Thanksgiving is almost here, and that means the “giving season” is also just around the corner. As the difficult financial times continue, many of us are already feeling the stress of the season and will be looking to cut costs wherever we can.
How will you be cutting back this year? Will it be reining in the spending on holiday gifts or downsizing the holiday party budget? Perhaps you have considered reducing your charitable contributions this year?
As much as individual families are struggling to make sound financial decisions for their bottom line, community groups and schools are also struggling with serious budgetary constraints.
Last week, Gov. Patterson announced that state education cuts would be coming for all schools in New York. There is no doubt that these cuts will have a local impact. The Citizen reported last week that Auburn public schools are preparing for budget cuts in excess of $1 million.
Auburn Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide financial support for innovative projects that enhance the educational experience for all children in the Auburn Enlarged City School District. We support both academic enrichment projects as well as extracurricular activities that have the potential to elevate the educational and social experience for students in our public schools. We only fund projects that fall outside the regular district budget.
As the district budget gets tighter, we are anticipating requests to the foundation to increase. The Auburn Education Foundation is committed to supporting teachers and students in our public schools throughout these difficult financial times. Our ability to have a meaningful impact on student enrichment relies on our ability to raise funds to continue offering quality programming. We rely on the generous giving spirit of local businesses, alumni and local individuals to help us carry out our mission.
Our foundation raises money in two ways. First we host two annual fundraisers in the spring and summer months. And second, we receive donations from local businesses, foundations and most importantly, individuals. Never doubt the power of the individual donor. Some people may think that the little sum that they have to give will not make a difference anyway. This is certainly not the case. Each contribution, no matter how large or small is appreciated by organizations. Many small donations add up to a significant portion of our annual budget.
And even more importantly, an individual who makes a personal donation is signaling to that organization, and other potential donors, that they value the work that the group does and they trust the organization is using there hard- earned money in a meaningful way.
As concerned as I am with my own financial bottom line, I am even more concerned with how our schools and community groups will be able to cope with these impending budget cuts. This year, I am planning to use Thanksgiving to talk with my family about cutting back on our gift exchanges in favor of making a charitable donation to a local nonprofit organization.
I invite you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to a local organization that you believe makes a difference in our community. We are fortunate enough to have many quality organizations that serve Auburn and Cayuga County. For a comprehensive list or organizations and description of the services they provide, you may visit the Human Service Coalition of Cayuga County site at www.human-services.org. Think about what services are near and dear to your heart? You will find any number of organizations who serve children, seniors, disabled persons, animals, education, environmental issues or the arts. All of these groups, who make valuable contributions to our community, are struggling with budget constraints.
If you would like more information about how Auburn Education Foundation is making a difference for students in Auburn public schools, you may visit our Web site at www.auburnedfoundation.org or call 255-8827.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to our foundation, please makes checks payable to Auburn Education Foundation and mail to PO Box 592, Auburn, NY 13021. All donations will be acknowledged with a letter verifying that your contribution is fully tax-deducible.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Annette Abdelaziz is the executive director of the Auburn Education Foundation. Contact her at annette_abdelaziz@auburn.cnyric.org or call 255-8827
As much as individual families are struggling to make sound financial decisions for their bottom line, community groups and schools are also struggling with serious budgetary constraints.
Last week, Gov. Patterson announced that state education cuts would be coming for all schools in New York. There is no doubt that these cuts will have a local impact. The Citizen reported last week that Auburn public schools are preparing for budget cuts in excess of $1 million.
Auburn Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide financial support for innovative projects that enhance the educational experience for all children in the Auburn Enlarged City School District. We support both academic enrichment projects as well as extracurricular activities that have the potential to elevate the educational and social experience for students in our public schools. We only fund projects that fall outside the regular district budget.
As the district budget gets tighter, we are anticipating requests to the foundation to increase. The Auburn Education Foundation is committed to supporting teachers and students in our public schools throughout these difficult financial times. Our ability to have a meaningful impact on student enrichment relies on our ability to raise funds to continue offering quality programming. We rely on the generous giving spirit of local businesses, alumni and local individuals to help us carry out our mission.
Our foundation raises money in two ways. First we host two annual fundraisers in the spring and summer months. And second, we receive donations from local businesses, foundations and most importantly, individuals. Never doubt the power of the individual donor. Some people may think that the little sum that they have to give will not make a difference anyway. This is certainly not the case. Each contribution, no matter how large or small is appreciated by organizations. Many small donations add up to a significant portion of our annual budget.
And even more importantly, an individual who makes a personal donation is signaling to that organization, and other potential donors, that they value the work that the group does and they trust the organization is using there hard- earned money in a meaningful way.
As concerned as I am with my own financial bottom line, I am even more concerned with how our schools and community groups will be able to cope with these impending budget cuts. This year, I am planning to use Thanksgiving to talk with my family about cutting back on our gift exchanges in favor of making a charitable donation to a local nonprofit organization.
I invite you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to a local organization that you believe makes a difference in our community. We are fortunate enough to have many quality organizations that serve Auburn and Cayuga County. For a comprehensive list or organizations and description of the services they provide, you may visit the Human Service Coalition of Cayuga County site at www.human-services.org. Think about what services are near and dear to your heart? You will find any number of organizations who serve children, seniors, disabled persons, animals, education, environmental issues or the arts. All of these groups, who make valuable contributions to our community, are struggling with budget constraints.
If you would like more information about how Auburn Education Foundation is making a difference for students in Auburn public schools, you may visit our Web site at www.auburnedfoundation.org or call 255-8827.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to our foundation, please makes checks payable to Auburn Education Foundation and mail to PO Box 592, Auburn, NY 13021. All donations will be acknowledged with a letter verifying that your contribution is fully tax-deducible.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Annette Abdelaziz is the executive director of the Auburn Education Foundation. Contact her at annette_abdelaziz@auburn.cnyric.org or call 255-8827
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