CFES SCHOLARSHIPS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR CATHY DIEKMANN WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS FROM THE UNITED WAY OF THE EASTERN SHORE
The holiday season comes with the spirit of giving in the air. By being mindful of how and where you donate, you can make a greater impact and give with confidence
For the past 40 years, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) has served as local philanthropic experts, providing insight on regional issues, uniting donors with charitable causes, building nonprofit capacity, and maximizing investments to strengthen the community.
“As industry leaders in the nonprofit sector, The Community Foundation assists donors and nonprofits every day in charitable giving and nonprofit capacity building,” says Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “While the need for financial and volunteer support is tremendous, being wise in your giving will give you peace of mind.”
Unique ways to give
Set Up Recurring Donations
Give affordably all year-round by providing on-going support.
Donor Advised Funds
Ideal for donors seeking a hands-on approach while benefiting from a professional expertise. Contributions are usually tax-deductible immediately, and you can choose when and where to support your favorite charities.
Bequest, Life Insurance, or Charitable Gift Annuity
Commit assets now that will carry on your legacy in the future.
Give More than Money
Donate items, volunteer, or share your professional expertise.
Maximize Impact with Tax Benefits
Work with your tax advisor on incentive programs like Endow Maryland, or give through retirement accounts to reduce
tax burden.
This giving season, keep these simple tips in mind:
Verify Who You are Supporting & Ask Questions
Always verify a nonprofit’s charitable status. Donate to trusted charities and beware of scammers who create fake charities. Remember that tax-exempt and tax-deductible are not the same. Check a nonprofit’s status on your state’s charity database, CharityNavigator.com, Guidestar.com or at IRS.gov/charities-and-nonprofits.
Give Directly to a Nonprofit
Never give cash, write a check, or use electronic transfers to an individual. Be cautious when responding to an email or text message request. Donations should always be made in the organization’s name. Verify websites or other links before making a gift online.
Get to Know Local Nonprofits
Almost every cause is represented by the strong nonprofit sector on the Lower Eastern Shore. Getting to know local nonprofits builds confidence in where you are donating your money or time. Reputable organizations are eager to talk about their goals, services, and fundraising needs, and will welcome questions to help you understand your gift’s impact.
Understand Local vs. National (or International) Organizations
If giving local is important to you, it is wise to understand if you are giving to a national organization or a local chapter. Check with the local branch of an organization about the best way to donate —you may be able to specify that your gift be used for a particular location or need.
Don’t Feel Pressured
The holidays may bring increased public donation requests. If an organization pressures you beyond a simple ask, this may be a red flag. Avoid on-the-spot decisions or pressure to give to an unfamiliar organization. Responsible organizations will welcome your gift any time.
Involve the Whole Family
Creating traditions and passing on the giving spirit is a key part of creating your legacy. Involving children and grandchildren in charitable activities teaches philanthropy and family values, and ensures the benefit of your charitable goals for generations to come.
Philanthropy is personal and giving should be something that makes you feel good and helps your community. The Community Foundation is ready to assist you even if you don’t donate to the Foundation itself. For more information, contact the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore at CFES.org or call 410-742-9911.