LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: On vetting causes ...

Recently, I received an email from a reader suggesting I write a column regarding how to vet nonprofits to donate to, candidates to vote for and similar things that involve a weighty decision.  

Honestly, that’s too broad of a topic to cover in one column and, as the folks younger than me say, “Your mileage may vary.” However, I can maybe help some folks get that train of thought started down the tracks, because it is important that we make intentional choices among candidates, causes and the people and organizations we put our energy and support behind. This will probably be a few columns, but I’ll start the series by vetting various fundraising events and the nonprofits they support.

The Columbia Basin, Washington and our nation all have some pretty amazing nonprofits, and the reason we choose a particular cause is often very personal. The appeals from these organizations can touch the heart deeply, but it’s important to make sure the organization you choose to donate to, volunteer for or otherwise support aligns with your values and has a real impact on the community in the manner you want it to.  

The first step is to verify that the group is a nonprofit by visiting apps.irs.gov/app/eos to view its nonprofit registration. You can also look them up on the Washington Secretary of State’s website at sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities.  

Then there’s the nonprofit’s online presence. Not all, but most, nonprofits today have a website or social media channels that are easy to locate through a search. While it isn’t a be-all-end-all for vetting the organization, making sure they’ve got a longstanding online presence is a good idea. Further, if they have a website, visit the site’s “about” section and read up on the organization. Who founded it? Who funds it? What are their goals? Do they issue an annual report that reflects their impact on the community?  

One resource that sets a good example is The Columbia Basin Foundation – cbfcommunity.org. I bring them up for two reasons. First, Corinne Isaak and her team are a wonderful group of community-focused people. Second, matching good causes with generous people is what they do. CBF helps those looking to give find a good cause to give it to and work with nonprofits in the area to make sure they’re managing their money wisely. They help everyone from scholarship committees to local law enforcement’s K9 programs. And, they only work with people they’ve established a relationship with and trust. If you want to see an example of an annual report, just ask by emailing [email protected] and one will be sent to you.  

On the other side of good causes is good fun. Throughout the Columbia Basin, there are events held every year to raise money for a variety of things, from the arts to cancer care to literacy. If the Columbia Basin Herald covers the event, I assure you that we’ve seen the good the organization benefiting from the event does in the communities we serve. Columbia Basin Allied Arts brings arts education to the area and hosts a fundraiser in April to support concerts, in-school activities and other local arts activities. Bourbon and Bowties supports Samaritan Healthcare, which is operated as a hospital district, and proceeds go to help offset costs for the community to have a dependable health care facility available.  

Everyone gives for different reasons. I tend to donate to literacy causes because I feel that literacy leads to learning and learning leads to problems being solved. I also enjoy a good fantasy novel and know how essential a bit of escapism can be for mental health. However, primarily, I think the more well-read someone is, the better equipped they and their communities are to face challenges.  

In essence, the primary things are to choose a cause that’s right for you, make sure they’re legitimate and transparent in how they operate, and make sure your morals align with those of the organization you’re considering.  

For instance, I’m not likely to donate to a group that is looking to ban a book or doesn’t feel literacy is important. I’m also going to make sure the organization I give to has an actual impact like when Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library puts books into the hands of children.  

Choose wisely, and don’t feel bad if you can’t donate a lot now or at any point in the future. Not everyone is wealthy but also remember that volunteer time is often as needed as cold, hard cash.  

With appreciation, 

R. Hans “Rob” Miller
Managing Editor
Columbia Basin Herald
Basin Business Journal