Depending on the Kindness of Strangers

Far from being immune from economic downturns, many nonprofit organizations actually experience a double whammy during challenging economic times: financial contributions decrease while demand for services increase. Corporate philanthropy declines when profits dry up. The ability of private foundations to give is contingent on the performance of their investment portfolios. Most individuals must have jobs if they are going to donate money to their favorite causes. With unemployment approaching nearly 10% nationwide, more and more people, and families, urgently require the services of nonprofits that address the most basic of human needs like hunger and homelessness.

For many social service agencies, the remaining weeks of 2009 may be the most critical period of time in recent memory. For some of our organizations, December 31^st marks not only the end of the calendar year, but also the end of our fiscal year. A balanced budget at year-end could allow us to continue to provide somewhat of a safety net for our vulnerable neighbors. A deficit could close the doors on some organizations doing much needed work. It all depends on the kindness of strangers who value living in a community where those who have the most, share some of their resources with those who have the least. And, beginning in November, it gets even easier for kindly strangers to donate to nonprofits in Minnesota.

GiveMN.org, the first internet site focused on supporting nonprofits in a single state, will launch on November 2 and will benefit both donors and nonprofits. This innovative, one-stop site provides prospective donors with information on nonprofit organizations that match their philanthropic interests. The site makes it easy to donate to eligible nonprofits not only in Minnesota, but around the country.

For nonprofits, GiveMN allows us to get our message out to many more people than we ever could on our own. Electronic giving, always more cost-effective than traditional fundraising devices like direct mail, is an even better value with GiveMN as 100% of the donation is returned to the designated nonprofit. In mid-November, “Give to the Max Day” will be introduced and GiveMN will match contributions made on that day.

GiveMN is a new, important partner in Minnesota philanthropy. It can help ensure that nonprofit organizations receive the funding we need to continue to provide critical services this year and into the future. With the help of GiveMN, the “kindness of strangers” will turn into the “generosity of donors.”