"Whereas in Europe and many other parts of the world, the great museums and the other arts institutions are built and maintained by the state... most American museums and collections within institutions... originate from individual donors."
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Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich by Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson CreateSpace
book review by Cynthia Collins
This book is an excellent guide for anyone who wishes to contribute to a nonprofit organization but isn't sure how to do so. As the title indicates, you don't have to be rich to donate. Contributions can come in many ways, not just from celebrities or others who are very wealthy with millions of dollars at their disposal. While Dr. Gitelson acknowledges some well-known people who have either founded a charity or given millions to one that was already established, she also points out that everyone, no matter what their finances, had to start somewhere.
Most of the book is about the different types of charities and the various ways everyone can make a contribution. Besides a financial donation, there are plenty of ways to help. A few of them are becoming a volunteer tour guide in a museum, tutoring children who are having trouble in school, volunteering to stuff envelopes for mailings, collecting canned goods, or giving blood. Depending on the circumstances, sometimes the volunteer efforts are needed just as much, if not more, than the financial contributions. Any organization that is a legitimate nonprofit will be registered legally in order to have a tax-exempt status. The book lists watchdog organizations where you can check the legitimacy of a nonprofit.
Dr. Gitelson has served on the board of several museums and universities. This book is a guide for anyone who is interested in the different ways of donating time and money to nonprofits. It is easy to read and clear cut. The author goes into a lot of detail, but does it without bogging down the reader. The chapters range from wealthy donors to how to set up your own project, as well as ways to use social media effectively. Even those who are already working with charities will get something out of this book.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review