After a difficult election season, the arrival of the holiday season is more welcome than ever. At this time of year, nonprofit organizations like Serving Seniors count on the warmth and generosity of our supporters. Thankfully, you always come through.
In what will be my last holiday season as CEO of Serving Seniors after 30 years, it has been among the most meaningful experiences over the years to know our work is supported by people who believe in our mission. Many of them share what little they have with us because they believe in our mission.
Giving Tuesday kicks it all off on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that encourages charitable giving around the world. It was founded in 2012 by Henry Timms at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center, which funds research and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues. Since then, it has grown into a global movement that helps thousands of nonprofits keep their important operations going year after year.
What better way for people to come together after the friction of our democracy than to support the vital causes in our communities that are meaningful to us?
Nearly one third of all charitable giving takes place in December. One in four nonprofit organizations raise half of their total donations for the year during the holidays. Donations during the last six weeks of the year can determine the services and support we can provide to San Diego’s older adults at risk or facing homelessness.
Budget pressures are real, even for the most generous among us. It’s critical for every donor to give only to those nonprofit organizations that use your donations responsibly and frugally.
Before you give to any nonprofit, even Serving Seniors, invest a few minutes in checking first to be sure your contribution goes as far as possible and does as much good as possible. Follow these simple tips.
First, check with the watchdog websites which study and rate nonprofit organizations. Two of the best are Charity Navigator, and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Any legitimate, reputable charity will encourage you to look up their ratings. Serving Seniors is proud to be top rated on both websites.
You can also check with the Internal Revenue Service and state nonprofit registries to check their operating status. In the State of California, the Attorney General regulates charities.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends doing an online search for a nonprofit’s name, or the type of service it provides, along with terms like “highly rated,” “complaints,” or “scam.”
Never click on links in social media or in emails or text messages. If the group interests you, visit its website instead.
Never give your personal or financial information like a Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account number to anyone who contacts you asking for a donation. Instead, ask for information to be mailed to you, and follow up if it checks out.
Give using credit cards or checks. These can be tracked. Keep a record of all your donations and review your bank and credit card accounts frequently to make sure you aren’t charged more than you agreed to give or signed up for a monthly donation program when you didn’t intend to.
Be especially cautious about crowdfunding accounts like GoFundMe or social media posts. People setting up these accounts do not have to give any proof they are legitimate.
Nonprofit organizations are obligated to provide detailed information to interested donors. Serving Seniors makes our latest annual report and financial data available on our website. We encourage donors to read it. Reconsider giving to any nonprofit if you can’t get this information.
It is against the law to demand payment for unordered merchandise. No organization should make you feel beholden to give by sending unsolicited “gifts” like mailing labels, greeting cards, or calendars.
There are 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States. Most work hard to address so many of society’s needs. With many households feeling the pressure of inflation, nonprofits must respond to an increased demand for services, while navigating our own increased costs.
Without the support of our donors, Serving Seniors wouldn’t have been able to provide the lifeline our low-income and homeless older adult clients rely on to help them get through difficult times.
Giving Tuesday unites individuals, businesses, and communities, creating a wave of donations and attention for deserving causes. It creates a sense of shared purpose among us and encourages collaboration between different organizations and individuals.
Without a doubt, every donation changes someone’s life for the better in a real and meaningful way. More than ever, coming together to do good is a wonderful way to begin the 2024 holiday season.
Paul Downey is CEO of Serving Seniors, a San Diego-based nonprofit that helps seniors in poverty live healthy and fulfilling lives.
