The fourth quarter of each year is an important time for nonprofit organizations to begin “the ask” to bring awareness and raise funds for their cause. Corporations and individuals not only look for organizations to support for an end-of-year tax deduction, but larger corporations often have company matching programs to benefit nonprofit organizations. How do you give to nonprofits during giving season?
The Microsoft Employee Giving Program for Nonprofits
My experience at Microsoft for their “Day of Learning” made a positive impact on DiepCFoundation.org. It is the nonprofit organization I started after my own successful breast reconstruction following a double mastectomy. It began by contacting a friend at the Redmond, Washington, Microsoft campus. We discussed a plan that would benefit both the employees and the Foundation. It was imperative to me we bring awareness about the work and mission of the Foundation. Through Microsoft’s “Day of Learning” program I was able to give a presentation about the work and advocacy of my nonprofit. Microsoft employees who attended asked intriguing and well-thought out questions about the process of breast reconstruction and the shared decision-making process. Many were not aware of either of these topics.
Does Your Giving to Nonprofits Include Time and Talent?
My Foundation was thrilled when Microsoft employees donated their time and talent by assembling Foundation educational materials into decorative bags to have available at my next event. There is nothing more valuable than sharing time and talent. These employees rolled up their sleeves and went to work! Through their giving portal they also donated funds to the Foundation. This is used for all the educational resources we provide at the Foundation.
What Other Ways can you Give to Nonprofits During Giving Season?
Nonprofits serve a variety of people and causes. Monetary donations are the obvious give. But you can also give in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions are donation of goods, services, or time. At the Foundation, we have seen this model work to our advantage to fulfill the mission of the Foundation. We provide education. Education is not something you wrap in a box with a bow. It is a non-tangible gift. We know it serves our community well. For example, a comment from someone who sees benefit from our advocacy and mission:
“I decided to have a DIEP flap bilateral mastectomy without having anyone to talk with who had had the surgery. This organization has been and will continue to be a great resource for me. Thank you so much”.
Our YouTube channel is not possible without the generous time donated to us by the plastic surgeons, patients, and healthcare providers we interview. We hear time and time again how much these educational videos are answering questions patients are seeking the answers to. Giving your time is a precious gift.
Vetting Nonprofits you Give to
Nonprofits are vetted by organizations like GuideStar. The nonprofits FEIN (Federal Employee Identification Number) is listed. Board members, their mission, and focus of their work and outreach are also on this site. Align yourself with organizations who impact you directly or impact someone you know. You may not always be able to give time, but donations to carefully chosen organizations allows them to continue their work and impact those they serve. We do appreciate it!
I am grateful to the Microsoft employees who choose to support DiepCFoundation. I was welcomed with smiles and opened arms. It was a good day to be a nonprofit during their Microsoft employee giving program.