With the year-end giving season approaching, many donors already know the basics of informed giving: set a giving budget, check-out charities before you donate and give before the first of the year for your contribution to qualify as a deduction on your 2016 taxes. But how do you know which charities really are best?
To help donors take a closer look at the charities seeking their support this holiday season, Charity Navigator suggests you ask yourself these five questions:
Does the charity match your passion? As you consider which charities to support this year, remember that there are roughly one million of them. That means you don’t have to settle for an organization that isn’t a perfect match for your beliefs and goals. No matter what cause you want to support — whether it is providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian refugees, helping our returning troops find work, or finding a cure for a particular disease — there’s a charity out there that matches your intentions. Take the time to find it and confirm (not just assume) it offers the programs and services that match your charitable interests.
Did the charity get lost in the election funding crunch? Billions of dollars were spent in the 2016 election. Unfortunately, some of this money was diverted from charities that were expecting it when their donors decided to invest in the campaigns instead. Some charities — those that are able to capitalize on the issues — actually benefit from contentious campaigns. But others suffer, including those with missions that are not forefront in the political issue discussions. Find out if your charity took a hit this year, and if so, see if you can help.
Is the charity fiscally responsible, transparent and effective? Before you give to any charity this holiday season:
Examine the charity’s finances. Financially healthy organizations – those that are both financially efficient and sustainable – have greater flexibility and freedom to pursue their charitable mission.
Ensure the charity is accountable and transparent. Charities that are an open book and follow good governance practices are less likely to engage in unethical or irresponsible activities.
Look for signs of effectiveness. The charity’s ability to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change in the world is the key reason for their existence and for your donation, so make sure you find evidence of its impact.
Does the charity have strong leadership? Good charities usually have formidable leaders, more so even than in the private sector. Look for a charity with a dynamic, proven leader. Organizations with high turnover usually struggle, and the inability to retain quality leadership is often a red flag for instability.
Do you trust it enough to give without strings attached? Donors sometimes like to designate their contributions for specific projects and purposes. While this may be ideal for disaster giving (such as with Hurricane Matthew), don’t be the roadblock in your favorite charity’s quest to do good work. Take the time to research your charity so that you can trust them. Then give an unrestricted gift so the charity has the flexibility to respond to changing demands for its services and to spend the money where it is most needed to continue their day-to-day good work.
“More and more, people look for ways to incorporate charitable giving into their year-end celebrations” said Charity Navigator’s President & CEO, Michael Thatcher. “At the same time, they are often overwhelmed by the number of charities seeking their support. Instead of giving in reaction to receiving an appeal, we encourage donors to be more proactive in their giving and do their due diligence. In our experience, the most satisfied donors are those that take the time to identify well-run charities that match their philanthropic interests.”
Charity Navigator is best known for its ratings, accessible at no cost at www.charitynavigator.org, of the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of 8,000 of America’s best-known charities, as well as information on over 1.5 million nonprofits. Charity Navigator’s website also offers many different tools to help donors make informed choices about where their contributions will be used most effectively this holiday season. Visit the guide at: www.charitynavigator.org/holiday.
About Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator is the largest expert charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of over 8,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America’s charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452.
Portland, OR. Chanukah begins Sat. night, Dec. 24, 2016 and continues through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight-day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. It is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and foods. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has a full schedule of activities to celebrate Chanukah.
Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.
The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple (as you’ll read below). Also spelled Hanukkah (or variations of that spelling), the Hebrew word is actually pronounced with a guttural, “kh” sound, kha-nu-kah, not tcha-new-kah.
What Chanukah Commemorates
Artist Dominic Alves captured this image of a snowy Chanukah in Brighton, UK.
In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah observance and belief in G‑d. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of G‑d.
When they sought to light the Temple’s Menorah (the seven-branched candelabrum), they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.
To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Chanukah.
