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1 R Special Advertising Section | Sunday, April 25, 2021 3 in our state by browsing the Arts, Culture & Humanities category. GiveBIG is sponsored by 501 Commons, a nonprofit organiza- tion whose mission is to amplify the strengths of nonprofits so all people and communities can flourish.We have the privilege of working with more than 2,000 nonprofits each year, providing technology, HR, finance, fun- draising, data solutions, train- ing, management services and more.We are excited to share the diversity, creativity and ingenuity of the nonprofit sector with you during GiveBIG. This year, the need to give is bigger than ever. Federal and state support has been structured to address specific needs like rental assistance or extending small business programs to some nonprofits. However, the major- ity of nonprofits have received no public support to help them recover. Most nonprofits are 100% volunteer-powered. You will find many of them on the GiveBIG website. For example, King County Search Dogs doesn’t have paid employees, but it does need your support to continue saving lives. You can also pledge volunteer hours to organizations through the website. COVID-19 has been especially difficult for nonprofits that oper- ate facilities and programs emp- GIVING GUIDE By Nancy Long / Executive director, 501 Commons The last year has been a crucible for us all.We repeatedly learned the lesson that we have to work together to build the community we want. Get to know your neigh- bors, vote, volunteer and donate to nonprofits that are working to bring greater hope, health and happiness toWashington state. GiveBIG makes donating easy. Visit GiveBIGWA.org to find more than 1,700 organizations, many of which are working to solve problems you care about. Small or large — every gift mat- ters. You can make one-time or recurring donations by credit card, e-check or through your IRA or DAF account. Join in to watch the donation ticker climb during the givng drive on May 4–5. Want to make sure you don’t forget? The website is now open for early giving. You will find hundreds of organizations providing essen- tial services such as health care, rental assistance and emergency food.While vaccines are mak- ing the world safer, millions of our neighbors struggle to meet everyday needs. The Washington State Food Security Survey found that 30% of households face food insecurity. Find organizations in your community addressing critical needs by putting your Zip code in the search bar at GiveBIGWA.org. Worried about how being out of school has impacted children’s mental health? Type in “children” and choose the Health and Men- tal Health dropdown category. Learn about children’s mental health services and donate to help kids recover. Looking forward to walking through the halls of museums, such as the nationally recognized Northwest African American Museum? The shutdown has been hard on museums and other arts and culture organizations. Type “museum” in the search bar, or reacquaint yourself with creativity Through GiveBIG, everyone can make a difference tied by the pandemic. Many of them are hosting virtual events or offering online content through the GiveBIG website. North Cascades Institute is an example of an organization bring- ing back its environmental-edu- cation programs and welcoming families and retreat guests while adhering to “safe start” standards. As our state reopens, explore non- profit centers, participate in their programs, purchase unique gifts from their shops and help these organizations recover. The past year also brought much-needed attention to per- sistent and structural racial and economic inequality. Many non- profits are tackling equity issues, including those listed under the Social Action, Legal and Advocacy category on the GiveBIG website. Additionally, service providers are addressing barriers that low-in- come people of color face, such as Neighborhood House’s advocacy for broader language accessibility for people applying for unem- ployment benefits. At times, the pandemic has re- vealed the best of ourselves. Could being our most generous selves be good for us? Research says yes! Giving and volunteering leave you with more than a fleeting warm feeling. Make volunteer- ing and giving a greater priority in your life, because it will bring you improved health, happiness and longevity. Studies have found that even thinking about donating to a cause has a positive impact — that’s a powerful pandemic takeaway. Last May, as the pandemic was reshaping our lives, GiveBIG raised $19.2 million in online donations, matching funds, employer matching gifts and in-kind contributions from The Seattle Times and dozens of media partners. This year, we have the opportunity to do even more to help our state recover. Visit GiveBIGWA.org and give gener- ously to create a better future for all. Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to join you! COURTESY OF THE NORTHWEST AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM Through the GiveBIGWA.org website, donations can be made to support Seattle-area museums, including the Northwest African American Museum, shown here prior to the pandemic. COURTESY OF KING COUNTY SEARCH DOGS Animal lovers can donate to support volunteer efforts like those at King County Search Dogs. Volunteer hours can also be pledged.