Celebrate National Volunteer Week! (3rd Week in April)

Are you interested in volunteering in the Bismarck-Mandan area, but you're not sure where to start? Check out these resources to help you find the perfect volunteer job!

Volunteer BisMan - MSA United Way volunteer center

U of Mary - List of places to volunteer in the community, organized by category

Volunteer Match - National database, searchable by city, cause area, and keyword

AARP - Learn how to volunteer with AARP, as well as other organizations in Bismarck-Mandan

Here are some steps you can take to help you decide where and how to volunteer:

1. Consider your interests and passions: What do you care about most? Are you passionate about the environment, animal welfare, or helping disadvantaged communities? Think about the causes that are most important to you, and look for volunteer opportunities that align with those interests.

2. Research local organizations: Look for organizations in your community that are working on the issues you care about. You can search online, ask friends and family for recommendations, or check with local volunteer centers.

3. Consider your skills and abilities: What skills or experiences do you have that could be helpful to an organization? Look for volunteer opportunities that match your abilities, so you can make the most impact.

4. Think about your time and availability: How much time do you have to volunteer? Do you want to volunteer on a regular basis or just occasionally? Look for opportunities that fit your schedule and availability.

5. Look for organizations that align with your values: It's important to find an organization that shares your values and has a mission that resonates with you. This will help you stay motivated and engaged in your volunteer work.

6. Don't be afraid to ask questions: If you're considering volunteering with a particular organization, don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Find out more about the organization's mission and how your time and skills will be used.

Happy volunteering!

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 14-20)

Random acts of kindness are small gestures of generosity and compassion that can have a big impact on the lives of others. Whether it's holding the door open for someone, paying for someone's coffee, or simply offering a friendly smile and a kind word, these small acts can go a long way in making the world a little bit brighter.

Random acts of kindness don't have to be elaborate or expensive to be meaningful. In fact, some of the most powerful acts of kindness are the simplest ones. A simple compliment or a kind gesture can brighten someone's day and make them feel valued and appreciated.

Random acts of kindness can also have a ripple effect, as they can inspire others to pay it forward and do something kind for someone else. Whether you're at home, at work, or out in the community, there are always opportunities to do something kind for someone else.

So the next time you have the opportunity to perform a random act of kindness, don't hesitate. Whether it's a small gesture or a more significant act of generosity, every little bit helps to make the world a better place.

New Year's Intentions - Philanthropy Edition

Resolutions are OUT!

Intentions are IN!

What does that mean, exactly? Resolutions are specific, limited goals that usually focus on fixing something about yourself or your lifestyle. Naturally, then, a resolution starts from a place of negativity: Something is broken and needs to be fixed. An intention, on the other hand, focuses on creating abundance and motivating us to live an even better life. It’s more of a guiding principle than a specific list of goals. Here’s a simple comparison:

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Setting an intention starts with your values. When it comes to your philanthropic intentions, think about these questions:

• What excites and inspires you?

• What change do you want to see in the world (or your local community)?

• How do you want to be a part of the change or preservation you want to see? (Philanthropy includes time, talent, relationships, and financial support.)

From there, you can find the organizations that most closely match your answers to those questions in terms of their missions and programs, and consider your budget (i.e. “How much time, talent, and/or funds can I afford to give this year?”).

Combine all of this to set your philanthropic intention and brainstorm a few specific ways you might express that intention. Again, we’re not talking about strict goals like volunteering a certain number of hours a week or month, or raising a certain amount of money, but rather combining what you value with what you can feasibly do. Write your intention down and put it somewhere you’ll see it regularly. You could even program it as a reminder in your phone or include it on your weekly to-do list.

Then, as opportunities arise – and they will because nonprofits always need help! – you can choose the ones that honor your values and fill your cup.

What will your giving look like in 2023?

5 Tips for Smart & Effective Charitable Giving this Holiday Season

For many nonprofits, the end of the year means one final appeal for donations. And for many individuals, it means an avalanche of letters and emails full of stories that pull at our heart strings and compel us to make a donation. Few of us can afford to give to all of the organizations or causes we want to support, so how do we decide which ones should receive our hard-earned money?

1. Your Budget. Sorry to start off with math and spreadsheets, but it’s important to know how much you can afford to give. Decide if you want to make one bigger donation or if you want to spread your charitable dollars over several organizations. Does your employer offer a match?

2. Take Inventory. List the organizations that you had a personal experience with over the last year. Did you adopt a pet from an animal shelter? Did you spend a lot of time at your public library? Did you enjoy a trip to a zoo, museum, or science center? Did you take in a performance at a ballet or community theater (virtual or in person)? Chances are, most, if not all, of these places are nonprofits that rely on annual donations.

3. Take Another Kind of Inventory. What are your core values? What inspires you to take action? What topics or causes inspire you to speak up or speak out? Now, match those core values with organizations that address those values in some way. Contact your local community foundation if you need help identifying those groups.

4. Play Detective. Once you’ve figured out your charitable giving budget and narrowed down the list of organizations that are most important to you, investigate what your chosen charities need the most. Cash is always nice, and if you prefer to make a simple cash donation, you absolutely should! For some organizations, however, goods may be what they need the most. While they could purchase the goods they need with the money you give them, they may appreciate it more if YOU purchased what was needed and donated it to the organization. You might also consider holding a mini-drive by asking your friends and family to contribute. The best way to find out is to call or visit their website.

5. Give Local. National nonprofit organizations have a lot of resources when it comes to fundraising. When you give local, often you’re supporting a nonprofit run mostly by volunteers who don’t have a lot of time to fundraise. It’s also much easier to see your dollars at work.

That’s it! Be sure to keep your donation receipts somewhere safe and accessible for tax time.

This post was originally published Nov. 2021 and updated Nov. 2022.