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Classy Takes the 1% Pledge and Joins the Integrated Philanthropy Community

Classy started as a simple fundraiser for the American Cancer Society because we wanted to dedicate our spare time to a cause that was close to our hearts. As we started hosting dozens of fundraising events across a variety of causes here in San Diego, we realized that there was an entire new wave of young people eager to do the same. We had tapped into something special – something that was a lot bigger than ourselves.
 Years later, we’ve now built a company that helps organizations harness the same eagerness we saw in ourselves and in our peers. Our dedication to drive meaningful change in our San Diego community and beyond has only strengthened over the years. That’s why we took the pledge

Spotlight

BILD - British Institute of Learning Disabilities

Professor Gerry Simon set up the British Institute of Learning Disabilities – now known as BILD – in 1971 because he was convinced there could be better support in the community for people with disabilities. We’ve been championing the rights of people with disabilities ever since. BILD uses the its knowledge and experience to turn research into practice, solve problems and improve support. In working with Government departments, local authorities, heath trusts, service providers and mainstream organisations, our aim is to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.

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Nonprofit Management

The Power of Film for Philanthropy

Article | July 29, 2022

Having worked in Hollywood for most of my career, it will come as no surprise to anyone that I champion the power of film for storytelling. However, as my life has headed down a different route, one of philanthropy and charity work, it has become increasingly apparent that the role of film in philanthropy is a crucial one and one that should never be underestimated. Unless they see something with their own eyes, people can find it hard to translate what they read on a page into reality. This is where the power of film for philanthropy comes in. By showing people the facts of a situation, you bring that into their lives, and you pique their interest. You create a connection between the viewer and the charity so that connection can be built upon to gain more support. I had seen this connection first-hand recently when I helped make videos for the 'Children of War Foundation' that highlighted the stories of the refugee students at COWF's School of Dreams. At that point, I had numerous friends who contacted me, saying how they were moved by the content and how they immediately donated after seeing these stories. Philanthropy depends on sharing our experiences, both good and bad, in order to share struggles and achievements. By filming on-the-ground in war zones, or gaining access to share footage of sensitive situations, we can reach people and make them aware of what is happening, and how they can help. Using video footage, a charity or a campaign can amplify their message and support 1,000-fold. It has been proved that donations increase once a video appears on a website or on a social media platform showing the suffering it is trying to help. Having worked on a Facebook/Instagram show, I have learned the importance of content being "shareable" and the massive amount of impact and views content can have if it is. Let me explain a little about why I have come to these conclusions and what drives me. Through film, I can address and contribute solutions to broader world issues; that is my purpose and ambition now. I know how to create films in a way that inspires people and drives them to action. Unfortunately, many non-profits don't know how to utilize storytelling through film, so if I see a way that I can use media to help their cause, I will offer my expertise free of charge, and urge philanthropists, in general, to investigate how they can use film to share their message. One recent example is when I was invited just this past week at the Cannes Film Festival to watch and speak at a round-table discussion for multiple short-form videos made by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), showcasing the various stories of refugees they have worked with. It was clear to me and others attending how important the messages of this content were, and it sparked a big discussion of how to further this kind of impact by sharing refugee stories in a way that is compelling and understandable to a wider audience. Images Need to Have Impact And now to the Children of War foundation (COWF), which has taught me so much about philanthropy and how charities work. I have traveled to regions from Jordan to Navajo Nation to document the foundation's work so that they can promote it on their website, in the media, and on their social media platforms. Most recently, I traveled for COWF to Ukraine to deliver medical supplies to two hospitals. Traveling through warzones with both active bombings and absolute destruction from past attacks, I saw things I never thought I would encounter. It was both the most rewarding and terrifying experience of my life, but it was essential. By making that journey and shooting footage of the realities of war, I am helping share the work and mission of COWF and in turn, that of so many charities risking lives to help the innocent civilians caught up in this and other atrocities around the world. Having traveled to and filmed in refugee camps, most recently to Jordan with my daughters Sophia and Georgia last winter, I know first-hand the impact of war on children. But I have also seen how my films have brought about awareness and support from a greater audience for the charities I help, and this is where my commitment lies. The images we see of the refugee crises around the world are not impactful enough. We need to show the harsher images so that the world grasps the severity of the situation and the everyday human toils, while also understanding that people are people, and making that connection to close the gap of the too well-shared idea of "us and them" when it should be just "us." Clearly, women and children are often the most hard-hit in these wars, but unfortunately, they are also the most overlooked. Because of this, I am a strong proponent of showcasing their stories specifically but also pushing the idea of sustainable aid. The average refugee is displaced for 15-20 years, which is the entire childhood for kids who were displaced at a younger age, making it all the more important to ensure they have access to education and opportunities wherever they are. When sharing this information and pushing for sustainability, helps to educate a greater audience and break the cycles of giving short-term aid that often may not solve the real root issues. Of late, I have frequently said that the Ukraine war is the first TikTok war - the first whereby imagery of those involved on-ground is shared as much as that filmed by mainstream media. This is good; it is getting the horrors of war out there for all to see directly. While this information is often brutally honest, by being subjected to these images, we are given the truth of the situation and often compelled to help. Cinematography is prompting philanthropic action. I find it hard to take any positives from the current global situation. However, in such scenarios, ordinary people like you and I have often responded to the call to action and explored ways to help in the past. So how do philanthropists and charities go about using film for good? They need to know how to make content, whether as a short film, an Instagram video, etc., in a way that inspires people. Many non-profits don't know how to use storytelling, but if they can recruit those who do, it could be of great help. Especially if done with respect for the organization's work and wanting to share its story rather than sensationalize it. If this can become a movement, we can see the real impact of film-making in philanthropy.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

