charity

In today’s difficult economy, charitable giving is a reduced priority for people, some of whom are struggling to pay their own bills. As an alternative, some are choosing to volunteer their time instead of giving cash. Taking this concept a step further is the explosive growth of skills-based volunteering, that is, leveraging one’s specialized skills and talents to help nonprofits achieve their missions.

Examples of skills-based volunteering include teaching a class, painting a mural, designing a website, financial advising, and so on. Volunteers provide free work-related knowledge and expertise in skills they would normally receive compensation for.

At the forefront of the skills-based volunteering movement are organizations like Points of Light Institute and Taproot Foundation. These organizations lead, mobilize and engage professionals in pro bono service that drives social change.  They encourage professionals skilled in design, technology, marketing, human resources and strategy to donate their skills and help out nonprofits at no cost.

If you’re looking for more reasons to put your skills to use for a good cause, take this into consideration:

• While the average hour of traditional volunteering is valued by the independent sector at between $18–20 an hour, skills-based volunteering is valued at $40–500 an hour depending on the market value of the time.
• The down economy means nonprofits are stretched thin and hard-pressed for much needed specific expertise. Skilled volunteers are needed more than ever.
• It’s a great way to develop workplace skills and gain experience in other industries.

This growing trend is being especially embraced in corporate America, where employee volunteer programs have been a part of corporate culture for decades. Skills based volunteering is an innovative concept, and we at Intelius plan to jump on the bandwagon of this new era of giving back!

Let us know about your experience with skills based volunteering by visiting our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/intelius

Gina Lynch
Community Relations

Several of Intelius’ nonprofit partners are featured in Evening Magazine’s “The Best of Western Washington.” The nonprofits are competing among 267 others to win the honor of BEST favorite local charity! Intelius has seen first-hand what these organizations have done for our community, and we wish them all the best of luck.

Here’s a bit about each organization:

Hopelink
Since 1971, Hopelink has served homeless and low income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities. Hopelink's mission is to promote self-sufficiency for all members of our community.
Vote here

The Sophia Way
The Sophia Way assists single homeless women in East King County, Washington on their journey toward independence. They provide shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services. Currently, they are the only staffed overnight shelter for single adult women on Seattle’s Eastside.
Vote here

Treehouse for Kids
Treehouse programs offer kids in foster care what all children so desperately need: a safe place to dream. Their six core programs – Tutoring, Educational Advocacy, College and Career Planning, Little Wishes, Summer Camp and the "Wearhouse" – give foster children a real childhood as well as hope for the future.
Vote here

YWCA
The YWCA's mission is to advance the quality of life for women of all ages, races and faiths, and their families. In support of this mission, the YWCA provides services to meet critical needs, promote self-sufficiency, reduce violence, eliminate racism and achieve equal opportunities for all people.
Vote here

Youth Care
Founded in 1974, YouthCare was the first shelter for homeless youth in the Western United States and continues to be a leader in providing services to this vulnerable population. YouthCare offers services ranging from street outreach and residential housing to education and employment training. Intelius sponsors their “YouthTech” program, which teaches kids about Cisco IT Essentials and gives them hands-on classroom technology training.
Vote here

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue was founded in 1952 with one Clubhouse in downtown Bellevue.  Since its inception, the Club has provided the young people of our community with a safe environment where adults respect and listen to them; a place where they can have fun. Today Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue operates 14 sites within the City of Bellevue. Intelius sponsors their “teen center.”
Vote here

Cast your vote today to help out these fantastic partners. Winners will be announced here on October 24^th.

Gina Lynch
Community Relations

There’s no denying that it’s difficult economic climate out there. Here at Intelius, we are binding together more than ever to give back to our community. It’s a sad reality that nonprofits are facing decreased support in a time of increased need.

In addition to financial contributions, we make a difference by volunteering our time as well. Throughout the year we have several opportunities to volunteer at local food banks and homeless shelters. Check out our efforts on the Intelius Flickr page: YouthCare Shelter Cleanup, Movies in the Park for Charity, and the competitive Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Examples of nonprofits which fit into Intelius' core areas of support are Eastside Domestic Violence Program, Hopelink, Kindering, Bellevue LifeSpring and Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue.

Why volunteer? Research shows that those who volunteer live longer, healthier lives.  In addition, volunteering:

• Reduces stress and improves mental health
• Allows you to explore personal interests and passions
• Helps broaden personal and professional skills
• Provides experience for your resume 
• Fosters new relationships and friendships

For more information about Intelius’ giving and volunteering program, visit our corp page.

Our CEO, Naveen Jain, shares his views on charitable giving in this video.