In the St. Croix Valley, trees are bare, animals are hunkered down and there is a stillness and a quiet to the natural world. That is exactly when things heat up at area nonprofit organizations.
For many nonprofits, over 30% of all fundraising happens in December. Donors scramble to take advantage of tax benefits – which provide a transactional benefit to charitable giving but not the impetus. The true reason donors direct funding to nonprofits is a belief in the organization’s mission, a relationship with the people involved, and a sense of responsibility – that internalized obligation to give back.
If you have written a check or made an online contribution this month to a cause you believe in, you are not alone. Annually, 69% of Americans support nonprofits by making a charitable gift – older and younger generations are all involved in this culture of caring:
The Greatest Generation - 88% give to charity, donating an annual average of $1,367 across 6.2 organizations.
Boomers – 72% give to charity, donating an annual average of $1,212 across 4.5 organizations.
Millennials - 84% give to charity, donating an annual average of $481 across 3.3 organizations. Source for statistics
December is also a busy time for the St. Croix Valley Foundation and its ten affiliated community foundations. For some of our donors, year-end is the perfect time to make a gift to one of our endowed funds. Gifts to endowed funds will continue to support important work in our local communities for generations to come.
For other donors, year-end is a good time to establish a donor-advised fund with St. Croix Valley Foundation. Donor advised funds enable donors to time their contributions for maximum tax benefit while providing the flexibility to recommend future grants to local nonprofits over the course of years or – in the case of endowed donor-advised funds – throughout their lifetime.
Regardless of how you choose to give, the gratitude that comes back is heartfelt.
Have a joyous and peaceful holiday season!