The outpouring of love shown for injured NFL player Damar Hamlin is a perfect example of how showing affection for someone through charitable giving can make an impact. When the Buffalo Bills player experienced cardiac arrest in front of his teammates and millions of viewers, many people wanted to help but didn’t know how.
The way they could show they cared became obvious once someone posted something about Hamlin’s fundraiser. His humble fundraiser, intended to raise $2,500 to support a toy drive for his Pittsburgh community, was the answer for people to show their love and support for Hamlin and his family. Now, as a formal charitable foundation, the “Chasing M’s Foundation” Charitable Fund, has garnered more than $8.6 million in donations for underprivileged Pittsburgh children.
Showing and spreading love might be foremost on your mind this week as we approach Valentine’s Day. On this special day dedicated to love, it’s not only important to recognize those closest to you, but also those who are in need of love. Why not consider taking a different route this year by showing your loved ones that you care by donating to the causes that they care about?
You can give a charitable gift in conjunction with a small token gift or a card expressing your love. Giving in this way — in tribute to someone — is a way to honor and celebrate their importance to you and it’s another way to show love. It’s also a way to make a positive and tangible impact in your community that’s especially thoughtful and meaningful.
If your loved one has mentioned charities or certain causes they are passionate about, then it can be easy to select a cause to support. If you’re not sure what causes your loved one cares about, just ask them. Or, if you want the gift to remain a surprise, take a moment to think about where they live and how a gift can support their community.
Give thought to their personality, interests and passions. For example, perhaps your partner or friend loves the arts, you could share this love with a gift to a local nonprofit that supports the arts or inspires creativity in young people. If you think about it, you will be giving a worthy organization a gift as well, knowing that you are helping the community it reaches.
Another way of honoring someone is to donate to a cause that affected them personally. If an illness or an event contributed to their life or even their passing, a unique way to recognize them is to support an organization committed to research or prevention in their honor.
On another note, do your loved ones and friends know your passions and the causes you care about? Think about what you are drawn to and where your interests lie. For instance, if you love sports, begin a list of local organizations that support sports — a scholarship fund or a program that introduces children to sports as therapy — the list can go on and on. Save that list and share it with friends and family.
Once you create a list of causes or nonprofits that may fit with your loved one’s or your interests, the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) can help you refine that list and direct you to funds that support these types of organizations. With our expert knowledge of the local community and its needs, we can share options that may not even be on your radar. For example, CFAAC can accept gifts into any of its funds, including the Fund for Anne Arundel, Community Crisis Response Fund and other Field of Interest Funds such as Grants 4 Teachers or Arts and Culture Funds. After the gift is made, CFAAC will reach out to notify the honoree on your behalf.
No matter how or where you give, donating in someone’s honor is a thoughtful way to express the gift of helping others, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, anniversary, retirement or a holiday gift. Giving a gift from the heart is an unforgettable way to give back.
CFAAC is always here to help answer your questions, inform you about local giving opportunities and guide you to realize your philanthropic goals. Just give us a call at 410-280-1102 or email us at info@cfaac.org.
Mary Spencer is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. The CFAACis a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects. Our mission is to inspire and promote giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1998, CFAAC is one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County. CFAAC distributes $4 to $6 million annually.
This story was originally printed in the February 12, 2023 edition of the CAPITAL GAZETTE.