Plant Docs’ Post

A quick reminder for GivingTuesday: organizations like school PTOs, small farms, and local food banks need donations today just as much as larger nonprofits. When I worked in corporate, I led programs encouraging employees to give back and amplified impact with generous employer matches - not just for Giving Tuesday, but for the entire week! Now, as an entrepreneur, my focus has shifted closer to home supporting my local community, kids’ schools, and small nonprofits that make a big difference. So today, I want to encourage you to: ✅ Don’t forget about the small but mighty organizations in your community ✅ Leverage your employer’s matching programs to increase your impact Your gift has the power to create meaningful change. Let’s show up for the causes that matter most to us. Go give! #GivingTuesday #CommunityImpact #SupportLocal #Philanthropy #GoGive

As the holiday season approaches in the U.S., many are inspired to volunteer or donate, embracing the spirit of giving. But the landscape of philanthropy is shifting. New models are emerging that emphasize inclusion, trust, and deeper community connections. ↳ Because, we now realize, how we give can be just as transformative as what we give 💖 In this graphic, I share three approaches that are reshaping philanthropy and creating a bigger impact for nonprofits 👇🏾

This month at the Nonprofit Mission Focused Mixer we discussed the backbones of our nonprofit organizations, VOLUNTEERS! They donate a precious commodity, their time. We spent time talking about how staying mission-focused can help attract, retain, and engage volunteers for your organization. Here are five highlights from our mixer:     • Strategies for engaging volunteers, specifically the importance of understanding the organization's mission and needs.     • The importance of impact, helping others, and personal experiences as driving factors.     • The importance of effective engagement with volunteers.     • Best practices for fostering meaningful connections with volunteers.     • How to recognize and celebrate the impact of all volunteers within an organization. If you'd like to listen to the recording, simply send me a message.

Last Friday was a day of service at our foundation’s D.C. office, and it was great to join so many of my colleagues volunteering at N Street Village, a local shelter for homeless women. For me, it was a chance to experience the two-way benefits of generosity: growing in heart and mind through helping others.    In my work at the foundation, I encounter and am inspired by changemakers and those who engage in acts of generosity every day. Here in the U.S., giving and volunteering to nonprofits has long been the backbone of philanthropy. That phenomenon is changing in important ways: giving and volunteering to 501c3 organizations is down, while new modes of generosity are on the rise: crowdfunding, direct person-to-person donations, along with the rise of political activism.     The just-released The Generosity Commission’s 2024 report, which our foundation supported, takes a look at these trends and seeks to understand their implications. It not only probes possible factors driving the decline, such as economic inequality, declining religiosity and changes in tax policy, but also sheds light on innovations in giving, on how generosity in America is being reshaped, and ways to promote giving in all its forms.    I urge all to read the report and take a beat: consider what each of us can do to grow generosity in our spheres. We know we can’t achieve our goals for better lives and livelihoods alone, but we can make great strides in partnership with others. The Aspen Institute Mike Gianoni Jane Wales https://lnkd.in/et2CFDC9

USA TODAY explores how GivingTuesday drives support for nonprofits: "More than a decade after launching, Giving Tuesday continues to help millions of Americans pause and reflect amid hectic holidays, while also connecting them to broader movements for good. Nonprofits say Giving Tuesday is the top day of the year for donations because it brings in massive waves of brand-new donors − many of whom end up sticking with the organization long-term." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gHNmuxqB #GivingTuesday #CPCIDD #DisabilityRights #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityAwareness

The Importance of tomorrow, Giving Tuesday, is twofold. While Black Friday kicks off the frenzy of holiday shopping, Giving Tuesday shifts our focus to the true spirit of the season. It's a day to look beyond our wish lists and take part in something bigger - making a meaningful difference in the world. For nonprofits, the impact of Giving Tuesday is profound: 🎁 Increased Donations A dedicated day of giving inspires a surge in contributions, helping nonprofits fund their critical work. 🤝 Community Building It brings people together, fostering connections around shared causes. 🌱 Awareness Raising Nonprofits can shine a spotlight on their mission and show the real impact of their efforts. 💛 Promoting a Culture of Generosity It reminds us of the power of giving and encourages kindness during the holiday season and beyond. Join us tomorrow for this year’s Giving Tuesday to create a ripple of positive change! https://lnkd.in/e3g7UPx3

Every action, no matter how small, has the power to create meaningful change. At Giv Local, we believe in the collective strength of our community to make a difference. With Giv Local, your partnership aids local nonprofits, ensuring that resources stay within our communities where they're needed most. Whether it's providing meals for the hungry, supporting education programs, or fostering environmental sustainability, every donation counts. Together, we can turn compassion into action and create positive change in the world. Let's spread the message of generosity and kindness. Share this post if you know someone who's looking for a different way to do business. #GivLocal #CommunityImpact #SupportLocal #nonprofitdonations #MakeADifference

Every year, organizations across the U.S. celebrate Annual Giving Day, a reminder of the power we hold to uplift causes, strengthen communities, and inspire change. Whether it is a financial donation, volunteering your time, or leveraging your position to bring others to the table, your contribution matters. Whenever I think of annual giving days, I’m reminded of the 1984 classic Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo. In a pivotal moment, Ice-T rallies the crowd with a simple yet powerful call: “Give! Give, so Miracles Can Live!” While the goal in the movie was to save a community center, the sentiment applies to every cause fighting to make the world a better place. Today, I encourage you to: Donate Financially: No amount is too small to make an impact; Volunteer Your Time: Many organizations thrive thanks to the dedication of those who give their skills and energy; Leverage Your Influence: Use your voice, platform, or title to shine a light on causes close to your heart. Giving does not just change the lives of those we help—it transforms us, building communities that embody hope and resilience. So today, let us take action. Whether you are supporting education, environmental sustainability, veterans, or local nonprofits, remember: every effort creates a ripple effect. #AnnualGivingDay #Philanthropy #Volunteerism #MakeADifference

Raising awareness about your nonprofit is essential: 🔍 Reach More People—Awareness helps you expand your community of supporters, volunteers, and donors. 📣 Amplify Your Message—When people are aware of your cause, they can help spread the word! 🤝 Inspire Action—Awareness leads to participation. Your visibility inspires others to support, volunteer, or collaborate, helping your nonprofit succeed. Awareness: it’s the foundation of building a strong, engaged community ready to help you drive change! 🚀 #NonprofitAwareness #MissionMatters #CommunitySupport #MakeAnImpact #NonprofitOutreach #GrowYourImpact

The holidays provide a unique opportunity for businesses and nonprofits to collaborate on giving campaigns that benefit both communities and causes. Imagine a local business hosting a toy or food drive on behalf of a nonprofit, encouraging customers and employees to contribute. In return, the nonprofit can amplify the business's community involvement through its own outreach channels. To make the campaign even more impactful, incorporate storytelling. Share the stories of individuals or families who will benefit from the drive, allowing donors to connect emotionally with the cause. Additionally, consider offering incentives such as discounts or recognition for participants to increase engagement. When businesses and nonprofits join forces, their collective efforts can create a ripple effect of goodwill, inspiring others to give back during the holiday season. #HolidayGiving #NonprofitCollaboration #ImpactAndScale