While any time of the year is a good time to do some good in your community, a lot of people take a moment at this point in the year to reflect on how they can help make a difference. However, with so many opportunities being presented to you, it can be hard to make an informed choice about where to make your contribution. You want to find a philanthropic channel you can trust, while at the same time making a connection with a cause that’s close to your heart. This is why you will want to turn your attention to a foundation that is founded in values you can relate to and delivers tangible benefit to your local community.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at why your donation will go further with a registered foundation.
5 Reasons Why Getting Involved with a Foundation is a Great Thing to Do
There is a Direct Need in Your Community
There is great need all over the world. However, many people overlook the significant issues in their very own town, city, and even country. A registered Canadian foundation can help Canadians discover the need within, identifying where change is required to make our society more sustainable and serve as a scalable model that other countries can adopt. Only then, can we truly become a global community. And that, begins with you.
A Recognized Foundation Does the Leg Work for You
One of the biggest benefits in working with a registered foundation is that you are alleviated from the burden of finding a trusted way to get your donation to those who need it most. With that “leg work” out of the way, you’ll find peace of mind that your contribution is actually going to a worthy project.
All you need to begin, is an idea of what type of project you want to support. For some, the battle is food insecurity. For others, the mission is to provide for better childhood education. Whether you identify with one or both of those altruistic visions, you will find a vessel for your call to action. For instance, with the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation, your donation goes to initiatives that combat food insecurity while elevating childhood learning through a variety of school garden programs across Canada.
Provides a Sense of Community
When you donate to a registered foundation, you don’t just drop a cheque in the mail box and be done with it, unless that’s what you want. Many people become immersed with the foundation, following updates via a newsletter, on social networks, or through some other point of contact and donor involvement program. For example, in addition to financial contributions, the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation is honored to have supporters donate time and talent, too. With community garden programs sprouting up all over Canada, we can certainly use a green thumb or two.
You can be involved as much as you like, but there’s only one addendum – be prepared to gain a few new friends in the process!
Goodwill is Good for Your Health
Did you know that supporting a charity is actually good for you? In fact, studies show that those who give tend to live longer. Another University study found that altruism resulted in an increase in health benefits in people with chronic illnesses. Those that donate and get involved with important causes also report improved self-esteem and self-worth, an elevation in mood, and an enhanced ability to form social connections, all of which have proven physical health benefits, too.
Even better, is that this particular “affliction” is absolutely contagious. A shared study between the University of California and Harvard University found that when one person behaves generously, it inspires observers to behave the same at a later point in time, through their own channels. This selfless behavior reportedly has a three-degree affect, jumping from one person to the next, and the next. Now that’s one contagion we can actually get excited about!
Tax Benefits
Last but not least, is the financial benefit that comes to you. Revenue Canada rewards you for contribution in the form of tax deduction benefits that can be applied to your taxes at fiscal year end. And guess what? Studies from the economic and public-policy literature show that tax subsidies for charitable giving reduce stress and strengthen the immune system, further extending upon the reported health benefits of doing good for others.
A registered foundation will provide you with a receipt that you simply provide to your accountant and they’ll take care of the rest. It’s that simple.
As for the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation, we’re pleased to let you know that 90% of your donations go directly to programs and services. This is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors – Natural Factors & Whole Earth & Sea.
*Note: Please verify that any foundation you get involved with is a registered charity with the Government of Canada. They should have a Charitable Registration Number posted on their website. If not, inquire accordingly.
The case for getting involved with a charitable foundation is pretty strong. With so many benefits to your community (and you) there’s no better time to take action than the present. Learn more about how you can get involved with our Foundation. If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to contact us anytime.
