Media

Social media and the internet have affected almost everything in our lives. But for philanthropic endeavors, that isn’t always a bad thing.

According to Natalie Leek, CEO and president of Providence House in Cleveland, social media and the internet allow for new ways to reach donors.

Providence House uses social media to bolster and mirror current direct mail endeavors, as a majority of the organization’s donors are over 40 years old and don’t use the internet as their primary means of communication.

“Whatever we produce in print, we also deploy digitally,” she explained. “That print message, whether a newsletter or direct mail, also goes into our social media platform so there is a presence. We make sure as we’re developing materials, we have a social media strategy behind everything produced.”

Leek added social media is also used for “in-the-moment” requests, where they post a message to ask for items needed for immediate donation.

“People respond well to that,” she said. “We also know we have to figure out who we’re communicating with on all platforms, like Facebook is for the older donors and younger millennials are on Instagram and Twitter. It’s all about tone shifting.”

With that in mind, Leek reiterated social media and the internet as a whole have an effect on fundraising that can’t be ignored.

“Everything we do with mobile responses, no matter where you open it like your phone, computer or tablet, you’re getting the full experience,” she stated.

With how short attention spans are now, Leek said organizations “have to grab people.”

“Donors want to get your content, understand what they have to do and take action,” she explained. “It’s about making everything digestible. It’s also the ease. People know what they want to give to, so get to them quickly so they can act quickly. Social media is perfectly tuned to that strategy.”

As the use of social media and the internet have evolved, Leek said the approach fundraisers use has also shifted.

“Many organizations still have a lengthy grant process that hasn’t streamlined or gone social,” she said. “They’re very institutionally based. Social media at the individual donor level is where you’re seeing the traction. One of the areas that it is challenging is planned giving. Most planned gifts are from older donors, so they aren’t communicating the same way online.”

But as fundraising continues, social media and the internet will continue to complement it.

“It is the wave of the future,” Leek said. “So, while person to person is always going to be important, the competition is already fierce and it’ll continue to grow. At the touch of a button, people will be able to donate where they want to. … People give to people. The more we get donors to leverage their social media to talk about the causes they believe in, the better. Though digital, the people to people piece is still critical.”

CLEVELAND — The United Way of Greater Cleveland has announced major changes are coming to are coming to the organization both in how it distributes charitable contributions as well as what primary issue the organization aims to address. Beginning in 2022, the United Way will opt to fund a smaller, more concentrated group of non-profits solely focused on addressing the issue of poverty in the city.

At this point, it is unclear how many of the more than 70 non-profits the United Way currently contributes money to will be affected. However, organizations that will no longer receive United Way funding moving forward will continue to have their grant contracts honored through July 1. Additionally, those organizations will receive transitional funding through October 2021.

The UWGC detailed its plan Wednesday morning that intends to specifically help people living in the deepest levels of poverty across Cleveland. The creation of the so-called Hub, a concentrated network of public, private and non-profit organizations, is the final leg in the United Way’s three-year plan to fully maximize the organization’s impact.

“United Way started here in Cleveland. That’s 107 years ago,” said United Way of Greater Cleveland’s CEO and President Augie Napoli. “It was a brilliant idea to serve a community but it is an idea that did not keep pace with the changes in our community.”

United Way officials said the decision to focus on a more concentrated group of non-profits is not related to a drop in workplace contributions in recent years. In 2015, the United Way of Greater Cleveland reported more than $40 million in contributions, according to tax documents. In 2019, that number had dropped to $33 million. Of that total, more than $6 million is split up into grants to dozens of area non-profits of varying amounts.

The Providence House, Ohio’s first crisis nursery, received more than $90,000 from United Way this fiscal year. The non-profit’s annual budget is around $3.8 million, CEO and President Natalie Leek said.

“We provide emergency shelter to children newborn to 12-years-old whose families are living in deep poverty and placing them in situations where there could be risks of abuse or neglect,” Leek said. “We talk a lot about mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence and even child abuse. A lot of those are symptoms or even the outcome of poverty at the core.”

Last year, The Providence House provided shelter to more than 350 children but was forced to wait list more than 450 children. Leek said the United Way’s focus on poverty is a novel endeavor but she is empathetic to non-profits that might worry if funding will be cut.

“I think for any non-profit it’s always a white-knuckle ride when you hear a funder is going to make a change. What does this mean? Is it good? Is it bad?” Leek said. “What impacts one can impact a lot of us if somebody drops a service or closes or has to reduce service.”

