From the Billings Gazette
Guest Opinion: Passionate people prioritize philanthropy
By CINDY BUTLER

Philanthropy is a necessary component of our society.

Donors and their dollars make a difference every day.

Nonprofit organizations cannot survive without individual donors.

Government and private grants often do not provide enough funding and are unpredictable.

As president of a local nonprofit organization, I know firsthand the struggles that many nonprofits face. The boards of directors of these organizations must accept and ensure the financial stability of the organization. Obtaining donations is an ongoing necessity for any nonprofit group.

Choosing charities
During this season of philanthropic gifts, many local nonprofits need your help. Here are some ideas to help find an organization that reflects your personal interests, beliefs and passion. Among many "Ps" of philanthropy, my favorites are: passion, prioritize, promote, partnership, publicize, persist.

• Start by identifying and examining your passions.

• Prioritize the passions.

• Focus your resources and energy.

• Promote your passion and cause by soliciting others with common goals.

• Seek backing from local and national sources.

• Partner with others who have common goals.

• Plan and then publicize via news releases.

• Persist through the highs and lows.

Montana Tax Credit
There are many ways an individual can donate to a nonprofit organization. We are lucky to have the Montana Tax Credit law that allows an individual to donate cash or securities to a registered nonprofit organization and receive a direct tax credit. This law has increased philanthropic giving in our state.

The law providing for the tax credit will sunset soon. The state Legislature must visit this issue during its next session. Some provisions in the law need to be changed to allow for smaller nonprofits to benefit from the tax credit.

Contact your newly elected state senators or representatives and urge them to become familiar with these issues. The Montana Nonprofit Association is working with individual nonprofit organizations to lobby for the continuation of the Montana tax credit law.

The MNA "is a membership organization that promotes a stronger nonprofit sector, a supportive public climate, and the ability of nonprofits to accomplish their missions. Representing the richness and diversity of Montana's nonprofits, MNA's more than 300 nonprofit members address a broad array of missions, come from all four corners of the state, and range in size from the largest organizations to the smallest unstaffed nonprofits."

For more information see: www.mtnonprofit.org.

I urge readers to donate to the nonprofit of their choice by the end of the calendar year. Consult with your tax professional for information about the Montana Tax Credit. If you cannot give money, then donate your time in helping the nonprofit of your choice.

"Philanthropy is commendable," Martin Luther King Jr. said. "But it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice that make philanthropy necessary."

Cindy Butler of Billings is president of Rimrock Opera Company.

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