Portland, OR. Since the 1940s, Catholic Charities has provided Refugee Resettlement services in the Portland area. Through its Resettlement Program, Catholic Charities assists individuals and families that must leave their home lands due to a fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, and political opinions. Refugees come from all parts of the world. Amina is part of a refugee family of 13 who arrived in Oregon in 2014. Originally from Somalia, her family lived in a camp in Uganda for more than 10 years without access to schools or healthcare. Now, resettled in Oregon by Catholic Charities, she is in the 10th grade, loves to cook, and has big dreams for the future. Amina now has safety, stability, and hope for the future – all made possible by donors who support Catholic Charities.
The Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program works to ensure that refugees are properly resettled and adjusted to their new home in Portland. The newly arriving refugee families are greeted at the airport. From the moment of arrival, program staff members work to meet basic needs, including shelter, furnishings, food, and clothing. Case Managers also facilitate referrals to other service providers and assist in enrolling refugee students in school. A community orientation is provided, including information on personal safety and public rules and issues.
A Liberian family of eleven arrived in Portland after spending ten years in a refugee camp in Ghana. The family has now been in the United States for five years and has applied for citizenship. They have successfully integrated into society and have recently purchased their first home. The family has expressed appreciation for all that Catholic Charities has done. This is just one of many success stories of the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement program.
Volunteers are essential in welcoming newcomers; putting a human face on the United States and helping the refugees connect with the community. Volunteers, alongside case management staff, partner agencies and the client resettlement plan work together to help refugees in becoming self-sufficient. Volunteers act as Cultural Navigators, orienting them to a new community, helping them with advocacy and resource connections, tutoring them in English and providing friendships. Volunteers may also assist with airport arrivals, apartment set ups, grocery shopping, transportation to/from appointments, bus training, teaching/assisting Cultural Orientation classes and more. The most important gift you can give is kindness and a warm welcome. Depending on the type of volunteering that you choose to do, we ask for up to a six-eight month commitment. For more information about current volunteer opportunities and the next orientation session please contact Michelle Welton, Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator, at [email protected] or 503-688-2689
Donations are crucial in assisting refugees begin their new life and allow them to focus on other priorities such as English-language learning, employment, health care, education and other in-tangible needs.
All donations are tax-deductible and tracking your donation allows us to communicate this important work to the larger community as well as help us in securing additional funding sources to offset such as case management services, rental deposits, utilities and more.
While we would be happy to supply you with a detailed list of items we ensure are supplied to all refugee families, our most urgent and ongoing needs include the following:
Portland, OR. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area had some welcome guests, like Blazer Meyers Leonard, adding holiday cheer.
San Antonio Spurs LaMarcus Aldridge spread some holiday cheer while in town for a game vs. the Trail Blazers.
Aldridge treated Club members from the Margaret Scott program in east Portland to lunch that included make your own burgers and a hot chocolate bar! Following lunch, LaMarcus handed out gifts for everyone.
From The Boys & Girls Clubs:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Pare safe, positive places for kids to enjoy fun and engaging programs at an affordable price.
Clubs provide enrichment programs to youth while empowering them with a sense of belonging and security.
Clubs surround members with caring, trained staff that engage them in nationally proven evidence-based youth development programs.
Program areas include leadership and community service; academic enrichment; science and technology; performing and visual arts; personal health and fitness; college prep and workforce training; and recreation and sports leadership leagues.
Portland, OR. 2016 as been a busy year for Portland’s Habitat for Humanity and the new homeowners who are part of the program. The nonprofit does not build homes for people, but with them as equal partners. Homeowners must invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” into the building of their home. The homes are then sold at no profit, with an affordable mortgage. Each homeowner’s monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund that is used to build more local Habitat homes.
Dejene is hammering some nails into his new home. He is in the process of completing his 500 hours of sweat equity, and will move into his new home with his wife and four children in February. “I want to say thank you, because my family is getting the confidence to be successful,” he recently told volunteers on the build site. “Shelter is a basic need for our lives, so Habitat saved our lives.”
Here are some details about the program:
Habitat homes are built with a volunteer labor force, utilizing building materials and services that are donated by local business as well as individual and corporate donations. Working in partnership with individuals, businesses, neighborhood groups, and organizations, Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East has built over 300 simple, decent homes since 1981.