5 Rules for Adjusting Your Nonprofit Marketing

Article | July 14, 2022

It’s not business as usual, which means that your nonprofit marketing efforts have to adjust and change. Dynamism and adaptability are necessary for every organization in the current environment, especially for nonprofits. We understand that the need in our communities is only going to increase in the weeks and months ahead, which means nonprofits have to nurture relationships — and strengthen them.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

Popular Cloud Technologies for Nonprofits

Article | July 28, 2022

As the fiscal year draws to a close for many U.S. nonprofits, we have decided to spotlight some of the best cloud products we offer. Budgets can be tight at the best of times, and we know that many nonprofits are paying extra-close attention to their finances over the past several months. But cloud-based tools are a good investment for years to come in terms of flexibility, security, and the ease with which they can be used remotely.

Read More
Nonprofit Technology

Utilize an Email Marketing Strategy to Drive More Donations

Article | June 13, 2022

When creating your nonprofit fundraising and donations strategy, email marketing should be on the top of the list of channels to use to support your efforts. However, 70% of nonprofits do not have an email marketing strategy, despite 26% of online donors saying email marketing is what inspires them to give. Email marketing can help nonprofits reach their fundraising goals by helping expand reach, develop a loyal donor base and drive more donations. Build an Email Marketing Strategy Implementing email marketing may seem intimidating to some, but once you have an effective strategy in place, it will act as a blueprint and support all your goals moving forward. When you start building your strategy, it’s important to spend time developing a unique strategy that aligns with your mission and goals. Consider these questions: Who is your target audience? How are you collecting email addresses? What types of emails will you send? What types of content do you want to share in those emails? What will your emails look like? What is the layout? What is the design based on? How often do you plan to send emails? What platform will you use? Does it integrate with your donor database and have all the features you need to implement your strategy? Email marketing is the most effective and successful when there's a strategic plan in place. Creating a detailed strategy that answers the questions above will provide your nonprofit with the stepping stones needed to set your email marketing efforts up for success and help meet your overall fundraising goals. Send Emails Once you have a strategy and execution plan in place, you’re ready to start sending your messages to your audience. Email subscribers want to hear from you, but you need to be sure you are sending engaging messages to the right audiences. When you start sending your emails, plan to send a mix of different messages to your audience. Email marketing is an effective channel to not only fundraise but to help subscribers stay engaged and keep donor retention high. A great example would be to include advocacy emails in your plans. Advocacy emails include newsletters and impact stories. These types of emails help your subscriber feel valued as a donor as they’re seeing the direct impact of their support. As you start and continue to send emails, always track each email's performance. This helps you determine what is working and what is not working. By tracking key metrics, like click-through rates, conversation rates and donations per email, you will be able to continuously improve your strategy and the emails you are sending. Follow Best Practices As you begin to execute your email strategy, there are a few key best practices I recommend following to help increase engagement, donations, and overall performance of your emails. Personalize the email for your subscribers. Personalized emails can generate donations up to six times more compared to a generalized email. Make sure your emails are well-designed with compelling imagery that helps the donor visualize your mission and the impact of their donations. Provide clear calls to action in each email you send and always include a “Donate” button in all your communications. Include social sharing buttons and links to your social channels in all your email communications. Emails with social sharing buttons increase click-through rates by as much as 158% and help expand your reach by allowing donors to recommend and share your nonprofit with their network. Create an email cadence so you are regularly communicating with your audience throughout the year. For every 1,000 fundraising emails delivered, nonprofits raised $78, so it is in your best interest to continuously send messages to your subscribers. Start by sending emails monthly and then experiment with increasing the frequency of emails per month and see what works best for your nonprofit. Utilizing email marketing is key to having a successful fundraising strategy for your nonprofit. By building a well-thought-out strategy and implementing it, you will be able to engage, retain and convert subscribers into a loyal donor base.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

