In an economic downturn, the need for social services increases. In tandem, the non-profit organizations that provide these services often struggle with their own budgets and program cuts. This is why it is so important to remain philanthropic even in the toughest of times. A recently unemployed woman gave a $500 check to a local non-profit. She was quoted in The Chronicle of Philanthropy as stating, “I can afford to ride this out, but some of the people who were laid off with me can’t.”

Americans are among the most generous people in the world. Why do we give? We like to feel a part of something larger than ourselves. We want our contribution to make a difference. We are somehow emotionally attached to a specific cause. According to the Arizona Grantmaking Forum’s 2008 Arizona Giving Report, individuals as a group give more in total than private and public foundations and corporations.

It is also important for us to patronize locally-owned businesses that give back to our community. They recognize that they are investing in the future…OUR future, the future of the community, and the future workforce. They realize that dollars spent in prevention today can mean less spent on remediation later. Do you know that more tax dollars are spent annually for one person in prison than are spent to support, guide, help, and mentor one child in foster care?

Be philanthropic. Invest in Arizona’s future…YOUR future.

Judy Myers is a community volunteer, a mother of two intelligent and poised daughters and “Grammy” to Kaylie and Thomas. She has been a volunteer member of Angel Charity for Children, Inc. since 2004.