Idaho’s unique culture of generosity thrives on the strong relationships between donors and nonprofits. As a donor, your support has the power to not only meet immediate needs but to create lasting change in your community. How you give matters just as much as what or how much you give, and when you approach giving intentionally, the impact can be transformative.
Here’s how you can be the kind of donor nonprofits truly love — one who empowers their mission and helps create meaningful, sustainable change:
1. Trust nonprofits to lead
Nonprofits are experts in their fields and deeply understand the communities they serve. By providing unrestricted or flexible funding, you allow them to focus on their most urgent priorities and innovate where it matters most. Your trust in their judgment empowers them to deliver their best work without unnecessary constraints.
2. Build relationships, not transactions
Your generosity is more meaningful when it’s rooted in partnership. Take the time to connect with the organizations you support: Attend their events, celebrate their milestones and learn their stories. When you invest in relationships based on mutual respect, you strengthen the foundation for shared success.
3. Think long-term
Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. By making multi-year commitments, you provide nonprofits with the stability they need to plan, innovate, and scale their efforts. Your long-term support fuels solutions that address root causes and create sustainable impact.
4. Celebrate and champion their work
Your voice can amplify the incredible work nonprofits do. Share their successes with your network, advocate for their causes and champion the systems and policies needed to address the challenges they face. Together, you can drive change on a larger scale.
5. Learn and grow with them
Nonprofits have deep insights into the needs of their communities. By staying open to their expertise and engaging in ongoing dialogue, you can deepen your understanding of how to make a difference. This collaborative spirit enhances your impact and builds trust.
Your generosity is a catalyst for change. When you embrace these principles, you go beyond financial support — you become a partner nonprofits can rely on and a champion for Idaho
communities.
Lisa Bearg is the senior philanthropic advisor at the Idaho Community Foundation.
