It’s easy to think of a nonprofit’s donor base as a group of strangers connected solely by a shared passion for giving. The roots of the spirit of philanthropy, however, run much deeper. When donors come together as a group and see firsthand the impact of their donations, giving becomes a much more meaningful and personal experience.
Southwest Gas Educates and Empowers Employees
The Southwest Gas FUEL for LIFE employee giving program is a shining example of this. FUEL for LIFE is focused on giving back to the communities served by Southwest Gas, and employees can choose to contribute to local nonprofits, like Catholic Charities, through a one-time gift or payroll deduction.
Southwest Gas not only encourages its employees to give to nonprofits but also educates them about the power of philanthropy and how it can transform their community. It’s this level of education and involvement that has forged an eight-year-long partnership between Catholic Charities and FUEL for LIFE. In total, FUEL for LIFE has donated $510,000 to the agency’s 20-plus programs throughout central and northern Arizona.
“FUEL for LIFE has been a fantastic partner for us. They give from their hearts every year and are so engaged when they have the opportunity to come and spend some time with us and see our work in action,” said Wendy Owens, Catholic Charities Resource Development Manager. “I love having the opportunity to show them the difference they have made in so many lives each year.”
Employee Giving Fills Gaps and Improves Services
Although individual donations are often the most well-known and visible source of money for a nonprofit, obtaining sufficient funding is far more complex than it seems. While individual donations and federal, state, and local grants provide some funding, these sources do not provide nearly enough money to cover the needs of every individual and family.
Catholic Charities also relies on partnerships with corporations, local groups, faith organizations, and employee giving programs to help meet the needs of the community’s most vulnerable. Partners like FUEL for LIFE help fill gaps in funding and allow Catholic Charities to provide quality services that promote self-sufficiency and independence.
Donors See the Direct Impact of Their Giving
The FUEL for LIFE committee gets opportunities to see their dollars in action and put faces and names to those they’re helping. Recently, they attended a Build-a-Bear workshop at Rosewood Court, an affordable housing community developed by Catholic Charities’ affiliate Housing for Hope. Rosewood Court is staffed by Catholic Charities Resident Services specialists who provide support, connect residents to local resources, and hold community events.
If you would like to consider Catholic Charities for your corporate donor program or employee giving fund, please contact Wendy Owens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also take advantage of the tax credit or give an individual gift.
