CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Looking to be charitable this holiday, but feeling the pocketbook pinch? Charlotte-area charity advocates know there are many wanting to make a difference, but needing a bite-sized way to do so.
Melissa Hovey, Managing Director with SHARE Charlotte, which hosts Charlotte's Giving Tuesday event and serves as a one-stop spot for Charlotte-area charitable causes, said the struggles with donations are across the board and have been underway for two years.
"You're seeing every class, whether it be the major givers, whether it be the... micro givers, that's people that give $50 or less, everyone's feeling the pinch and the uncertainty that the economy has got going on right now," Hovey said.
In the meantime, demand for the services nonprofits provide has not declined, and in some cases, it has risen.
An August report from the Association of Fundraising Professionals shows larger donors, or those giving more than $5,000, cut their contributions nearly 10% in the first quarter of the year, while donor retention fell 20% in the same period.
The report also shows that Q1 saw new donor counts down by nearly 20% and new donors' gifts slashed by more than a third.
Hovey suggests that those wanting to help their favorite causes, but also feeling the pocketbook pinch, try other options like volunteering, shopping on groups' Amazon wish lists, and advocating for groups by amplifying their messages.
In fact, SHARE Charlotte just released a holiday giving guide, showcasing Charlotte-area nonprofits, with their needs and bite-sized ways to help them.
"Do what you can," Hovey said. "We want everyone to feel like a philanthropist and do whatever makes sense for them."
The guide shows ways to help at multiple price points and even at no cost to the donor. The main takeaways on how to help, in addition to donating, include volunteering, advocating for and spreading the message of a group, and finding affordable items to buy off a group's Amazon wish list.
Here are some examples of different ways to give back:
- Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, which is a wildlife sanctuary in Indian Trail, has an Amazon wish list with items as cheap as a few bucks.
- Project 70Forward offers help to people living with different abilities. The organization said people can volunteer by driving a van to pick up and drop off donations.
- Charlotte Angels is a support service for foster families and donating a Walmart or gas gift card can help these families cover essentials.
- Community Link helps people obtain safe and affordable housing. The group said people can start training now as a volunteer to help families in January prepare for tax season.
WCNC Charlotte has also highlighted groups across the Charlotte metro making a difference in the community.
Contact Vanessa Ruffes at vruffes@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.