Dear Giving Institute Members,

The season of giving is upon us…although you might argue that for those of us in The Giving Institute, our lives are about giving all year round. With a single month left in the calendar year (one that typically sees nonprofits bringing in close to 20% of all their annual donations) we still have work to do, making sure the organizations we work with generate as much support for their causes as possible.

As our customers close out their years, so do we, working to finalize projects and secure new ones while we plan our own celebrations with our families at work and at home. In my world, that looks like supporting many community efforts, including the Good Cheer Fund, which is run by our local newspaper and where the donations go to six nonprofits to invest in our most fragile residents during this holiday season. As we all know, a time of “good cheer” can be the opposite for those lacking the funds to pay the heating bill or feed their families. Whatever causes and efforts you support this holiday season, just know that I appreciate this common desire we all have to give.

Although this fall has been filled with too many headlines about fire and distress, I am looking to 2019 with hope. With a new year we have new opportunity to drive change, help our customers be successful at what only they can do, and to contribute — as members of this organization — to the ongoing pursuit of both knowledge and positive philanthropic action. I cannot think of people I would rather be on this journey with, and I want to thank each of you for your commitment to The Giving Institute, our community, and all we work together to accomplish.

May this holiday bring peace and happiness to you and yours.

Rachel Hutchisson
2017-2019 Board Chair
VP, Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy, Blackbaud, Inc.