Becky Franks & Charney Gonnerman

We live in a community. The people here are your family members, your friends, your co-workers, teachers of your children and your neighbors. They care for you as much as you care for them. They share your love of, and your commitment to support a healthy community. Everyone is impacted by the mind, body, spiritual and potential needs of every child and adult. This is why it is important in these economic times to recognize the berth and depth of the services provided by the local non-profit organizations in our local community.  DONATE LOCAL is a not only a slogan of the business community, but must also be remembered to support the excellent work of those in the non-profit sector.

There are so many ways to contribute to the good work of non-profits in our community, our state and our country. The work of non-profits in our nation improves the quality of life of people throughout the world. It is noteworthy that people in our community think globally and are generous in giving both financially and with their time. Contributions are vital to support the quality local services that support humanitarian, environmental, education, wellness and health issues. All of us benefit from organizations and agencies that receive our local support.
Last week, I received a call after dinner at home with my family, from a woman named Amanda, who asked me to donate to the Cancer Fund of America. When I asked how the money would be used, she kindly explained that the money would go to “cancer patients” in our community. I asked further questions to try to understand how a cancer patient in Bozeman, Montana could find financial benefit from my contribution to this organization. Amanda had no answer for my question. I asked her to send me written information about how a person diagnosed with cancer in my community will be helped by my potential donation. The information I received did not specifically answer my question, in fact, she said she would put info in the mail and simply hung up the phone.

Do you want to know who your local donations impact? If so, it makes sense to support the many local non-profits that provide vital services to our families, our neighbors and friends. When you donate local, you enhance our community not only through services, but also by boosting the economy and allowing our local agencies to thrive. For example, when you donate to the Cancer Support Community, you can walk in our doors and see where your money goes. Anyone affected by cancer can participate in our programs. Cancer patients, their family members, friends, and co-workers gain support, education and hope during a cancer diagnosis.

Contact the local non-profit organizations that your care about. Your contribution will enrich the lives of those around you, and make you feel great that you have made a difference in the lives of your neighbors, family and friends. If you donate to a distant cause, ask questions to find out specifically where the funding will go and what it will be used for. There are many good agencies at work all over the world, but there are also some that call you at home in the evening, ask for your money, and will not steward it
in a way that will affect the lives of many.