Marketing Your Nonprofit Organization in 4 Simple Steps

Article | July 29, 2022

Having worked in Hollywood for most of my career, it will come as no surprise to anyone that I champion the power of film for storytelling. However, as my life has headed down a different route, one of philanthropy and charity work, it has become increasingly apparent that the role of film in philanthropy is a crucial one and one that should never be underestimated. Unless they see something with their own eyes, people can find it hard to translate what they read on a page into reality. This is where the power of film for philanthropy comes in. By showing people the facts of a situation, you bring that into their lives, and you pique their interest. You create a connection between the viewer and the charity so that connection can be built upon to gain more support. I had seen this connection first-hand recently when I helped make videos for the 'Children of War Foundation' that highlighted the stories of the refugee students at COWF's School of Dreams. At that point, I had numerous friends who contacted me, saying how they were moved by the content and how they immediately donated after seeing these stories. Philanthropy depends on sharing our experiences, both good and bad, in order to share struggles and achievements. By filming on-the-ground in war zones, or gaining access to share footage of sensitive situations, we can reach people and make them aware of what is happening, and how they can help. Using video footage, a charity or a campaign can amplify their message and support 1,000-fold. It has been proved that donations increase once a video appears on a website or on a social media platform showing the suffering it is trying to help. Having worked on a Facebook/Instagram show, I have learned the importance of content being "shareable" and the massive amount of impact and views content can have if it is. Let me explain a little about why I have come to these conclusions and what drives me. Through film, I can address and contribute solutions to broader world issues; that is my purpose and ambition now. I know how to create films in a way that inspires people and drives them to action. Unfortunately, many non-profits don't know how to utilize storytelling through film, so if I see a way that I can use media to help their cause, I will offer my expertise free of charge, and urge philanthropists, in general, to investigate how they can use film to share their message. One recent example is when I was invited just this past week at the Cannes Film Festival to watch and speak at a round-table discussion for multiple short-form videos made by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), showcasing the various stories of refugees they have worked with. It was clear to me and others attending how important the messages of this content were, and it sparked a big discussion of how to further this kind of impact by sharing refugee stories in a way that is compelling and understandable to a wider audience. Images Need to Have Impact And now to the Children of War foundation (COWF), which has taught me so much about philanthropy and how charities work. I have traveled to regions from Jordan to Navajo Nation to document the foundation's work so that they can promote it on their website, in the media, and on their social media platforms. Most recently, I traveled for COWF to Ukraine to deliver medical supplies to two hospitals. Traveling through warzones with both active bombings and absolute destruction from past attacks, I saw things I never thought I would encounter. It was both the most rewarding and terrifying experience of my life, but it was essential. By making that journey and shooting footage of the realities of war, I am helping share the work and mission of COWF and in turn, that of so many charities risking lives to help the innocent civilians caught up in this and other atrocities around the world. Having traveled to and filmed in refugee camps, most recently to Jordan with my daughters Sophia and Georgia last winter, I know first-hand the impact of war on children. But I have also seen how my films have brought about awareness and support from a greater audience for the charities I help, and this is where my commitment lies. The images we see of the refugee crises around the world are not impactful enough. We need to show the harsher images so that the world grasps the severity of the situation and the everyday human toils, while also understanding that people are people, and making that connection to close the gap of the too well-shared idea of "us and them" when it should be just "us." Clearly, women and children are often the most hard-hit in these wars, but unfortunately, they are also the most overlooked. Because of this, I am a strong proponent of showcasing their stories specifically but also pushing the idea of sustainable aid. The average refugee is displaced for 15-20 years, which is the entire childhood for kids who were displaced at a younger age, making it all the more important to ensure they have access to education and opportunities wherever they are. When sharing this information and pushing for sustainability, helps to educate a greater audience and break the cycles of giving short-term aid that often may not solve the real root issues. Of late, I have frequently said that the Ukraine war is the first TikTok war - the first whereby imagery of those involved on-ground is shared as much as that filmed by mainstream media. This is good; it is getting the horrors of war out there for all to see directly. While this information is often brutally honest, by being subjected to these images, we are given the truth of the situation and often compelled to help. Cinematography is prompting philanthropic action. I find it hard to take any positives from the current global situation. However, in such scenarios, ordinary people like you and I have often responded to the call to action and explored ways to help in the past. So how do philanthropists and charities go about using film for good? They need to know how to make content, whether as a short film, an Instagram video, etc., in a way that inspires people. Many non-profits don't know how to use storytelling, but if they can recruit those who do, it could be of great help. Especially if done with respect for the organization's work and wanting to share its story rather than sensationalize it. If this can become a movement, we can see the real impact of film-making in philanthropy.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

