Non-Profit Donation Decline During Recessions

Since the main topic here is personal finance, we talk a whole lot about saving money on this site, but not much about giving it. An unfortunate side effect of the recession is that thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of outstanding charitable organizations have seen their fundraising dollars go down significantly as well. Makes sense, right? People are having a harder time getting by, so many hunker down and keep every last bit for themselves.

What is most troubling is that it is in these difficult times that 501(c)(3)’s need funds the most, but get them the least. Those who rely on the services and grants that these organizations provide in good times, need them even more in bad times. But with less funds, these organizations are forced to cut back on the services that they provide.

That’s why I wanted to use this post to harness the power of the community on this site and share a store about a disease that I am very passionate about fighting.

Fighting Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a terrible disease. MS attacks the central nervous system and symptoms may include mental and physical fatigue at all levels, headaches, memory loss, temporary or sustained paralysis, and a plethora of other unfortunate effects. There is presently no cure for MS and it impacts people in the prime of their life.

Perhaps what is most devastating about the disease is that it effects everyone differently. You don’t know how you’ll feel tomorrow, and you don’t know how the disease will progress in the years to come. Your entire short and long-term future is at the mercy of the disease.

Bill’s Story

I originally was exposed to MS through two close friends who had been diagnosed. This led to me getting more involved in fighting the disease and meeting some very inspirational people along the way. One of them is my close friend Bill. Bill has been diagnosed with MS and he volunteers significant time to raise funds and organize fundraising events so that others will benefit from the services and support that those funds provide.

Bill recently has been featured on a website highlighting the stories of those living and thriving despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I’d encourage you to check out Bill’s MS story. If you’re inspired to support the fight against MS, have received any value from 20somethingfinance, or are just in a giving mood, I’d encourage you to support Bill’s efforts in one of two ways:

Support Bill’s Fight Against MS

Here’s how you can support Bill’s fight against MS.

1. Purchase his awesome cookbook, Cooks and Cars, a collaboration with GM, which features 360 great recipes and some amazing vehicles.

2. Donate to his fundraising efforts for the MS Longest Day of Golf, a National MS Society event.

MS Discussion:

• What experiences do you have with MS. Do you have someone close to you who has been diagnosed?
• What charitable organizations do you support, and why? Feel free to share a link!