In addition to their advocacy work, the Climate Solutions Accelerator provides funding and support for clean energy startups and other organizations working on climate solutions. They also collaborate with other organizations and networks working on climate issues to promote collective action and impact.

The Climate Solutions Accelerator is an important organization in the effort to address the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. Their work is helping to promote policies and solutions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable, equitable future for all.

Climate Resolve

Climate Resolve is a US-based nonprofit organization that focuses on addressing the impacts of climate change and promoting resilience in the face of climate-related risks. The organization was founded in 2010 and is based in Los Angeles, California.

What is Climate Resolve’s mission?

Climate Resolve's mission is to promote climate resilience and equity in communities, ecosystems, and economies. They work to advance policies and solutions that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and promote social and economic equity in the face of climate risks.

Where does Climate Resolve focus its efforts?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including water, energy, transportation, and land use. They work to promote policies and practices that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote resilience in these areas, while also addressing the needs of vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

Climate Resolve also conducts research and analysis to better understand the impacts of climate change and the effectiveness of different policy solutions. They work to promote public awareness and engagement on climate issues and to build networks and collaborations that can help advance climate action.

In addition to their advocacy work, Climate Resolve provides technical assistance and other forms of support to help communities and businesses prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They work with local governments, businesses, and community organizations to identify climate risks and develop strategies to address them.

Climate Resolve is an important organization in the effort to address the impacts of climate change and promote resilience in the face of climate risks. Their work is helping to promote policies and solutions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems, and build a more sustainable, equitable future.

The Praxis Project

The Praxis Project is a US-based nonprofit organization that works to build healthy, just, and equitable communities. The organization was founded in 2002 and is based in Oakland, California.

What is the Praxis Project’s mission?

The Praxis Project's mission is to advance community-driven solutions for social, economic, and environmental justice. They work to promote policies and practices that can help reduce health disparities and address the underlying social and economic determinants of health.

What does Praxis Project do?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including food and agriculture, health care, environmental justice, and social justice. They work with grassroots organizations and community leaders to develop and implement strategies that can improve community health and well-being.

The Praxis Project also provides training, technical assistance, and other forms of support to help build the capacity of community-based organizations to address health and social justice issues. They work to promote community engagement and leadership in decision-making processes and to build networks and collaborations that can help advance social and environmental justice.

In addition to their domestic work, The Praxis Project also engages in international advocacy and capacity-building efforts. They work to promote global health equity and to support community-led solutions to health and social justice issues around the world.

Overall, The Praxis Project is an important organization in the effort to promote healthy, just, and equitable communities. Their work is helping to address the underlying social and economic determinants of health and to build a more just and sustainable future for all.

The National Resources Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a US-based nonprofit environmental organization that works to protect the environment and promote sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. The organization was founded in 1970 and is based in New York City, with offices across the United States and around the world.

What is National Resources Defense Council’s mission?

The NRDC's mission is to safeguard the earth—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. They work to promote policies and practices that can help protect the environment, promote clean energy and sustainable solutions, and protect the health and well-being of communities around the world.

What does the NRDC do?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including climate and clean energy, water and oceans, wildlife and habitat, and health and communities. They engage in research, advocacy, and litigation to promote environmental protection and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

The NRDC also works to promote public awareness and engagement on environmental issues and to build partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and stakeholders. They provide resources and support to individuals, businesses, and communities to help them reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.

In addition to their domestic work, the NRDC engages in international advocacy and capacity-building efforts. They work to promote global environmental protection and support community-led solutions to environmental challenges around the world.

Overall, the NRDC is an important organization in the effort to protect the environment and promote sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Their work is helping to promote policies and practices that can protect the health and well-being of communities around the world, and to build a more sustainable future for all.

Project Drawdown

Project Drawdown is a research and communications organization that focuses on identifying and promoting the most effective solutions to reverse global warming. The organization was founded in 2014 and is based in San Francisco, California.

What is Project Drawdown’s mission?

The mission of Project Drawdown is to help the world reach "drawdown," the point at which greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere begin to decline. They work to identify and promote a wide range of solutions that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Project Drawdown conducts research and analysis to identify and rank the most effective solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reversing global warming. They publish this research in their annual "Drawdown Review," which ranks the top 100 solutions for addressing climate change.

What does Project Drawdown focus on most?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including energy, transportation, buildings, food and agriculture, land use, and materials. They work with businesses, governments, and other organizations to promote the adoption of these solutions and to help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In addition to their research and advocacy work, Project Drawdown also provides resources and support to individuals, communities, and organizations to help them take action on climate change. They provide educational materials, tools, and resources to help people reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable solutions in their daily lives.

Overall, Project Drawdown is an important organization in the effort to reverse global warming and address the impacts of climate change. Their work is helping to identify and promote the most effective solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a more sustainable future for all.

Learn more about the Groundswell.io giving platform and schedule a meeting with one of our corporate giving program consultants to find out how you can launch a giving program for your company.

Hunger awareness campaigns are initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the issue of hunger and food insecurity, both locally and globally. These campaigns aim to educate people about the extent of the problem, its causes and consequences, and to inspire individuals and communities to take action to address it.

Hunger awareness campaigns can take various forms, including social media campaigns, public service announcements, fundraising events, food drives, and community outreach programs. They often involve collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

The primary goal of these campaigns is to draw attention to the problem of hunger, which affects millions of people worldwide. According to the United Nations, an estimated 690 million people suffered from hunger in 2019. Hunger is a complex issue that is often caused by poverty, conflict, climate change, and other factors, and its impact is felt by individuals and communities around the world.

Hunger awareness campaigns aim to highlight the fact that hunger is a solvable problem, and that individuals and communities can play a role in addressing it. 

By supporting organizations that provide food aid, advocating for policies that promote food security, and reducing food waste, we can work towards a future where no one goes hungry.

Here’s a list of nonprofits at the front lines of tackling world hunger:

Second Harvest Heartland

Second Harvest Heartland is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota, United States, that aims to end hunger through community partnerships and innovative programs. Founded in 2001, Second Harvest Heartland is a member of Feeding America, a national network of food banks working to end hunger across the country.

Second Harvest Heartland's mission is to "end hunger through community partnerships." To achieve this, the organization collects surplus food and other resources from various sources, including grocery stores, restaurants, and food manufacturers. These donations are then distributed to a network of more than 1,000 food shelves, meal programs, and other hunger-relief organizations across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

In addition to its food distribution efforts, Second Harvest Heartland also offers a variety of programs to address the root causes of hunger, such as job training, nutrition education, and advocacy initiatives. These programs aim to empower individuals and communities to take action against hunger and poverty.

Second Harvest Heartland is one of the largest food banks in the United States, distributing more than 103 million meals in 2020 to individuals and families facing hunger. The organization is committed to working towards a future where every person has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Houston Food Bank

Houston Food Bank is a non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, that works to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in the local community. Founded in 1982, Houston Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, a national network of food banks working to end hunger across the country.

