How Year-End Giving Shapes Nonprofits’ Fundraising

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By JohnPosted In: FundraisingTagged: , ,

Today is Giving Tuesday, the annual day of philanthropy following Thanksgiving. Since its start in 2012, it has grown into one of the largest fundraising events for U.S. nonprofits. In 2024, Giving Tuesday donations reached $3.6 billion, reflecting its growing significance in the philanthropic calendar.

The day also marks the start of the year-end giving season. Nonprofits typically receive about 30% of their annual donations in December, with roughly 10% arriving in the final three days of the year. This concentration reflects both seasonal generosity and practical considerations, including tax planning.

Several factors may shape giving this year. Economic conditions, including inflation, may influence small-dollar donors. For example, a family that typically supports three local charities might focus on one or two this year. At the same time, strong stock market performance typically encourages larger contributions from major donors. Meanwhile, new tax legislation allowing deductions of up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for couples, may affect giving decisions for many households..

For the 11% of Americans who itemize deductions, donations processed by December 31 can lower taxable income. Yet most donors give for reasons beyond taxes, motivated by community impact and seasonal goodwill.

Many nonprofits face increased demand for services while navigating funding changes, including recent adjustments to government programs. A local food bank, for instance, might see more families seeking assistance while managing reduced government grant funding. To balance these demands, many organizations are promoting donation-matching opportunities or monthly gifts to aid planning. Whether through Giving Tuesday or broader year-end campaigns, charitable giving remains shaped by a mix of personal motivation, community need, and financial considerations.

A $100 Million Push Toward Greener Chemistry

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By JohnPosted In: Charity in ChemistryTagged: , ,

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is making a big move in the world of sustainability with a $100 million investment in green chemistry research. Spread over the next seven years, the initiative is aimed at rethinking how we make the chemical materials that touch nearly every part of our lives.

Why This Matters

At its heart, green chemistry is about designing things in ways that are safer for both people and the planet. Instead of chasing the next product launch, this program zooms in on the fundamental science—like understanding molecular behavior, creating more responsive materials, or finding smarter ways to use energy. The long-term goal: new approaches that can reduce hazards before they’ve even entered the system.

How It Works

This isn’t a push to commercialize technology overnight. It’s about giving researchers the room to experiment, test bold ideas, and see what new possibilities emerge. By welcoming input from chemists, biologists, engineers, and other experts, the initiative hopes to spark collaborations that might not happen otherwise—and with them, creative solutions to long-standing sustainability challenges.

What’s Next

A big part of the plan centers on openness. The research results will be shared widely, making it easier for other scientists to pick up the ideas and build on them. The goal is progress that spreads and snowballs, rather than staying siloed in individual labs.

The Big Picture

This marks one of the largest green chemistry investments in the United States so far, signaling just how much potential organizers see in basic science as a driver of change. If all goes well, the discoveries made here could lay a foundation for a future where chemistry is cleaner, safer, and more aligned with the needs of a sustainable world.

Texas Flooding: Relief and Recovery Efforts

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By JohnPosted In: Disaster ReliefTagged: , , , , , , , ,

The catastrophic flooding across Texas is mobilizing an unprecedented response from across the nation. Corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies are collaborating to provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery support as communities continue to assess the full extent of the damage.

Emergency Response and Relief Organizations

The response includes immediate rescue operations, provision of essential supplies, shelter, medical care, and long-term recovery support coordinated by key organizations making the largest impact.

Matthew 25: Ministries, in partnership with Walmart and Procter & Gamble, has set up mobile laundry, shower, and restroom units while distributing personal care products, baby supplies, and first aid kits. The Giving Block is running a $500,000 matching campaign for donations made in July, supporting a coalition of nonprofits providing emergency relief and long-term recovery.

Immediate Relief Efforts

Several organizations are providing crucial immediate assistance:

  • TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue) has deployed swiftwater rescue teams, boats, drones, and search dogs to locate missing persons and assist in evacuations.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard, Texas National Guard, and local emergency services are conducting boat and helicopter rescues, supported by aerial surveillance from military drones.
  • The American Red Cross and Salvation Army are operating shelters and distributing emergency supplies.
  • World Central Kitchen is delivering hot meals to affected communities and first responders, coordinating with local food banks.
  • Direct Relief is supplying medical aid to free and charitable clinics in the region and has committed emergency funding for ongoing health needs.
  • Airbnb.org is providing free emergency housing for displaced residents, working with local nonprofits and officials to identify and house those in need.

Long-Term Recovery Planning

Federal Disaster Declarations have been issued, activating FEMA support and unlocking additional resources for recovery and rebuilding. The State of Texas has extended disaster declarations for multiple counties, ensuring coordinated response and funding.

