National Day of Giving is Almost Here!

National Day of Giving is Almost Here!

November 13, 2020

Julianne Shenk

JBS Nonprofit Consulting

It is almost here again! The National Day of Giving is only a few weeks away.

Giving Tuesday, recognized on social media by the hashtag, #GivingTuesday, refers to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving giving movement in the United States. It is also a global movement that celebrates the power of people supporting their favorite nonprofit organizations to support their communities.

Giving Tuesday was initially started in 2012 as an alternative to the post Black Friday and Cyber Monday movements that have commercialized Thanksgiving and Christmas. So often nonprofits and charities get lost in the period between ramping up for Thanksgiving and the New Year. A designated day of giving allows you to support your local organizations during this hectic time. As it is now a nationally recognized movement, the date range is November 27 to December 3, and is always five days after the holiday.

To find a charity to support, click: https://www.charities.org/charities_list

As always, research any organization before donating. If you need help, send me a message via email, Facebook, Twitter, the blog, or my website.

Leave me a comment and let me know what organization you will be supporting on the National Day of Giving!!

International Day of Charity September 5, 2020

 

International Day of Charity September 5, 2020

September 1, 2020

JBS Nonprofit Consultants

Julianne Shenk

 

The International Day of Charity was established with the objective of mobilizing people all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.  The date of 5 September was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace."[1]

 

In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering within and among nations, as well as of the efforts of charitable organizations and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa, the General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution A/RES/67/105 designated the 5th of September, the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity.[2]

 

I encourage you to support your favorite nonprofit organization in honor of International Day of Charity. Support can be financial or by volunteering. Contact the organization and see what their need is and how you can help.  If you need assistance, please send me a message!

---

[1] https://www.un.org/en/observances/charity-day

 

[2] Ibid.

SCAM ALERT

URGENT SCAM INFORMATION

There is a company "infoworld.com" that is targeting nonprofit professionals and some donors. It is sending messages claiming that your donation needs to be resubmitted, or that your information has expired. Do not provide this company any information.

It is happening more with nonprofit professionals, especially those that own domain names, but I wanted to pass it along to my clients and followers to be aware.

Infoworld.com Delete all emails

If there ever is a problem with a charitable donation, a domain name, or professional information, the organization will personally reach out to you, and never through a third party organization (with the exception of someone like me, a nonprofit consultant/professional).

Where to Donate and Support Black Lives Matter

June 8, 2020

Julianne Shenk

JBS Nonprofit Consulting

If you know me, you know that I will not tolerate prejudice, hate, etc. aimed at any person of color in my personal life or on my business page.

This post is to guide those of you that want to help and are unsure of where to give of your time or money to support Black Lives Matter agencies.

I will link an article that gathers and conveys the need more eloquently and thorough  than I ever could. I usually ask for you to share how you helped or what agencies you support…not this time. This time it is paramount to focus on those in need,  those that need help getting their voices heard, those that are fighting against constantly being beat down and never given a chance purely because of the color of their skin. Simple as that.

If you would like to share with me personally, I welcome that.

Article: 22 Social Justice Organizations to Support Right Now

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/g32730417/george-floyd-blm-how-to-donate-help/

 

 

Support Black Bookstore Owners

I just received a message from a friend (we are in bookclub together via Facebook). She asked if I knew of a way to find out where she could support black bookstore owners.

This is a crazy, turbulent time in our country. I urge you to support your cause in the way you see fit, whether it be a donation to the ACLU, BLM, or other organizations. As always, do your homework, Make sure that you are supporting a legal, legitimate organization and be aware of where your donation is going and who it is supporting. Be aware of copycat agencies that "borrow" logos, press, images, etc. from legitimate organizations. Go to their website. Read their ABOUT section, follow the links, ask questions. Be proactive in your activism.

Back to my friend:

I made it my job for the day to figure that out...then I came upon an article that lays it all out. If you are a book lover (like me), head to one of the shops linked in the article (I did), and place an order (I did that, too).

https://lithub.com/you-can-order-today-from-these-black-owned-independent-bookstores/?fbclid=IwAR2MB0-gUE0iApuayxlYthE-Ah4AvK0YreXWdE35k3kOXgy5q6nHS-bC7fc

Masks. We Are All Talking About Masks.

Masks. We Are All Talking About Masks.

