SUPPORTING OUR WORK.

Philanthropy is defined as the love of mankind, altruism; a benevolent act or gift.

Often the term philanthropy is used in conjunction with giving time, sharing talents, or giving of one's treasure. These three forms of philanthropy add value to our communities and make us better people in the process. And no one is too young to begin the practice of the Three T's.  Children can volunteer with their parents; they can utilize their skills in helping others; and they can save a portion of their allowances to give to causes they care about.  Our children tend to follow the example of the adults around them so, when they see the Three T's being practiced at home, they will most likely make those priorities in their own lives.

A 1999 survey by The Council of Michigan Foundations and the Michigan Nonprofit Association revealed that:

• 80 percent of Michigan's residents contributed to charity in 1999, although only 35.5 had been asked to make a donation

• Men and women participated equally in giving

• The median annual donation ranged from $50 for environmental and youth development organizations, to $100 for health, education, arts and culture, private community foundation and international causes, to $500 for religious organizations

• Giving is most prevalent in age groups 50-59 (90.6%), 40-49 (88.2%), and 30-39 (83.8%)

• The number who give to charity increase with educational levels and with income levels, although 66% of those earning less than  $289,999 gave to charity

Giving to the Volunteer Center

· Friend's Membership 
- Donate directly to the Volunteer Center
- Membership levels
          Friend - $35
          Sustainer - $50
          Patron - $75-100
          Underwriter - $150-400
          Mobilizer - $500 or more

 

· George W. Romney Fund for Volunteerism in Southwest Michigan 
- Gifts to the Romney Fund can be made through either to Berrien Community Foundation or Michigan Gateway Community Foundation

- Gifts given to a foundation remain with the foundation, the interest earned is the amount the Volunteer Center utilizes for program needs
- The State of Michigan provides a state tax credit for gifts made to certified community foundations.  Both the Berrien Community Foundation and Michigan Gateway Community Foundation qualify for this credit.

To find out more click below
Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit

 

· iGive.com 
- Online shopping site which donates a percentage of each purchase made to the Volunteer Center
- There are approximately 250 online stores at which to shop, and each one gives a percentage of the buyers' purchase to the charity of their choice.  
- There is no increase in the cost of purchasing an online items if you join iGive.com, as it is a marketing strategy to get more people to shop online.
- Everyone wins - the online business, the buyer and the nonprofit organization that is the recipient of the donation.
- Click the iGive.com logo on the right and use the personalized tele-friend link to our website.

· Support of publications through sponsorships 
- Volunteer Connection Directory - published every second year listing  local nonprofit organizations affiliated with the Volunteer Center, their mission, volunteer opportunities, and contact information
- Wishbook - published annually listing items local nonprofit organizations would appreciate having donated.

- Volunteer Connections Newsletter - published quarterly it highlights trends and issues in volunteerism and current local volunteer opportunities.  The newsletter is distributed to all nonprofit affiliates, corporate and individual supporters of the Volunteer Center.
Contact the Volunteer Center for specific information.
volunteercenter@qtm.net 

· Donations 
- Check or money orders via the Friend's program or the George W. Romney Fund (with registration form) may be sent directly to the Volunteer Center.
- Credit card donations can be processed through PayPal. Click on the link to the right.

· Questions prospective donors may want to ask an organization before giving
- Are you incorporated as a nonprofit organization?
- What percentage (%) of donations goes directly to services and what percentage goes to fundraising costs?
- Do you have an endowment?  If so, where is it held?
- Does your organization's mission fit with my giving priorities?

Copyright 2002 © All Right Reserved.
Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan
info@volunteerswmi.org

Ways to donate:
Become a Friend
George W. Romney Fund
iGive.com
Sponsorships
Methods
Donor Questions

Services Provided:

  1.  We connect people with opportunities to serve by providing recruitment and referral services to volunteers for over 215 local nonprofit organizations.

  2.  We build the capacity for effective local volunteering by providing training to volunteer managers and to volunteers servingonboard of directors of local nonprofit organizations.

  3.  We promote volunteering through media contacts, through recognition and advocacy for volunteers, and through collaborative promotions.

  4.  We initiate and/or participate in strategic initiatives that mobilize volunteers to meet local needs.

Friend's Membership Form

George W. Romney Fund Form

Now you can donate monetary contributions online using Paypal. Sign up for your Paypal account today!!!