Most of us are learning new ways to navigate our world digitally. Integrate for Good and other nonprofits are, too, while in-person community outreach and fundraising events are on hold. With social distancing in effect, you might not be able to volunteer in person. But, like small businesses, your favorite nonprofit needs your support now more than ever. Here are four ways you can help.
Share their message.
There’s a reason you support your favorite nonprofit. It takes only minutes to share what they do and why it’s important with others. If the organization posts on social media channels, you can share their message with people in your network with just a click or two. For example, Integrate for Good posts on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Sharing posts is even more effective when it comes with a few words in support of the post or the organization. Commenting on posts also helps, or inviting friends to like the organization’s Facebook page.
Talking about your favorite nonprofit in your personal conversations is even better. A casual conversation could introduce the organization to someone who hadn’t heard of it before. It might even uncover corporate or grant funding or other resources to help further the nonprofit’s mission.
Participate in virtual events.
Performing arts organizations, museums, zoos, and other nonprofits have turned to online events and services to stay connected with patrons and replace income normally generated by in-person activities. Integrate for Good is hosting online networking parties and #PlarnFridays on Facebook Live. Is your favorite nonprofit hosting an online networking party or a fundraiser show? Are there ways you can volunteer behind-the-scenes or as part of an online event?
Participating in virtual gatherings can be a fun way to socialize from home, especially if you invite friends to join you. It can also keep a small stream of income going for the sponsoring nonprofit until its fundraising galas and community events can resume.
Donate and encourage others to donate.
When you donate to a nonprofit, you become part of their answer to a need. Organizations depend on people to contribute financially, especially in times when government and corporate grants are unavailable or funneled toward other causes. Donate if you can. Better yet, start a Facebook fundraiser and invite people to join you in supporting your cause. Ask the company you work if they match donations to nonprofit organizations.
While monetary donations are most useful, nonprofits can sometimes use gift cards or gift basket items to raffle at fundraising events. Ask your favorite organization what donations they can use.
Raise funds while you shop.
Not everyone is in a position to donate money right now. If you’re one of many people spending more time at home and shopping online, you can still make a difference! If you buy from Amazon, shopping through their Amazon Smile program generates a 0.5% donation to a charity of your choice. Look for your favorite charity on the list.
When you take any of these four actions, you’re helping to strengthen nonprofits like Integrate for Good so they can do more good and serve more people.
Integrate for Good is a 501(c)(3) with a mission is to strengthen local communities by creating opportunities for people of all abilities to contribute their time and talent through volunteerism. Learn more about us at our website, join us at one of our virtual events, or sign up to receive our email updates.
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