With this new structure and focus on poverty, Napoli said the organization will be able to achieve a greater impact on individuals at the deepest level.

According to data from the nonpartisan think tank Center for Community Solutions, more than half of Cleveland’s children live in poverty, the highest rate in the nation. Additionally, Cleveland has the second highest number of working adults living in poverty and the third highest figure of seniors in poverty.

The sobering statistics are reason for alarm, Napoli said, and necessitated United Way’s internal changes.

“Let me very clear about this: The United Way of Greater Cleveland — or the United Way of anywhere — is not going to solve the issues of poverty alone,” Napoli said. “What we are going to do is our part in that. Part of our part is to deepen the understanding of the effects of this on people’s lives.”

The United Way will also be deepening its involvement in which organizations it elects to fund. Instead of being a pass-through for funding, the United Way of Greater Cleveland will be at the top of the network.

“We’re going to roll up our sleeves and get much more involved in the work itself. That’s going to be the biggest difference,” said Nancy Mendez, the vice president of community impact. “The old system really wasn’t addressing the person in need…they really needed wraparound services, services that were thoughtful, strategic and were really trying to get that long-term impact. That really is what the hub is looking to do.”

The non-profit will also reduce the number of organizations it will fund through its request for proposals process (RFP), instead opting for a smaller, more concentrated array of non-profits who will solely be focused on addressing poverty in Cleveland. By having fewer organizations but with larger donations, the United Way believes a greater impact can be achieved.

“Under the old system, people were served but we’re really not making an impact,” Napoli said. “While we have — for over 107 years — been doing good things together with the delivery system in Northeast Ohio and people have been helped, we know we can do better if we focus.”

The organization will set and later hold itself accountable to realistic but meaningful goals, Napoli said. Non-profits that receive funding from the United Way will continue to receive that funding through July. Organizations that will no longer receive funding under the new system will receive transitional assistance through October 2021.

Leek said there is still much to be concerned about.

“We just don’t know and I think that’s just the reality of the non-profit space, particularly the human service space,” Leek said. “We’re constantly on our toes. Constantly.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Office of Children’s Initiatives announced Wednesday that 18 organizations serving low-income families in 22 counties will receive funding to offer parent safety education on topics such as infant safe sleep practices, proper car seat installation, infant and early childhood development and infant and early childhood nutrition. Upon completion of the brief education program, eligible families will receive concrete safety-related support items. These may include cribs, pack and plays, car seats, booster seats, strollers, baby gates, baby monitors, bassinets, high chairs, toddler beds, sleep sacks, etc.

“All children deserve to grow up in a safe environment,” Governor DeWine said. “These grants will help ensure that local agencies are able to provide essential supplies to families most in need.”

A total of $400,000 will be awarded for the Early Childhood Safety Initiative pilot project, which will be administered by the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund (OCTF); in partnership with the Ohio Department of Health. The grants may be used through June 30, 2020.

“Our prevention partners throughout the state frequently express the need for funding for safety-related items such as car seats, strollers and baby gates for low-income families,” OCTF Executive Director Lindsay Williams said. “We are thrilled to partner with the Ohio Department of Health to meet this need, which will help keep more children safe. We also are happy that parent education sessions will be offered as part of this valuable service.”

The following organizations will receive funding to provide services:

• Akron Children’s Hospitals ($22,767.50);
• Ashland County Health Department ($16,300.79);
• Clark County Combined Health District ($22,473.32);
• Fairfield Department of Health ($40,000);
• Henry County Health Department ($12,500);
• Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities ($31,681.80);
• Hocking County Board of Developmental Disabilities ($19,356.38);
• Jackson-Vinton Community Action ($15,000);
• Jefferson County Educational Service Center ($10,000);
• Licking County Health Department ($25,000);
• Logan County Health District ($16,782.93);
• Madison County Public Health ($10,000);
• Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center Foundation, Serving Lucas, Wood and Allen Counties ($50,000);
• Providence House, Cleveland ($12,000);
• Tuscarawas County Health Department ($31,976.32);
• University Hospitals, Cleveland ($43,299.18);
• Wyandot County Public Health ($10,719.20); and
• Warren County Health District ($10,142.58).

The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund is the state’s sole public funding source dedicated to preventing abuse and neglect. Housed within the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund works with its partners in every county to serve all Ohio communities. To learn more about the programs and services funded by the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, please visit OCTF.ohio.gov.

AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The law firm Kisling, Nestico & Redick (KNR) kicked off the holiday season with 12 Days of Christmas donations to try and make the season a little brighter for Ohio families.

