Maximizing Your Impact In A Time of Need

By Hannah Dannenfelser, ​Arlington Community Federal Credit Union & Todd Ihrig, ​Avantax Investment Services

​Crisis situations often shine a spotlight on the best aspects of our society.  Simultaneously, these situations also highlight where we have room to improve and opportunities to fill gaps.  As with many previous crises, our first responders and health care professionals continue to step up and put others before themselves.  We have seen tremendous acts of kindness and generosity and we are all sacrificing in both small and big ways in service to the community health.
 
We know that this situation has put an entire segment of our community at risk.  In a 2018 survey, the Federal Reserve found that nearly 40% of American adults could not come up with $400 in an emergency.  It isn’t hard to imagine that many of these same adults are being directly affected by a Covid-19 pandemic that, for them, is quickly turning from a broad global crisis into a very personal financial crisis.

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If you or your business have the capacity to help, we would like to issue a call to action and offer some ideas.  Cash donations are always valuable but we know that not all individuals and businesses are in a position to give.  For those that are, every bit helps and no donation is too small to serve our community.
 
Whether or not you can give money, there are ways to support our vulnerable neighbors.  These are ways to support the critical work of local nonprofits and make your donations go farther:
 

• Become an ambassador for the organizations you support: If you are engaged in organizations like the Arlington Chamber, you probably have a strong network, are a leader in your own circles, and people look to you for input. As you’re finding opportunities to represent your organization, represent the nonprofits you or your company supports as well. Post on your personal social media channels. Become the voice that the nonprofit needs to make sure they can reach other supporters and advocates like you.
• Leverage your company’s marketing channels: Many companies are thrilled to highlight the work that their employees do to serve the community. It builds good will and creates earned media opportunities. When you share the message of the ways you give back, you create exposure for the work of that organization and encourage others to find ways to help.
• Consider pro bono services: Does your organization have a particular set of skills that could fill a need? Identify what you have to offer and then reach out to key resources who can pair you with organizations that could benefit.  The Arlington Chamber and Volunteer Arlington are great options to help you navigate where your skills could provide crucial support to a nonprofit.

Organizations like Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) and Arlington Thrive are providing direct help to those most in need.  The demand for both has increased dramatically.  AFAC has reported an increase in referrals of 30% and the number is continuing to grow daily.  Arlington Thrive serves as Arlington County’s primary vehicle for providing emergency financial assistance and they have seen a 100% increase in requests.  If you would like to support an organization that fits your particular passion, browse the Chamber's list of nonprofit members serving our community.
 
For individuals and businesses who are looking for ways to support our neighbors most in need, we challenge you to use these strategies to be an exemplary donor and advocate for the organizations you support.  Our community, our neighbors, and our businesses will be stronger for it.
 
Hannah is the Community Involvement Ambassador for the Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and Todd is a local financial advisor helping clients integrate charitable giving strategies into their overall financial plans.  Hannah and Todd are both active Chamber members who are passionate about how Arlington comes together to serve our local businesses, nonprofits, and the larger community.