Non-Profits Impacting the Economy

Article | July 14, 2022

It’s not business as usual, which means that your nonprofit marketing efforts have to adjust and change. Dynamism and adaptability are necessary for every organization in the current environment, especially for nonprofits. We understand that the need in our communities is only going to increase in the weeks and months ahead, which means nonprofits have to nurture relationships — and strengthen them.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

Non-Profits Cannot Afford to Ignore These Business Practices

Article | July 28, 2022

As the fiscal year draws to a close for many U.S. nonprofits, we have decided to spotlight some of the best cloud products we offer. Budgets can be tight at the best of times, and we know that many nonprofits are paying extra-close attention to their finances over the past several months. But cloud-based tools are a good investment for years to come in terms of flexibility, security, and the ease with which they can be used remotely.

Read More
Nonprofit Technology

Utilize an Email Marketing Strategy to Drive More Donations

Article | June 13, 2022

When creating your nonprofit fundraising and donations strategy, email marketing should be on the top of the list of channels to use to support your efforts. However, 70% of nonprofits do not have an email marketing strategy, despite 26% of online donors saying email marketing is what inspires them to give. Email marketing can help nonprofits reach their fundraising goals by helping expand reach, develop a loyal donor base and drive more donations. Build an Email Marketing Strategy Implementing email marketing may seem intimidating to some, but once you have an effective strategy in place, it will act as a blueprint and support all your goals moving forward. When you start building your strategy, it’s important to spend time developing a unique strategy that aligns with your mission and goals. Consider these questions: Who is your target audience? How are you collecting email addresses? What types of emails will you send? What types of content do you want to share in those emails? What will your emails look like? What is the layout? What is the design based on? How often do you plan to send emails? What platform will you use? Does it integrate with your donor database and have all the features you need to implement your strategy? Email marketing is the most effective and successful when there's a strategic plan in place. Creating a detailed strategy that answers the questions above will provide your nonprofit with the stepping stones needed to set your email marketing efforts up for success and help meet your overall fundraising goals. Send Emails Once you have a strategy and execution plan in place, you’re ready to start sending your messages to your audience. Email subscribers want to hear from you, but you need to be sure you are sending engaging messages to the right audiences. When you start sending your emails, plan to send a mix of different messages to your audience. Email marketing is an effective channel to not only fundraise but to help subscribers stay engaged and keep donor retention high. A great example would be to include advocacy emails in your plans. Advocacy emails include newsletters and impact stories. These types of emails help your subscriber feel valued as a donor as they’re seeing the direct impact of their support. As you start and continue to send emails, always track each email's performance. This helps you determine what is working and what is not working. By tracking key metrics, like click-through rates, conversation rates and donations per email, you will be able to continuously improve your strategy and the emails you are sending. Follow Best Practices As you begin to execute your email strategy, there are a few key best practices I recommend following to help increase engagement, donations, and overall performance of your emails. Personalize the email for your subscribers. Personalized emails can generate donations up to six times more compared to a generalized email. Make sure your emails are well-designed with compelling imagery that helps the donor visualize your mission and the impact of their donations. Provide clear calls to action in each email you send and always include a “Donate” button in all your communications. Include social sharing buttons and links to your social channels in all your email communications. Emails with social sharing buttons increase click-through rates by as much as 158% and help expand your reach by allowing donors to recommend and share your nonprofit with their network. Create an email cadence so you are regularly communicating with your audience throughout the year. For every 1,000 fundraising emails delivered, nonprofits raised $78, so it is in your best interest to continuously send messages to your subscribers. Start by sending emails monthly and then experiment with increasing the frequency of emails per month and see what works best for your nonprofit. Utilizing email marketing is key to having a successful fundraising strategy for your nonprofit. By building a well-thought-out strategy and implementing it, you will be able to engage, retain and convert subscribers into a loyal donor base.

