SOUNDING BOARD -- Aviva Goelman
On Sept. 11, the lives of nonprofit organizations changed.
So much has occurred in our country since that date and over the past
few months. Funds have poured in from all over the country to those in
need in New York who have lost family and friends. The Red Cross, United
Way, firemen’s funds, police funds, churches and individuals all dug deep
into their pockets to help those affected by the tragedy.
Where does all that leave the nonprofit organizations that count on
contributions chiefly from their local community? There is an old saying:
“Charity begins at home.”
This year, the nonprofits will suffer due to the recent national
tragedy, the change in the stock market and as a result of the
political/economic consequences. As we face recession, nonprofit
organizations find themselves in the front lines of cutbacks and reduced
spending.
Monday morning’s radio headlines screamed nonprofits will suffer this
year due to philanthropic cutbacks. Those in the past that gave $8,500
per year will only be giving $5,000. Donations are expected to be cut by
a third.
Every month, every year, nonprofits seem to help more and more people,
but this year it will get harder and harder to meet demands.
Local nonprofit organizations such as the Costa Mesa Senior Center are
seeing many people with heightened fear and anxiety, people worried about
their safety. The need is greater than ever for support services to help
many segments of society through these challenging times.
We have always been at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to
raising funds. One philanthropic individual responded when asked [why
that is]: “You are not glitzy.” What does that mean? Maybe we do not have
a high enough profile. No, we don’t have black-tie events; we don’t
attract the social section of the newspaper or the generous financial
supporters who give to the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the
Orange County Philharmonic or abused children’s shelters. Donations to
our nonprofit do not bring the “society rewards” of philanthropy that
result in name recognition for those who contribute to those glitzy
causes.
Unfortunately, the seniors who themselves contributed so much during
their life are now the forgotten generation.
So as we approach the holidays, let us remember all the local
nonprofit agencies that bring services, compassion and solutions to so
many lives in our community.
Make this a better year than ever in the spirit of giving.
* AVIVA GOELMAN is the executive director of the Costa Mesa Senior
Center.
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