The Giving Partner - Supporting A Community Vision of Philanthropy

By Debra Jacobs, President and CEO,  The Patterson Foundation

It’s the Information Age, and we’re all embracing it! Today each and every one of us has the ability to obtain instant access to information and knowledge that 20 to 30 years ago would have been next to impossible to find.

This certainly applies to the “giving realm” and philanthropy in communities. Now more than ever, donors demand more information and transparency from the nonprofits they care about. This is part of a growing demographic that asks questions and makes informed decisions.

This brings me to The Giving Partner (our region's brand for DonorEdge), an online tool that connects donors and funders with local nonprofits in our community. DonorEdge is a GuideStar tool that was conceived by philanthropic leaders, including Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC), during her tenure at Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.

Our region's community foundations -- The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Manatee Community Foundation --  and others are collaborating to support this online tool and, in turn, they have committed to support our community's long-term vision of philanthropy: one that is informed, transparent and connected for the greater good.

Inspired by this collaboration and vision to further philanthropy and generosity in our vibrant community, The Patterson Foundation has provided its support to this collaboration. We are providing strategic communications, financial thrivability and technology expertise in support of the collaboration for a more effective and efficient nonprofit sector.

What are the benefits of this community collaboration?

• A trusted online resource for donors to connect with nonprofits and make informed decisions
• Transparent, in-depth information on nonprofits that make a difference in our community
• A third-party credibility element, as each nonprofit profile is reviewed to verify key documents and fields
• A  better understanding of the social sector assets and needs in the community

An interesting fact to note, our region -- comprised of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties -- is the 12th to embrace DonorEdge, and the only region with funding support from more than one community foundation. This speaks volumes of the philanthropic support and vision in our vibrant community, and setting the standard for others to follow!

To join the conversation as The Giving Partner moves toward its launch this spring, follow The Giving Partner on Facebook.

How do you think you’ll make a difference in your community with such a resource at your fingertips? Would a trusted, online tool encourage you to give?