Read More
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Spotlight

BILD - British Institute of Learning Disabilities

Professor Gerry Simon set up the British Institute of Learning Disabilities – now known as BILD – in 1971 because he was convinced there could be better support in the community for people with disabilities. We’ve been championing the rights of people with disabilities ever since. BILD uses the its knowledge and experience to turn research into practice, solve problems and improve support. In working with Government departments, local authorities, heath trusts, service providers and mainstream organisations, our aim is to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Related News

Nonprofit Management, Financial Management

U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union Demonstrates Commitment to Community with $65,000 in Charitable Contributions

PR Newswire | January 03, 2024

Recognizing the escalating demands faced by community nonprofits, the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) in Alexandria, Virginia, proudly announces its recent distribution of $65,000 to seven deserving nonprofits. These funds are poised to amplify the significant impact these organizations have both locally in the metropolitan Washington region and on a broader national scale. USSFCU President and CEO, Timothy L. Anderson, emphasized the credit union's longstanding commitment to community welfare, stating, "Giving back to the communities in which we live and work has always been integral to our mission. Through these donations, we aim to express our gratitude to these organizations for their tireless efforts in strengthening our communities." The donations, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, have been strategically allocated to support regional food pantries, shelters, and disaster relief programs. Each beneficiary was carefully chosen by USSFCU's leadership team, reflecting a deep connection to the hearts and minds of credit union staff. The initiative commenced in mid-December, as Anderson and a select group of USSFCU representatives embarked on a series of check presentations at local locations. During these visits, they gained insights into the impactful work undertaken by each organization and presented them with a symbolic check. Beneficiary organizations and their respective donations include Capital Area Food Bank - $20,000 SOME (So Others Might Eat) - $10,000 Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation - $10,000 ALIVE! (Alexandria) - $5,000 Carpenter's Shelter - $5,000 American Red Cross – $15,000 In addition to the monetary contributions, USSFCU actively engaged in hosting holiday donation drives, collecting toys, food, and winter essentials for the mentioned organizations. USSFCU members and staff were encouraged to participate by bringing their donations to the Credit Union's Bowman Branch location. The collected items will be delivered to the respective beneficiaries in the coming weeks, further reinforcing USSFCU's commitment to community support and well-being.

Read More

Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Planet Financial Group Partners with National Forest Foundation

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Planet Financial Group, a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions, has renewed for a fifth year its partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Through the partnership, Planet will have funded the planting of more than a quarter-million trees in our National Forests. "Our Planet With a Purpose platform supports organizations and initiatives that share our global perspective and sense of purpose," said Planet Financial Group CEO and President Michael Dubeck. "Every day, we strive for a better home, a better community and a better Planet. That's why we are proud to renew our partnership with the NFF, which leads forest conservation efforts essential to the environment and health of the planet." Planet's support includes funding native habitat restorations, post-fire planting and reduction of wildfire risk through sustainable forest management. As a partner and supporter of the NFF, Planet will fund the planting of 75,000 trees in National Forests across the Gifford Pinchot, Lincoln, and Mississippi national forests in Washington, New Mexico and Mississippi, respectively. "Working via our Planet With a Purpose ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Platform, we pass on our success by sustaining initiatives that restore and enrich our planet," Dubeck added. "We're honored to continue this journey with NFF and make a positive impact on our shared national forests." "We are extremely pleased to receive support from environmentally conscious companies that prioritize the health of our environment," said Mindy Crowell, Director of Reforestation Partnerships at NFF. "Planet continues to show its dedication and support in restoring and improving our shared national forests." About the National Forest Foundation The National Forest Foundation (NFF) promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitats, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org. About Planet Financial Group, LLC Planet Financial Group, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut, is a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions. Through this synergistic ecosystem of products, services and technologies, PFG provides best-in-class experiences for investors pursuing value maximization and borrowers seeking streamlined end-to-end loan lifecycle support. PFG is the parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC and Planet Management Group, LLC, which also does business under the name Planet Renovation Capital.

