This #GivingTuesday, Achieve Effective Philanthropy through Innovative Approaches

This year my family and I have contributed to a number of organizations in recognition of the innumerable and expanding needs this year. Several are organizations we have supported previously. Their modified approaches to address the overwhelming circumstances of this trying year encouraged us to maintain—and when possible—increase our giving. Others are new recipients whose remarkable community-centered, people-focused activities impelled us to include them in our philanthropy.

For #GivingTuesday, we plan to make gifts to more than one of the non-profits referenced above and followed the suggestions from Unleash the Transformative Power of Generosity to guide our decisions.

1.    Commit philanthropic gifts in honor of loved ones for the holidays.

What causes and organizations and are meaningful to your loved ones?

My son remains impressed that hospitals have provided care for COVID-19 patients who cannot pay. He asked us to donate part of his allowance to Johns Hopkins Hospital in support of COVID-19 Patient Care. His generosity of spirit at such a young age inspired us, and we will join him this holiday season with gifts to Hopkins in his honor.

2.   Give a smaller gift now that is part of a recurring gift that renews monthly.

Who needs your support now and in the immediate future?

We have always supported the schools that family members attended, and this year was no different. However, my burgeoning and unique relationships with current Holy Cross students led me to grasp more fully the unprecedented and arduous challenges they are facing. With this in mind, we committed gifts to those funds that will provide immediate relief and support for students: The Black Student Union Student Opportunity Fund, the Emergency Relief Fund, and the Bishop Healy Emergency Fund.

3.   Invest in new organizations that inspired you through their extraordinary actions.

Which groups have gone above and beyond to support the community and those who are part of it?

Two organizations that are relatively new to our family are high on our list for support this year: Active Minds Learning Camp and the YMCA. The YMCA provided activities that enhanced our physical health and the development of resilient minds and spirits to complement our strong bodies. Active Minds provided captivating learning experiences as part of after-school care for our child. This was all prior to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both organizations were nimble enough to transition quickly and provide support to families of essential workers--which did not include our family. They offered safe, reliable, and affordable care for children and did not turn away those who could not pay. This was not a line item for their FY20 or 21 budgets, and we have been honored and blessed to be able to support their essential work.

As you pursue your personal philanthropic activity this #GivingTuesday and throughout the 2020 holiday season, I hope you will continue to think consciously and charitably. Remember the words of Blessed Adolph Kolping-

“The needs of the times will teach you what to do.”