While giving is often characterized as a thread within the fabric of our communities, Giving Tuesday this Nov. 28 is a reminder to give generously, especially as nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges. The need within our community has only grown, and now is the time to step up.
Generous Teamwork
For Centris Federal Credit Union, there has been an increase in employee volunteerism this year – to the tune of 1,000-plus hours across 35 company-sponsored activities – as well as requests for volunteers from the many nonprofits that the credit union partners with, according to Dawn Gonzales, vice president of community relations.
“The change that stands out the most is the increase in requests for in-person financial education for teens and adults,” Gonzales said. “This is a focus for Centris, and we welcome the opportunity to teach people about money management and tools that will help them keep more of their money.”
When addressing notable changes, Gonzales also underscored that the need for volunteers is “greater than ever.”
“The workforce has changed and studies show that employee engagement increases when employees can volunteer for a few hours during the workday,” she added. “We have seen this at Centris and will continue to encourage our employees to volunteer for nonprofits that they can be passionate about.”
Greater Need
As Stephanie Sullivan, assistant director of marketing and communications put it, the Food Bank For The Heartland’s mission can only thrive through the ongoing support and the generosity of the community.
“Monetary donations were up more than 20% in [fiscal year 2023], with individuals/households accounting for more than 40% of all monetary donations made to the Food Bank,” Sullivan said. “We also saw the average gift size from organizations increase by more than $1,000 in [fiscal year 2023].”
Volunteer hours donated during the same time reportedly rose by 20% to 39,900 hours.
“This is a direct testament to the giving spirit of the Heartland — and their compassion to help neighbors in need — during unprecedented times,” Sullivan stated.
Citing a recent USDA report, she noted that food insecurity in Nebraska stands at 12.1%, exceeding the national average of 11.2%.
“While we’re thrilled to report higher numbers of giving in the fiscal year 2023, we saw a significant decrease in donations in the fiscal year 2022 coming out of the pandemic,” Sullivan explained. “As our country, and the Heartland, have become acclimated to a new normal, people have returned to their pre-pandemic philanthropic priorities, not realizing the insurmountable need we’re still facing.”
In fact, Sullivan said that the Food Bank is serving four times the number of households now versus in 2018.
“The lingering effects of the pandemic coupled with inflation have devastated Heartland neighbors — resulting in more people than ever turning to the Food Bank and our partners for food assistance,” she said.
Donna Kush, president and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation, noted the impact of the shift back from pandemic-era funding.
“Nonprofits continue to address issues exacerbated by the pandemic, like shortages in mental health care and food insecurity,” Kush said. “Nonprofits received relief funding through PPP loans, CARES Act, and ARPA, but those one-time infusions are gone and nonprofits are faced with inflation and struggling with their own increased costs, high staff turnover and budget deficits.”
Additionally, she said there is increased competition for limited funding with new projects and programs.
“In a recent SHARE Omaha survey, the majority of nonprofit respondents report that their fundraising is down in 2023,” said Teresa Mardesen, executive director of SHARE Omaha.
The Silver Lining?
“Over 80% said they need fewer than 200 new $100 donors to meet the needs of their nonprofit mission before the end of the year,” Mardesen said. “If you’ve felt the pull to help a cause you care about, now is the time to raise your hand and offer your support.”
Action Steps
Sullivan encouraged getting involved with the Food Bank’s Shine the Light on Hunger campaign, spearheaded by the Conagra Brands Foundation, which is going on now through the end of the year.
“To encourage the public’s participation in the campaign, every gift made before December 31 will be matched up to $245,000,” she noted. “The community can also donate non-perishable items while shopping at Baker’s and when visiting local arts and culture organizations this season.”
Sullivan said volunteering, too, is a fun and easy way to make a difference – with the Food Bank offering 11 shifts throughout the week.
Kush suggested opening a giving fund, which also offers immediate tax benefits.
“We customize our giving tools to simplify the giving process for our fundholders and help them amplify their impact,” she said.
Donating to OCF’s Let Good Grow fund aids efforts like helping former residents of Legacy Crossing apartments – a complex shut down by the city last year due to code violations.
Mardesen reinforced how Giving Tuesday is the biggest local giving day of the year.
“What if every Omaha area family set aside a tenth of what they would spend on holiday gifts and gave that amount to nonprofits they care about on Giving Tuesday in honor of their loved ones?” she said. “According to recent spending statistics Americans spend an average of $997 on holiday gifts so that could mean vital nonprofits would benefit by almost $100 from each person.”
At the time of this writing, early giving was open.
“Donors can enter donation code, GIVINGTUESDAY, at checkout at SHAREomaha.org to indicate their early participation,” Mardesen said.
The Heartland. (Courtesy of Food Bank For The Heartland)
