Category: Philanthropy

Why You Should Support Local Libraries

On June 16, 2017

It may seem counterintuitive to donate any contributions to a library seeing as we are deep in the age of technology. However, libraries still play an important role in our society. Though all the information you need is essentially accessible with the touch of a button, certain demographics prefer the classic mode of obtaining their information. Whether they are being used by senior citizens, children and parents, or students of any age, libraries deserve the regular maintenance and attention given to any type of government funded building.

Many libraries today are being largely affected by cutbacks in their respective communities’ budgets, and their futures look grim with the current state of the United States government. However, with the help of philanthropists, charitable organizations, and anyone who is willing to donate, libraries can begin to thrive again.

Public computers located in libraries allow those who may not own one themselves to access the internet free of charge, which can benefit a wide range of individuals. Whether someone is in need of accessing emails, information on passports, or just general information that can’t be found anywhere other than the internet, these provide an outlet for those within the community.

As a source of knowledge in the form of more than just books, libraries provide endless opportunities to those wanting to further their education. Many hold community classes focused on job training, informational courses, or meetings for groups in the area, as well as after-school programs to aid students with homework, and give them a safe, secure place to stay while their parents may still be at work. The New York Public Library for example, offers an enormous number of free programs for people of all ages, thus promoting the notion that education is a vital part of our society today. More public buildings and facilities with the power of developing their own programs should utilize the resources that they have in this way.

As mentioned before, one of the glaring issues libraries are facing today is the lack of funding, and the apparent lack of morale the general public has toward libraries. It’s easy to dismiss these buildings as those that don’t need much support to stay afloat, but without contributions from the government or donors, libraries will face turmoil.

If you wish to support your local community’s push for education, growth, and a stronger sense of commonality, one of the best things you can do is support your local libraries in any way that you can. Aside from being a great source of information via books and computers, the programs offered at most funded libraries promote continued education in their respective areas, which can directly translate to economic growth.

Treating PTSD in Veterans

By Kevan Casey

On May 12, 2017

In Philanthropy

A group that is beyond deserving of the United States’ aid consists of the men and women who fought valiantly for our country and freedom. However, even with a lack of viable employment opportunities and an increase of reported injury-or trauma-related mental illnesses, United States veterans very rarely receive the help they so desperately need.

To provide a better insight, the American Psychological Association (APA) conducted a study that revealed the disturbing effects veterans suffer upon returning home from war, including: record high suicide rates amongst 18- to 29-year-old male veterans; an unemployment rate that far exceeds the civilian unemployment rate; a sharp increase in female veterans suffering from military sexual trauma; and an increased stigma associated with seeking help for debilitating mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety and the most common, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Due to these and many other contributing factors, such as inadequately trained mental health providers, it is estimated that only 40 percent of veterans who screen positive for serious emotional issues seek help; a statistic that clearly needs to change.

Seeing as these situations and statistics will only become grimmer over time, it is imperative that the U.S. government take a more proactive stance in regards to veteran affairs and promote — or even require — treatments that do genuinely improve the lives of traumatized veterans.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) updated their list of PTSD resources to accommodate two new and promising treatments — both of which were originally developed with victims of attack or abuse in mind. These methods are cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE).

CPT, which is often held in groups, typically starts off with veterans writing an impact statement — or a testament to how their lives are still “held in the grip of war” — and sharing said statement with others. Although this exercise is often uncomfortable and occasionally painful, therapists use these responses to aid the group in working through their negative emotions and feelings of guilt. By enduring this process, veterans often experience more mental clarity in regards to their traumatic experiences, as well as a greater sense of detachment, in that their personal experiences no longer dictate their ability to progress in life.

PE, on the other hand, stops veterans from internalizing their fears and traumatic experiences by forcing them to repeatedly share these incidents out loud. This approach enables the veteran to more effectively control their thoughts and emotions regarding their trauma, thus giving them the opportunity to change the ways they react to these memories.

Both CPT and PE have proven to be instrumental in the recovery of PTSD-stricken veterans, especially for those who are married and/or have children, since they encourage open communication between veterans and their loved ones.

However, the only way these and other treatments can make a positive impact on veterans’ lives is if afflicted veterans actively seek help. If you — or someone you know — is suffering from PTSD, please visit the VA website to find ways to get proper assistance.

The Health Benefits of Community Service

By Kevan Casey

On March 15, 2017

In Community Leadership, Philanthropy

Did you know that when you give, you also receive? What does that mean? It means that when you take the time to give something, your time or your service, you also receive something in return. Giving back to your community will not only make you a different person, but there are many health benefits that coincide from community service.