Families are selected based on the following criteria:
First-time homebuyer.
Citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
Currently living in substandard or subsidized housing, and earning 35-60% of Portland MFI.
Ability to repay a mortgage (satisfactory credit and stable income).
Willingness to partner with Habitat.
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East serves low-income families earning 35% to 60% of the Portland area’s median family income (MFI) or approximately $25,865 – $44,340 for a family of four. Habitat is the only program in the Portland area that offers homeownership opportunities to families in the 35% bracket.
Habitat sells houses for market value, which cannot be determined until the house is complete. No matter what the price of the house, Habitat is committed to keeping housing payments affordable. Habitat partner families’ housing payments will be set at 30% of their household gross monthly incomes at the time of sale. This monthly amount will include the mortgage payment, homeowners’ insurance, possibly HOA dues, and property taxes.
Portland, OR. Every year the B.U.L.L. Session event brings together hundreds of regional Business, Union and Labor Leaders to benefit one of our community’s most valuable assets: the children. On November 30th, $293,000 was presented at a reception held at the offices of the National Electrical Contractors Association, 601 NE Everett, Portland, OR 97232, to these charity organizations: Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services, Gales Creek Camp Foundation, March of Dimes, Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Portland, and Wheel to Walk Foundation. (Photo credit, Ivan Vejar)
Tim Gauthier, BULL Session President; Sandy Getman, Founder of Wheel to Walk; and Jason Kaufman, BULL Session Board Member
Tim Gauthier, BULL Session President; Jeff Carr, CEO of Albertina Kerr Children’s Developmental Resource Center; and Jason Kaufman, BULL Session Board Member
The two-day fundraiser, attended by many of the area’s leaders, began Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, with a dinner and auction gala at the Oregon Convention Center. Day two, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, was a golf tournament at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club.
Since its inception in 1991, the B.U.L.L. has raised over $5.8 million for local children. The B.U.L.L. Session is now one of Oregon’s largest charity events.
Beaverton, OR. The First Tech Federal Credit Union team and members have come together for their fourth annual Season of Giving. This year, First Tech engaged the community to direct giving through a statewide vote. Three local organizations were featured: Oregon Food Bank, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and SMART – Start Making a Reader Today. They received $19,500, $19,000 and $8,500 donations respectively.
Oregon Food Bank took first place in the polls. With a statewide network of over 20 regional food banks and 970 agency partners, Oregon Food Bank helps nearly one in five households experiencing food insecurity through fresh meal distribution and educational programs. First Tech’s $19,500 donation will directly benefit those in need, funding a total of 58,500 meals for families across Oregon and Clark County, Washington.
“With its strong dedication to providing nutritional, fresh food for low-income families, Oregon Food Bank is truly making a difference within its communities. Their mission aligns perfectly with our credit union’s cause focus areas of education, research and innovation,” said First Tech President and CEO Greg Mitchell. “Our First Tech family couldn’t be more proud to support a deserving organization like Oregon Food Bank this holiday season, and we look forward to working hand-in-hand to ensure healthy and well-fed communities across Oregon.”
With more than 22,000 employee volunteer hours logged in 2016, the year concluded with donations to 22 regional and national non-profit organizations. First Tech’s Season of Giving serves as a celebration and continuation of the credit union’s philanthropic work within local communities.
Visit firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Visit oregonfoodbank.org/ to learn more about Oregon Food Bank’s mission to eliminate hunger, as well as the statewide communities the organization supports.
Visit ohsu.edu to learn more about Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Visit getsmartoregon.org to learn more about SMART – Start Making a Reader Today.
About First Tech Federal Credit Union
First Tech Federal Credit Union is a $9.4 billion institution headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. It is the nation’s premier credit union serving the world’s leading technology-oriented companies and their employees, including HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, CH2M, Intuit, Google and more. First Tech is recognized as the industry catalyst for delivering effortless banking experiences to its 425,000 members through its 40 branch locations, more than 5,400 CO-OP Shared Branch locations, 30,000 COOP Network ATMs and 286,000 ATMs nationwide. First Tech offers a full range of banking services, including traditional banking, mortgage, financial planning and insurance services. For more information, visit firsttechfed.com.
