Community Shares
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September 2008
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Jason's Full Nonprofit Forecast
Microgiving through Rogh Times
Community Calendar
Privacy Policy
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Dear Friends,
 
Many people have asked me, "How will the tough economy affect the 2008 Community Giving Campaign?"  Unfortunately, increased consumer costs have a compounding factor on most nonprofit organizations - the need for their services increases despite flat or decreased funding.  However, I am able to tell people Community Shares' workplace donors have remained rock steady in their support of local giving over the years.  When times are tough, our workplace donors continue to support the charities and causes they care about most.
 
A recent post on Newsweek.com titled, "The Coming Charity Crisis" quoted a fundraising consultant who stated, "...in the minds of some, philanthropy is a luxury. You pay your bills first and then start making charitable gifts."
 
The idea of philanthropy as a luxury made me stop and think.  Where does my personal giving rank on my list of spending priorities?  Do I count my giving dollars as discretionary or as a fixed cost in my budget?  Am I a person who gives when it is convenient?  Or do I consider myself a "community shareholder" who knows my investment matters most during difficult times?
 
Giving through paycheck contributions allows me to give on a budget and invest in my community when it needs my support most.  Thanks to the innovative work of our member agencies, I know my contributions will pay dividends.  Join me and become a community shareholder!
 
Sincere regards,

Alyssa KopfAlyssa Kopf Signature 
Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares 

"This forecast is not for fair-weather philanthropists."
Microgiving Your Way Through Rough Times
Even small donations can make a huge difference

+ Many of our most successful community programs are dependent upon transportation for service delivering.  The Denver Hospice and Project Angel Heart are two that have seen expenses jump through the roof.
 
+ Rocky Mountain Alley Cat Alliance exceeded their yearly fuel budget at the beginning of July and Indigo Mountain Nature Center has seen a 40% increase in the number of animals needing rescue.

+ In the world of community services, Microgiving is the hot new fundraising method. Microgiving!It's based on the concept that we can do more together than we can alone. You see examples of it every day when you look at the yellow wristbands of those united to fight cancer. Over 70 million of those puppies have been sold in 4 years for $1 a piece.

+ What is it? It's simple - incremental giving makes a monumental difference and Community Shares is proof positve of this.  Last year, Community Shares raised over $1.5 million for the community.  All of this was with an average donation of less than a dollar a day.  That's some serious community-rallying!

+ A simple donation of $5 a paycheck adds up to a heck of a lot when multiplied annually and combined with your friends, family, and co-workers. Paycheck deduction microgiving typically allows participants to give 40% more than through a one-time gift and quite simply, it allows you to give easily in a tougher economic climate and doesn't force you to make a sacrifice outside of your means. 

+ But, we ALL need to throw in.  Give up a latte a week - check out what our members can do with Only $5 a week. 

+ Let's put on the rally cap and make this a season of giving we'll remember for all the right reasons!

+ You can make a difference when it counts most.

Young Jason
Shareholder Jason Manke
Communications Manager
Community Calendar
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