Give to the Max Day is Thursday, November 19. This 24-hour fundraising event lets nonprofits in Minnesota raise funds and unlock more than $3 million in matching gifts. Since its start in 2009, donors have given nearly $200 million to more than 10,000 local organizations. It’s a great way to invest in your own community and “give where you live.”
This year, the need has never been greater.
Image source Second Harvest Heartland
Because of COVID-19, families are facing more homelessness, hunger, unemployment and health issues than before. Some estimates indicate we haven’t seen these levels of struggle since the Great Depression. Organizations have canceled performances and cut programming and staff. Most schools are valiantly struggling with online classes, teacher burnout and student isolation.
And yet, many of these nonprofit organizations are the changemakers guiding us to positive transformation even during these uncertain times.
Join in positive transformation by leading with your values
Are you a purpose-driven organization? According to an article from Forrester, what you stand for matters to your customers when it comes to building loyalty. And there are as many ways to demonstrate those values with conviction as there are pitfalls if you lack insight, sincerity and follow-through.
When done thoughtfully, community engagement and support can be a win-win for organizations, employees, communities and the audiences they serve.
Related: Explore how Community Design Currencies are helping organizations better connect to their communities.
Local changemakers are transforming our communities for good.
In agriculture
This year has shined a spotlight on several aspects of food and agriculture, from hunger to climate change. Organizations that are addressing food insecurity and changing the model locally include:
Urban Roots, which empowers youth through nature, healthy food and community, and
Second Harvest Heartland, a local food bank that works to source and rescue more fresh food.
Image source Second Harvest Heartland
In health
COVID-19 has made us extremely aware of our health. But we’re also aware of health disparities in vulnerable populations, and how this pandemic is affecting mental health.
Two organizations in Give to the Max day that are supporting health locally are:
Face to Face, which supports youth with mental health care, homelessness resources and medical care, and
Reclaim, which helps queer and trans youth gain access to mental health support.
In community
Community-based services for vulnerable populations are providing essential support and empowering connection and transformation. Organizations that are supporting communities include:
Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, serving 27 counties in southwest Minnesota with resources for older adults, caregivers and service providers, and
Pillsbury United, offering programs, neighborhood centers and social enterprises to empower individuals and families to own their future.
In empathy
Empathy is an essential and needed tool right now. It can provide context, insight and understanding to allow for transformational growth. It can be leveraged at the cultural level, and at the interpersonal level. Two local organizations leading transformation through empathy are:
Penumbra Theatre Company, and their new center for racial healing.
Paws for Learning, which provides K9 assisted academic support teams in schools, colleges and communities in the wake of tragic loss.
Related: Advancing empathy-based communications by connecting to transitional mindsets
Doing good is good for business
The world needs more good. And changemakers are leading the way. By leading with your brand values, you can better connect to your audience and communities. These changemaking organizations are addressing social disparities and testing innovative approaches to persistent, systemic challenges. We can learn from their models and support them in their daily efforts. Find ways to make a lasting, positive impact on an organization — or several. Give to the Max Day is a great place to start.
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