Read More

Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Community Access Receives Grant from Affinity Legacy to Support Vital Mental Health Program

PR Newswire | August 22, 2023

Community Access, a New York City-based mental health nonprofit, received a grant from Affinity Legacy to support the organization's East Village Access (EVA) program. This long-running psychiatric rehabilitation and treatment program in the East Village supports adults in their recovery and life goal-setting using a PROS model (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services). EVA is a critical mental health program with an open-door policy: all are welcome, and EVA does not exclude participants based on insurance coverage or lack thereof. Many participants are un-housed, all live with psychosocial disabilities, and most have minimal treatment options because they often struggle with both substance use and mental health concerns. Participants from all five boroughs access EVA, but over the past two years, many come from zip codes hardest hit by COVID-19 in neighborhoods with poor mental health and treatment options and severe food insecurity. "Thanks to Affinity Legacy's grant, we're going to be able to continue to bring rehabilitation and support services to people no matter what their financial or insurance situation may be. By welcoming all, EVA ensures that no community members are left out and EVA's vital services are available to all who need them," said Cal Hedigan, Chief Executive Officer of Community Access. "Affinity Legacy is proud to partner with Community Access to provide meaningful, accessible mental health and addiction recovery services to those most vulnerable. The work of East Village Access is critical to building a strong community and is aligned with the values Affinity Legacy holds most dear: Fostering sustainable, quality health care for all," said Clara Hansen, Executive Director of Affinity Legacy. About Community Access Founded in 1974, Community Access is a provider of supportive housing and support services in New York City for people living with mental health concerns. Rooted in the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives, Community Access expands opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination through affordable housing, training, advocacy, and healing-focused services. Community Access provides person-centered services that help people pursue goals that are important to them – from gaining access to an affordable home, to learning new skills; from re-establishing community ties, to setting goals for the future. About Affinity Legacy, Inc. Affinity Legacy, Inc., is a Bronx based non-for-profit dedicated to building a lasting legacy of access to care that improves the health and well-being of the neediest New Yorkers. Guided by the near forty years of work of its predecessor organization, Affinity Health Plan, Affinity Legacy focuses on five pillars critical to strong communities: mental health, food security, incarcerated individuals and consumer health education / workforce advancement. Affinity Legacy supports community based programs in the five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.

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Nonprofit Management, Financial Management

U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union Demonstrates Commitment to Community with $65,000 in Charitable Contributions

PR Newswire | January 03, 2024

Recognizing the escalating demands faced by community nonprofits, the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) in Alexandria, Virginia, proudly announces its recent distribution of $65,000 to seven deserving nonprofits. These funds are poised to amplify the significant impact these organizations have both locally in the metropolitan Washington region and on a broader national scale. USSFCU President and CEO, Timothy L. Anderson, emphasized the credit union's longstanding commitment to community welfare, stating, "Giving back to the communities in which we live and work has always been integral to our mission. Through these donations, we aim to express our gratitude to these organizations for their tireless efforts in strengthening our communities." The donations, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, have been strategically allocated to support regional food pantries, shelters, and disaster relief programs. Each beneficiary was carefully chosen by USSFCU's leadership team, reflecting a deep connection to the hearts and minds of credit union staff. The initiative commenced in mid-December, as Anderson and a select group of USSFCU representatives embarked on a series of check presentations at local locations. During these visits, they gained insights into the impactful work undertaken by each organization and presented them with a symbolic check. Beneficiary organizations and their respective donations include Capital Area Food Bank - $20,000 SOME (So Others Might Eat) - $10,000 Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation - $10,000 ALIVE! (Alexandria) - $5,000 Carpenter's Shelter - $5,000 American Red Cross – $15,000 In addition to the monetary contributions, USSFCU actively engaged in hosting holiday donation drives, collecting toys, food, and winter essentials for the mentioned organizations. USSFCU members and staff were encouraged to participate by bringing their donations to the Credit Union's Bowman Branch location. The collected items will be delivered to the respective beneficiaries in the coming weeks, further reinforcing USSFCU's commitment to community support and well-being.