About Oregon Food Bank
With sufficient public will and support of the entire community, we believe it is possible to eliminate hunger and its root causes. Oregon Food Bank collects and distributes food through a network of four Oregon Food Bank branches and 17 regional food banks serving Oregon and Clark County, Washington. The Oregon Food Bank Network helps nearly 1 in 5 households fend off hunger. Oregon Food Bank also leads statewide efforts to increase resources for hungry families and to eliminate the root causes of hunger through advocacy, nutrition education, garden education, and helping communities strengthen local food systems. Visit oregonfoodbank.org for more information.
Portland, OR. Members of the Portland Chapter of the Nation Charity League were out in force at the Sentinel Hotel for the organization’s annual holiday tea. Nearly 300 moms and daughters took time to celebrate the season including Ava Fechner, Gigi Remy and Genevieve Klein. (NCL) is a national non-profit national organization of mothers and daughters who volunteer at dozens of charities. Last year members of the Portland Chapter volunteered thousands of hours in the local community.
Holiday tea organizers included Denise Gooding Julie Borok and Lanelle Fechner.
NCL members Jennie Menendez, Stella Kalomiris, Bailey Cook, Genevieve Klein are seniors at Jesuit High School.
The Portland Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. was chartered in April 1995 and was the first National Charity League chapter formed in the State of Oregon. National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) is a non-profit national organization of mothers and daughters who join together in community involvement within local chapters throughout the United States. Its goal is to foster a sense of community responsibility and strengthen the mother-daughter relationship. Daughters participate in a six-year program of philanthropic work, educational activities and cultural events.
Portland, OR. Adventist Health hosted its 8th annual community Thanksgiving concert on Nov 19th at New Hope Community Church. Rob Anderson from Portland Rescue Mission joined Dr. Terry Johnsson, the Executive Director of Mission Integration at Adventist Health and David Russell, CEO, of Adventist Health. The “Celebration of Thanksgiving” featured Laura Story, three-time Dove Award and GRAMMY winner. The concert is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item or socks. Adventist Health collected nearly 3,500 pounds of food for the Oregon Food bank and more than 2,800 pairs of socks for the Portland Rescue Mission. According to the Portland Rescue mission socks are one of the most requested items for the homeless.
GRAMMY winner Laura Story performs at New Hope Community Church.
3,500 pounds of food was donated to Oregon Food Bank.
A mountain of socks was given to the Portland Rescue Mission.
Donations were packed and ready to go.
About Portland Rescue Mission
Formed in 1949, Portland Rescue Mission serves men, women and children in need. We give hope through meals, rest and safety, and restore life through recovery, training and community. Our Mission is a faith-based nonprofit supported by 30,000 dedicated donors and 3,000 caring volunteers, working in close coordination with other public and private resources, and churches of many denominations. Our recovery programs restore life for a majority of those who complete them. More information is at www.portlandrescuemisson.org.
About Oregon Food Bank
With sufficient public will and support of the entire community, we believe it is possible to eliminate hunger and its root causes. Oregon Food Bank collects and distributes food through a network of four Oregon Food Bank branches and 17 regional food banks serving Oregon and Clark County, Washington. The Oregon Food Bank Network helps nearly 1 in 5 households fend off hunger. Oregon Food Bank also leads statewide efforts to increase resources for hungry families and to eliminate the root causes of hunger through advocacy, nutrition education, garden education, and helping communities strengthen local food systems. Visit oregonfoodbank.org for more information.
About Adventist Health
Adventist Health—Portland is a faith-based, not-for-profit health care network consisting of a 302-bed medical center, 34 medical clinics and home care and hospice services in the Portland metro area. Our full-service acute care medical center provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency and diagnostic services to communities on the eastside. Our key services include cardiovascular care, emergency services, orthopedics, radiation oncology, behavioral health, surgery, imaging, rehabilitation and women’s health.
