So I have spent the last couple weeks mostly silent. I figure it's a time for me to listen and learn rather than center myself in the conversation. However, I do think there's something I can add to the conversation today. #BlackLivesMatter

As a former executive at a nonprofit, I would like to share some information about donations. Frequently after times of crisis, nonprofits see a huge boost in donations, often in the form of restricted funds. Unfortunately, this spikes and drops off suddenly.

Sometimes, funding post-crisis falls even lower that pre-crisis. One of the best ways to help nonprofits succeed in their mission is to continue offering donations past the immediate moment. Please consider making your gift a recurring donation.

Secondly, donations often come in the form of restricted funds. This means that the nonprofit must use the funds in the way specified by the donor. Restricted funds can greatly hamper a nonprofit's ability to accomplish their mission for a couple of reasons.

Donors often want their funds to go to the flashier aspects of the nonprofit. For example, nobody wants to pay for printer cartridges and salaries. Donors rarely understand the needs of the nonprofit, leading the nonprofit to struggle with a surplus of restricted funds.

Finally, some people are concerned that nonprofits are stealing or profiting off of donations. While I certainly can't speak to the financial practices of other organizations, I don't believe this is the case. Nonprofits are not allowed to turn a profit at the end of the year.

Thus, any funds received will need to be spent. And you can expect the IRS to look very closely at these organizations next year due to the huge spike in their cashflow. If there is any malfeasance (though I doubt there is any), it would be uncovered quickly.

One last point I would like to make is matching gifts. Many employers offer to match gifts their employees make. Investigate this, as it can be a helpful way to multiple the strength of your donation. This is free money for a cause you believe it. Don't just leave it untouched!

So I encourage each of you to investigate the organizations you wish to support. When you decide on someone, set up a recurring, unrestricted donation to help support them not just now, but six months from now and a year from now, and make sure your employer matches that gift.

For those of you who are still looking for good causes, I would like to recommend this list: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#donate 

And remember: #BlackLivesMatter