Houston Food Bank's mission is to "lead the fight against hunger" by providing access to nutritious food and other resources to individuals and families in need. The organization operates a 308,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center, where it collects and distributes donated food and grocery items to a network of more than 1,500 hunger-relief organizations across southeast Texas.

In addition to its food distribution efforts, Houston Food Bank offers a variety of programs and services to address the root causes of hunger, such as job training, nutrition education, and advocacy initiatives. These programs aim to empower individuals and communities to take action against hunger and poverty.

Houston Food Bank is one of the largest food banks in the United States, distributing more than 159 million meals in 2020 to individuals and families facing hunger. The organization is committed to working towards a future where every person has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Dare to Care

Dare to Care is a non-profit organization based in Louisville, Kentucky, that works to end hunger and food insecurity in the local community. Founded in 1971, Dare to Care partners with more than 200 local agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and community centers, to distribute food and other resources to individuals and families in need.

Dare to Care's mission is to "lead our community to feed the hungry and conquer the cycle of need." To achieve this, the organization operates a 190,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center, where it collects and distributes donated food and grocery items to its partner agencies across the region.

In addition to its food distribution efforts, Dare to Care offers a variety of programs and services to address the root causes of hunger, such as job training, nutrition education, and advocacy initiatives. These programs aim to empower individuals and communities to take action against hunger and poverty.

Dare to Care is one of the largest food banks in Kentucky, distributing more than 20 million meals in 2020 to individuals and families facing hunger. The organization is committed to working towards a future where every person has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House is a non-profit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota, that works to empower individuals and families in the local community through education, advocacy, and support services. Founded in 1897, Neighborhood House offers a range of programs and services that aim to address the root causes of poverty and promote social and economic justice.

Neighborhood House's mission is to "help people gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in diverse communities." The organization provides a variety of services to support individuals and families, including adult education and job training programs, youth development programs, health and wellness services, and immigrant and refugee support services.

Neighborhood House also operates a food shelf and distribution program that provides emergency food assistance to individuals and families facing hunger. The organization partners with local food banks and grocery stores to collect and distribute food to those in need.

Neighborhood House serves more than 14,000 individuals and families each year, with a focus on supporting underserved communities and addressing systemic barriers to social and economic opportunity. The organization is committed to promoting equity and social justice in the St. Paul community and beyond.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank is a non-profit organization based in Silicon Valley, California, that works to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in the local community. Founded in 1974, Second Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, a national network of food banks working to end hunger across the United States.

Second Harvest Food Bank's mission is to "lead the community to ensure that anyone who needs a healthy meal can get one." To achieve this, the organization operates a 75,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center, where it collects and distributes donated food and grocery items to a network of more than 300 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters, across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

In addition to its food distribution efforts, Second Harvest Food Bank offers a variety of programs and services to address the root causes of hunger, such as job training, nutrition education, and advocacy initiatives. These programs aim to empower individuals and communities to take action against hunger and poverty.

Second Harvest Food Bank is one of the largest food banks in the San Francisco Bay Area, distributing more than 94 million pounds of food in 2020 to individuals and families facing hunger. The organization is committed to working towards a future where every person has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Northwest Harvest

Northwest Harvest is a non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, that works to end hunger in the local community. Founded in 1967, Northwest Harvest is a member of Feeding America, a national network of food banks working to end hunger across the United States.

Northwest Harvest's mission is to "lead the fight for hungry people statewide to have access to nutritious food while respecting their dignity and promoting good health." To achieve this, the organization operates a statewide network of food banks, meal programs, and other partner agencies to distribute donated food and grocery items to individuals and families in need.

In addition to its food distribution efforts, Northwest Harvest offers a variety of programs and services to address the root causes of hunger, such as job training, nutrition education, and advocacy initiatives. These programs aim to empower individuals and communities to take action against hunger and poverty.

Northwest Harvest is one of the largest food banks in Washington State, distributing more than 32 million meals in 2020 to individuals and families facing hunger. The organization is committed to working towards a future where every person has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Feeding America

Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States, with a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 partner agencies that work together to fight hunger and food insecurity in local communities. Founded in 1979, Feeding America operates as a nationwide network of charitable organizations that distribute donated food and grocery items to individuals and families in need.

Feeding America's mission is to "feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger." The organization works to address hunger and poverty through a variety of programs and initiatives, including food distribution, disaster relief, child hunger programs, nutrition education, and advocacy efforts.

Feeding America's network of food banks and partner agencies serve every county in the United States, providing access to nutritious food for millions of Americans each year. In 2020, the organization distributed more than 6 billion meals to individuals and families facing hunger.

In addition to its food distribution efforts, Feeding America is committed to addressing the root causes of hunger and advocating for policies and programs that promote food security and economic opportunity for all. The organization works with lawmakers, corporations, and community partners to promote solutions that can help end hunger and poverty in the United States.

Food Forward

Food Forward is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California, that works to reduce food waste and increase food access in the local community. Founded in 2009, Food Forward collects surplus fresh produce from local farmers' markets, wholesalers, and backyard fruit trees, and distributes it to local food banks, pantries, and other hunger relief organizations.

Food Forward's mission is to "fight hunger and prevent food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people in need and inspiring others to do the same." The organization's produce recovery and distribution program, known as the "Harvest Program," is run entirely by volunteers who collect and transport donated produce to hunger relief organizations across Southern California.

In addition to its produce recovery efforts, Food Forward also offers a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting food justice and sustainability. These include education and outreach programs, community-building events, and advocacy initiatives that aim to address systemic issues of food insecurity and food waste.

Since its founding, Food Forward has rescued more than 100 million pounds of fresh produce and donated it to hunger relief organizations in Southern California. The organization is committed to creating a more equitable and sustainable food system, where everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.

Hollywood Food Coalition

The Hollywood Food Coalition is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California, that works to provide meals and other essential services to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in the local community. Founded in 1987, the organization operates a nightly meal service, seven days a week, serving hot, nutritious meals to individuals and families in need.

The Hollywood Food Coalition's mission is to "provide a reliable source of nutritious meals and support services to the homeless and food insecure people in Hollywood, and to foster a sense of community among our volunteers and patrons." In addition to its meal service, the organization offers a variety of support services, including medical and dental care, mental health counseling, and legal aid, among others.

The Hollywood Food Coalition operates with the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, who prepare and serve meals, provide services, and help with fundraising and other tasks. The organization is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for all individuals who come to its meal service, and to promoting social justice and community-building initiatives that address the root causes of hunger and homelessness.

Since its founding, the Hollywood Food Coalition has served millions of meals to people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in Los Angeles. The organization is committed to continuing its efforts to provide essential services and support to the most vulnerable members of the local community.

Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is a non-profit organization based in Arlington, Virginia, that works to address senior hunger and isolation by providing nutritious meals and other support services to seniors in need. The organization was founded in 1954 and has since grown to become a national network of local programs that serve seniors in communities across the United States.

Meals on Wheels America's mission is to "empower local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated." The organization supports local programs by providing funding, training, and other resources to help them operate effectively and efficiently.

In addition to its support for local programs, Meals on Wheels America also advocates for policies and programs that address senior hunger and isolation at the national level. The organization works with lawmakers, corporations, and other stakeholders to promote solutions that can help ensure that every senior has access to nutritious food and a supportive community.

Meals on Wheels America's network of local programs serves millions of meals each year to seniors in need, delivering hot meals to their homes or providing meals at community centers and other gathering places. The organization's programs also offer a variety of support services, such as home visits, transportation assistance, and socialization activities, that help seniors stay connected and engaged with their communities.

Overall, Meals on Wheels America is committed to helping seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life by providing them with the essential support services they need to thrive.

Move for Hunger

Move for Hunger is a non-profit organization that works to reduce food waste and fight hunger by mobilizing the relocation industry to donate non-perishable food items to food banks and other hunger relief organizations. The organization was founded in 2009 and is based in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Move for Hunger's mission is to "mobilize the moving, relocation, and multi-family industries to reduce food waste and fight hunger." The organization works with moving companies, apartment communities, and other businesses to collect unopened, non-perishable food items that are typically discarded during moves or apartment clean-outs, and donates them to local food banks and pantries.

Move for Hunger has partnered with more than 1,000 moving companies across the United States and Canada, as well as with hundreds of apartment communities, to collect and donate food to those in need. The organization also provides resources and training to its partners to help them promote food donation and reduce food waste in their operations.

In addition to its food donation efforts, Move for Hunger also works to raise awareness about hunger and food waste, and advocates for policy solutions that can help address these issues. The organization has been recognized for its innovative approach to fighting hunger and reducing food waste and has received numerous awards and accolades for its work.

Overall, Move for Hunger is committed to using the power of the relocation industry to fight hunger and reduce food waste, and to create a more equitable and sustainable food system for all.

Feed the Children

Feed the Children is a non-profit organization based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, that works to fight childhood hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. The organization was founded in 1979 and has since grown to become one of the largest international charities in the world, with operations in more than 10 countries.

Feed the Children's mission is to "provide hope and resources for those without life's essentials." The organization provides food, educational resources, and other support services to children and families in need, both domestically and internationally.

In the United States, Feed the Children operates a variety of programs to support children and families in low-income communities, including food distribution, backpack programs that provide food to children for weekends and holidays when school meals are not available, and disaster relief efforts in areas affected by natural disasters. The organization also works to provide educational resources, such as school supplies and books, to children in need.

Internationally, Feed the Children operates a variety of programs to support children and families in developing countries, including food distribution, clean water initiatives, and child sponsorship programs that provide education, healthcare, and other support services to children in need.

Feed the Children's programs are made possible through the support of individual donors, corporate partners, and volunteers who work tirelessly to help the organization achieve its mission. The organization is committed to providing hope and resources to those who need them most, and to creating a world where every child has access to the essentials they need to thrive.

City Harvest

City Harvest is a non-profit organization based in New York City that works to fight hunger and food waste by rescuing excess food from restaurants, grocery stores, and other food businesses and redistributing it to those in need. The organization was founded in 1982 and has since grown to become the largest food rescue organization in New York City.

City Harvest's mission is to "end hunger in communities throughout New York City by rescuing and redistributing food, educating the public, and addressing the root causes of poverty." The organization works with more than 2,500 food donors and 400 community food programs to collect and distribute more than 66 million pounds of food each year.

In addition to its food rescue efforts, City Harvest also provides educational resources and training to its partner organizations and the broader community to help promote healthy eating habits, reduce food waste, and address the root causes of hunger and poverty.

City Harvest's programs are made possible through the support of individual donors, corporate partners, and volunteers who work tirelessly to help the organization achieve its mission. The organization is committed to creating a more equitable and sustainable food system for all, and to ensuring that no New Yorker goes hungry due to a lack of access to nutritious food.

Capital Area Food Bank

The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that works to fight hunger and improve nutrition in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The organization was founded in 1980 and has since grown to become one of the largest food banks in the region.

CAFB's mission is to "create access to good, healthy food in every community." The organization works with more than 450 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community organizations, to distribute more than 30 million pounds of food each year to individuals and families in need.

In addition to its food distribution efforts, CAFB also operates a variety of programs to promote healthy eating habits and improve nutrition in the communities it serves. These programs include nutrition education classes, cooking demonstrations, and community gardens that provide fresh, healthy produce to residents in low-income neighborhoods.

CAFB's programs are made possible through the support of individual donors, corporate partners, and volunteers who work tirelessly to help the organization achieve its mission. The organization is committed to creating a more equitable and just food system for all, and to ensuring that every member of the community has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Alameda County Community Food Bank

The Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) is a non-profit organization based in Oakland, California that works to fight hunger and improve nutrition in Alameda County, which includes cities such as Oakland, Berkeley, and Hayward. The organization was founded in 1985 and has since grown to become one of the largest food banks in Northern California.

ACCFB's mission is to "end hunger in Alameda County by providing nutritious food and support to our neighbors in need." The organization works with a network of more than 300 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community organizations, to distribute more than 30 million pounds of food each year to individuals and families in need.

In addition to its food distribution efforts, ACCFB also operates a variety of programs to promote healthy eating habits and improve nutrition in the communities it serves. These programs include nutrition education classes, cooking demonstrations, and community gardens that provide fresh, healthy produce to residents in low-income neighborhoods.

ACCFB's programs are made possible through the support of individual donors, corporate partners, and volunteers who work tirelessly to help the organization achieve its mission. The organization is committed to creating a more equitable and just food system for all, and to ensuring that every member of the community has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Food Recovery Network

Food Recovery Network (FRN) is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, that is dedicated to fighting food waste and hunger. The organization was founded in 2011 by a group of college students who wanted to find a solution to the problem of food waste on their campus.

FRN works with college and university campuses across the United States to recover surplus food from dining halls, sporting events, and other sources, and redistribute it to local organizations that feed people in need. The organization also works with restaurants, grocery stores, and other food businesses to rescue excess food and donate it to local hunger relief organizations.

Since its founding, FRN has recovered more than 3 million pounds of food and donated it to people in need. The organization's efforts not only help to fight hunger but also reduce food waste and promote sustainability.

In addition to its food recovery efforts, FRN also operates a variety of educational and advocacy programs to raise awareness about food waste and promote sustainable food practices. These programs include workshops, training sessions, and advocacy campaigns that engage students and community members in the fight against food waste and hunger.

FRN's programs are made possible through the support of individual donors, corporate partners, and volunteers who work tirelessly to help the organization achieve its mission. The organization is committed to creating a more sustainable and just food system for all, and to ensuring that no one goes hungry due to lack of access to nutritious food.

