TKO Graphix Brandwire

Donate Your Dollars Wisely

∞ posted 1 month ago in Donating Donations charities contains 45 notes

by Amber Recker

Since joining the team at Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana in Fort Wayne as the Director of Development & Marketing, I’ve been endlessly amazed by the generosity of individuals in my community. Thirty-seven percent of our total budget comes from individual donations; needless to say, we take our relationships with individual donors seriously. We want to make sure each one feels engaged and also confident we will be good stewards of his or her gift. We mean it when we say we could not do what we do without the support of our community, and we work hard to make sure those donations are put to good use.

Being a recipient of giving has afforded me an interesting perspective about philanthropy and has transformed me into an overly-diligent donor. Before joining Cancer Services, I donated to various organizations without much thought. Meaning, if you asked me for money, you were probably going to get it, at least a little. But now, because I see the effort Cancer Services puts forth to be responsible and accountable to each donor, I expect that of all organizations to which I give. The current economic climate has affected the philanthropic environment, as well. Whereas, I previously had more to give and therefore gave more freely, now I have to take a serious look at where each dollar in my budget goes. So choosing a reputable and responsible non-profit organization is even more important. I hear this over and over from our donors, as well. They want their dollars to go farther and to make as big of an impact as they can. What organizations can help them achieve this?

Okay, I’ve digressed. My point is once you’ve identified your passion, whether it’s cancer, literacy, hunger, homelessness, you name it, there are tools you can use to match that passion with a reputable and responsible organization who will put your donation to good use, whether locally or nationally. Here are a few:

• Guidestar.org — Provides a comprehensive non-profit directory, including a super convenient search feature. The directory includes Form 990, financial statements, annual reports and other documents you can review to see exactly how the organization is funded and how it uses those funds. The website also provides a five-star rating system and the ability to read reviews posted by constituents of the organization.
• CharityNavigator.org — Helps you find a charity you can trust and includes a search feature so you can review important information about non-profit organizations. It also helps you identify your passion, matching it with an organization, along with an informative blog to assist you in better understanding philanthropy, and how it can enrich your life.
• GiveWell.org — Provides ratings and research, along with a helpful blog.
• Nonprofit Tech 2.0 — One of my favorite non-profit centered blogs, offering helpful information about non-profit best practices.

If you can’t find sufficient information on these websites, I recommend you contact your local community foundation and other foundations for recommendations. Because these organizations are constantly reviewing applications for funding, they have their finger on the pulse of the non-profit community in your area. The Better Business Bureau is another place to connect with for recommendations.

Last, but certainly not least, make an appointment to visit a prospective charity. I’m always happy to show people around our facility, and any organization interested in cultivating a relationship with you will do the same.

About The Author

Amber Recker is director of marketing and development for Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. Her volunteer roles include V.P. of Communications for Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana, President Elect of the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club, PR chair for Rotary District 6540, member of Women United, and steering committee member for the Circle of Women with the YWCA. If she had her way, she’d be a full-time volunteer, but someone has to pay the bills. Amber is also a communications instructor at Indiana Tech and an editor of fiveonfive magazine. She writes for both contagiouscommunity.org and thegingerkitchen.com.

West Coast Tacos and TKO Bite Back

∞ posted 1 year ago in Homeless Homelessness Indy Indianapolis Indiana Charity Donations Donate Salvation Army West Coast Tacos

by Randy Clark

photo courtesy of Salvation Army

Last Sunday evening, my wife and I visited the Salvation Army shelter for women and children at 540 N Alabama St., Indianapolis, Indiana. West Coast Tacos chose the shelter to help “Bite Back” with the Salvation Army’s “Homelessness Bites campaign (www.homelessnessbites.org).”  TKO employees had generously donated $300, (thank you, everyone!) which translated into 500 tacos for WCT to donate. We came along to help in anyway we might.

If you get online, you’ll find The Salvation Army is “…one of the largest social care providers in the World.” The Salvation Army is in 115 countries, and has 15,175 facilities — such as 647 residences for the homeless with a capacity of 34,945 (source). This is only a small part of over 50 programs helping millions. But all the statistics pales in comparison to actually being there, privileged to take trays of food to people waiting outside in the rain, chatting with children about how “hot” the red sauce is, hearing laughter, and watching the children play.

I want to challenge other organizations to help. Through 2009 and 2010, charitable contributions have been at modern-era lows. It’s time to help. As I mentioned to Kristen and Deborah of the Salvation Army, John from WCT, and Nancy from TKO, ­the Reverend Mozel Sanders Foundation began in 1959 with a few dinners, and now, with the leadership of his son, Reverend Roosevelt Sanders, they feed over 25,000 on Thanksgiving and distribute over 30,000 pounds of food, hygiene, and cleaning products every month. How far could this Bite Back event grow?

Over the last two weeks, we’ve collected donations and spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. Last month, my band and three other bands, performed at the annual Angels of Hope charitable event. All of this has been rewarding, but being there Sunday brought it to life! This is real. This is why we do this. You could see it on the faces of the West Coast Tacos team of volunteers. They get it. As we were leaving, I looked at my wife and said, “We’re very fortunate aren’t we?”

If you would like advice or assistance on this subject, do not hesitate to contact me: rclark@tkographix.com or 317-271-1398.

Let’s Bite Back —
Randy