Reduced Depression

Volunteering is a mood booster. It improves your sense of worth while aiding in a bigger purpose. For a little while, you’ll be more focused on the community service than you will yourself and your worries. You can reduce depression through volunteering. It will provide you with new perspective, and raise your self esteem. By giving your time to a better cause, you may see things in a different light.

Emotional Strength

Sometimes community service can open your eyes to things you didn’t know existed. Living conditions, people with no friends or family, families that can’t afford food, and playgrounds full of waste are just a few examples of what people who volunteer encounter. Experiencing the unfortunate conditions that some communities are in will tug on your heartstrings, and you’ll be a stronger person for it.

Physical Health

To volunteer, you might have to engage in physical activity. Community service such as building a deck, repairing a house, picking up trash or even helping someone move are all ways you can be more active through volunteering. This kind of physical activity will get you in better shape while giving back to your community at the same time.

Mental Health

Change your state of mind through community service. Your brain will thank you. Volunteering creates pathways to better mental health in a few ways. It gives you the opportunity to meet new people and make friends. It also makes you feel good once the job is complete. You’ll increase your social skills and possibly learn how to do something new. All of those factors can give you a happier mental state.

Reduced Stress

If you’re feeling stressed, one thing to make you feel better is volunteering. An easy break from the stress in your life is focusing your energy in making your community better. Distract yourself with issues other than your own.

A Sense of Fulfillment

Think of your heart as a “love tank” that requires gas to run, just like a car. Instead of gas to fill your love tank, it’s community service. When you give to others, help others, or simply spend time with others, you’ll notice a sense of fulfillment. If you’re running on empty, you probably feel sad or down. When you complete acts of community service, your heart will feel less lonely and your chest will feel full. That’s your love tank and that’s how you can keep it running.

5 of the Best Practices When Giving

By Kevan Casey

On February 8, 2017

In Philanthropy

Donating to causes that you feel passionate about should not be so passive as to giving to the first charity that comes your way. To truly understand where your donation is going, who or what it is benefitting, and the effectiveness of your contribution, be sure to do some research beforehand. Below are a number of strategies implemented by avid donors that can help you in making the most practical contribution to a charity of your choice.

Give Smart

As mentioned above, donors that truly care about their cause will not jump at the first charity to come their way. Take time to research which organizations benefit the things you care about most. Though donating money or goods to large, more general charities like American Red Cross are beneficial, they may not cater to more specific causes that you seek to help. For example, if your community has a larger issue pertaining to homeless veterans, donating to the AMVETS National Service Foundation would be a wiser choice.

Be Cautious of Impersonators

When researching the type of organization you plan on contributing to, be careful of organizations with similar names that may be less efficient, or even scams. When seeking for Animal Crisis Care for example, a charity named Animal Crisis Prevention may come up, but the two could be vastly different. Take the time to compare any similar sounding organizations to see which carry out the best work for their given causes.

Check Financial Records

Avid donors know that a charity with great financial strength is an indicator of its success, and that a spending rate of 75% or more on programs and services directed toward their cause is important. All of this can be seen in the charity’s financial records. CharityWatch.org is another site that provides donors with this information, giving you the tools necessary in choosing the most efficient organization. A charity’s sustainability over time is just as if not more important than its day-to-day practices. Study the history of the organization you are deciding on donating to, and determine whether or not their financial practices translate to efficiency.

Focus Your Efforts

While donating everything you can to every charity you can seems like a selfless, caring act, it diminishes the chances of your donations actually making changes in those organizations. The processing expenses for each contribution are more likely to outweigh the amount you give. Choose a charity that you feel passionate about, and confidently give a sizeable, yet feasible amount. A larger donation that does not hurt your financial situation is much more likely to benefit the cause of your choice.

Spread the Word

Perhaps one of the best ways you can support your favorite charity is my sharing their information, and asking for donations in their name. Smart donors know that long-term supporters are key in the success of a charity. See yourself as their partner. Share the organization’s information with friends, family, through social media, and fundraisers of your choice. Hosting an event to raise money for your favorite charity can be an extremely effective strategy in helping their cause.

The Best Charities for Community Development

By Kevan Casey

On January 11, 2017

In Community Leadership, Philanthropy

Organizations that devote their philanthropic efforts toward the development of communities aim to promote economic growth and stability through a variety of ways. These may include increased access to affordable housing, enhancement of public and private institutions, or generating community involvement. Below are some of the best charities dedicated to building foundations for communities all over the world.

Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation

Serving the Lake Tahoe area between the border of California and Nevada, the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation promotes the collaboration of philanthropists and non-profits in order to build a consistent source of community capital. Addressing a broad range of issues, this organization manages charitable funds for families, businesses, and other organizations to provide assistance in their attempts to develop a beneficial effort.

Beginning in 1996, PTCF spends 91.8% of their expenses on programs and services dedicated to their cause, and last year, awarded over $4.7 million to 251 charitable organizations focusing in areas like community support, arts & culture, education, and environmental conservation.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Beginning in 1979, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has worked tirelessly every year since in forming alliances between families, businesses, and foundations in order to improve the lives of those within these communities. Focusing on a wide range of causes, CFNJ allows donors to choose where their money goes, whether that encapsulates specific causes, organizations, or communities. Those who come to the foundation with ideas of their own are highly sought after, as innovation in how communities are improved is ideal. As of today, CFNJ contributes to over 1,100 different funds.

Austin Community Foundation

With 94.7% of their earnings going directly toward charitable programs and services, the Austin Community Foundation has set the bar in fostering an “ecosystem of philanthropy,” improving the greater Austin area. ACF provides the tools necessary for donors to effectively give, grants for non-profits, and leadership in areas that may otherwise be lacking such guidance. Founded in 1977, the foundation has since become the third largest charitable organization in Central Texas, and averages more than $20 million annually thanks to donor advised funds.

FJC

Regarded as a foundation of philanthropic funds, FJC was established in 1995 in New York, NY to give philanthropists a trustworthy foundation of donor advised funds for those who wish to improve the ways they give back to their communities. FJC aims to maximize the impact their donations have on the causes of their choice, create new solutions in philanthropy, and work closely with donors to ensure efficiency. Since their establishment, they have given over $270 million in grants to charities all over the word, and manage over $255 million in assets. Even more impressively, 98.2% of their program expenses are spent directly on the services they deliver.

How to Contribute to Your Community

By Kevan Casey

On December 14, 2016

In Charity, Community Leadership, Philanthropy

Being an active member in your local community not only positively defines your character, but benefits the well being of those around you who may be less fortunate. Certain aspects like education, poverty alleviation, and proper medicine and healthcare are all human rights that should be given without question. However, many people do not have access to such things. Doing your part, whether global or local, can make a difference.

Search for events being held in your area. Newspapers, radio stations, and television ads all promote local fundraisers, the causes of which can benefit a number of organizations. Things like blood drives, concerts, flea markets, and clothes drives can all generate income or donations that go toward a good cause.

Never shy away from volunteering your own time. If you have a day to spare, donate your time and effort into something that benefits the less fortunate. This can include anything from walking dogs at your local animal shelter, to cooking in the kitchen of a homeless shelter, though these are just general ideas.

Research things that need the most help in your area. For example, if you live in a heavily industrialized city that harbors very little plant life, give a day to planting trees or gardens. Even if there isn’t an organization in your area that does such a task, grab a few friends or locals interested in that cause to help, and start your own good deed for the day. Another example may be underfunded schools in your community that cannot afford certain necessities. In this case, generating a large group of people to spend their own money on things like pencils, books, paper, and calculators could help tremendously.

An aspect of community involvement that many people may already be taking part in without knowing is shopping locally. Buying from local vendors that do not have chains of stores around the country obviously helps them build revenue, but also creates a sense of community by having a variety of people from your area run businesses. This can add a feeling of uniqueness to your town as well, as it may not be overflowing with Walmart’s, Olive Gardens, or other large chains.

Organizing your own fundraiser or event, as previously mentioned, may be the most fulfilling way to contribute to your community. Again, look for anything your area may be lacking in for ideas. This can include building playgrounds for children, of raising funds for an already existing organization. Whatever the cause, getting many locals involved can greatly increase the money raised, as well as create a closeness among the people contributing.

Community involvement and donating any time of yours that can be spared is a selfless, morally righteous act that can go much further than providing fulfillment. By joining or starting a team effort to do good, you can not only help others, but also build a community in an area that may not need a boost in morale.

