Why Donations Make Great Gifts
This time of year (the holiday season) often inspires a collective spirit of kindness and generosity. Area businesses are collecting toys and coats and food drives are in full force. It is also a critical fundraising time for many local nonprofits. End of year donations make up a sizable portion of many of their budgets and are key to sustaining their work, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
“As the year closes we are hoping to tie up gaps in funding that were only exacerbated due to COVID-19,” says Julie Wainwright, Operations manager for Detroit Food Academy. “The pandemic created economic and social insecurity that has left families in need of vital support.”
There are many local nonprofits deserving of support now, and throughout the year. A unique solution to the end of year funding gap many nonprofits are experiencing is to consider gifting donations to the folks on your holiday list. It’s truly a win-win. Why?
1) BIG Impact.
Dollars shared with locally minded nonprofits are another way to keep dollars circulating locally to create deep, tangible impacts in your community. Supporting local nonprofits, like those found here, ensures:
Journalists can produce critical, well researched content about our local environment to inform and inspire action
Gardeners get seeds, soil and other tools to grow food and the power to feed themselves and their community.
Farmers receive support navigating funding opportunities.
Your neighbors have access to the nourishing food they need.
Youth are inspired to strengthen their entrepreneurial spirit and become community leaders.
Farmers markets receive the support they need to thrive.
Communities across the state are resilient and connected.
2) Your Gift Keeps Giving
Donations in the honor of a loved one or friend keep on giving well beyond the holiday season. They are a great way to show appreciation for the kindness, generosity, or passion of the person you’re giving them to.
3) One Size Fits All
A gift from the heart avoids gift receipts and the hassle of returns. Plus, it’s the perfect gift for the person on your list that “has it all”.
4) It’s FUN, and Unique
Gifting a donation doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the family gift exchange. Print out information about the organization you donated to, put it in a box or bag, and add a personalized note. Wait to see the look of appreciation on your recipient’s face.
This giving season, consider sharing the unique gift of a donation to create a long lasting impact well beyond the holiday season. To find local food focused nonprofits to donate to, check out our Gift a Donation section of our Michigan Local Gift Guide.
Kelly Wilson is the Director of Community Partners for Taste the Local Difference.