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  | Welcome to the Lancaster County Community Foundation news room. Whether you are a nonprofit organization, community member or journalist seeking information, you can browse this section to read our recent press releases, newsletters, or check out our fact sheets and media kit for more information. We are available to provide members of the media with information and data about our initiatives, our knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, and our community partners. Press and media inquries should be directed to Kate Bergeman, Communications Coordinator at 397-1629 or by e-mail at Kate@LancasterCountyFoundation.org. | |  | |
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| | 02/11/2010 | | Making informed decisions about giving is important for anyone who is interested in supporting organizations or causes in our community. The Community Foundation can be a resource to help you make these decisions and provide advice and assistance within your interest area or cause.
If you are interested in researching giving options on your own, there is an online tool called Guidestar (www.guidestar.org) that helps to asses the stability of an organization. Below are tips for choosing an organization from Guidestar’s website. If you have any questions, feel free to call the staff at the Community Foundation at 397-1629. Researching Organizations - Clarify your values. Do this before you open your checkbook or volunteer your time.
- Identify your preferences. Ask yourself: "What is important to me?" Think about where you would like the organization to do its work, either locally or regionally. Ask yourself if you want to support a large or small organization, a new or an old one.
- Search the GuideStar database to find organizations that meet your criteria.
- Focus on the mission. Look at each organizations description in GuideStar, on its Web site, or in its literature. Find the nonprofits that fit best with your values.
- Eliminate organizations that don't meet your criteria.
Evaluating Organizaitons - Get the cold, hard facts. A reputable organization will: Define its mission and programs clearly. Have measurable goals. Use concrete criteria to describe its achievements.
- Compare apples to apples. Be sure to compare organizations that do the same kind of work, especially if you're looking at their finances.
- Avoid organizations that won't share information. Reputable nonprofits will discuss their programs and finances and are willing to send you literature
- Trust your instincts. If you still have doubts about a organizations, don't contribute to it. Instead, find another nonprofit that you feel comfortable with that does the same kind of work.
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