Marilyn Peller Nelson | Nov 9, 2016
According to Giving USA 2016, Americans gave an estimated $373 billion to charity in 2015. That includes giving from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Minnesota is the 10th leading state in financial giving and second in the nation in volunteering time. What a generous bunch! 20 percent of that $373 billion was given to human services and healthcare organizations.
The top two reasons people cite as the motivation behind giving to charity are:
1. To support a cause or organization
2. To leave a legacy through their support
Minnesota is blessed to be surrounded by not only generous individuals but also corporations and foundations who lead the nation in philanthropic giving: The Bush Foundation, Target Corporation and Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, are just to name a few in that spirit.
Donating to Your Favorite Charity has Many Benefits
In addition to the tax benefits you may receive, there are several reasons and benefits to becoming philanthropic. We don’t live in a perfect world and the government cannot simply solve all of our problems. It takes a village to address issues such as world poverty, scientific advancement, and early childhood education.
When you donate money to a charity, you have the opportunity to meet new people who believe in the same causes that inspire you. That opportunity, in addition to making a real impact, can infuse your everyday life with more meaning. Once you give, you demonstrate to your children, co-workers, and others that giving – even a small amount – can fill your life with joy.
A Harvard Business School study suggests that giving to others is directly correlated with an increased sense of happiness. The researchers write: "Happier people give more and giving makes people happier, such that happiness and giving may operate in a positive feedback loop."
Reasons People Donate to Charity
Everyone has their own reasons to give to their favorite charities. It may be because they or their family has been touched by the charity or its cause, they serve on the Board. Please consider giving to your favorite charity as we head into the end of the year. It’s not just year-END giving, it is year-ROUND giving.
Walker Methodist Foundation
Non-profits need your support year-round to ensure critical programs, operations, and capital needs are met. Walker Methodist Foundation is no different than any other non-profit. We have 1,200 Residents and Patients counting on us to provide them with quality medical care and a high quality of life. We do this through our medical support, of course, but also our Integrative Care options like Music & Memory, Spiritual Care, and pet therapy.
While not medically based, they are evidence-based programs that make a critical difference in our Residents’ and Patients’ lives. These programs, and others are typically not covered by insurance. In addition, many of our Residents and Patients are on fixed incomes and have limited resources. Therefore, the funds raised by Walker Methodist Foundation enhance and improve the quality of life for these seniors by providing support and services they might not be able to access otherwise.
Walker Methodist Residents, Patients, and Staff
Our staff is a key component to putting these funds to work and is thus supported by the Foundation through training and additional and specialized education. Occasionally, financial support is offered when employees encounter an emergency in their life, as Walker Methodist’s vision is to be the best place to both live and work. We support our Residents, Patients and each other for a deeper, meaningful life every day.
Thank you for making Minnesota one of the most generous in the nation. If we all work together, we can truly make a difference in our community. Do your part and please give to your favorite charity. Support Walker Methodist Foundation. Make a gift, leave a legacy, change a life.
