Teaching our kids what it means to give back to their community is such a valuable lesson that helps shape their values as they grow. In Idaho, we have Idaho Gives to help us give back. Idaho Gives—a program of the Idaho Nonprofit Center—is designed to bring the state together, raising money and awareness for Idaho nonprofits. In this post, written by Kevin Bailey, Idaho Nonprofit Center CEO, we’re talking about Idaho Gives with kids and what it means to give back.
Why Giving Back Matters
As I sat with my team making final preparations for this year’s Idaho Gives, organized statewide by the Idaho Nonprofit Center, I couldn’t help but reflect on how fulfilling philanthropy can be for an individual.
I would argue that humans give because we need to. To give is, in a way, a spiritual act that makes us whole. It helps to transform both our life and the life of the recipient. Maya Angelou described it perfectly: “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
This concept was presented to me during a fundraising course, and it struck me as both novel and radical. I had always assumed that the primary drivers of giving must be inherently self-serving—a tax break, for example. Although those type of incentives do matter, giving is about touching something outside ourselves.
Individual giving accounts for more than two-thirds of all charitable giving, according to Giving USA’s Annual Report on Philanthropy, completely dwarfing donations from foundations (19% of all giving), giving by bequest (9%), and giving by corporations (4%).
How ‘Idaho Gives’ Helps Idaho
The importance that individual donors will make a big difference during Idaho Gives each year in shaping the outcomes for local nonprofits cannot be overstated. Idaho runs on nonprofits.
In a small government state, it’s nonprofits that make our communities healthy, vibrant, wonderful places to call home. If we care about the quality of life in our local communities, then we need to care about the health and financial success of our local nonprofits.
So as Idaho Gives takes place each spring, and I invite you to join thousands of your fellow Idahoans and visit IdahoGives.org to make financial gifts to the causes you care about this year. And to teach your kids what it means to give back to their community and strengthen their values in generosity.
We give because it transforms us. Idaho gives because it’s who we are.
How Can Families Get Involved?
Click here to browse the Idaho Gives website and find a nonprofit or two that you and your family can support. Consider involving your kids and letting them learn about and choose a nonprofit or two to support. Do they love the library, dogs, or watching ballet? There’s a non-profit for each of those! Let them choose a cause close to their heart. Start ’em young!
Take part in the fun Idaho Gives events happening around the whole state. Especially as Idaho Gives gets closer during the year. There are some really exciting and creative fundraisers – just go look through the events calendar! Nonprofits are celebrating with everything from discounts on coffee to free professional photos, discounted happy hours to author signings and more. They’re really making it both enjoyable and easy to donate and get involved.
What nonprofits will your family be supporting during this year’s Idaho Gives?
Tell us about them!
Thank you Kevin Bailey, Idaho Nonprofit Center CEO, for help with this guest post!