Tips for Donating to Non-Profit Organizations

At Wendle, we love being a part of the Spokane community and the Inland Northwest.  We believe in giving back to our community that has supported us for so many years.  Our commitment to Spokane goes beyond providing quality vehicles; we are also dedicated to making a positive impact by supporting local non-profits.  Our area has many impactful organizations that make a real difference.  We are diligent in doing our research to make certain that our donations go to where they can be the most effective.  We have several best practices to guide our charitable donations and we encourage you consider these practices as well.

Wendle’s Commitment to Spokane’s Non-Profits

Wendle has a long history of supporting various non-profit organizations in Spokane.  Our team is proud to contribute to causes that make a difference in our community, from supporting food banks to promoting education and sports.  Our goal is to help build a stronger, more vibrant Spokane where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

But supporting non-profits goes beyond just writing a check.  We believe in being actively involved by encouraging our team to participate where they can, to make a difference.

Researching Non-Profits: What You Should Know Before Donating

Before donating to a non-profit, it’s essential to do your research.  It’s important to ensure that your contributions are being used effectively and align with your values and the needs of the community.  Here are some steps to help you choose the right non-profit to support:

1. Understand the Organization’s Mission and Impact: Make sure you understand the non-profit’s mission and what they are trying to accomplish.  Look for organizations that align with your values and have a clear, measurable impact on the community.

2. Check Financial Transparency and Accountability: Transparency is crucial when it comes to non-profits.  Organizations should provide clear information about how donations are used.  Look for financial statements, annual reports and information about their programs and outcomes.

3. Verify Non-Profit Status and Credibility: Ensure that the organizations is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit.  This can typically be verified through the IRS website or other online resources that track non-profit status.

4. Look for Online Reviews and Testimonials: Just as you might read reviews before purchasing a product or service, it’s helpful to check online reviews and testimonials of charities.  Google reviews, Yelp and social media pages can provide insight into the experiences of others who have interacted with the organization.  Look for patterns in the reviews-both positive and negative-to get a sense of the charity’s reputation and effectiveness.

Sites to Check the Status and Credibility of Non-Profits

Several websites can help you verify the status and credibility of non-profit organizations.  Here are some sources that we rely on:

• Washington Secretary of State Charities Program: If you’re focused on supporting local causes, the Washington Secretary of State Charities Program is an excellent starting point. It offers a comprehensive list of all registered non-profits in the state, including those in Spokane and the Inland Northwest. The site provides descriptions and financial data, making it easier to choose organizations that are making a real difference in our community.
• Charity Navigator: Charity Navigator is a trusted tool for evaluating over 1.6 million IRS-registered non-profits, including those serving Spokane and the Inland Northwest area. The site offers essential information such as contact details, financial performance metrics and ratings based on financial health, accountability and transparency, helping donors make informed decisions.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance
  The BBB Wise Giving Alliance is another valuable resource, especially for checking the credibility of non-profits in our area. The site lists BBB-accredited charities and provides information on any complaints filed against organizations, ensuring that your donation is well-placed.

The Impact of Your Donation on the Community

Donating to a non-profit can have a profound impact on the community.  Spokane and the Inland Northwest are home to many incredible non-profits making a tangible impact. While larger organizations can create significant change, smaller, local non-profits often offer a more direct line to the community. At Wendle, we strive to balance our donations between well-established charities and grassroots organizations that serve the unique needs of our community.  By choosing to support local non-profits, you are helping to create positive change and ensure that our community continues to grow and thrive.

The Importance of Transparency and Accountability

Transparency is a cornerstone of trust, especially when donating to local charities.  Organizations that are open about their operations, finances and outcomes demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and effective stewardship of donor funds.  At Wendle, we prioritize partnering with non-profits that share our values of transparency and accountability, allowing us to see the real impact of our contributions and ensures us that our community benefits as much as possible.

Volunteering: Another Way to Give Back

Giving back isn’t just about money; it’s also about giving your time.  Volunteering with a non-profit organization is a great way to make a direct impact in your community.  It allows you to see firsthand how these organizations operate and the difference they make.  Whether it’s helping with a fundraising event, offering professional expertise or providing hands-on support, your involvement can make a significant difference.  At Wendle, we encourage our employees to volunteer their time and talents to support local charities.  We believe that volunteering is a powerful way to build connections, foster community and create lasting change.

Proud to Support Our Spokane Community

At Wendle, we are incredibly proud of our contributions to the Spokane community.  We’re honored to be partners with Ford Motor Company who has a strong tradition of giving back to communities across the country.  Their commitment to corporate social responsibility inspires us to do our part here in Spokane.  Our team is passionate about supporting local non-profits and making a difference in the lives of our neighbors.  We encourage everyone in the Spokane community to join us in giving back, whether through donations, volunteering or simply spreading the word about the great work being done by local organizations.

By supporting non-profits, we can help create a stronger, more vibrant Spokane.  At Wendle, we understand that our success is built on the support of our community.  That’s why together, we can make a lasting impact and help ensure a brighter future for all, making our home a special place to live and work.

To learn more about how we support our Spokane community, please visit the Our Community page on our website.  See how we give back, who we have donated to and how local charities can request a donation.