As we again come upon the busiest fund-raising season of the year
I, again urge you to know your charity and to donate locally.
Donors often feel duped and upset to learn that their precious
funds neither contributed to programs nor helped needy pets in the intended community.
Often, a donor unintentionally exported funds to another state! It is essential
for you, your lawyers and estate planners to research reputable existing
charities and locate those that serve the constituency and community that you
wish to help. Determine if that charity provides the specific service that you
wish to fund in the place you wish to fund it. Only then should you donate. You
can even name your favorite program for a significant contribution.
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| Courtesy spcaLA |
How many of you reading this did not know that the aspca and hsus
are not national umbrella organizations that funnel contributions back to
communities by zip code as actual national charities do? A good example of such
an actual national umbrella entity would be the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. spcas throughout the country are individual
legal entities and not chapters of any mother organization. Yet aspca
spends tens of millions of dollars annually on television and
other fundraising outlets which omit that significant fact and
your funds may have unintentionally gone to New York. That is fine if you meant to do that – but –
what if you didn't.
What could happen to your spcaLA and to our vulnerable populations
here if a lot of generous people make that mistake?
The Center on Philanthropy & Public Policy produced a report
that sounds the alarm on the implications of Los Angeles exporting charitable
dollars out of the city and state. The document states:
“Los Angeles foundations are committed to Los
Angeles, but not exclusively focused on the region. 43 percent of these grant
dollars went to local nonprofits, 19 percent went to nonprofits in other parts
of California, and the remaining 38 percent went to nonprofits outside of
California. At the same time, foundations from other parts of California and from
other states made grants to Los Angeles nonprofits. However, the inflow of
philanthropic dollars is less than the outflow, resulting in Los Angeles being a net exporter of
philanthropic dollars based on the grant making of the foundations included
in the grant sample
The answers to the questions raised by this analysis
are not entirely obvious. Yet, they are important to consider. They highlight
the opportunities that exist to strengthen the future of foundation
philanthropy and nonprofit capacity in Los Angeles County and in so doing to
Improve the lives of Angelinos and their communities.”(An
Analysis of the Scale, Scope and Reach of Foundation Philanthropy in Los Angeles
County by James M. Ferris, Jeff Glenn, Lia Moore – May 2010)
I wonder what the numbers would look like if the question “did you
give where you intended to give” was asked.
Giving locally also helps to strengthen the community in which you
live. It is especially true in these horrid economic times where the
philanthropic entities are filling gaps left by the government and the
for-profit sector. If the reputable local nonprofits fail - there will be no
relief. Additionally, bolstering the local charities boosts the local economy,
provides jobs, resources and allows the community to thrive. Stronger neighborhoods
result in stronger cities, states and countries. Our ability to help others
improves with our own increased strength and solvency.
Please - give to your spcaLA and other local
charities. If you can afford to
donate to multiple organizations - please do. If not - please choose your home charity first.
