MENTOR Aims to Expand Virtual Mentoring During A Time of Social Distancing

According to our June 2020 survey of Star rated nonprofits, 72% of organizations have suffered financially due to the pandemic. Additionally, 54% of respondents have cut back on program services due to the pandemic/economic shutdown. To overcome this disruption and to continue to serve communities, many nonprofits are adapting and innovating. 

Today, we are honored to share a first-hand account of what innovation and 

adaptation look like during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent 

economic crisis from MENTOR.

MENTOR works to advance equity and close the mentoring gap because we believe all young people deserve the opportunity to explore and fulfill their potential. We create solutions that prioritize relationships for young people, help volunteers find youth mentoring opportunities, and leverage the diverse expertise of staff, youth, and local Affiliates to develop resources for quality mentoring, including the foundational Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring. As we mark National Mentoring Day in October, and soon National Mentoring Month in January, we’re continuing our focus on expanding access to meaningful connections for young people within the digital environment – helping ensure that physical distance does not lead to social disconnection.

Addressing Critical Needs in Native Communities During COVID-19 and Beyond

Upon notification of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on the entire globe, Tribal nations implemented some of the most stringent preventative measures to protect their communities. 

Pandemics and disease are far too familiar to Native American communities. The intentional introduction of smallpox into Native communities was one of our earliest introductions to the dangers that new viruses can present.  

Domestic Violence and Abuse: Nonprofits Providing Care, Support and Safe Haven

Violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, affects millions around the world. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women (and about 835,000 men) are victims of physical violence from their partner each and every year. However, domestic violence expands further than just bruises and black eyes. It includes humiliation, manipulation, threats, isolation, stalking and more. 

Philanthropic Strategies During the Pandemic & Pre-Election

Today, Charity Navigator has been graciously provided with an exclusive, first-hand account of charitable planning and giving by a married couple that utilize Charity Navigator’s tools and resources to inform their giving.  As donors who look at their support as an investment in the future of causes close to their hearts, they have remained committed to philanthropy during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how they structured their investment strategy before and, now, during months of an economic recession. 

Steps in advance of COVID-19

We have taken a number of steps in advance of major events that can ensure that we could continue to donate to nonprofit organizations.

Donors are looking for tools to help guide their giving in the pandemic.

When the pandemic hit the U.S. in March 2020, nonprofits across the country immediately mobilized to provide support in innumerable ways. Donors realized that donations were needed to support COVID-19 relief efforts, in addition to the charities they were already supporting. Those who were in a position to make additional donations gave generously. 

As a grantmaker, Vanguard Charitable has the privilege of working with donors as they support charities on the current crisis's front lines. Vanguard Charitable’s donors have given in record numbers because they are uniquely positioned to spring into action, with charitable funds already primed for sending. 

Navigating Access to Breast Cancer Detection, Prevention and Treatment Amid the Pandemic

According to our June 2020 survey of Star rated nonprofits, 72% of organizations have suffered financially due to the pandemic. Additionally, 54% of respondents have cut back on program services due to the pandemic/economic shutdown. To overcome this disruption and to continue to serve communities, many nonprofits are adapting and innovating. 

Today, we are honored to share a first-hand account of what innovation and 

adaptation look like during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent 

economic crisis from the Breast Cancer Alliance.

There are few words more terrifying for a patient to hear than “you have cancer.” While this COVID-19 pandemic has left all of us in its wake, be it the isolation, loss of jobs, health insurance, compromised health or the loss of a loved one, there has perhaps never been a more frightening time to be grappling with a cancer diagnosis as well.

ImpactMatters and Charity Navigator have joined forces to rate nonprofit impact

Written by Tamsin Chen, Elijah Goldberg and Masha Winchell — former staff of ImpactMatters and now members of Charity Navigator’s new Impact Unit. The Impact Unit leads the development of the Encompass Rating System’s Impact & Results beacon.

An announcement...We’re excited to share two very big pieces of news today.

ImpactMatters — the organization we started five years ago to help donors find high-impact nonprofits — has been acquired by Charity Navigator. As of today, we are officially part of the Charity Navigator team, tasked with developing the Impact & Results beacon of the new Encompass Rating System.

Today also marks the very first time that Charity Navigator is rating nonprofits on their impact — something it has long hoped to do in service of its mission to “make impactful philanthropy easier for all.” These ratings were originally produced by ImpactMatters and have now been adapted for the Encompass Rating System. We are so proud that our work has catalyzed Charity Navigator’s venture into impact rating.

Embracing the Culture and Challenges in Disaster Recovery Work in Tribal Communities

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  No matter how a state may reference the day, whether it is recognized as Native American Day, First Peoples’ Day, or American Indian Day, in Indian Country, it is a day to celebrate people and communities who have responded with resiliency to European explorers' atrocities and the colonization that followed. 

Some states continue to mark “Columbus Day” for Christopher Columbus, but in 1990, South Dakota became the first state to recognize the history, culture and contributions of Indigenous people in the U.S.  The Pew Research Center says 21 states have this day as a state holiday, with 13 states and dozens of cities recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 

From Function to Feeling: Crafting a Values-First Story to Create a Deeper Connection with Donors

While working with purpose-driven organizations on branding and storytelling for the last twenty years here at Hyperakt, we’ve learned a lot about what lights a fire in nonprofit audiences. One of our favorite frameworks to apply to the field of mission-driven work is inspired by Simon Sinek’s golden circle: that there are three fundamental components to how you introduce yourself.  

Say it with me: “So, what do you do?” Not the most spine-tingling conversation starter, right? What about:

• “What motivates you?” 
• “What are your values?” 
• “What’s your reason for being?” 

Now we’re talking. 

Employee Giving: 4 Ways to Make the Most of Giving Programs

Corporate giving programs are a powerful resource in which businesses contribute to the charitable organizations their employees support, either through donations or volunteer hours. 

Any nonprofit can benefit from corporate giving. However, many either underestimate these programs or simply don’t know they exist. But through corporate giving, supporters can make the most of their contributions, corporations get a positive public image, and organizations receive the funds to pursue their missions!