Choosing Your Nonprofit Homework

Assignment:

1. Read through the missions, programs, and types of support needed for the ten examples of nonprofits categories listed below.  Note which three most interest you.  Discuss with your family any charities/nonprofits important to the family for ideas.
2. On lined paper, state which three most interest you and explain why, using at least two supporting statements for your position.
3. In an additional paragraph, explain why (or why not) this type of nonprofit would be a good selection for the class to support with a fund-raiser.
   Note: If none of the categories below interest you, locate an alternative nonprofit category or a specific local nonprofit charity and complete Numbers 2 and 3 above.  You may search local nonprofits at www.guidestar.org.  Simply type in the Zip Code in the Find Nonprofits Search box for a list of nonprofits in your area.  To locate further information, such as address, phone, name of president or director, and specific information about the nonprofit’s mission, register free for Guide Star Basic by submitting your e-mail address and a password.

Animal Rights Organization

Mission	Our mission is to provide a natural sanctuary for rescued wild animals. We also educate the public regarding animal rights.
Program	We operate a wildlife sanctuary that serves as a permanent home for rescued animals. The sanctuary is open to the public. We also provide educational programs for groups that visit the sanctuary.
Type of Support	We seek financial donations from individuals. These donors are individuals who participate in our membership and animal adoption programs. We also welcome volunteers who help in our gift shop and admissions areas.

Botanic Garden

Mission	Our mission is to provide the community with opportunities to connect with plants. We also educate the community about native plants and water-saving techniques.
Program	We maintain a 23-acre garden with many varieties of plants for the community to enjoy. We offer a wide variety of classes on specialty gardening. We also maintain an extensive library of reference materials.
Type of Support	We seek financial donations from individuals who become members of the organization. We also seek youth and adult volunteers to help with fundraising events, such as the annual plant sale and used book sale.

Food Bank

Mission	Our mission is to provide food supplies to more than 800 hunger relief programs. Last year, we distributed 20.5 million pounds of food. This was enough to provide 43,000 meals each day to needy children, seniors and families.
Program	We serve as a central supplier to hunger-relief agencies. We have special programs for meeting the needs of children at schools. We also collect food supplies from hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.
Type of Support	Donations of money are always welcome to support our program costs.  We also seek volunteers (must be age 14 or over) to sort and package food. Volunteers help fill agency food orders, work in the office, or help in our break room.

Community Music Organization

Mission	Our mission is to connect the community with music through concerts and education.
Program	We provide concerts 50 weeks of every year. We offer a music school for children and adults. We also offer music outreach programs for schools.
Type of Support	Financial donations are welcome in the form of memberships. Volunteers are needed to help with concerts, special fundraising events, and school registration. Volunteers must be 14 or older.

Human Right Organization

Mission	Our mission is to protect human rights in countries throughout the world. We focus on promoting justice and legal reform.
Program	Our organization runs three main programs. First, we develop publicity to raise awareness about human rights violations. Second, we organize campaigns to help free individuals who have been unfairly imprisoned. Third, we conduct research and publish research papers on human rights.
Type of Support	Our organization runs three main programs. First, we develop publicity to raise awareness about human rights violations. Second, we organize campaigns to help free individuals who have been unfairly imprisoned. Third, we conduct research and publish research papers on human rights.

Environmental Protection Organization

Mission	Our mission is to educate youth about environmental issues. We focus on increasing youth efforts to protect the environment.
Program	We operate educational programs in schools on the subject of how to protect the environment. These programs teach students how to preserve natural resources.
Type of Support	We seek individual donations, which provide 75 percent of our revenue. We also welcome student volunteers on school projects that benefit the environment.

Library

Mission	Our mission is to help the people in our community achieve their full potential. We provide access to printed material, electronic resources, and librarian assistance.
Program	We offer a lending library with tens of thousands of items. We offer reading programs for children and adults. We offer services for persons with disabilities. We also offer computer access and meeting rooms for the community.
Type of Support	Financial donations are welcome in the form of memberships.  Volunteers are needed to help with special fundraising events, such as the used book sale. Volunteers must be 14 or older.

Homeless Shelter

Mission	Our mission is to provide temporary emergency housing and services to those in need in our community.
Program	We offer a central 300-bed shelter in an inner-city location. Residents receive a bed, food, and various services. These include medical care, help with employment, and educational opportunities.
Type of Support	Financial donations to support our programs are always welcome. We also gladly accept non-perishable food and clothing donations.

Cancer Research Organization

Mission	Our mission is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. We focus on preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer.
Program	We offer research, education, advocacy, and service programs related to cancer.
Type of Support	Sought Financial donations to support our programs are always welcome.  Volunteers are needed at special events to raise cancer awareness. We also seek volunteers to work in our office locations.

Youth Mentoring Program

Mission	Our mission is to help children through mentoring relationships with a caring adult.
Program	We match children ages 6 to18 with mentors. These matches meet to share activities for a few hours each month.
Type of Support	Financial donations to support our programs are always welcome. We also seek volunteer adult mentors to participate in our programs.