Stories

We asked #GivingTuesday402 donors, "Why do you give?"

Here's some of what the community said:

• “I love to support small local nonprofits!”
• “Trying to help make a more just and loving world.”
• “Because I thought it was a good idea.”
• “I have resources and want to share what I am able.”
• "I feel it is a duty."
• “We always give around the holidays”
• “Because it is the right thing to do”
• “Believe in mission of organizations” 
• “Strongly support local charities that do good local work.”
• “I've been doing it for years”
• “Wanted to give to give to others”
• “Great to support these non-profits for all they do!”
• “I believe that the organizations make life better for Omaha.”
• “I have it, they need it.” 
• “I like helping people and causes.”
• “I believe in the importance of non-profits”
• “I want to support organizations I value.”
• “Makes me feel good”
• “I chose Animal rescues this year. Tough times for them with so many intake animals who need love, food and care-and a home.”
• “I am grateful for my blessings and want to share with others less fortunate. I also give to organizations that support veterans in honor of my late husband.”
• “Because I want the small nonprofits to feel supported and succeed in their mission.”
• “I have been the recipient of others’ kindness and now can pass it on. It is important to take care of our city - our home.”
• “I’ve always valued the work that nonprofits do, especially those that align with my value system. Also, I volunteer heavily for a couple of different nonprofits in Omaha and I’m passionate about the works they do.”
• “To support my community.”
• “Because I believe in the organization” 
• “I was helped earlier in my life, so I give back now to pass it on”
• “It’s important to help those that are in need.”   
• “To support causes that I am passionate about.” 
• “I want to ensure access to a variety of services for underserved, oppressed, and marginalized populations in our community.”
• “To support nonprofits who I believe are vital to our community's prosperity”
• “Nonprofit volunteers in animal rescue are angels and we want to help as much as we are able.”
• “Because it makes me feel good and to use my company’s gift match program.” 
• “I wanted to support the children of Omaha.”
• “Because it’s the right thing to do!” 
• “Because I can.” 
• “There are just too many people who subscribe to the theory that if it doesn't make money, it has no value.  So thankful for all non-profits but particularly those who help wildlife and domestic animals as they cannot speak for themselves.  We must be their voice and educate the younger generations to care for all living things.”
• “It makes me feel good, and for good organizations doing good jobs”
• “I am grateful for the community in which we live and want to help support some of the wonderful nonprofit agencies that make this a great place!”
• “To support the local community”
• “I love to bless others with my abundance”
• “When I lived in Omaha for school, I had a community health rotation at the organization and the experience always stuck with me.”
• “Because I can and should”
• To support great services”
• “As part of my Tithing.  It is important to give back.”
• “I feel blessed”
• “My heart goes out to the selected charities and they really benefit from donations.”
• “To help make things easier/better.”
• “Support is necessary for the good and kind work these nonprofits do. Some nonprofits are not as ‘famous’ as others and need support. This is so important in our current unkind and divided society.”
• “To support organizations I care about.”
• “I like to give back to organizations making a difference in areas that are important to me. I had an exec say that if you have the ability to write the check, do it for those that need the check.”
• “I believe in the mission of the organization.”
• “Because I can”
• “Tis the season!”
• “The non-profits I donated to are invested in causes that are important to me and their work would not be possible without public support.” 
• “To help support my community!”
• “Because I trust in this organization”
• “I was raised to give back whenever possible”
• “The community focus in Omaha for charity and charitable contributions is wide spread and so positive, I can't imagine not being a part of that”
• “Because it’s what we are supposed to do”
• “To try to help groups continue their work”
• “It makes me feel good to give back to the community. I know there are folks out there that don’t have it as good as I do, so I’d like to share the blessings.”
• “To help nonprofits that do important work and need more resources and support.” 
• “I believe in the work of the nonprofits that I support.”
• “Believe in giving back”
• “To help out. We’re currently in a good position and want to be able to help out.” 
• “The funds will be used in a fruitful way to better the community.” 
• “Sympathy and need for the animals”
• “Want to help the homeless and those who need groceries.”
• “I’m fortunate to have a little extra each month to help out the causes I believe in.  I’m thankful that there are people out there to run these nonprofits.”
• “To assist others”
• “I believe it is important to help others that may be struggling. Cost of living has really increased so I didn't want to miss the opportunity to contribute.”
• “I feel there is a need that I can help fill in a small way”
• “Want to help those helping others”
• “Just wanted to do a little more for the holiday.”
• “It’s just something I started doing 3 years ago”
• “I’ve received help and want to give back.” 
• “I believe it’s part of my civic duty.”
• “I give because it brings me joy to help others and see the joy in their faces to know someone cares.”
• “I give because I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end for these programs. And now that I am in a place to give whether it’s giving back in labor or dollars, that’s what I do.”
• “I want to support organizations that provide enrichment to the community.”
• “To help my community. To share what I have with others.” 
• “It’s a great thing to do” 
• “I had extra money from investments and a desire to support my favorite charities with it”
• “It's vitally important to support non-profits” 
• “To support the important services that nonprofits in our community provide.” 
• “We gave to organizations who we think help the community and need our help to do so.” 
• “It's the least we can do”
• “We are not well off, but are thankful for where we are. Many are in much worse condition”
• “Everybody needs help.”
• “To serve my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have been blessed all my life with food and shelter and love.”
• “It is what we are called to do”
• “I believe in the mission and work of each organization.”
• “I have money to spare that I believe will do good in my community.”
• “It's a key part of faith.”
• “I give because I am trying to help the Omaha community”
• “Sharing”
• “Strong belief and personal connection to the particular organizations I gave to.
• “There are many projects that will help people of all ages live better lives and I am always mindful I was helped a little when I needed it, but not like what is available now; so I want all who need help to receive it.” 
• “I give to support causes/organizations that align with my values” 
• “So much need for good causes and I can spare some.”
• “I can while many can't.”
• “To share the blessings I have received.”
• “I’m not able to volunteer so I try to give financial support” 
• “To provide financial assistance to programs that help our community”
• “I like to help when I can even if it's not a whole lot.”
• “I’m very blessed and want to share.” 
• “It’s what touches my heart.”
• “Cats.”
• “I enjoy helping those who are doing good in the world.”
• “I have the capacity to give, so I do. It is the right thing to do.” 
• “It's our annual tradition”
• “I have more than I need and I know others do not.”
• “To support troops”

Why do you give?