Autism Awareness Month takes place every year in April. The purpose of the campaign is to promote awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

The color associated with Autism Awareness Month is blue. Many buildings and landmarks around the world are illuminated in blue lights during the month to support the cause.

Autism Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to educate people about ASD and to dispel common myths and misconceptions about the disorder. It also helps to promote early intervention and treatment for individuals with ASD, which can greatly improve their quality of life.

Donate to these nonprofits for Autism Awareness Month:

Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. OAR was founded in 2001 by parents and grandparents of children with autism and is based in Arlington, Virginia.

OAR's mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism. OAR also seeks to disseminate information about autism and to advocate for the needs of individuals with ASD.

OAR offers several programs to support its mission:

• The OAR Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students with ASD who are pursuing post-secondary education.
• The Hire Autism initiative connects employers with job-seekers with ASD, providing support and resources for both parties.
• The Kit for Kids program provides free resources to educators and parents of children with ASD, including guides on behavior management, communication, and social skills.
• The Autism in the Military initiative provides support and resources for military families with children with ASD.

The organization is committed to improving the lives of individuals with ASD and their families through research, education, and advocacy.

The Autism Community in Action (TACA)

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) is a non-profit organization that educates, supports, and advocates for families affected by autism.

TACA offers a variety of programs and services:

• Parent Education and Support: This program provides information, resources, and support to parents of children with autism, including workshops, webinars, and one-on-one mentoring.
• Autism Journey Guides: These guides help families navigate the complex process of autism diagnosis and treatment, including tips on finding the right doctors and therapists, and how to obtain insurance coverage for treatment.
• Family Events: TACA organizes events and activities for families affected by autism, including picnics, bowling nights, and sensory-friendly movies.
• Medical Outreach: TACA works with healthcare providers to increase awareness and understanding of autism, and to promote best practices for diagnosis and treatment.
• Advocacy: TACA advocates for better services and treatment options for individuals with autism and their families, working with policymakers and other organizations to improve access to care.

TACA's ultimate goal is to help families affected by autism achieve the best possible outcomes for their loved ones.

Have Dreams

Have Dreams is a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

The organization's mission is to help individuals with autism achieve their full potential, by providing individualized programs and services that address their unique needs and strengths.

Some programs Have Dreams’ offers include:

• Life Skills Training: Have Dreams offers a comprehensive life skills training program that focuses on social, communication, and independent living skills. This program is designed to help individuals with ASD to achieve greater independence and to prepare them for adulthood.
• Vocational Training: Have Dreams offers vocational training and job placement services for individuals with ASD, providing them with the skills and support they need to succeed in the workplace.
• Family Support: Have Dreams provides support and resources to families of individuals with ASD, including workshops, counseling, and advocacy services.
• Recreational Programs: Have Dreams offers a variety of recreational programs and activities for individuals with ASD, including sports teams, arts and crafts, and music and dance programs.

Have Dreams is committed to helping individuals with autism to achieve their full potential. The organization provides them with the support and resources they need to succeed. Through its innovative programs and services, Have Dreams is helping to build a more inclusive and supportive community.

Autism Society of America (ASA)

The Autism Society of America (ASA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families and caregivers.

Founded in 1965, ASA is one of the oldest and largest organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by autism. The headquarters of ASA is located in Rockville, Maryland.

ASA's mission is to improve the lives of all affected by autism by promoting awareness, advocacy, and support. 

Some ways in which ASA works towards this mission include:

• Advocacy: ASA works to advocate for policies and legislation that benefit individuals with ASD and their families, including increased funding for research, improved access to services, and more inclusive education and employment opportunities.
• Support: ASA provides various resources and support services to individuals with ASD and their families, including local support groups, educational materials, and an online community.
• Awareness: ASA aims to increase public awareness and understanding of autism through public education campaigns, media outreach, and community events.
• Research: ASA supports research efforts aimed at improving our understanding of autism and developing more effective treatments and therapies.

The Autism Society of America is a leading advocacy organization for individuals with ASD and their families, working to promote greater awareness, understanding, and support for this community.

The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)

The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) provides information, education, and support to individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) and autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families and professionals.

Some of the programs and services offered by AANE:

• Workshops and Training: AANE offers workshops and training programs for individuals with AS and ASD. These programs cover a range of topics, from social skills and communication to employment and transition planning.
• Peer Support: AANE provides opportunities for individuals with AS and ASD to connect with others who share similar experiences.
• Coaching and Mentoring: AANE offers coaching and mentoring services to individuals with AS and ASD. The organization provides them with personalized support and guidance to help them achieve their goals.
• Information and Resources: AANE provides a wide range of information and resources to individuals with AS and ASD. These resources include educational materials, online forums, and referrals to other services and organizations.

AANE is committed to improving the lives of individuals with AS and ASD, by providing them with the support, information, and resources they need to thrive. Through their innovative programs and services, AANE is helping to build a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with AS and ASD and their families.

Autism National Committee (AUTCOM)

The Autism National Committee (AUTCOM) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and interests of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families and caregivers.

AUTCOM's mission is to promote the rights and interests of individuals with autism through advocacy, education, and support. 

Ways in which AUTCOM works towards this mission include:

• Advocacy: AUTCOM advocates for policies and legislation that benefit individuals with ASD and their families, including increased funding for research, improved access to services, and more inclusive education and employment opportunities. AUTCOM also advocates for the rights of individuals with ASD, including their right to self-determination and their right to participate fully in their communities.
• Education: AUTCOM provides a wide range of educational resources and materials to individuals with ASD, as well as their families and professionals. These resources include publications, webinars, and conferences, covering a range of topics related to autism advocacy and self-advocacy.
• Support: AUTCOM provides a supportive community for individuals with ASD, as well as their families and allies. This includes local support groups, online forums, and a network of advocates and allies who can offer guidance and support.

AUTCOM is dedicated to promoting the rights and interests of individuals with ASD and ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization that advocates for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism, Autism Speaks is one of the largest autism advocacy organizations in the world, with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.

The mission of Autism Speaks is to promote solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

Some of the ways in which Autism Speaks works towards this mission include:

• Autism Speaks advocates for policies and legislation that benefit individuals with ASD and their families, including increased funding for research, improved access to services, and more inclusive education and employment opportunities.
• Autism Speaks supports research efforts aimed at improving our understanding of autism and developing more effective treatments and therapies. The organization has funded a number of important research studies, including the Autism Genome Project, which helped to identify genetic markers associated with ASD.
• Autism Speaks provides a variety of resources and support services to individuals with ASD and their families, including an autism response team that can provide information and referrals, a 24/7 support line, and a website with educational materials and resources.
• Autism Speaks aims to increase public awareness and understanding of autism through public education campaigns, media outreach, and community events.

