Helping Non-Profits Thrive: How to Make Your Philanthropy Truly Count

The International Day of Charity on September 5th reminds us of the power of generosity. September launches a season of giving that spans the rest of the year, with Giving Tuesday in December and holiday giving campaigns. It’s an ideal season to reflect on how individuals, corporations, and communities can best support the organizations working tirelessly to address urgent needs in their communities and around the world. Leading up to the final quarter of the year is also a strategic time for corporations to pair giving back with valuable charitable tax advantages.

Good intentions are at the heart of every charitable act, but sometimes, our giving can unintentionally create challenges and use valuable resources rather than provide real support.

At Mother’s Matter, a not-for-profit dedicated to serving socially isolated and low-income status mothers and their families, we’re a small but deeply dedicated team. Like most non-profits and charitable organizations, we’re committed to using every donation and resource wisely to best support our community and clients. Every contribution truly impacts how we can show up for the people who need us most, and we are so grateful for that support.

In over a decade working in the non-profit sector, I’ve also seen how even the most well-intentioned generosity, whether from donors or volunteers, can sometimes have unintended consequences. When support isn’t aligned with our greatest needs, it can actually pull time, staff, and resources away from the core work that matters most.

Here are my tips for how individuals and corporations can ensure your generosity helps non-profits thrive.

Choosing a Non-Profit: Start with Shared Values

One of the most important steps in effective philanthropy is choosing a non-profit that aligns with your personal or organizational values. When your giving reflects what matters most to you, it creates a stronger connection between you and the cause and a greater likelihood that your support will be consistent and long-lasting.

Questions to ask yourself:

• What issues move me the most? (e.g., maternal health, education, food security, the environment)
• Does this non-profit’s mission align with the change I want to see in the world?
• Do they demonstrate transparency and accountability in how they use donations?

When donors and non-profits share values, the relationship becomes more than transactional. It becomes a partnership rooted in mutual trust and purpose. This alignment not only strengthens your impact but also helps the non-profit, because they know they can count on supporters who truly understand and believe in their mission.

For Individuals: Consistency Over One-Time Gestures

Monthly donations of any amount are among the most impactful ways individuals can contribute. They create a steady, predictable income that allows non-profits to plan ahead, build sustainable programs, and weather unexpected changes. Even small monthly gifts add up to a significant impact over time.

When it comes to volunteering, it’s important to remember that training a new volunteer costs an organization time and resources. The most meaningful way to contribute is to volunteer on a consistent basis, where your skills and presence become a reliable part of the organization’s work. A few hours each week or month, maintained over the long term, is often more valuable than sporadic bursts of activity.

If you are unable to give dollars and in-person time, find the organization you love on social media and help them amplify their message with likes, comments, and shares.

For Corporations: Build Trust Through Long-Term Commitment

Corporate philanthropy goes beyond one-time donations or photo-op sponsorships. The most effective support comes from long-term partnerships built on trust and consistency.

When companies make multi-year commitments, they give non-profits stability. This reduces administrative burdens on both sides, freeing up time for meaningful collaboration. It also fosters employee engagement, as staff can see and feel the ongoing relationship with the cause, rather than a one-off transaction. For corporations, this builds deeper purpose into company culture and community impact.

For Product or In-Kind Donations: Thoughtful Giving Matters

Not all donations are equally helpful. Non-profits often post their most urgent needs on their websites, and if you’re unsure, the best step is simply to ask if your contribution would support them.

Digital gifts are especially valuable because they can be delivered at no cost. Think gift cards, software, or digital subscriptions that save organizations money while expanding their capacity.

Don’t forget the people behind the work. Volunteers and staff who dedicate themselves to serving others also deserve recognition. Small gifts of appreciation can go a long way in sustaining morale for those on the frontlines of the causes you care about. I once had a supporter send a care package to our staff team on a meaningful day to our organization with a note of encouragement. That small gesture or recognition was so deeply meaningful as the efforts of non profits staff can often go unnoticed. 

For Events: Move Beyond Exposure to Meaningful Action

Inviting a non-profit to your event can be powerful, but only if done with intention. If the purpose is simply to give them exposure, remember the old adage often applied to artists: “they can die from exposure.” The same is true for non-profits. Without meaningful support, visibility alone doesn’t pay salaries, fund programs, or cover operating costs.

When inviting a non-profit leader or representative to attend your event, consider that their time is a valuable and limited resource. A thoughtful way to show respect is to make a donation to their organization in recognition of their attendance.

The number of times I’ve been invited to speak at a dinner and not been invited to partake in the meal is shocking. It’s not so much about the actual dinner; it’s about the dignity of the experience. If a representative is speaking, ensure they receive the same perks and recognition as other speakers, from honoraria to travel support. 

And if your event includes a donation or information booth, be intentional about placement. Giving the non-profit a prominent, visible space increases awareness, engagement, and ultimately, impact. Pairing this with concrete financial or in-kind support ensures the partnership is meaningful and sustainable.

Philanthropy that Empowers

Charity is not just about giving—it’s about giving in a way that empowers. By being thoughtful, consistent, and intentional, individuals and organizations can create real, lasting change.

This International Day of Charity, let’s commit to supporting non-profits in ways that help them do what they do best: make our communities stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient.

HOW YOU CAN CREATE IMPACT:

FIND your favourite non-profits on Social Media. Like, comment and share to amplify their message. 

DONATE $5 to Mothers Matter Canada or a Charity that matters most to you (consider making a monthly commitment for maximum impact).

RESEARCH your company’s corporate giving plan and charity of choice. See how you can make sure they are supported through relationship and with dignity this giving season.

 

About the Author
Natasha Irvine is the Chief Communications Officer at Mothers Matter Centre, a non-profit supporting mothers through early literacy programs and peer-to-peer connections. With a career in non-profit communications, she is passionate about sharing stories of impact. Based in East Vancouver, she is a mother, a member of the local Master’s swim club, and a salty snack enthusiast.