015 | Top 15 Organizations to Consider for a Year End Gift + How to Ask for a Meeting + Shout Outs
It's close to the end of 2020. So, I wanted to provide my recommendations for organizations you should consider for a year end gift—15 non-profits that I recommend you partner with financially. Plus, a brand new leadership nugget on how to reach out and ask for a meeting from someone you don't know. And of course, the popular shout out segment.
Resources Mentioned
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Leadership Nugget
How to Ask for a Meeting or Connection with Someone You Don’t Know
Based on this recent article in the New York Times:
The Right Way to Ask, ‘Can I Pick Your Brain?'
Be Real
Be Specific
Be Short
Be Contextual
Be Honoring
Be Flexible
Be Prepared
Be Generous
15 Organizations to Consider for a Year End Gift in 2020
All of these organizations are ones that I'm invested in—both in terms of giving gifts and supporting them, as well as knowing the staff and the people behind these organizations. So, as you think about year-end giving, I would recommend any of these organizations as a great place to invest.
Convoy of Hope – provided over 100 million meals to those in need the last 9 months in the U.S. Best in class in disaster response as well as feeding programs, with multiple programs globally focused on solving issues of hunger and feeding children now all over the world. I’ve seen it up close in Haiti where COH feeds almost 100,000 kids a day!
Alpha – an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in-person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about faith, life and God, allowing those outside the church to ask questions about faith.
charity:water – bringing clean drinking water to millions around the world. Scott Harrison and team have revolutionized the concept of a well-run, artistically designed and powerfully delivered charitable organization.
Young Life - I’ve been involved with Young Life since college. No one creates better experiences for teenagers and introduces the Gospel in such a compelling and loving way.
World Vision – a Christian humanitarian organization helping children, families and their communities overcome poverty and injustice.
Operation Christmas Child - part of Samaritans Purse, an incredible ministry delivering boxes of joy to kids all over the world during Christmastime.
Compassion - sponsor a child. I sponsor several. I've seen their work up close in Rwanda and Ecuador and Guatemala. Your money is being stewarded well.
Plywood People - great social innovation organization founded by my good friend, Jeff Shinabarger. Including gathering social innovators, leading a community of startups “doing good,” and providing creative solutions to education and social issues. Initiatives such as Plywood Presents, Plywood Place, and coaching of young social innovators is part of the Plywood People mission.
International Justice Mission - Gary Haugen and the team at IJM have been fighting sex trafficking and human slavery for the last 25 years. Rescuing victims as well as bringing justice to areas where no justice exists.
Hope International - run by good friend, Peter Greer, HOPE Int provides micro-finance loans all over the world, helping give dignity and lifting people out of poverty. A $100 gift goes a long way.
Help One Now – empowering families in developing countries through a business launch program, education and restorative care, using the combined gifts and talents of high capacity local leaders and entrepreneurs to end extreme poverty.
The Bible Project – a non-profit ed-tech organization and animation studio that produces 100% free Bible videos, podcasts, blogs, classes and Bible resources to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere.
IllumiNations - translating the Bible for all. One billion people still live in Bible poverty with access to the Scriptures in their language. Help provide all people access to God’s Word by 2033.
First Response Team of America - good friend, Tad Agoglia, and his team provide help and hope at times when communities need just that—following disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods.
A21 Campaign - headed up by Nick and Christine Caine, rescuing those trapped in human trafficking and modern day slavery all around the world, their goal is to end injustice in the 21st century.
Bonus:
Bearings Bike Shop - run by my friends, Tim and Becky O'Mara, providing hope through bicycles for kids in the city of Atlanta, building community one bike at a time.
**And, don't forget Your Local Church—make sure you are giving regularly to your local church body. That is the place to start!