The Autism Science Foundation

The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization that supports and funds autism research. ASF was founded in 2009 by a group of parents, scientists, and other advocates, with the goal of promoting innovative research and improving our understanding of autism spectrum disorder.

The mission of the Autism Science Foundation is to support autism research by:

• Funding research grants: ASF provides funding for innovative research projects aimed at improving our understanding of autism, developing new treatments and therapies, and addressing the needs of individuals with ASD and their families.
• Promoting collaboration: ASF works to foster collaboration among researchers and stakeholders, bringing together scientists, clinicians, individuals with ASD, and their families to share knowledge and expertise.
• Supporting education and outreach: ASF provides educational resources and outreach programs to increase awareness and understanding of autism, as well as to promote acceptance and inclusion of individuals with ASD.
• Advocating for policies and legislation that benefit individuals with ASD and their families: ASF advocates for policies and legislation that increase funding for autism research, improve access to services, and promote the inclusion and acceptance of individuals with ASD.

The Autism Science Foundation is committed to promoting high-quality research that can make a real difference in the lives of individuals with ASD and their families. Through its funding, advocacy, and outreach efforts, ASF is helping to build a more comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of autism and supporting the development of effective treatments and therapies for individuals with ASD.

Art of Autism

The Art of Autism is a non-profit organization that promotes the creative abilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Founded in 2011 by Debra Muzikar, a mother of a son with autism, The Art of Autism provides a platform for individuals with ASD to showcase their artwork, share their stories, and connect with others in the autism community.

The mission of The Art of Autism is to:

• Promote the talents and abilities of individuals with ASD: The Art of Autism believes that individuals with ASD have unique talents and perspectives, and seek to showcase their artistic skills and creativity through various platforms.
• Increase awareness and understanding of autism: Through its exhibits, publications, and events, The Art of Autism seeks to raise awareness and understanding of autism, and promote acceptance and inclusion of individuals with ASD.
• Provide opportunities for individuals with ASD to connect and share: The Art of Autism provides a supportive community for individuals with ASD, where they can connect with others, share their experiences, and find inspiration and encouragement.

Some of the ways in which The Art of Autism works toward its mission

• Art exhibits and events: The Art of Autism showcases the artwork of individuals with ASD through exhibits, events, and online galleries. These exhibits provide a platform for individuals with ASD to showcase their talent and creativity and help to raise awareness and understanding of autism.
• Publications: The Art of Autism publishes books, magazines, and other materials featuring the artwork and stories of individuals with ASD. These publications provide a unique perspective on autism and help to promote greater acceptance and understanding of individuals with ASD.
• Workshops and programs: The Art of Autism offers a variety of workshops and programs for individuals with ASD, as well as their families and caregivers. These programs provide opportunities for creative expression, as well as social connection and support.

The Art of Autism is a unique and inspiring organization that celebrates the creativity and talent of individuals with ASD, while also promoting greater awareness and understanding of autism. Through its exhibits, publications, and programs, The Art of Autism is helping to build a more inclusive and accepting world for individuals with ASD.

NEXT for Autism

NEXT for Autism is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Founded in 2003 as the New York Collaborates for Autism, the organization was renamed NEXT for Autism in 2018 to reflect its national focus.

The mission of NEXT for Autism is to create and support innovative programs that improve the lives of individuals with ASD and their families.

NEXT for Autism focuses on four key areas:

1. Innovative programs and services: NEXT for Autism partners with leading organizations and experts to develop and support innovative programs and services that help individuals with ASD and their families. These programs cover a wide range of needs, including education, employment, housing, healthcare, and more.
2. Research and development: NEXT for Autism supports research and development efforts aimed at improving our understanding of autism and developing new treatments and therapies for individuals with ASD.
3. Advocacy and public awareness: NEXT for Autism advocates for policies and legislation that improve the lives of individuals with ASD and their families. The organization also works to increase public awareness and understanding of autism through public events, media outreach, and other initiatives.
4. Collaboration and partnership: NEXT for Autism believes in the power of collaboration and partnership to achieve its mission. The organization works with a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals with ASD, families, advocates, researchers, and service providers, to develop and implement effective programs and services.

Some of the programs and initiatives supported by NEXT for Autism include:

• The Center for Autism and the Developing Brain: A state-of-the-art clinical and research facility in New York City that provides comprehensive care and support for individuals with ASD and their families.
• The Autism Job Club: A program that helps individuals with ASD find and maintain employment through job coaching, skills training, and other support services.
• The Spectrum Support Program: A program that provides support and resources for families of children with ASD, including educational workshops, peer support groups, and advocacy services.

NEXT for Autism is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization that is making a real difference in the lives of individuals with ASD and their families. Through its innovative programs, research, advocacy, and partnership efforts, NEXT for Autism is helping to create a brighter future for individuals with ASD.

Groundswell is a donation platform powered by DAFs, giving employers and their employees the power to make an impact in their local community. Learn more about Groundswell.io.

Los Angeles is a beautiful, metropolitan city that’s as diverse as they come. LA has become the destination for many communities, including many nonprofit organizations dedicated to making a difference in their local and global communities. 

Here’s a growing list of nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles categorized by theme. Bookmark this page and check back as we add more nonprofits to this list.

Categories

• Community and Youth
• Environmental
• Education
• Animals
• Health
• Social Justice
• Veterans
• Disaster Relief
• Poverty
• Arts & Culture

Community and Youth

Inner City Arts: This organization provides arts education to underserved youth in the Skid Row neighborhood of Los Angeles.

LA Works: This organization connects volunteers with local schools and community organizations to support various community service projects.

LA Promise Fund: This organization works to improve education and life outcomes for young people in Los Angeles through a variety of programs and initiatives.

Los Angeles Youth Network: This organization provides housing, education, and other support services to homeless and at-risk youth in the Los Angeles area.

Partnership for LA Schools: This organization works to improve academic achievement and support the development of students in high-need schools in Los Angeles.

Environmental

Heal the Bay: This organization works to protect and restore Santa Monica Bay and other southern California coastal waters. They focus on issues such as water quality, plastic pollution, and habitat protection.

The Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters: This group works to promote environmental policies and elect pro-environmental candidates to public office.

The Nature Conservancy of Los Angeles: This nonprofit works to protect and restore natural habitats in the Los Angeles region, with a focus on preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable land use.

Los Angeles Waterkeeper: This organization works to protect and restore the quality of Los Angeles' waterways and coastal waters through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

TreePeople: This group works to promote urban forestry and green infrastructure in the Los Angeles region, with a focus on increasing tree canopy cover, improving air and water quality, and enhancing the urban environment.

Education

LA Promise Fund: This organization works to improve public education in Los Angeles by supporting school leadership and teacher development, providing resources for students and families, and advocating for policies that benefit students.

LA Education Partnership: This nonprofit works to close the achievement gap in Los Angeles by providing resources and support to schools in high-need areas.