From a Shop with a Cop event in Toledo to paying off $5,000 in layaways in Akron, the donations were part of the 12-month campaign, KNR Cares About Kids, which is a commitment to give back to the community each month and help kids reach their full potential.

Kisling, Nestico & Redick purchased $5,000 in layaways and delivered presents to local families.

“We enjoyed helping our neighbors this holiday season, especially those in need,” said Rob Nestico, managing partner at KNR. “There is always a lot of stress during this time of year, but we hope the donations we made throughout our Ohio footprint help make the holidays truly the most wonderful time of the year. We also wanted to inspire others in the community to jump on board and pay it forward.” In the spirit of inspiring others, KNR encourages people to share their own good deeds on social media using #KNRCares.

The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, which ran December 1 to 12, included:

On the first day of Christmas KNR gave to me…a fully decorated Christmas tree. The tree had shatter proof ornaments, lottery tickets and gift cards with a value of around $350. The social media giveaway ran through November 21 and Anne Klein from Fairlawn was announced the winner.
On the second day…stockings. KNR donated stockings full of candy and gifts to children and teens staying at Sojourner House, a domestic violence shelter, in Youngstown on December 2.
On the third day…cookies. The law firm baked cookies for guests at the Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland on Monday, November 25. It was announced on social on December 3.
On the fourth day…coats. KNR presented the 408 coats collected recently at the Coats & Cans for Kids Turkey Giveaway to the Providence House and the May Dugan Center in Cleveland on Wednesday, December 4.
On the fifth day…baby hats. They gave away 150 newborn baby hats to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus on Wednesday, November 27 and shared on social on December 5.
On the sixth day…a check donation. KNR attorneys and staff at each office throughout Ohio competed all year long to raise the most money for charities. The Toledo office presented a $3,300 check to Family House, a family homeless shelter located in Toledo.
On the seventh day…cards. The Akron office made Christmas cards for Hospitalized Kids and Operation Christmas Card.
On the eighth day…a check donation. The Columbus office raised $1,500 for the charity A Kid Again in Columbus. The check donation took place on Wednesday, November 27 and was posted on social media December 8.
On the ninth day…a shopping spree. KNR, and several other companies, funded a Shop with a Cop event in Toledo on Sunday, December 8 with the FOP Toledo Lodge 40. 150 kids and 40 police officers participated.
On the tenth day…shopping trip. Partner Thomas Vasvari purchased gifts for kids at Potential Development in Youngstown.
On the eleventh day…blankets. Attorneys and staff made blankets and donated them to Akron Children’s Hospital through Project Linus, an organization that provides homemade blankets to children in need.
On the twelfth day…layaway payoff. $5,000 in layaways were purchased from the Akron Walmart on Tuesday, December 10 and then delivered to families.
For more information about KNR’s 12 Days of Christmas, visit knrlegal.com/category/community-support/.

About Kisling, Nestico & Redick: Kisling, Nestico & Redick provides sophisticated injury law representation to clients throughout Ohio. The firm has gained a reputation as one of the state’s leading personal injury firms due to a combination of personal service, inside knowledge of the insurance industry, and extensive legal experience. Founded in 2005, the firm has 11 locations, 37 attorneys and 146 support staff dedicated to seeking justice for victims injured in accidents.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A Cleveland law firm finishing up their “12 days of Christmas Giving” donated $5,000 to pay off layaways at an Akron Walmart.

“I thought that was a blessing for our grandbabies,” Lizrea Benford told 19 News.

Benford, who has custody of her two grandchildren, wanted to make their Christmas brighter so she put toys in layaway at the Arlington Walmart in Akron.

A Cleveland law firm paid off layaways for 19 Akron families. The toys were delivered just weeks before Christmas. (Source: Michael Dakota)

On Tuesday, Benford got a telephone call saying the bill had been paid and the toys would be delivered to her home.

“I was shocked this happened to us,” Benford said.

Benford’s fiance said the donation would make the holiday “a lot easier.”

Kisling, Nestico & Redick donated stockings for children at Sojourner House, cookies for guests at the Ronald McDonald House, 408 coats collected for the Providence House, $1,500 for the charity A Kid Again in Columbus, a $3,300 donation for a homeless shelter in Toledo and then $5,000 for layaways in Akron.

Alexandra Van Allen helped to deliver the toys and gifts to the 19 Akron area families on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

“It’s insane, it’s like we get to play Santa.” Van Allen told 19 News. “I’m Mrs. Claus today and I get to basically make Christmas dreams come true. There’s nothing better than this, it’s the best job in the world.”

