Philanthropy Guidelines Address Mortgage Crisis

Home foreclosures are wreaking havoc for individuals, families and communities across the nation. Communities bearing the brunt of these problems are struggling with less funding and fewer contributions. In this environment, whatever money is being donated to nonprofit organizations has to work even harder.

To address these problems, Smartlink.org recently issued guidelines to help individual donors and small foundations have a positive impact on communities affected by the housing crisis. Smartlink.org is the online resource of the nonprofit Community Giving Resource that helps individual donors and small foundations explore community issues and give more strategically. CGR has received funding from The Ford Foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The California Endowment and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

With CGR's help Peter Scranton, son of former Pennsylvania Governor William Warren Scranton and his wife Mary,  were able to contribute Willary Foundation funds to purchase and renovate affordable apartments at Skyview Park in Pennsylvania and save 188 families from being dislocated.

Smartlink.org has released a series of guidelines and information to help donors take action in the current housing crisis:

* Get Informed - Find specific neighborhoods within your community that have been particularly hit hard with foreclosures, abandoned homes and related issues. Learn how communities are working to address housing, employment, education and other key components of a strong community. Often, even small acts of philanthropy will have a great impact in these areas.

* Get Connected - Meet with community leaders to understand key nuances, strategies, tactics and the missions of community groups. Do research to find organizations and engage with leaders who are committed to building strong communities. When Peter Scranton was looking for a meaningful way to contribute Willary Foundation funds to support low-income housing at Skyview Park in Pennsylvania, CGR connected him with a local expert in community development and housing issues and a local advocacy group. Through the knowledge, direction and support he received, Scranton was able to obtain grants from two additional foundations and together they were able to purchase and renovate affordable apartments - saving 188 families from being dislocated.

* Choose Your Issue - You may be surprised to learn how many social issues have become entwined with the housing crisis. Housing is often the starting point from which families move toward self-sufficiency. With stable housing, parents can more easily find and keep jobs, stay healthy and engage more effectively in children's schools and upbringing.

* Bring it Together - Creating a giving plan is an essential step to successful measurement. It should include the following questions: Where (specific geographic area or communities)? For whom (the specific population that your giving will target)? How long (length of time you will give)? How much (the staff and financial resources you will commit)?

According to Smartlink.org, consumer counselors from six nonprofit groups are now fielding 3,000 phone calls a day, up from 300, from troubled homeowners asking for help. Communities, which are bearing the brunt of these problems, are struggling with less government funding and reduced giving from corporations and individuals. Nonprofits are finding that now, more than ever, limited resources must be applied in a wise, results-driven manner.

More information is available at smartlink.org