Every year, on Nov. 15, we recognize the unselfish contributions of philanthropic people who give for the enrichment of our world. This celebration is named National Philanthropy Day, and it is marked by special events throughout the nation and the world.
For everyone who gives to support the countless causes and missions near and dear to their hearts, regardless of the dollar amount, this day is for you. Every voice is equally important on this day of recognition and reflection. Much has been accomplished by generous altruism, and there is much more to do.
In this economic downturn, many people have dramatically changed their behavior and made lifestyle choices. They are spending less and saving more. This is a good thing and we applaud this culture shift. But when charitable giving is on the list of discontinued expenditures, we worry about the negative impact it has on nonprofit operations that depend on donations. In difficult economic times, our neighbors who can least afford any losses are the people who are hit the hardest.
Nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, including those in Solano County, are showing dramatic decreases in donations. The front-page story in the current issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy is titled, "Sharing the Pain: The 'Philanthropy 400.'" The biggest U.S. charities, "offer a bellwether that suggests giving will drop sharply in 2009," the article says, and "the fund-raising outlook for 2010 is not much better."
The "Philanthropy 400" usually do substantially better than smaller nonprofits. This is bad news for our local organizations. We need to jumpstart stalled giving.
What will it take?
At the Solano Community Foundation, we work hard every day to foster a culture of philanthropy in Solano County.
Many donors open funds here, and use our knowledge of the community to help guide their giving.
It is a way for our charitable dollars to stay within our local communities.
Let's take advantage of National Philanthropy Day.
Use it as a reason to give now to a local nonprofit doing work that you appreciate.
For everyone who contributes to making our communities better places, Happy National Philanthropy Day!