Charity IN the City: Helping Families and Individuals Give Back

My latest column from Atlanta INtown Paper.  Enjoy!

Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti this past January, I have participated in many conversations regarding the security and strategy for making cash donations to the relief efforts.  It’s completely understandable: When contributing money, we want to make sure it gets into the best hands.

Often times, just making that decision can be overwhelming enough to deter people from supporting a charity. What causes are most important to support? Which organizations do we give our money to? How much do we give? How do we know it’s being used as we would like?

With this conversation in mind, I wanted this month’s column to highlight a resource here in Atlanta that can help private citizens feel more confident making financial contributions.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta has been providing educational and support services for Atlanta’s donors since 1951. You may be familiar with the Foundation from the great work they do providing funding for our local non-profit and charitable organizations.  What you may not know is the Foundation offers great support services to Atlantans who want to give back and have an impact.

Today, donor-advised funds – which the Foundation helps individuals create – are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States. These funds allow private citizens to do more than just write check; they allow givers to become fully engaged in the philanthropic process.

Currently, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta works with more than 650 individual and families who have come to them with one common goal: wanting to give back. They have programs that service individuals and families that allow givers to be truly integrated into the experience of helping causes that are closest to them. The Foundation’s Center for Family Philanthropy is a great resource that helps local families engage in all aspects of giving, beyond just money.

Audrey Jacobs, director of the Center for Family Philanthropy at the Foundation states, “Philanthropy doesn’t require a significant amount of money, and many nonprofit organizations find great value in your human and intellectual investments as well. It’s about understanding what you’re passionate about and then connecting that passion to a greater purpose.”

The Center for Family Philanthropy is a great way to connect your family, even young children to the power and rewards of giving. If you are looking to build confidence in your philanthropic efforts, the Foundation can help. Its professionals understand the complexity of today’s charity landscape and are true advocates for turning ordinary people into extraordinary philanthropists.

For more information about the programs and services offered at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta visit the website www.cfgreateratlanta.org.

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