Partnership for Los Angeles Schools: This organization partners with the Los Angeles Unified School District to improve academic achievement and create a positive school culture at a group of high-need schools in Los Angeles.

LA's Best: This after-school program serves elementary school students in the Los Angeles Unified School District, providing them with academic enrichment and recreational activities.

LA Fund for Public Education: This organization supports public education in Los Angeles by providing grants to schools and teachers, advocating for policies that benefit students, and engaging community members in the education process.

Animals

The Animal Wellness Foundation: This nonprofit organization is based in Los Angeles and works to improve the lives of animals through a variety of programs and initiatives.

The Best Friends Animal Society: This national animal welfare organization has a chapter in Los Angeles that operates a pet adoption center and works to reduce the number of animals killed in shelters.

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: This nonprofit organization supports the work of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, through fundraising and public education efforts.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (SPCA LA): This nonprofit organization provides animal welfare services in the Los Angeles area, including pet adoption, spay and neuter services, and cruelty investigation and rescue.

The Wildlife Waystation: This nonprofit sanctuary in Los Angeles County provides rescue, rehabilitation, and permanent care for exotic and indigenous wildlife.

Health

AltaMed Health Services Corporation: AltaMed is a community health center that provides a range of medical, dental, and mental health services to underserved populations in the Los Angeles area.

St. John's Well Child and Family Center: This community health center offers primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services to patients of all ages.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles: This pediatric hospital provides comprehensive medical care to children and adolescents, including specialized services such as cancer treatment, heart surgery, and trauma care.

The Los Angeles Free Clinic. This non-profit organization provides free medical, dental, and mental health services to uninsured and underserved individuals in the Los Angeles area.

The Venice Family Clinic: This community health center provides primary care, dental care, and mental health services to low-income and uninsured individuals in the Los Angeles area.

Social Justice

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California: This group works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA): This organization works to advance the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees in Los Angeles.

Black Lives Matter Los Angeles: This group works to combat police brutality and racial profiling, and to advocate for the rights of black people in Los Angeles.

LAXart: This nonprofit organization works to promote social justice and equity through contemporary art exhibitions and public programming.

Veterans

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System: This government-run organization provides healthcare and support services to military veterans in the Los Angeles area.

The American Legion: This nonprofit organization supports veterans and their families through a variety of programs, including assistance with healthcare, education, and employment.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): This national organization provides support to military veterans and their families through a variety of programs and services, including financial assistance, healthcare, and education.

The Wounded Warrior Project: This nonprofit organization provides support to military veterans who have been wounded or injured during their service. This includes physical and mental health support, as well as assistance with employment and education.

The Los Angeles Veterans Collaborative: This coalition of organizations works together to support military veterans in the Los Angeles area through a variety of programs and services, including healthcare, housing, and education.

Disaster Relief

Team Rubicon: This nonprofit organization uses the skills and experiences of military veterans to respond to disasters and provide humanitarian aid. Since its inception, Team Rubicon has responded to numerous disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires, and has provided assistance to communities in need all over the world. The organization is known for its unique approach to disaster response, which combines the speed and agility of a military operation with the compassion and care of a humanitarian organization.

American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles: This organization provides disaster relief services, including emergency shelter, food, and support for those affected by disasters in the Los Angeles area.

Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Foundation: This organization provides funding and support for the Los Angeles County Fire Department's emergency medical services, which respond to disasters and other emergencies.

Salvation Army Los Angeles: This organization provides disaster relief services, including emergency shelter, food, and support to those affected by disasters in the Los Angeles area.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: This organization provides support and funding for the Los Angeles Fire Department, which responds to disasters and other emergencies in the area.

LA Family Housing: This organization provides temporary housing and support services to individuals and families affected by homelessness, including those who have been displaced by disasters.

Poverty

Los Angeles Mission: This organization provides services such as meals, shelter, and healthcare to people experiencing homelessness in LA.

Union Rescue Mission: This is another organization that provides services such as meals, shelter, and healthcare to people experiencing homelessness in LA.

LA Family Housing: This nonprofit provides affordable housing and support services to low-income individuals and families in LA.

St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles: This organization helps low-income individuals and families in LA by providing them with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter.

The People Concern: This nonprofit organization provides a range of services to people experiencing homelessness in LA, including case management, housing assistance, and access to healthcare.

Arts & Culture

Los Angeles County Arts Commission: This nonprofit organization supports and promotes the arts in Los Angeles County, including visual and performing arts, literature, and film and media arts.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): LACMA is a nonprofit art museum that features a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

The Music Center: This organization supports and presents performing arts in Los Angeles, including music, dance, and theater.

The Hammer Museum: The Hammer Museum is a nonprofit museum focused on contemporary art and ideas. It offers exhibitions, public programs, and a research library.

The J. Paul Getty Museum: The J. Paul Getty Museum is a nonprofit museum that features a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. It is located in the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

Women's History Month is a month-long celebration of women's contributions to history, culture, and society.

Women have been the backbone of society, and their indomitable strength and courage have enabled us to achieve incredible feats. Women have been instrumental in pushing for social and political change, breaking down barriers, and making strides in a multitude of fields.

Women's History Month gives us the chance to celebrate and recognize the achievements of these remarkable women and to raise awareness and appreciation of the women who have shaped our society. It is an invaluable opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the immense impact women have had and continue to have on our world.

This list of nonprofit organizations is leading the way for women’s rights on Women's History Month.

Donate to any of the organizations below using the Groundswell app.

Nonprofits to support for Women’s History Month

Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. is a non-profit organization that works to help empower girls and young women to reach their full potential in life. Through their research-based programming, they strive to provide girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to break down gender, economic, and social barriers.

Girls Inc. works to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold by providing resources and support so that they can become healthy, educated, and independent adults. They believe that by helping young women to reach their goals, they are creating a better future for all.

National Women's Law Center

The National Women's Law Center is dedicated to ensuring that women and girls have the same rights and access to quality healthcare, education, and economic security as everyone else. They strive to create an equitable society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can access these essential services to reach their full potential.

To achieve this, the Center works to combat discrimination, advocate for policies that protect women and girls and expand access to vital resources.

She Should Run

She Should Run works to increase the number of women in public office by providing a range of resources and support to women seeking office.

They strive to create an inclusive network of organizations and individuals to help support and empower women candidates. This network includes a variety of different organizations and individuals, from party-affiliated groups to grassroots activists, who are all dedicated to advancing the cause of female representation in politics. 

Additionally, She Should Run provides mentorship and leadership opportunities for women interested in running for office, as well as access to networks of experts and professionals who can help them build their campaigns and become successful political leaders.

AnitaB.org

AnitaB.org works to empower and advance women in the technology and industry sectors. Through their comprehensive resources and opportunities, they are able to provide a platform for women to succeed and thrive in the tech industry. This includes access to mentorship and networking, as well as job openings from leading tech companies. 

Moreover, AnitaB.org also offers a range of programs to support the development of women in the tech sector, such as coding boot camps and hackathons. 

