Giving back is a powerful way to create change, so it’s important to do it thoughtfully to make the most of your impact. Here are five things to avoid, and how the Vermont Community Foundation can help you along your giving journey:Â
1. Giving Without a Plan – Giving without a clear plan can lead to overlooking long-term outcomes or making decisions based solely on emotion, resulting in missed opportunities and less effective impact. At the Vermont Community Foundation, our philanthropic advisors can help you craft personalized giving strategies that are thoughtful, intentional, and address both your short and long-term goals. Take the first step with our Giving Quiz to find out how you can make a lasting impact on the causes closest to your heart.Â
2. Overlooking Local Impact – By giving locally, you ensure that your support has immediate tangible benefits for your community and improves the quality of life for your neighbors. Wondering how your gift can make a difference in Vermont? We can help connect you with local organizations and initiatives that align with your values, ensuring your donation makes a meaningful impact right here at home. Read inspiring stories about our fundholders and see how they are making a difference in communities across Vermont. Â
3. Forgetting to Align Your Values with Your Giving – Let your values guide your giving by creating a personalized giving journey. Start with our Giving Guide and explore exercises to help you identify what matters most to you, ensuring your giving aligns with your passions and creates real, lasting change in Vermont communities. Download your guide and start down the path toward more impactful giving.Â
4. Thinking That Cash is the Only Way to Give – Many people assume that cash is the only way to make a meaningful donation, but there are numerous other assets you can contribute. Explore how donating stocks, real estate, required minimum distributions from IRAs, and even privately held business interests, can make a big difference. Our team at the Vermont Community Foundation can guide you through the process and help you explore creative ways to give. Learn how in our Insight Hub. Â
5. Thinking You Have to Go Solo – Giving with others can significantly amplify the reach and impact of your gift. We facilitate collaboration among donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to maximize the collective impact of your philanthropy. A great example of this is our Giving Together initiative, where we highlight inspiring projects and encourage you to join forces with other funders, achieving greater outcomes than any one of us could alone.Â
When you give through the Vermont Community Foundation, you’re not just donating; you’re joining a network of people working together to support the causes they care about in our local communities.Â
Ready to make a difference with your giving?
Connect with a philanthropic advisor today to explore how you can maximize your impact and create a legacy that truly reflects your values.