Give Where You Live

Post #16

Even when I grew up in Montgomery County in the '60s, there were families with needs. The demographics though, were closer to the stereotype of how we're still seen by others around the state. Today, there is more economic, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. Each of these adds both challenges and opportunities for our government.

Enter the nonprofit sector and private giving. As the former Executive Director of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, I was privileged to work with the creative and dedicated community leaders and the many funders who supported their work.

We are lucky to live next to Washington, DC. It allows us to work and observe our federal government in a way that most other Americans don't have. Our proximity, however, means that Montgomery County residents are more likely than most Americans to support national (and international) charities rather than those closer to home.

The Montgomery County Community Foundation, very capably run by Sally Rudney for the past 14 years, helps guide those with wealth toward worthy local organizations. Last year, they helped distribute over $5 million to area nonprofit groups ranging from Manna Food Pantry to CASA de Maryland to Interfaith Works.  

We are blessed in this community to have successful residents who feel a desire (and an obligation) to give to those less fortunate than themselves. At this season of giving thanks, we should thank them... and join them. In whatever way and at whatever level, we can each help someone else in need. At your holiday party, collect canned food for the hungry or toiletries for the homeless. Make a donation to a local group doing work you admire. And, make time to be grateful for those who make a difference with their work and their funds year-round.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Do you support local groups working in Montgomery County? How did you identify which are worthy of your donation(s)?  Do you have ideas about how to get others to “Give Where They Live”?  Send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#16) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.