Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is upon us and I wanted to pass on some advice for how to maximize your donations and impact. This year, I am particularly focused on communities and issues that will be targeted by the Trump Administration.
Many philanthropists have monthly or annual commitments that they fulfill towards the end of the year. It’s a good time to reflect on why and how you give. Shameless plug: you can complete my Giving Assessment (either just to start a conversation with your family or to take a deeper dive with my help) here.
My family includes our son, Abraham, in our giving decisions. We set a budget and give him quarters to represent $25 and he decides how much goes to each cause by putting quarters on the logos. This has been a tradition for several years now and we always look forward to charity night. This year, we prioritized marginalized communities and key issues that will be hurt most by the incoming administration (more below). And saving axolotls.
Many online resources such as Charity Navigator, Givewell, and GuideStar exist to help you make more informed 501c3 giving choices. I urge you to use these tools as just one way to evaluate an organization’s impact. Overhead usually means staff and, especially for smaller organizations, good staff is essential to good work. No one goes to work for a non-profit to get rich and too often we do not pay people what they are worth or even a true living wage. So measuring overhead vis a vis overall budgets may or may not be a good barometer of effectiveness. Most organizations will create end of year emails or materials for members and donors. If you are a major donor to an organization (what percentage of their budget does your gift encompass or ask what constitutes a major gift), you will likely receive a more detailed report. Keep in mind that smaller organizations often do not have the resources for graphic designers or fancy pamphlets. This is a good thing! It means your money is being used effectively.
I also recommend that at least 25% of your giving go to 501c4, 527, or SuperPAC organizations; while not tax deductible, these gifts maximize 501c3 giving by allowing groups to engage in advocacy, lobbying, and political work. This is needed now more than ever, as organizations push back against the incoming Trump Administration at the federal and state levels.
While large national organizations get the most attention, it is local organizations that are closest to the people we’re trying to help. Wherever possible, give locally.
In this moment, I am most concerned with communities who will be targeted by the Trump Administration and unfriendly state and local governments. Below are some communities and issues that are top of mind with some suggested organizations; but again, try to find a local group when possible (check out a community foundation website for partners or leaders of other local groups who they recommend).
Immigrant Communities. We know deportations are coming and mixed status and undocumented families are terrified. But we also know hate crimes against all “others” will rise and people of color of all nationalities and creeds will be targeted in various ways. We gave to local immigrant rights and direct service organizations in Denver and Aurora (CIRC, Project Worthmore, and eating at Mango House). National options include United We Dream, Immigrant Justice Network, or the ACLU’s Immigrant Rights Project.
Trans people and families. Many trans people and families are already targets in their communities. Many are having to travel out of state for care and some may be considering relocating permanently. Campaign for Southern Equality has a trans youth fund. Human Rights Campaign is another good option or find an LGHBTQ+ organization in your community (like the Trans Continental Pipeline in Colorado).
Abortion rights. Give to your local Planned Parenthood, abortion funds in your state, the National Network of Abortion Funds, the Abortion Bridge Collaborative Fund, or Plan C. Abortion pills and Plan B also make a great stocking stuffer for everyone of reproductive age!
Independent Journalism. We gave to ProPublica and you can also support the American Journalism Project or your local independent outlets.
Democracy. There are many worthwhile organizations preparing to fight back in many forms. But Protect Democracy is the hub for fighting authoritarianism and protecting democratic institutions and they work closely with many other groups across many silos.
Climate. So many options, from local parks to League of Conservation Voters.
Give generously. And make a plan to support organizations early next year as well — the first six months after a presidential election are the hardest time for groups to fundraise.