May 27, 2020

Julianne Shenk

JBS Nonprofit Consulting

I have had a few folks reach out asking about masks and wanting to help. Several of my friends and family have been making masks and donating them to essential workers.  Each city/town/county seems to have their own set of rules set up for places that will take donations. My guidance: check with your local rules and regulations.

As for materials, Joann Fabrics has you covered. Some stores are offering supplies as well as drop off coordination. Follow the link to find out all about the mask program.

https://www.joann.com/make-to-give-response/  Instructions and patterns are also included on the website. You can also check out Amazon and Michaels for online for ordering supplies.

Giving Tuesday 2020: If You Can Give, Please Give

Giving Tuesday 2020: If You Can Give, Please Give

April 22, 2020

Julianne Shenk

JBS Nonprofit Consulting

It has been a rough few weeks. And…it may be a rough few more. It may be a rough few months.

Organizations still need our help. I am going to keep this blog short, sweet, and to the point. If you are in a position to give, please consider donating to your favorite charitable organization. I always advocate as strongly for cash donations as I do for volunteering, but in the current COVID-19 climate, there are fewer volunteering opportunities.  Food pantries, domestic violence organizations, soup kitchens, etc. can still use able bodied volunteers. I encourage you (if you are in good health, not immunocompromised, have proper protective equipment, and are willing to work) to call your local organization and learn about their needs, qualifications, and restrictions.

Otherwise, please consider a monetary donation. Giving Tuesday 2020 will take place on May 5, 2020. It is a yearly event that traditionally takes place in the fall or early winter, but this year has been bumped up to May to help deal with the COVID-19 epidemic. It is a global movement.  It’s new hashtag (if you are searching on social media) is #GivingTuesdayNow

Please explore the links below to find out how you can help.

To find a needy organization near you: https://www.givingtuesday.org/whats-happening-near-me

More explanation: https://www.givingtuesday.org/

Please come to the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/jbsnonprofitconsulting), Twitter page (https://twitter.com/JBSNPC), or Blog (https://jbsnonprofitconsulting.blogspot.com/) and leave a comment about how you are helping and spreading the word about #GivingTuesdayNow

How Can We Help? COVID-19

How Can We Help? COVID-19

Julianne Shenk

JBS Nonprofit Consulting

March 21, 2020

How can we help? What do you need? More importantly, how are you? How are you doing? Take a minute. Take a deep breath. Breathe.

This is a crazy time; few have seen this kind of event in their lifetimes. Sure, we have read about it and watched it in movies and on television, but in no one’s wildest dreams did we ever see this coming.

I have received a few messages asking for help and how to help. Those asking FOR help were directed to an appropriate agency in their area. Those asking TO help, where do I start?

The biggest need right now is medical supplies. Masks, tubes, gloves, face shields, ventilators, etc. If you have any of those things, please contact the local CDC (Center for Disease Control) in your area for guidance. Arrangements will be made for a pick-up or drop-off if your items are deemed suitable for use.  We need for our medical personnel (Doctors, Nurses, EMTs, Police, Fireman, etc.) to be protected. We need them to be uncompromised to help those fighting off this virus. They need proper equipment, they need rest and sustenance, and they need patience and understanding. They are our front line soldiers.

There is also a group of people that need our help. Our local restaurant owners and their staff. Many establishments are remaining open to provide take-out and in some cases delivery. Tip them. Thank them. Consider purchasing a gift certificate for a fellow homebound family. Consider purchasing a gift card for your family to use at a later date.

Send a word of encouragement to your child’s teacher. Just because they are home also self-distancing, does not mean they are not concerned about their students. Those students that they have been nurturing and guiding to the end of the year and graduation to the next grade. The high school teachers that have been readying your child for graduation and off to their next adventure. The college professor that has been helping to mold the young adult that will graduate and take on their world in their first post collegiate job. The Technical College instructor teaching your child important lessons and intricate workings of their chosen path. They are thinking about your kids. Send them a note. Have your child send them a note.

There are so many people that do not have the opportunity to stay home. Gas station attendants, television station staff, hospital staff, law enforcement officers, Firemen and women, EMTs. airport personnel, Pharmacists, pharmacy staff, grocery store staff, delivery drivers, mail carriers, restaurant staff, post office staff….do you get the picture?

Drive by and wave at the residents of the local nursing home. You can call ahead and ask when a good time is. Facilities all over the US are arranging to have their residents in the windows for folks to drive by and honk and wave. It is so lovely seeing the stories on the news of this happening….especially the smiles on their faces when little children give them a wave and blow a kiss.

