Changing the Face of Philanthropy Through Product Giving

Though my title suggests a fairly narrow role within Good360—relating solely to compliance by Good360’s nonprofit partners—I get to work throughout the organization on a range of projects.  In Compliance, my duty is to make sure that nonprofits don’t misuse or mishandle the donations of our generous corporate partners.

But some of the most exciting opportunities I’ve had involve getting to help with the development of the GivingPlace360 online platform.  It’s such a great way for nonprofits to (1) crowdfund for the products they need, and (2) write stories about the amazing work they do every day.  I am also involved in planning the ongoing development of DisasterRecovery360, which will fine-tune Good360’s regular model for disaster relief and recovery.

What I love most about my job is the breadth of opportunities I have to work on wide-ranging projects.  Good360 is in the process of revolutionizing product philanthropy, and I get to experience that revolution at so many levels.

How are you making an impact through your work?

Impact can be hard to measure in any position, and mine is no exception.  As Manager of Compliance, my work is directed towards maximizing the impact each product donation has on communities around the country.  When our Terms and Conditions are violated—when, for example, nonprofits sell product donations, or distribute them to volunteers rather than to the “ill, needy, or youth” (as required by Good360)—it makes our mission harder.  It can hurt our relationships with donors, and more importantly keeps the donations from the people that they’re supposed to be helping most.

In my development-planning capacity, my impact will be measurable in the fall when DisasterRecovery360 launches.  If, God forbid, a disaster strikes, Good360 will be ready to collect information from nonprofits on the ground about the top-needed donations, and then outreach to our corporate contacts to get those needs filled.  Unlike first responders, our donations will span from the first day of the disaster all the way through the final days of clean-up (even when that’s years down the line).

I’m just one member of the extremely hardworking team at Good360 but my job impacts, and will continue to impact, the great work that the organization does for nonprofits and communities around the country and around the world.

What advice would you give to anyone with a similar position, or to someone interested in working for a nonprofit like yours?

Remember the impact.  Unlike most nonprofits, Good360 is once removed from the recipients of the product donations.  Though we sponsor and coordinate distribution events, our jobs are largely office-based.  That can make it easy to forget just how impactful our work really is, precluding the good feelings associated with most charitable work.

If you work for a nonprofit—any nonprofit—the key to success is recognizing the impact you’re having, and figuring out how to incorporate that recognition into your daily routine.  It will make you happier and more successful.

Our thanks to Justin Rattey for sharing his time and expertise with us! To connect with and learn more about the impact Good360 is making and support their work with a donation, click here. 

The primary goal for any nonprofit is to get people to support that nonprofit’s cause so they can make an impact. But, behind each of those causes are hard-working individuals, actively involved in making that impact happen. Through our Making Impact Blog Series, we’re going behind the scenes with America’s Charities member organizations to learn how they’re making impact happen and share insights and advice from the staff and volunteers supporting these initiatives.