Their mission is to create a more inclusive technology workplace, where women can feel empowered to pursue a career in tech.

The National Organization for Women Foundation (NOWF)

The National Organization for Women Foundation (NOWF) is devoted to ending discrimination and promoting full civil and political rights for women. Through its legal advocacy, research, public education, and advocacy initiatives, the NOWF works to ensure that all women have equal access to education, employment, and other rights. 

The foundation has a long history of successful litigation and continues to fight for the rights of women everywhere.

500 Women Scientists

500 Women Scientists works to advance gender equity in science by cultivating a diverse and equitable scientific community. Through their programs and partnerships, they strive to create an inclusive atmosphere that empowers and uplifts women in the sciences.

Their initiatives provide support and resources to female scientists, helping to ensure that their voices and contributions are heard. By providing a platform for collaboration, 500 Women Scientists furthers their mission of creating an equitable scientific environment that encourages and celebrates the contributions of all genders.

Equality Now

Equality Now is a non-profit organization that works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world. They use the law to advocate for gender equality and justice and provide legal and policy resources to support their work.

The 19th

The 19th is a media and advocacy organization devoted to elevating the voices of women of color and those from other marginalized communities.

Their mission is to ensure that the power of women's voices is heard and that their perspectives are represented in the discourse and decisions that shape our society.

The Institute for Women's Policy Research

The Institute for Women's Policy Research is a public policy research organization dedicated to improving the lives of women through research, public education, and advocacy. 

By conducting groundbreaking research and providing crucial policy insights, the Institute works to elevate the voices of women and girls in public discourse and to create a more equitable and just society.

Women Deliver

Women Deliver is a global advocacy organization that works to not only ensure that every girl and woman is able to realize her full potential but to also ensure that they are able to make a positive contribution to society. 

The Women's Funding Network

The Women's Funding Network is a vibrant global network of foundations and funders that supports and invests in organizations around the world that are dedicated to advancing gender equality. 

Through their generous contributions and commitment to the cause, this network helps to fund a variety of initiatives that focus on providing critically needed resources to organizations striving to create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of women everywhere.

Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is a national non-profit organization that works to bridge the gender gap in technology and equip girls with the skills and confidence they need to pursue careers in computer science, programming, and other related fields. 

Their programs range from summer immersion programs to clubs and workshops, giving girls of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed in the tech industry.

Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS)

Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS) is dedicated to providing support and resources to girls and young women who have experienced exploitation and violence, such as sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and domestic violence.

GEMS works to provide these young women with safe and secure housing, access to education, job training and placement, counseling, and other resources in order to help them transition to a healthy, productive, and independent future.

Donate to any of these organizations using the Groundswell app.

World Water Day is an international observance day held annually on March 22. It is a day to recognize the importance of freshwater and to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. World Water Day is celebrated around the world with various events, including educational activities, conferences, and campaigns.

The theme of World Water Day 2023 is "accelerating change". This theme encourages us to consider how water has an economic value and to think about how we can better understand, protect, and manage our water resources.

Become an advocate for World Water Day by supporting any of the nonprofits in this article.

Donate to any of the organizations below using the Groundswell app.

List of nonprofit organizations supporting World Water Day

Water.org

Water.org is an international nonprofit organization that has been making a difference since 2009. They worked to provide access to safe water and sanitation to people in developing countries. Water.org has improved the lives of over 24 million people in 17 countries so far.

The organization is committed to helping communities with water stewardship and sanitation, and has implemented various projects that are helping to create sustainable solutions. Their mission is to ensure that all people have access to clean, safe water and improved sanitation, and they continue to strive towards this goal every day.

Charity:Water

Charity:Water is an esteemed global not-for-profit organization whose mission is to bring safe and clean drinking water to people in developing nations.

Working closely with local partners and members of the community, Charity:Water strives to build sustainable, community-owned water projects that have a long-term impact. Since its launch, the organization has made a powerful impact, providing clean water to over 13.2 million people in 31 countries.

The Wetlands Initiative

The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and protection of wetlands in the Midwest and Great Plains regions of the United States. With the help of farmers, scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders, TWI has worked to identify, protect and restore over 35,000 acres of wetlands and to improve the water quality of over 1,000 miles of rivers and streams.

The organization has also helped to create sustainable plans to continue the restoration and protection of wetlands in the Midwest and Great Plains regions in the future, ensuring long-term success.

US Water Alliance

The US Water Alliance is a national nonprofit organization with the mission of driving collaboration, innovation, and investment in sustainable water solutions.

With a focus on protecting the health of people and the environment, it works with diverse partners to develop a range of programs and initiatives that promote water sustainability.

Pure Water for the World

Pure Water for the World (PWW) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation education, and sustainable water solutions to communities in Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Since its inception, the organization has implemented over 2,000 water, sanitation, and hygiene projects, reaching an astounding 850,000 people in some of the world's most impoverished and underserved communities.

PWW's commitment to sustainable water solutions has helped to improve the quality of life for thousands of individuals and families, providing them with the basic needs of life.

Water for People

Water for People is an international nonprofit organization that works to improve access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation services in 10 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The organization works with local partners to develop and improve water and sanitation infrastructure, promote water stewardship, and create lasting solutions to water and sanitation issues.

Since its inception, Water for People has provided access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services to over 4.4 million people in the countries it serves, and its work has made a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those it serves.

Donate to any of these organizations using the Groundswell app.

On Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, a devastating 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, followed by a magnitude 7.5 aftershock - killing more than 21,000 people and injuring thousands more.

Each day the death toll continues to rise, as rescue workers race against the clock to clear the rubble.

The epicenter of the quake was located in Syria, and it was felt in both countries, as well as in other nearby countries. The quake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Several relief organizations, like the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon, are on the scene working tirelessly against the clock and through unfavorable weather conditions to save as many lives as possible and provide aid in the form of food, shelter, and medical assistance.

So far, they have provided temporary housing, food, and medical assistance to those in need. As the search and rescue operations continue, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. It is clear that the earthquake has had a tremendous impact, and it will take time for the area to fully recover.

Here's how to take action.

We encourage you to support nonprofits on the ground and offer to match donations. Here’s a list of nonprofits on the scene.

The Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF)

The Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is a non-profit organization that works to support meaningful projects in Turkey.

Founded in 2002, TPF has invested in over 200 projects that address social and economic issues in Turkey, from health and education to culture and the environment.

The Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) has responded to the earthquake in Syria and Turkey by investing in relief efforts in the affected areas, providing emergency aid, and supporting local organizations working to rebuild the communities.

Additionally, TPF has been working with its partners to raise awareness and funds to support the ongoing relief efforts.

UNICEF

UNICEF is a United Nations agency that works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first, tackling the challenges that affect them the most and providing the solutions to help them fulfill their potential.

