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.

My latest article from Atlanta INtown Paper.  Enjoy!

As published in Atlanta INtown Paper

It’s a great view from where I sit – watching and learning about all the dynamic and inspiring ways people are helping others.  I continue to be amazed by all the charitable acts in our community, especially those driven by Atlanta’s youth.

I am floored by how many young people under the age of 20 are leading the way. From school fundraising projects to spring- break volunteer trips, kids today are finding unusual ways to give back, and we are all benefiting from their efforts.

It was right around my 20^th birthday that I began volunteering at a camp for grieving children in Virginia.  Having lost my mom at the age of 12, I was drawn by the opportunity to help children who were facing a similar struggle. My life was forever changed by that experience, and ultimately it provided the inspiration for Kate’s Club, which I founded six years ago here in Atlanta.

Kids and teens today have infinite opportunities to learn first-hand what giving back means and how it can shape their lives in positive ways.  Three elements will help guide a young person’s decision on how to get plugged into philanthropy:

Carve out time. Kids are busy, so finding available time to volunteer may be the biggest initial challenge. In my personal example, I chose to dedicate time during my summer break over a period of several days.  Projects can take place over a variety of time frames, and you can decide what works best for you. Figure out how much time you have to offer and find a project that fits this window.

Pick a project that interests you. Don’t just go through the motions without feeling a connection; find a project that incorporates something you already enjoy doing. Whether it’s kids, animals, the environment or sports, you can find a charitable experience that fits almost any interest. Help out at a local shelter or plan a kickball game that raises money for a charity. By incorporating an interest, you are more likely to remain committed to the cause over time.

Make a donation. It doesn’t have to be hundreds of dollars; it can just be five. This investment will make an impact and will further commit you to the cause. Trust me, every gift in any size helps.

Check out these online resources to find out about opportunities around us:

• DoSomething.org
• KidsCare.org
• Kiva-kids.org

For more about Kate’s Club, visit www.katesclub.org.

My latest article involves tips on how to ring in the Holiday season by giving to others. There's a little something for everyone. Enjoy!

As published in Atlanta INtown Paper

  November and December are the months when people are looking to extend the joy of giving to those most in need.This month, I’m encouraging those who are already giving back to keep doing what you are doing, and for those looking for a good time to start, this is it. Not just because of the holidays, but because this year nonprofit organizations and charitable programs need your help more than ever.

Most Atlanta nonprofits throughout 2009 have seen an increase in demand for their services amid a decrease in funding support needed to deliver those services. This is certainly the case for Atlanta-based Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. Thus far in 2009, HFTH has seen an astounding 35 percent drop in financial donations up against a 45 percent increase in calls for assistance to continue providing critical human services throughout our community and around the world.

Furthermore, the holiday season brings about a heightened need for help as nonprofits gear up to offer extra support to those in need. Here are 10 ways to make your holidays a charitable experience:

• Help the homeless enjoy Thanksgiving: Since its inception 40 years ago, Hosea Feed the Hungry has distributed more than 3 billion tons of food to the homeless. You can enjoy being a part of one of its most- celebrated events all year by volunteering at its annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Turner Field. To volunteer or donate, call (404) 755-3353 or visit online at HoseaFeedTheHungry.com.
• Donate a toy to a child in need: Atlanta’s Marine Corps personnel need toys and volunteers to ensure another successful Toys for Tots campaign.  For information on donations and volunteering visit online at atlantatoysfortots.com. 
• Make your corporate gifts charitable: In lieu of the flavored popcorn tin, give a gift to clients and colleagues in the form of a donation to a special cause.  Send cards to your clients notifying them of the gift that was made in his or her name, along with information on the cause it supported.
• Volunteer with the Atlanta Red Cross: With the recent floods hitting our neighbors, we are reminded that all of us are vulnerable to such disasters. The Atlanta Red Cross is doing great work to assist these individuals and families restore their homes and lives in time for the holidays. They are in need of volunteers and donations. You can contact the organization at (404) 607-1207 or atlantaredcross.org.
• Attend the Children’s Christmas Parade benefiting Children’s Healthcare: This is a great event for a family. You can line the route or purchase bleacher seats for VIP viewing for $12. The parade is Saturday, Dec. 5, in Downtown Atlanta and kicks off at 10:30 a.m. To learn more about the event visit, CHOA at choa.org.
• Adopt a pet from the Humane Society: Puppies and pets are a common wish-list item around the holidays.  Check out the Atlanta Humane Society to provide a good home to an animal in need. Atlanta’s Humane Society is located at 981 Howell Mill Rd. NW. Visit it online at atlantahumane.org.
• Celebrate Hanukkah with a tzedakah box: Devote at least one of the eight ceremonial nights to giving back by placing money into the family’s tzedakah box for the charity of your choice.  Enjoy the family time of decorating your box and teaching little ones the importance of charity.
• Plant a tree in honor of a special person: Have an eco-focused friend or family member on your list?  You can dedicate a tree in his or her name at Trees Atlanta, a nonprofit organization that exists to protect and improve our urban environment by planting and conserving trees.  For $25, Trees Atlanta will plant a tree in honor or memory of someone you care about. Visit them online at treesatlanta.org for more information.
• Support U.S. soldiers: Thousands of troops will be away from home during the holidays. Can you imagine how big a gift it is to them to be able to call home?  Organizations like Cell Phones for Soldiers make it easy for you to do this. They take donated cell phones and sell the phones to recyclers, then use the proceeds to buy calling cards for the troops. To learn more, visit them online at cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
• Support a good cause with friends: Check out your favorite charity’s Web site for holiday events and parties. Nonprofit organizations often use this time to encourage supporters to help raise awareness and funds through creative, fun events.  I personally suggest grabbing your friends and joining me at the second annual Kate’s Club Bowl-a-thon at Midtown Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 3. You can register a team or just come and enjoy the festivities.  All proceeds go to empower children and teens facing life after the death of a parent or sibling. Call Kate’s Club at (404) 347-7619 or visit katesclub.org for more information.