Read More

Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Planet Financial Group Partners with National Forest Foundation

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Planet Financial Group, a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions, has renewed for a fifth year its partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Through the partnership, Planet will have funded the planting of more than a quarter-million trees in our National Forests. "Our Planet With a Purpose platform supports organizations and initiatives that share our global perspective and sense of purpose," said Planet Financial Group CEO and President Michael Dubeck. "Every day, we strive for a better home, a better community and a better Planet. That's why we are proud to renew our partnership with the NFF, which leads forest conservation efforts essential to the environment and health of the planet." Planet's support includes funding native habitat restorations, post-fire planting and reduction of wildfire risk through sustainable forest management. As a partner and supporter of the NFF, Planet will fund the planting of 75,000 trees in National Forests across the Gifford Pinchot, Lincoln, and Mississippi national forests in Washington, New Mexico and Mississippi, respectively. "Working via our Planet With a Purpose ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Platform, we pass on our success by sustaining initiatives that restore and enrich our planet," Dubeck added. "We're honored to continue this journey with NFF and make a positive impact on our shared national forests." "We are extremely pleased to receive support from environmentally conscious companies that prioritize the health of our environment," said Mindy Crowell, Director of Reforestation Partnerships at NFF. "Planet continues to show its dedication and support in restoring and improving our shared national forests." About the National Forest Foundation The National Forest Foundation (NFF) promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitats, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org. About Planet Financial Group, LLC Planet Financial Group, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut, is a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions. Through this synergistic ecosystem of products, services and technologies, PFG provides best-in-class experiences for investors pursuing value maximization and borrowers seeking streamlined end-to-end loan lifecycle support. PFG is the parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC and Planet Management Group, LLC, which also does business under the name Planet Renovation Capital.

Read More

Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Community Access Receives Grant from Affinity Legacy to Support Vital Mental Health Program

PR Newswire | August 22, 2023

Community Access, a New York City-based mental health nonprofit, received a grant from Affinity Legacy to support the organization's East Village Access (EVA) program. This long-running psychiatric rehabilitation and treatment program in the East Village supports adults in their recovery and life goal-setting using a PROS model (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services). EVA is a critical mental health program with an open-door policy: all are welcome, and EVA does not exclude participants based on insurance coverage or lack thereof. Many participants are un-housed, all live with psychosocial disabilities, and most have minimal treatment options because they often struggle with both substance use and mental health concerns. Participants from all five boroughs access EVA, but over the past two years, many come from zip codes hardest hit by COVID-19 in neighborhoods with poor mental health and treatment options and severe food insecurity. "Thanks to Affinity Legacy's grant, we're going to be able to continue to bring rehabilitation and support services to people no matter what their financial or insurance situation may be. By welcoming all, EVA ensures that no community members are left out and EVA's vital services are available to all who need them," said Cal Hedigan, Chief Executive Officer of Community Access. "Affinity Legacy is proud to partner with Community Access to provide meaningful, accessible mental health and addiction recovery services to those most vulnerable. The work of East Village Access is critical to building a strong community and is aligned with the values Affinity Legacy holds most dear: Fostering sustainable, quality health care for all," said Clara Hansen, Executive Director of Affinity Legacy. About Community Access Founded in 1974, Community Access is a provider of supportive housing and support services in New York City for people living with mental health concerns. Rooted in the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives, Community Access expands opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination through affordable housing, training, advocacy, and healing-focused services. Community Access provides person-centered services that help people pursue goals that are important to them – from gaining access to an affordable home, to learning new skills; from re-establishing community ties, to setting goals for the future. About Affinity Legacy, Inc. Affinity Legacy, Inc., is a Bronx based non-for-profit dedicated to building a lasting legacy of access to care that improves the health and well-being of the neediest New Yorkers. Guided by the near forty years of work of its predecessor organization, Affinity Health Plan, Affinity Legacy focuses on five pillars critical to strong communities: mental health, food security, incarcerated individuals and consumer health education / workforce advancement. Affinity Legacy supports community based programs in the five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.

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