They are responding to the urgent needs of children and families affected by the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey by providing lifesaving health, nutrition, education, protection, and water and sanitation services. UNICEF is also working with local and international partners to ensure that children and their families have access to essential goods, services, and supplies.

CARE

CARE is an international nonprofit organization that works to fight global poverty and provide humanitarian aid.

They are providing emergency relief including providing food, shelter, water, and non-food items. They are also helping people access health services and providing psychosocial support.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent, impartial humanitarian organization that helps people affected by armed conflicts and other situations of violence.

They are assisting with emergency relief efforts in Syria and Turkey in response to the earthquake. This includes providing medical assistance, shelter, food, and other essential items. Additionally, the organization is providing psychological support to those affected by the disaster.

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian aid and development organization that works to help people affected by humanitarian crises.

They are providing emergency relief for those affected by the earthquake, including shelter, food, and medical supplies. They are also providing mental health support and access to safe spaces for women and children.

Team Rubicon

Team Rubicon is a veteran-led disaster response organization, founded in 2010, that has a mission to unite the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams to areas affected by disasters.

They have sent teams to both Syria and Turkey in response to the earthquake, in order to provide timely and effective relief to those in need. The organization is providing aid such as medical supplies, food, and water, as well as helping to rebuild damaged infrastructure.

Save The Children

Save the Children is an international non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian aid and advocacy for children in over 120 countries.

They are focused on improving the lives of children in need at the scene. They’re responding with emergency kits amid the harsh winter weather.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders is an international humanitarian medical organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care in nearly 70 countries.

They are providing medical care and resources to refugees affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey. They are also providing mental health support and distributing essential items such as shelter, water, and food.

Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a global organization that works around the world to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities.

They are providing emergency relief such as food and shelter to those affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey and helping people recover and rebuild their lives. They are also providing mental health and psychosocial support to those affected.

Animals are living creatures that deserve to be respected and treated with care.

Animal rights are an important part of any society, as animals provide many benefits to the environment, to humans, and to each other. Animal rights ensure that animals are not subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment and that their care and welfare are taken into consideration.

This article touches on what animal rights are and the importance of animal rights, and lists animal rights organizations in Los Angeles supporting the cause.

What are animal rights?

Animal rights is the idea that all animals should be treated with respect and not be subjected to cruelty or exploitation. It is a philosophy that extends the basic rights of humans to the animal kingdom, and advocates for their protection and welfare.

Animal rights include the belief that animals should be free from cruel and unusual pain and suffering and should be treated in a humane manner.

Why are Animal Rights Important?

Many believe animals are sentient beings that deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

Studies have shown animals have the capability to feel emotions, form relationships, and suffer just like humans do. Therefore, it can be essential to recognize their rights and protect them from cruelty, exploitation, and neglect. By respecting animals, we can create a better world for them and ourselves.

While there has been much moral debate on animal rights and whether they should be held to the same standards as human rights, there’s no denying the importance of animals as part of the earth’s ecosystem. Animals are an integral part of not just human life but all life on earth.

Animals are responsible for grazing fields and balancing the ecosystem. At the very least, animal rights are important because it contributes to greater sustainability.

Donate to any of the organizations below using the Groundswell app.

List of animal rights organizations in Los Angeles:

The Jane Goodall Institute

The Jane Goodall Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that works to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. They operate the Chimpanzee Sanctuary at the Los Angeles Zoo, and also engage in research, education, and advocacy efforts to protect chimpanzees and other primates around the world.

Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles

Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization that works to end the killing of dogs and cats in shelters. They operate the Best Friends Pet Adoption and Spay/Neuter Center in Los Angeles, the largest no-kill animal shelter in the city.

The Animal Wellness Foundation

The Animal Wellness Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that provides medical care and support for animals in need. They operate a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and provide medical care for sick and injured animals.

The Animal Protection League of Southern California

The Animal Protection League of Southern California is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of animals in Los Angeles through advocacy, education, and direct care. They operate a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and provide medical care for sick and injured animals.

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. They provide funding for medical care, spay/neuter services, and other programs to improve the lives of animals in the county.

The Wildlife Waystation

The Wildlife Waystation is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wild animals. They work to release animals back into the wild when possible and also provide a permanent home for animals that cannot be released.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA)

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is a nonprofit organization that works to protect and improve the lives of animals in the Los Angeles area. They operate a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, provide medical care for sick and injured animals, and offer adoption services.

The Stray Cat Alliance

The Stray Cat Alliance is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that works to improve the lives of stray and feral cats through advocacy, education, and direct care. They operate a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, provide medical care for sick and injured cats, and work to find homes for adoptable cats.

The Los Angeles Animal Services

Los Angeles Animal Services is a nonprofit organization that operates the city's animal shelters and provides animal control services. They work to find homes for adoptable animals, provide medical care for sick and injured animals, and operate a low-cost spay/neuter clinic.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that works to protect ocean wildlife and their habitats. They use direct action tactics to defend marine life and engage in education and research projects.

Donate to any of these animal rights organizations in Los Angeles using the Groundswell app.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Maximize impact through recurring donations: Simplify your giving and provide nonprofits with a steady stream of revenue through monthly, recurring donations.
6. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

1. How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
2. Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
3. Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
4. Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
5. Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
6. How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
7. How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
8. How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
9. How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
10. How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
11. How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
12. If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Maximize impact through recurring donations: Simplify your giving and provide nonprofits with a steady stream of revenue through monthly, recurring donations.
6. 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.

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.

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.

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.

When 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.

5. Build Company Culture

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.

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.

Describe your journey to Groundswell in two sentences.

I spent my early career as a digital producer exciting and delighting customers through big brand promises. I’ve since made the switch working with companies that leverage technology to find solutions for some of humanity's macro problems.

What is a cause you are most motivated by and where can we learn more?

As a lover of the outdoors, I’ve become passionate about the effort to restore our California landscape with native plants. Native plants attract local birds, pollinators and other wildlife by providing diverse habitats and food sources. Stewardship and enhancing the resilience of local ecosystems is something I can appreciate first hand when I hike, camp or just take a walk through my neighborhood. Some of my favorite organizations include Theodore Payne Foundation and California Native Plant Society.

What makes you excited to show up to work on Monday morning?

I love to learn and am energized by the journey to gain empathy with both colleagues and customers. My natural curiosity piques when digging into a problem, seeking to understand the “why” and ultimately being able to connect the dots through to solutions.

Share something fun that most people don’t know about you.

I really like to read and am usually consuming books two at a time (audio book + kindle). My literary interests span a wide array of topics; memoirs, business, science fiction, historical fiction, YA and fantasy - to name a few. I particularly have enjoyed post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels these past few years despite living in what feels like a dystopian thriller.

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:

1. Provide a charitable giving stipend to each employee that they can direct to a charity of their choice on an annual basis.
2. Have employees vote on a slate of charities chosen by leaders to determine which cause gets the company's contribution.
3. 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.