Spread the Word at Work

With Veterans Day and Giving Tuesday on the horizon, your word can lead to a big impact. You know how giving works at your company: which programs exist, who runs them, and when the deadlines fall. We don’t. Here’s how to put what you know to work for veterans this season:

1. Open doors at your company

‍Many corporate foundations don’t accept open applications. They only fund nonprofits their employees recommend. At Adobe, for example, an employee has to nominate a nonprofit before it can be invited to apply. If your company works this way, your nomination opens a door we can’t open on our own.

You don’t have to run your company’s giving to influence it, either. If you know who leads community impact, corporate giving or event sponsorships, a short intro email from you means far more than a cold one from us. See what partnering with Swords looks like, then send us the program name, the deadline, or the person to talk to.

2. Connect us with your veteran ERG

‍Veterans Day is November 11. If your company has a veteran or military employee resource group, they’re probably planning something. Suggest Swords as the group’s giving focus this season, or as a sponsor of Cold Nights, Warm Hearts, our December tradition that brings a holiday meal and essentials to veterans experiencing homelessness in San Francisco.

3. Recommend us when colleagues ask where to give

‍Giving Tuesday is December 1, and year-end giving follows close behind. When a coworker asks where their gift will make a difference, send them to us. Share our donation page in your team channel, nominate us for your company’s giving campaign, or pass along this post.

Not sure what to say? Start here:

‍Since 1974, Swords to Plowshares has helped veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area find housing, legal help, jobs, meals, and peer support. 3,000 veterans count on the nonprofit each year, including about 500 formerly homeless veterans who now live in permanent housing. 86% of each gift directly serves their veteran clients.

‍4. Double your gift with your company’s match

‍Billions in employer matching funds go unclaimed every year. Don’t let yours be one of them! Search for your employer to see whether your company matches donations or lets you give straight from your paycheck. While you’re at it, find out whether your company offers a bigger match on Giving Tuesday and when this year’s matching deadline falls. Many companies reset their match on January 1, so a December gift may be your last chance to use this year’s. Once you know the rules, share them with your coworkers too.

Your company’s form will likely ask for:
Legal name: Swords to Plowshares Veterans Rights Organization
EIN: 94-2260626
Address: 401 Van Ness Ave, Suite 313, San Francisco, CA 94102

‍5. Flag your company’s next tech refresh

‍Laptops and tablets are among the items veterans need most, for job searches, benefits applications, telehealth appointments, and staying connected. When your company retires its hardware, ask IT or facilities whether those devices could be donated to us.

‍6. Point veterans who need a hand our way

‍Being an ambassador works both ways. If a coworker, neighbor, or friend is a veteran looking for help with housing, a legal issue, or finding work, let them know we’re here. They can get started with our services.

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Found a grant program, a match, a decision-maker, or a stack of laptops? Email us at development@stp-sf.org.

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