The holiday season brings such warm feelings that people’s thoughts often turn to charity.

For the more practical among us, maybe it’s the Dec. 31 tax deadline that leads some to think of getting their deductions in order. Whatever motivates you, your year-end giving is vital to support the good work done by nonprofits all year long.

Charitable giving in the United States has increased for five straight years, and last year surpassed the pre-recession record set in 2007. Total giving amounts to 2% of our GDP. That was more than $358 billion dollars in 2014, according to Charity Navigator.

What would the country be like without that $358 billion investment? How different would our Fox Valley be?  

Nationally, 72% of giving comes from individuals, with foundations providing 15% and corporations 5%. Nonprofits depend on you.

Please make the effort to sort through the requests you get from charitable causes, or just take a moment to reflect on which you find most valuable or personally meaningful.

Our local nonprofits are worth the time and they are worth the investment.

Happy holidays and thank you.

REMEMBER this Friday is Community Foundation Match Day for the Salvation Army Red Kettles. Fifteen of our charitable funds will match up to $40,000.

Email Curt Detjen, President/CEO, at cdetjen@cffoxvalley.org.