GET OUT AND GIVE BACK/ The Dating Game

Vintage Postcard/Circa 1930s With so many non-profits in existence, and all of them in need, how to find Mr. or Ms. Right to hang the moon?

ALEXANDRIA, VA. - When I decided to be more conscious about how and where to donate time and money, I had no idea that the decision process would be so much like dating. With so many nonprofits in existence, and all of them in need, how do you find Mr. or Ms. Right?
 
As I began the selection process I learned what was important to me.
 
Mission. As I scrolled through online lists of nonprofits, I was drawn toward those whose mission helped people move out of poverty. Still, that left hundreds of non-profits focused on education, literacy, at-risk children, job skills and mentoring.
 
High Impact.  The charity had to spend most of its funds on direct programming and show measureable, positive results. This part was easy. Since I live in Old Town Alexandria near Washington, DC, I used the Greater Washington Catalogue for Philanthropy (http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org). Or, any donor can review a nonprofit’s tax returns through the Foundation Center (www.foundationcenter.org), by clicking on “Find Funders” then “990 Finder.”
 
Location.  The charity had to be located somewhere that I could walk to or use public transportation if I were to volunteer on a regular basis. We live in an urban area and can walk or bike almost anywhere, so as silly as that sounds, I was surprised at how quickly I eliminated a nonprofit from my search if I’d have to drive.
    
Long-term relationship (LTR) potential. Finally, and eventually most importantly, the non-profit had to make me feel valued. Call me insecure, but if I’m going to donate money over the long haul, I want to feel appreciated. Nonprofit staff, especially those at small organizations, are overworked, but I needed to know that they were as interested in me as I was in them.
    
It really was like dating. No wonder this process took months. I emailed my list of nonprofits to express an interest in donating time and money, and to know more about them. Then I waited for them to respond.
 
One non-profit emailed me the name of their donor coordinator and told me to contact him if I wanted to write a check. Cross that one off the list. Geez.
 
Then the executive director of Suited for Change (www.suitedforchange.org), invited me to her agency. Busy as she was, she spent an hour with me, talking about their issues, accomplishments and long term plans.
 
Did Suited for Change meet my criteria?  
 
Location. Yes, their office is located a few blocks from a metro stop.

Mission. Yes, they provide professional clothing and career and life skills education to low-income women. I’d volunteer by helping their clients find interview-type clothing. In other words, I’m shopping. Gotta love it.  
 
High Impact. Yes, they are listed in the Greater Washington Catalogue for Philanthropy.
 
LTR potential.  Yes, they were interested and I was interested. I think we’ll be together for awhile.
 
I wrote a check and felt giddy about my new crush. Great way to start a LTR.
 
Get out and give back.
    
Jane Hess Collins lives in Old Town Alexandria and is a retired Air Force colonel who inspires people to contribute through writing, speaking and (hopefully) example. She also writes the "Get Out and Give Back" newspaper column, conducts workshops for clients to discover their most intrinsic way to serve, and has established game nights for at-risk families throughout the country. You can contact her at www.getoutandgiveback.com