When Benford’s six-year-old granddaughter held the door open and the gifts flooded into her grandmother’s apartment, the smiles reminded everyone why they were there.

“I hope a blessing comes back to them,” Benford said. “For what they did for us, I really hope a blessing comes back to them.”

Safety Juston Burris has been selected by his teammates as the Browns’ 2019 Ed Block Courage Award winner, the team announced Dec. 10.

Each team nominates a player for the award named after the late trainer of the Baltimore Colts as a tribute to his courage and compassion along with his commitment to his team and the community.

“I’m humbled, very humbled,” Burris said in a statement. “I’m thankful that my teammates thought of me in that light and that they see the hard work I put in to come back to be here to help this team win. I just want to say thank you to them and just for being there and helping me through everything that I went through. I really appreciate them for that.”

Burris had offseason shoulder surgery. He was waived Sept. 1, claimed by the Raiders the next day, waived by Oakland on Sept. 19 and re-signed by the Browns on Sept. 20. He played every defensive snap in a game with the Rams two nights later and intercepted a pass from Rams quarterback Jared Goff.

“As soon as I came back, they welcomed me with open arms,” Burris added. “Any questions that I had, anything that I needed help with because maybe some things had changed, they were there to help me. I just appreciate them for showing me support and making me feel confident going into (the Rams) game that they trusted me to come in and do what I had to do to help the team.”

Burris has started eight of his 11 games with the Browns and registered 22 tackles (18 solo), He has one sack, two interceptions, four passes defensed and one forced fumble.

Burris has also been active in Browns Give Back’s efforts in the Northeast Ohio community and the team’s commitment to education, youth football and the First and Ten volunteering movement.

“Definitely, my mom and my dad are my inspiration — things my parents taught me, to keep fighting no matter whatever the circumstances is,” Burris said. “Things are going to happen in life, and you just have to keep pushing. Do not make excuses, just keep pushing and just go through it. One quote kind of helped me through it, ‘You grow through what you go through.’ That has kind of been my motto over time. Things are going to happen so you just have to keep fighting.”

Burris was presented the Browns’ 2019 Ed Block Courage Award on Dec. 10 at the Providence House Annual Deck the House Benefit Auction at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Cleveland Browns S Juston Burris has been selected by his teammates as the Browns’ 2019 Ed Block Courage Award. The Ed Block Courage Award is given annually to a member of each of the 32 NFL teams who exemplifies the qualities of Ed Block, the former head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts, based on courage, compassion, commitment and community.

“I’m humbled, very humbled,” said Burris when learning he would be the Browns’ honoree this year. “I’m thankful that my teammates thought of me in that light and that they see the hard work I put in to come back to be here to help this team win. I just want to say thank you to them and just for being there and helping me through everything that I went through. I really appreciate them for that.”

In addition to showing his resiliency after offseason shoulder surgery, Burris has been a reliable presence on defense since returning to Cleveland on Sept. 20, two days before he would ultimately start at safety against the L.A. Rams on Sunday Night Football. While playing every defensive snap in the primetime matchup, he notched four solo tackles and intercepted Rams QB Jared Goff with 2:46 remaining in the game to provide the Browns a final opportunity to level the score during a 20-13 loss to the defending NFC Champions.

“As soon as I came back, they welcomed me with open arms,” Burris added. “Any questions that I had, anything that I needed help with because maybe some things had changed, they were there to help me. I just appreciate them for showing me support and making me feel confident going into [the Rams] game that they trusted me to come in and do what I had to do to help the team.”

This season, Burris has started eight of his 11 games with the Browns, registering 22 tackles (18 solo), his first career sack (vs. Pit., 11/14), two interceptions, four passes defensed and one forced fumble. He is one of only two Browns with multiple interceptions this year, and his four passes defensed tie for fourth on the team and second among Cleveland DBs. Additionally, he has played every defensive snap in three of those contests.

After joining the Browns for the final seven games of 2018, Burris re-signed with Cleveland during the 2019 offseason when he ultimately underwent shoulder surgery and started his rehabilitation process. Burris spent all of training camp and preseason with the Browns before being waived during final roster cuts. He was then claimed by the Oakland Raiders, where he was on the active roster for two weeks prior to coming back to Cleveland.

“Definitely, my mom and my dad are my inspiration – things my parents taught me, to keep fighting no matter whatever the circumstances is,” Burris said. “Things are going to happen in life and you just have to keep pushing. Do not make excuses, just keep pushing and just go through it. One quote kind of helped me through it, ‘You grow through what you go through.’ That has kind of been my motto over time. Things are going to happen so you just have to keep fighting.”

