Local giving, big impact: The case for keeping your donations close to home

As economic times get tough, more and more people are asking how they can make the biggest difference right in their own backyard. As your clients explore charitable giving opportunities and sift through requests for funding from charities near and far, it can be helpful to read first-hand accounts of why other philanthropists have been so inspired by uncovering local needs close to home. 

Over the years, researchers have consistently validated the important emotional elements of giving to familiar and nearby organizations.  Giving local gives a rewarding sense of connection; today’s donors want to be able to actually see the results of charitable investments.  

Here are three suggestions to pass along to clients who want to get started on a “give local” journey. 

• First, suggest that clients scan the local news. Clients who spend a few minutes scrolling through the local news for a few days in a row might be surprised at how much they learn about their own community. Clients can make a mental note of issues that raise their eyebrows or make them ask themselves “I hope someone is doing something about that.” 

• Second, based on what they learned, suggest that they do a few quick Google searches with the key words they’ve identified, along with the terms “nonprofit,” “charity,” and the name of their town or city. Sometimes these searches will illuminate organizations the client might have heard of or even be involved with already. At the very least, clients will begin to frame their own descriptions of the local causes they care about. 

• Third, suggest that the client reach out to the team at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, or offer to reach out on their behalf. The Community Foundation team will know which nonprofits are addressing the issues your clients would like to learn more about and can provide advice about how charitable dollars can make the greatest possible difference. 

The Community Foundation is unparalleled in its ability to be flexible and responsive, providing outstanding, personal service designed around your clients’ needs while at the same time working closely with you — the clients’ trusted legal, tax, and wealth advisors — to ensure that clients are maximizing the financial elements of their charitable giving plans.  

The team at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is a resource and sounding board as you serve your philanthropic clients. We understand the charitable side of the equation and are happy to serve as a secondary source as you manage the primary relationship with your clients. Reach out to Alison O’Carroll, director and philanthropic counsel, at 404.333.0241 or aocarroll@cfgreateratlanta.org to get the ball rolling.