4 Veterans Charities That Truly Give Back

By Kevan Casey

On November 16, 2016

In Charity, Philanthropy

Kevan Casey

A common misconception today is that all charities who advertise themselves as helping United States veterans give all of their funds directly to those veterans and their families. Unfortunately, this is not true. Some organizations, like the National Veterans Service Fund, pay more to solicitors than they do to the actual intended recipients of their charities, with many filing improper or inaccurate IRS reports. Luckily, there are those who truly aid in veterans readjusting to civilian life, dealing with post-traumatic stress, and recovering from injuries sustained on the battlefield. Below are just a few of many whose efforts greatly benefit those who risked their lives in the name of the United States.

AMVETS National Service Foundation

Spending almost 73% of all of their expenses on programs and services, AMVETS opened its doors in 1948 with the goal to give veterans the benefits they deserve, and help them re-acclimate to the life of a standard civilian. Some of their services include running thrift stores to serve veterans and raise funds for them, offer scholarships for those seeking to continue their education, and contribute to work in hospitals and health care facilities specializing in work with veterans.

Fisher House Foundation

Losing a family member in the armed services is no easy task. That is where the Fisher House Foundation comes in. Helping families of deceased or injured veterans for over 25 years, this organization provides housing for relatives near every major military medical center in the United States to allow them to be near their beloved veteran while they undergo treatment, or services for those whose veterans have passed on. With an astounding 91% of their expenses going directly towards their programs and services, Fisher House is able to help approximately 10,000 families per year during their time of need.

Operation Homefront

As of January 2014, there were roughly 50,000 homeless veterans in the United States, making up 8.6% of the homeless population within the country. Operation Homefront in San Antonio, Texas aims to reduce that number as much as possible, providing food, moving assistance, transportation, home goods, and financial assistance to veterans and their families experiencing such hardships. CharityWatch regards them as veterans’ best options in times of emergency, and to no surprise. 92% of their earnings are spent on the good of the veterans.

Wounded Warriors Family Support

Different from the Wounded Warrior Project, the Wounded Warriors Family Support is an organization specializing in assisting the loved ones of injured veterans. This charity offers retreats for these families as a way of relaxing during times of stress, while also caring for the veterans themselves through several programs. Some of these include welding programs in coordination with the United Auto Workers Union and Ford, as well as a respite program for the caregivers of injured veterans, with 83% of their income being directly contributed to these services.

If you are interested in learning more or donating to any one of these truly beneficial charities, simply click on the names above to visit their websites.

The Importance of Giving Back to Your Community

By Kevan Casey

On November 2, 2016

In Community Leadership, Kevan Casey, Philanthropy

No matter who you are, giving back is incredibly important. People give back in lots of different ways, such as donating to relief funds, donating regularly to single or multiple charities, or volunteering. There are endless opportunities for you to help other people. There are also various reasons why you should. While large corporations often start their own philanthropies and utilize charity as a way to benefit their businesses, it’s also important to give back in ways that don’t provide you with any kind of business gain. However you prefer to give to charity, try to make time to focus on giving back to your personal community, especially if you’re a leader in that community. There are various reasons why you should do so.

Change someone’s life

Most importantly, volunteering and supporting your local community might give you the opportunity to change someone’s life. When you give back, be attentive to the people or cause you’re working with. You may be able to do something that could significantly help someone who’s in a bad situation and make even more of a difference than you already are. If you work with children, you have the opportunity to become a lifelong mentor to a child who needs you.

Strengthen your community

Overall, giving back to your local community will strengthen that community. It benefits everyone that lives there, including you. Having a stronger community will bring more business and opportunities to it, which will help local businesses and people and also make the town a better place to live. A better community will mean safer, healthier, and happier lives for the residents.

Grow as a person

Giving back allows you to have an opportunity to grow as a person. You’ll gain a new perspective that you wouldn’t have otherwise by getting in contact with people and organizations you wouldn’t regularly see. You may also discover a new field that you feel passionate about and can pursue a career in.

Develop new skills

In addition to learning more about yourself, you’ll be able to develop new skills. Maybe you’ll be working with children and can utilize those skills when you’re a parent one day. Or, maybe you’re working on constructing something and learn different tricks you can implement in your own home. You’ll also develop your communication skills and be able to relate to various kinds of people more easily.

You’ll feel good

Finally, you’ll just feel good! Your self-esteem will be boosted knowing you’re working hard to make a difference in someone else’s life. In addition to emotional and mental well-being, giving back can also benefit your physical health. Those positive emotions can make you feel less tired and stressed, but you’ll also receive physical benefits from moving around or being outside that you might not get when you work all day and then head home for the night.