Rethinking the Season of Giving: A Sustainable Approach to Holiday Philanthropy
Every year, the holiday season in the United States is marked by a surge in generosity and goodwill. From November to January, Americans embrace the spirit of giving, extending their support to nonprofit organizations through financial contributions, volunteer work, and in-kind donations. While this outpouring of kindness is heartwarming, it's essential to understand the nuances of holiday philanthropy and consider more sustainable ways to support the causes we care about. In this blog post, we explore the dynamics of the "season of giving" and offer practical strategies for responsible and impactful philanthropy.
The Holiday Giving Phenomenon:
The Holiday Volunteering Surge:
During the holiday season, volunteering in the United States can increase a remarkable 50 percent (some organizations seeing a much larger spike). The desire to make a positive impact on one's community is commendable, but the surge in volunteer inquiries can sometimes overwhelm nonprofits.
The Challenge of Managing Influx:
Some organizations report a staggering 200 percent increase in volunteer applications and inquiries. While this influx of support is appreciated, it poses a significant challenge for nonprofits that may not have the internal capacity (staff and infrastructure) to accommodate and manage the surge.
The December Donation Peak:
Close to 30 percent of all annual monetary donations are made in the month of December. This spike in financial contributions is undoubtedly beneficial, but it's important to recognize that nonprofits require support year-round, in particular before and after the holidays when they often face a drought in support.
Why "More Is Merrier" Isn't Always Ideal:
While the holiday season brings warmth and compassion, it can inadvertently strain nonprofit organizations for two main reasons:
Operational Overload:
The increased demand during the holidays can push nonprofits beyond their normal operating capacity. Juggling an influx of volunteers and donations can be more than overwhelming, potentially affecting the quality of their services.
Post-Holiday Support Drought:
After the season of giving, many organizations experience a significant drop in support, particularly in February when they need it most. The ebb and flow of support can hinder their long-term performance, inhibiting their ability to support the most vulnerable amongst us.
A Sustainable Approach to Giving:
To ensure that "more is merrier" is done in a way that benefits nonprofits and the community, here are some considerations:
Understand the Timing of Need:
Create a "giving" cadence that aligns corporate volunteerism with the periods when nonprofits need support the most. Be open to non-glamorous opportunities, such as administrative work, and educate employees about the strategy behind your volunteerism program (e.g., why giving during atypical periods in time may have greater impact).
Balancing Holiday Giving:
Acknowledge that employees may still want to give during the holidays. Instead of replacing year-end giving, supplement it with virtual collection drives or resources that guide informed decisions.
The Importance of How You Give:
Emphasize that the way you give is just as important as what you give. Encourage responsible and sustainable philanthropy that considers the long-term impact on the community.
A "Yes, and" Approach:
Stress the importance of giving during the holidays, but also advocate for continued support throughout the year. Encourage employees to identify ongoing needs and opportunities to serve the community beyond the holiday season.
Conclusion:
As the holiday season approaches, let's rethink our approach to giving. While the "season of giving" is a beautiful tradition, we can make it even more impactful by ensuring our support is sustainable and well-timed. By embracing a "yes, and" mentality and understanding the true needs of our community, we can create a more merrier world not just during the holidays, but all year round.
The Uplift Agency
Uplift builds strategies, programs, and communication campaigns that advance ESG in workplaces, supply chains and communities.
We know how to navigate the road ahead because we’ve already been down it – 90 percent of our team has led environmental or social programs in corporations or nonprofits. Because ESG is all we do, our services are more comprehensive and integrated than most firms.
