Giving back to organizations in line with my values is something I feel strongly about and am committed to. I regularly donate my time, talent and treasure to nonprofits working to make my city, country, and the world a better place.
I give to show my gratitude for all that I have and all the magical ways my business has grown over the years. I give to show my support for organizations that work tirelessly to help those that need help. I give to organizations that have enriched my life many times over. I give for a lot of reasons I can’t put into words right now.
I’ve never publicly shared this information. I give without any expectation of receiving. I don’t need a pat on the back. I just do it.
In the interest of transparency, and in hopes of inspiring others to give, I’m posting the organizations myself and my business have supported so far this year.
What’s your charitable giving philosophy? Please share in the comments below!
Charitable Giving 2022
Time:
CatTown Oakland. I help out in its adoption center roughly two afternoons a month. This organization has helped thousands of cats find loving homes and has reduced the euthanasia rate for Oakland’s shelter cats by 70%. Geoff, who is sleeping next to me right now, is one of those cats.
Talent:
Misc. behind-the-scenes editing projects for Pamakid Runners, my running club for about 15 years. As a non-profit, it donates proceeds from its half marathon to local organizations that support a healthy lifestyle. Admittedly, I haven’t done much for Pamakids over the past couple years, but in the past, I’ve served on the board, volunteered at events, and written for the newsletter.
Treasure:
CatTown Oakland
East Oakland Youth Development Center
Uhuru Furniture (stuff)
The Heather and Geoff Johnson Charitable Fund
Note: I’ve wanted to open a donor-advised fund for years. Finally, I took the plunge with the help of Schwab Charitable. As me & Geoff’s fund grows we’ll be able to give even more. Geoff is encouraging me to use this fund for CatTown, Feral Change, and similar cat rescue orgs. We’ll vote at our next quarterly meeting. See who I have to negotiate with at the bottom of my About page.