The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, is the primary local fund supporting rescue, relief, and recovery efforts, directing donations to vetted organizations and first responders. Mental health support and family reunification services are being coordinated as part of the disaster response.

With the scale of destruction spanning multiple counties, reconstruction will face significant challenges. However, organizations are coordinating with local partners to support home rebuilding, replace lost belongings, and provide essential services including mental health support for affected communities.

How You Can Help

Crisis reveals the power of collective action. A single donation, an hour of volunteering, a bag of supplies—each gesture ripples outward, touching lives and renewing hope. While major organizations welcome contributions, local groups also play vital roles in community recovery. With search and rescue efforts still active and long-term recovery just beginning, Texas has a long journey ahead and support remains crucial for its survival, resilience, and hopes of rebuilding.

Year-End Giving: A Win-Win for Donors and Nonprofits

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By JohnPosted In: FundraisingTagged: , , , , , ,

As December draws to a close, the spirit of giving reaches its peak, creating a powerful opportunity for both donors and nonprofit organizations. This surge in charitable giving isn’t just about holiday goodwill—it’s a strategic approach that benefits everyone involved.

For donors, the advantages of year-end giving are significant. Making charitable contributions before December 31st allows individuals to claim valuable tax deductions, potentially reducing their taxable income for the year. Many employers offer matching gift programs during this period, effectively doubling the impact of donations. Additionally, those with IRAs can benefit from charitable rollovers that count toward required minimum distributions while supporting causes they care about.

Leading organizations showcase the effectiveness of strategic year-end campaigns. The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign regularly raises over $100 million. It demonstrates how tradition and innovation can work together, combining their familiar bell ringers with modern payment options like QR codes and mobile giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Thanks and Giving Campaign reached the $1 billion milestone last year with the money going to support their work to advance research and treatment for pediatric catastrophic diseases. They transparently show donors the real-life impact of different gift levels and share stories of the children they serve.

Many nonprofits rely heavily on this season of generosity, with approximately 30% of annual giving in the US occurring in December alone. This concentrated period of giving helps organizations meet their annual budget goals, ensuring they can maintain and expand their vital programs in the coming year. The increased visibility during year-end campaigns also helps organizations attract new supporters and strengthen relationships with existing donors.

The timing couldn’t be better for creating meaningful impact. The holiday season can inspire reflection and gratitude, making people more inclined to support causes they care about. Whether honoring loved ones through memorial gifts, establishing a giving tradition, or simply sharing the joy of the season, end-of-year giving creates a ripple effect of positive change in communities.

Over 300 Santas Hit the Slopes for a Good Claus

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By JohnPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged: , , , ,

On December 8th, over 300 skiers dressed in full Santa attire descended on Sunday River Resort in Maine for the 24th Annual Santa Sunday. Transforming the slopes into a festive spectacle, they also raised a record-breaking $9,000 for The River Fund Maine.

Though initially the event raised funds for various causes, in recent years it has evolved to support The River Fund Maine, a local nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students in the region. The money raised by the skiing Santas will help fund programs like scholarships for college and trade school education, youth workshops for skill development, youth recreational activities, and opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in collaboration with Sunday River Resort.

Participation required a $27 donation and a commitment to full Santa attire—complete with red hat, jacket, pants, and beard. Incentives included a free lift ticket for the day and a bonus ticket for a future visit. The event began with a group photo and continued with a group ski down the beginner-friendly Broadway trail.

A playful touch was added by participants dressed as a Grinch and a Christmas tree, bringing additional cheer to the philanthropic event. The impressive turnout this year and substantial fundraising underscored the community’s deep commitment to supporting local causes.

Santa Sunday is a great example of how holiday spirit and charitable giving can come together, creating a meaningful impact while providing a fun, memorable experience for participants.

Creating Hope – Make-A-Wish Foundation Launches New Campaign

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By DouglasPosted In: Charity Activity, Charity in Business, Childrens Charities, HealthTagged: ,

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is launching a new fundraising campaign in advance of World Wish Day. Occurring every year on April 29th, World Wish Day commemorates the wish of Chris Grecious, a 7-year-old with leukemia, who dreamed of being a police officer. Chris’ wish in 1980 inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has gone on to grant more than 500,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses all over the world.

Throughout April, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will run a fundraising campaign entitled “Don’t Wait for Hope. Create it.” This campaign acknowledges that the pandemic has been a devastating time for the families of children with critical illnesses, increasing their loneliness and isolation. Granting wishes to these children is more important than ever before, as it can restore their hope and joy at a particularly dark time.

President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, Richard K. Davis explains, “With our new campaign, we are focused on conveying urgency and driving action because Make-A-Wish is uniquely qualified to deliver hope to children with critical illnesses and their families at a time when they need it most”.

Leading up to World Wish Day, national sponsors of Make-A-Wish such as Macy’s, Avis, and Keebler will demonstrate their support for the Foundation.