I know I have only touched on a few concerns and am not leaving any group of people out intentionally. These are just a few examples. Feel free to add any groups you would like to highlight and honor in the comments.

Watching your favorite local and National news will keep you informed. Please do not support or perpetuate the rumor mill. There are answers out there. If it sounds outrageous, it usually is. Research it. This is a dangerous time and taking the time to do a little research is warranted and just plain smart.

Be smart.

Be kind.

…and wash your hands.

CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Special Days in March

Special Days in March

March 1, 2020

Julianne Shenk

JBS Nonprofit Consulting

I usually do a pretty straight forward, “Welcome to Spring, here is how you can contribute” blog. This month I am using the blog to answer a question that came through on my website: What “cause” is March known for?”

Well, that is a long answer.  There are dozens below to choose from. Pick your favorite cause and find an organization that you can help. If you need help, shoot me a note.   March 20^th is the first day of Spring this year. Make March your month to “spring” into action and recognize and help out an organization that is important to you.

Examples:

March 9^th is Read Aloud Day. Contact your local library or senior citizens’ center and volunteer to read.

March 20^th is Oral Health Day. Gather toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, and floss and donate it to your local homeless, domestic violence, or Veteran’s center.

March 30^th is Take a Walk in The Park Day. Take a walk and cleanup as you stroll.

There are countless ways to help, and using the special events and cause recognition for March is a great place to get ideas!

And as always, I would love to hear your ideas or what you did to help!

Month long Recognition

·       Women's History Month

·       Deaf History Month

·       Brain injury Awareness Month

·       National Craft Month

·       Optimism Month

·       Honor Society Awareness Month

·       National Foreign Language Month

·       Irish American Heritage Month

·       National Ethics Month

·       Expanding Girls' Horizons in Science and Engineering Month

·       Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

·       Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month

·       Music in Our Schools Month

·       National Athletic Trainers Month

·       National Cheerleader Safety Month

·       National Kidney Month

·       National Nutrition Month

·       National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

·       Nutrition Month

·       Red Cross Month

·       Save Your Vision Month and Workplace Eye Wellness Month

·       Social Work Month

·       Trisomy Awareness Month

·       Problem Gambling Awareness Month

·       Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

·       National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

·       National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 

·       National Endometriosis Awareness Month 

·       National Kidney Month

·       Trisomy Awareness Month

Week-Long Observances

·       National Sleep Awareness Week (week 1)

·       Read an E-Book Week (week 2)

·       National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week (week 2) 

·       Patient Safety Awareness Week (week 2)

·       National Bubble Week (week 2)

·       Celebrate Your Name Week (week 2)

·       Act Happy Week (week 3)

·       International Brain Awareness Week (week 3)

·       National Poison Prevention Week (week 3)

·       World Folklore Tales and Fables Week (week 4)

·       National Poison Prevention Week (week 4)

·       Tsunami Preparedness Week (week 4)

Special Days and Holidays (by week)

Week One

·       March 1: National Peanut Butter Lovers Day

·       March 2: Dr. Seuss's Birthday

·       March 2: Read Across America Day

·       March 3: Birth Defects Day 

·       March 4: Hug a “GI” Soldier Day

·       March 4: National Grammar Day

·       March 5: World Book Day

·       March 7: Fun Facts About Names Day

Week Two

·       March 9: Read Aloud Day

·       March 10: National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

·       March 11: Johnny Appleseed Day

·       March 12: Genealogy Day

·       March 12: Plant a Flower Day

·       March 13: Our K-9 Veterans Day

·       March 14: National Pi π Day (The first 3 numbers match the date…Fun Fact!)

·       March 14: Learn About Butterflies Day

Week Three

·       March 15: Incredible Kid Day

·       March 16: FOI Freedom of Information Day

·       March 17: St. Patrick's Day

·       March 18: Supreme Sacrifice Day

·       March 20: International Earth Day

·       March 20: First Day of Spring

·       March 20: World Oral Health Day

·       March 21: National Teenager Day

Week Four

·       March 22: American Diabetes Alert Day

·       March 23: World Meteorology Day

·       March 24: American Diabetes Alert Day 

·       March 24: World Tuberculosis Day

·       March 25: Tolkien Reading Day

·       March 26: Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

·       March 30: I Am in Control Day

·       March 30: National Doctors’ Day 

·       March 30: Take a Walk in the Park Day