Portland, OR. After 33 years of holiday fun, Providence Festival of Trees organizers give volunteers the credit for making the event such a success. This year over 100 amateur and professional designers produced the show at the Oregon Convention Center. Providence Festival of Trees has raised more than $15 million since its inception in 1983. Funds benefit programs and services that support the most vulnerable throughout the Portland metro area.
This year’s festival, December 1st – 3rd, featured more than 100 decorated trees, mini-trees and holiday displays.
There were more than 20,000 attendees. More than 600,000 people have attended the Festival since 1983.
A 40-member volunteer steering committee works year round on the show.
More than 1,200 volunteers give their time, talent and resources to make the event happen.
Here’s a look at some of the stand-out trees:
“Christmas Decadence” Sponsor: Providence Benedictine Nursing Center Decorators: Skye Wheeler, Nico Izambard, Redawn Ward, Sophya Vidal and Rolana Wheeler
“All a Buzz for the Holidays” Sponsor: Providence Brain and Spine Institute Designer: Nancy Gilpin
“Regal Christmas” Sponsor: Providence Health Plan Designers: Ronni Nichuals, Velma Rodriquez, Mary Nichols and Stacy Ryback
“The Merry Christmas Carolers” Sponsor: Play Smart Youth Heart Screenings Program Designers: Herb Oxenrider and Kay Hoover
This year the Festival silent auction had a special tree honoring long time Festival tree sponsor Earle M. Chiles. Earle passed away earlier this year. This shiny tin star Christmas trees is in the Mexican folk art tradition.
Where it all began: History of Festival of Trees
December 1983 arrived in Portland, Ore. That meant Meier & Frank’s window displays at the flagship store in downtown had been unveiled, and Santa’s house was set up inside ready for children of all ages. Peacock Lane residents were working on their spectacular light display. The lower level of Memorial Coliseum joined the ranks of Portland holiday traditions and was abuzz with Christmas sights and sounds. Christmas was coming to the Rose City in a new, exciting way.
The inside concrete walls of the Memorial Coliseum disappeared and were replaced with the spirit of something magical. A dazzling array of beautifully decorated trees appeared in row after row of Christmas delight. The mayor and city officials, state representatives, the community, employees, doctors and nurses, and Providence families crowded into the first Providence Festival of Trees to admire the trees and help raise funds for patients in need.
Community leaders and philanthropists Charles and Caroline Swindells, together with Providence Portland Medical Foundation Board Chair Dr. Gary Rothenberger and his wife Marianne, chaired the first festival event. The goal was to raise $300,000 for cancer research and kidney dialysis.
Everyone at the Providence Portland Medical Center and its supporting foundation had pitched in to launch this new holiday tradition. Hospital groundskeepers tended the freshly cut trees, housekeeping cleaned the display areas, creative volunteers decorated each tree, and donors eagerly supported this new effort to expand Providence’s care for the poor and vulnerable in the community. Little did they know, this humble beginning would one day raise millions of dollars for those in need and would unite thousands of people under a Portland holiday tradition known as Providence Festival of Trees.
Year after year, the devotion to Festival of Trees grew, sponsors stepped up by the hundreds, and funds were raised for projects such as nurse navigators and counselors for cancer patients, medication assistance for those without resources, medical research, and much more. Over time, the Festival of Trees has gone from a walk-around auction in a simple space to a formal gala dinner, multi-media auction and multi-day public events benefitting an entire community. More than 20,000 visitors pass through the Festival of Trees each year as one of Portland’s most beloved holiday traditions.
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The Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program works to ensure that refugees are properly resettled and adjusted to their new home in Portland. The newly arriving refugee families are greeted at the airport. From the moment of arrival, program staff members work to meet basic needs, including shelter, furnishings, food, and clothing. Case Managers also facilitate referrals to other service providers and assist in enrolling refugee students in school. A community orientation is provided, including information on personal safety and public rules and issues.
