Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls is a dedicated individual who embodies the true spirit of giving back. In his local community, Andrew is a shining beacon of compassion, devoting his time and resources to support various charitable causes and make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. In the following article, Andrew Ticknor discusses how donations and acts of charity continue to transform lives and bring hope to those who need it most.
Over just two years, Chicago-based charity Feeding America took in $4.06 billion in donations, including money from corporations and over 750,000 individual donors.
When donors support Feeding America, they are also usually supporting their local food banks. Feeding America’s work trickles down to a network of over 200 regional food banks across the United States.
Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls says that even a small donation online can make a big impact, not just in one’s own community, but in communities around the world. Donations and charity work help efforts to eradicate devastating diseases, protect green spaces, and support underprivileged children and families. They also help military veterans with medical care and facilitate disaster relief efforts.
Most of this community work is possible because of individual donors. In 2022, Americans gave $499.33 billion to nonprofits and other charities, and 64% of that total came from individuals who sought to help their community when it was in need.
Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls on Growth Opportunities
While many communities benefit from taxpayer support and government assistance for a variety of needs, it’s charities and non-profit donations that often fill financial gaps.
Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls reports that charitable giving and work often go directly to communities in need of short-term and long-term assistance to thrive. For example, about 12% of people in America live in poverty. Money donated to charities helps financially disadvantaged populations find jobs and receive needed medical care, both of which lead to overall stronger communities.
Donations to a park or garden project help to ensure a healthier environment for the community, especially in the future.
Advocacy
Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls explains that donations may support a wide range of causes under one charitable umbrella, or they might be used for very specific purposes such as research or improving local schools.
One aspect of giving that’s shared by many charities is a focus on advocacy for specific initiatives and individuals who need strong voices of support. In doing so, charities fundamentally raise awareness for a wide range of issues, from voting rights and climate change to transgender youth and access to mental health assistance.
Donating to a charity is supporting what matters the most to the community and all who live in it.
Far-Reaching Impact
Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls says that there are an estimated 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S. alone, and every donation makes an impact on a community. According to watchdog group greatnonprofits.org, every $1 donation translates to $3 in public benefits.
In addition to directly helping vital causes or vulnerable populations, local economies get a significant boost through donations, with charitable giving accounting for 1.44% of the U.S.’ gross domestic product. There are lasting effects on individual communities as well.
Through charity work, nonprofits create new jobs, increase residents’ quality of life, and impart important life skills to both volunteers and those receiving aid.
Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls notes that the largest portion of a donation goes directly to those an organization is working to help. While a small amount goes to the operations of a group, charitable donations help build houses for the homeless, keep safe spaces for domestic violence victims up and running, and pay for toys and school supplies for children who are otherwise unable to have them.
A vast number of community services are kept afloat through charity work and donations, including providing low-cost or free health care needs, funding educational scholarships, and supporting offerings like summer camps. According to the Aspen Institute, 92% of nonprofits are community-based and relatively small, dedicated to serving needs locally.
Filling the Greatest Needs
Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls says that the strength of charity work and nonprofit donations are particularly visible when they support causes born out of necessity for certain communities. These include:
• Home Ownership Affordability
In 2019, 17.6 million American households were spending at least half of their entire income on housing costs, with renters and low-income households feeling the biggest impact of the lack of affordable housing. Because of organizations like Habitat for Humanity, citizens are able to donate money and their time to help families afford the homes they desperately need.
• Education
Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls explains that a good community is a well-educated community. Charities such as the United Way focus on increasing the high school graduation rate in communities across the country. They raised the rate to more than 70% within only a few years. Donations help the United Way provide counseling, job mentoring, better tutoring, and essential family engagement services.
• Environment
Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls also notes that saving the planet is a daunting task, but local donations go a long way in land, wildlife, forest, and water conservation. Because of donations to the nonprofit Conservation Fund, the group has been able to work for years, preserving 8 million acres of water and land in the U.S.