Burris has also been active in Browns Give Back’s efforts in the Northeast Ohio community and the team’s commitment to education, youth football and the First and Ten volunteering movement. Last week, he advocated for mental health awareness efforts through his commitment to Dream the Impossible, a foundation launched by his former NY Jets teammate and current Jaguars S Doug Middleton. Dream the Impossible was founded to help fix the lack of awareness surrounding mental health in the African American community.

Burris will be presented the Browns’ 2019 Ed Block Courage Award tonight at the Providence House Annual Deck the House Benefit Auction at FirstEnergy Stadium, where the program will begin at approximately 6:15 p.m. Browns alumnus WR/KR Josh Cribbs and his wife, Maria, are once again serving as honorary co-chairs for the event.

Providence House’s Deck the House at FirstEnergy Stadium tonight, The Get 2 School Network school visit, complemented by the “Get 2 School, Stay in the Game!” Network visit to Mound STEM School this afternoon, highlights Day 3 of Browns Give Back’s “10 Days of Giving.”

Throughout “10 Days of Giving,” spanning Dec. 8-17, Browns players, coaches and staff will host unique community events and make special contributions to various organizations during the holiday season as part of the team’s yearlong commitment to education, youth football and inspiring others through its signature First and Ten volunteer movement.

The extended week of community engagement, initially inspired by the Browns’ signature #give10 First and Ten volunteer movement, has expanded in recent years to fully encompass the team’s commitment to supporting school attendance in Ohio through the “Get 2 School, Stay in the Game!” Network and its yearlong efforts to enhance youth and high school football throughout the state.

Providence House, the Cleveland Browns Courage House for Children since 1999, protects at-risk children and supports families through crisis, strengthening communities to end child abuse and neglect. For more information, visit www.provhouse.org.

Philanthropy professionals and fundraisers may perform many different functions in the nonprofit world – from organizing events and designing campaigns to inspiring donors and raising money.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow over the next 10 years because of the need for nonprofit support. And as nonprofits serve their target demographic, the need for money, and those who know how to get it, will also grow.

With that in mind, Natalie Leek, CEO and president of Providence House, and Diane Strachan, director of philanthropy at the Cleveland Museum of Art, both in Cleveland, said those who are interested in the career should consider a few things.

“Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ national organization,” Strachan said. “It is an education base, networking association with a very active, excellent chapter here in Cleveland. This would provide the opportunity for someone looking to get into the field to network with others who have the experience that spans decades.”

She added newcomers should also try and start in an organization that focuses on annual giving because it provides a “strong foundation” for how the industry works.

Before joining a networking organization, Leek recommended young professionals get out there and give back themselves.

“Volunteer, intern, donate and advocate for a cause you believe in,” Leek said. “You have to understand the act of being philanthropic before you can ask someone else to do it.”

She also said it’s helpful to “pick the brains” of experienced leaders in the field.

When hiring employees, there are a few traits organizations look for.

“You must truly care about and be passionate about the cause you represent and the donors who support it,” Leek said. “Philanthropy is friend-raising more than fund-raising. You must appreciate everyone, at every giving level, who supports your cause as personally as you are able.”

Strachan said other helpful traits include integrity, honesty, commitment to priorities and values, creativity, flexibility and a results-driven attitude.

At the beginning of her fundraising journey, Strachan said she fell into the career after college. But she stayed because she felt herself growing in the environment.

“I felt it to be rewarding and realized that I was highly motivated by a goal-oriented system and just loved working with donors,” she recalled. “In the world of philanthropy, one is presented with the opportunity to meet very interesting and special people. I have developed lifelong friendships with donors and colleagues over the years.”

Leek said she felt drawn to the field because of family history.

“My family is (full of) philanthropists – donors, volunteers and advocates in all types of organizations,” she said. “It’s in my genes. I didn’t start a career in philanthropy, it found me. When the need arose to raise funds for a project at a school where I was working, I didn’t hesitate to jump in and help.”

The process of how a donor finds a project he or she believes in is similar to the process of how one finds an organization to work at.

“One has to decide what they are most passionate about,” Strachan said. “After all, one’s career is an investment for a lifetime.”

Leek said, “First and foremost, it should be something you believe in and feel passionate about. This is hard work and if you don’t feel it in your heart, you won’t succeed. It is very similar to finding the places you want to give your gifts to. Work for and give to organizations that are legitimate 501 (c)(3)s with transparent ethics, good ratings and strong leadership.”