November 29, 2022 is Giving Tuesday! Giving Tuesday was created in Canada in 2012, and in ten years it has spread to 80+ countries with millions of dollars raised for charities. The purpose of Giving Tuesday is simple but impactful: it is a day that encourages people to do good. There are so many ways to participate: make someone smile, help someone in need, show up for an issue you care about, or give some of what you have to others. Below, we’re sharing five ways you can give back on Giving Tuesday.
1. Donate to one of our existing funds
Nanaimo Foundation manages a number of funds for other organizations and community groups. If any of these organizations speak to you, you can give a one-time or monthly gift straight from our website. Find a list of these funds here.
2. Set up a Family Impact & Lasting Legacy Fund
If you’re interested in going a step further than a one-time gift, you may want to create your own fund at Nanaimo Foundation. There are many ways to do this, but one option is creating a Family Impact & Lasting Legacy Fund. This allows you to make a gift to the Nanaimo Foundation, then remain actively involved in suggesting uses for your gift. You can give cash, appreciated stocks, real estate, or other assets. You will recommend uses for the fund – working with our professional program staff to support the causes and organizations you care about most, while we handle all of the administrative tasks required. Your gift can be placed into an endowment that is invested over time, and earnings from your fund are used to make grants addressing community needs. Your gift – and all future earnings from your gift – is a permanent source of community capital, helping to do good work forever. For more information about Family Impact & Lasting Legacy funds, click here.
3. Volunteer your time in the community
Your Giving Tuesday contribution doesn’t need to be financial; there are so many other ways to share generosity! Many local charitable organizations are in need of volunteer support, and with so many wonderful organizations in the Nanaimo region, everyone will be able to find a role that suits their interests and abilities. If you are looking for ideas on where to donate your time, check out Volunteer Nanaimo.
4. Connect with your neighbours
Giving Tuesday is the perfect opportunity to share some kindness with the people in your neighbourhood and community. Many people feel lonely and isolated during the holiday season, so use this time to reach out to a neighbour for a chat over coffee, send a greeting card, or check in with a phone call. If you are looking for a way to continue building relationships with your neighbours in the new year, check out Neighbourhood Small Grants!
5. Make a one-time gift to the Give Where You Live Fund
We have a special fund at Nanaimo Foundation called the Give Where You Live Fund. Some donors choose to make their gift directly to this fund, allowing us to determine where the needs in the community are greatest and to direct grants accordingly. Gifts to the Give Where You Live Fund are important as they allow us to respond to critical issues in the community as they arise. When this fund receives support from donors, it allows us to be increasingly flexible and responsive.
Each year we accept grant applications from charitable organizations and distribute grants from this fund based on current community needs. You can give a one time or monthly gift to the Give Where You Live Fund here:
