Kieffer Design Group: National Philanthropy Day

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
- Theodore Roosevelt

I think deep down inside, everyone wants to make a difference in their community in one way or another. Yet, many times opportunities come up that are missed, whether it is due to being too busy, not enough funds to hand out, forgetfulness, or the belief that your ‘little’ amount or limited time will not make a difference anyway. Although these are real feelings and thoughts, they are part of our ‘limiting beliefs’ that hinder us from finding some real joyous moments and heartfelt feelings you get when you make that effort and give back.

Here are some suggestions for welcoming this 2009 National Philanthropy Day (Nov 15^th) and in return you will receive a “real return on your investment” with warm feelings and a happiness that money can’t buy!

Decide this year to create your own charity savings. You can do this with the change in your pocket! Throw it into the jar and at the end of the month or annually, choose a deserving group that is related to something near and dear to you. Like women and children, conservation efforts, animals, homeless, hunger, the list goes on. (Just keep your fingers out of it for incidentals and keep it for its purpose. Then you will have funds when you want to give.) Here is a link to Idaho Charities for a quick reference: US City – Idaho Organizations or Idaho Non-Profits.

Here are my favorites:

In a bigger way, start your own Foundation as a family or in your business. It’s a tax write off and you choose ahead of time where and when you want to contribute out of the fund. This is called preplanned contributing. I started my Foundation 3 years ago and am blessed in watching what a difference it can make. I think Renaissance does a great job.

Start a Social Responsibility program at the office or at home and choose a monthly or quarterly activity where as a group you can volunteer together in the community. I really like this link from Make Good that suggests ways to start a SR program, just adjust for your purposes.

Join a Philanthropy group where they pool annual membership funds and give back to local qualified and deserving non-profits. One such group is Idaho Women’s Charity Foundation (IWCF). I joined the organization 2 years ago and last year they contributed 1 Million dollars! It is amazing what pooled funds can do!