You know you’re in a uniquely lucky situation as a development professional when your donors begin to send trend reports and financial forecasts to your email account. Like fairy godmothers of Grimm, they mix caution with foretelling, but never without a level of optimism and incitement for the work that you do. It’s a beautiful rapport and one that I’m continually amazed by in the midst of our country’s economic struggle.Yesterday, a long-time supporter of the organization emailed me an article with the good-humored note: “Something for you to digest… slowly.” The author who wrote this article in Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal has a double shift job as a diviner of doom. Titled “Next Benefit to Face the Ax: Matching Gifts”, I could hear my comrades in development across the nation shriveling like the Wicked Witch of the West in water.
Okay, not really. For the record, I think anyone who devotes his or her life to working for a cause is not that easily deterred. However, this is understatedly unfortunate. I could embrace the woes and moans of how this will hurt the overall financial picture of every nonprofit in the nation that benefits from the near $1 billion dolled out in matching-gifts from corporations each year, but the author has already gone there. It's an interesting topic, and I suggest you read the article.
Instead, what I’d like to stress – as a donor to many organizations myself – are two things. First, what a privilege it is to have a matching gift program in the first place. Without a doubt, this is one of the easiest ways to increase the power of your donation, regardless if your company matches 50 cents or $1 to every dollar donated. Take advantage of it if you can! You can always ask your Human Resources Department for the details of your company's program.
Second, and more importantly, do not ever undervalue your contribution or yourself as a donor. Times are decidedly difficult for the vast majority of Americans and other global citizens, but if we convince ourselves that not giving at all is more honorable than giving something – be it a lesser donation – then we have another thing coming to humanity. People and Community are the solution to so many of the world’s issues. We are in such a primed position to take the reins of this world and guide it where we want to go, and as unfortunate as it is that this period had to coincide with one of the hardest economic downturns in history, we all have much to be thankful for, the very least of which is our capacity to empower and change.
A dollar is a dollar, but it’s better than none. An hour volunteered is just an hour, but it sure yields a result you can see. No matter how much or in what capacity you give, you are someone’s fairy godmother, too. Even when times are tough, you can make dreams a reality.
A very special thank you to all of our incredible donors and volunteers, who made 2008 such an exciting and successful year. We look forward to sharing the upcoming year with you!
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