The 2023 PeopleReady Force for Good Challenge Is Underway!

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By M. MarksPosted In: Charity in Sports, Childrens CharitiesTagged:

Staffing provider PeopleReady is once again partnering with Indycar to sponsor the PeopleReady Force for Good Challenge.

Throughout the 2023 NTT INDYCAR Series, the first driver and race team to win a race on all three types of circuits (road course, street circuit, and oval) will earn $500,000 to divide amongst themselves, and an additional $500,000 to give to the charity of their choice. 

But that’s not all! Winners of each of the 17 individual races in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will receive $5,000 for themselves, and $5,000 for their chosen charity.

Last year’s grand prize winner was Josef Newgarden and Team Penske. After finishing first at the Texas Motor Speedway, in Long Beach, California, and on the course at Road America, the victors split their winnings between two charities, SeriousFun Children’s Network, which offers free camp experiences to children living with chronic health problems, and Wags and Walks of Nashville, a rescue center for dogs.

The first race of the 2023 season, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersberg, took place in early March. Winner Marcus Ericsson split $5,000 with the Chip Ganassi Racing team, and presented $5,000 to the Riley Children’s Foundation, which funds pediatric research and care in Indiana. 

According to Indycar.com, Newgarden explained that the charity money provides extra motivation to win the race, “I just know how impactful (the money) is, so I get really competitive and want to make it happen.” 

Dak Prescott is 2022’s Walter Payton Man of the Year

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By M. MarksPosted In: Charity Activity, Charity in Sports, HealthTagged: , ,

Every year, NFL teams are invited to nominate their players for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which is given to a player who shows excellence on and off the field. 

This year’s winner is Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Dak Prescott, who’s charity work for the Faith Fight Finish Foundation focuses on cancer research and suicide prevention. 

As reported in People Magazine, Prescott’s mother, Peggy, died of colon cancer in 2013. At the NFL Honors ceremony in early February, Prescott spoke lovingly of his mother,

“My mother was, and still is, my moral compass. And through my own charitable contributions, I seek to share her strength and courage with the world.”

Following his brother Jace’s suicide in 2020, Prescott expanded the work of the Faith Fight Finish Foundation to include suicide prevention. He made a promise to himself “that that would be one life taken to save millions.”

Winners of the Man of the Year award are granted $250,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. Nominees are granted up to $40,000 to donate to charity through the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.

Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes was also nominated for the award in 2022, as was Saquon Barley of the New York Giants. Last year’s winner was Los Angeles Rams tackle, Andrew Whitworth.

Local Teen Creates Philanthropic Organization

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When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, 13-year-old Liem Kaplan recognized an immediate need to help the homeless population. Kaplan, who lives in Sammamish, Washington, initiated The GivingHope Project to collect donations for the underprivileged.

Kaplan reached out to various local organizations, including family members, schools, community members, and local youth movements and the response was overwhelming. Kaplan describes delivering his first donations: “The streets were quiet and abandoned. I was excited and anxious and didn’t know if people would want masks. But seeing how grateful everyone was and how excited they were to see us made me realize how important it was for me figure out how to get enough supplies to everyone.”

Since the fall of 2020, Kaplan and his team of volunteers have distributed thousands of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, hand sanitizer, bagged lunches, pairs of socks and more than 20,000 masks to the homeless population in his area. They receive donations from Florida, Pennsylvania, and the greater Washington area. The GivingHope Project also continues to donate kits containing necessary food and hygiene items for both the winter and summer. 

All-Star Basketball Charity Game

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By JohnPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged: , ,

There’s nothing like the excitement of attending a live basketball game with your favorite star athletes. What if you could attend a game while also supporting a great cause?

TJ Kidd, the son of Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, hosted the first annual Classic Celebrity All-Star Game at Santa Monica College (SMC) on August 20. The event benefited the HelpCureHD foundation.

Growing up with an NBA legend father, TJ Kidd attended many all-star basketball games. He had always dreamed of organizing his own one day – but with proceeds going toward charity. His childhood dream was realized this month when he collaborated with his friends, sports reporter Allie LaForce and her husband, MLB pitcher Joe Smith, to raise money for their foundation, HelpCureHD. The foundation provides grants for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) for those suffering from Huntington’s Disease. Joe Smith felt compelled to establish the charity after his mother was diagnosed with the hereditary brain disorder in 2012, along with over 30,000 others in the US alone who suffer from the disease.

The TJ Kidd Classic featured famed athletes, including WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, four-time NBA Champion Jon Salley, three-time NBA Champion Bryon Scott, and many more celebrities. The game was thrilling, and both the players and spectators had loads of fun. After the game, TJ Kidd expressed his satisfaction with the turnout, and said he hoped to host the event again and to keep it at SMC.