I recently found out about a new way to make donations to my favorite charities. GiveBack offers me the ability to create my own charitable giving foundation and manage all of my charitable giving on one site. Any organization that is registered through the IRS can receive funds from my personal foundation. And at the end of the year, I get a report of all the money I contributed for my tax records.

Here’s how it works:

In May, when flood waters ravaged Nashville and surrounding areas, there was one organization that really stepped up and made sure that people were helped and that people were able to provide help. Hands On Nashville, part of Hands On Network, Inc., was instrumental in getting aid to families who had experienced everything from water in their basements to those who had literally lost it all.

Thousands of people volunteered and tens of thousands of hours were logged with Nashvillians sorting clothes, collecting food, tearing out drywall and flooring, passing out bottled water and spreading the word.  Hands on Nashville even provided advice and direction to those who were organizing their own donation drives or service projects.

In the weeks that followed, there was so much to be done and Hands on Nashville was there to assist, support and see that the recovery efforts were well staffed. Houses were rebuilt, money was raised and lives were renewed.

Now, six months later, Nashville is better. Not whole, but definitely better. There is still a lot of work to be done and Hands on Nashville will be there to help. That’s why I support the Hands On Network through GiveBack.org. Big thanks to GiveBack who generously funded my account with $500 to give to charities of my choice.

GiveBack is:

• Free. No cost to you or to the charities you support.
• Manage all your giving through one account. One receipt for tax time.
• Give to any charity registered with the IRS.
• 100% of donations goes to charities. (Costs are covered through sponsors.)

GiveBack provides me with tools to earn more for the organizations I support, like through their shopping program. By shopping GiveBack merchants, I earn money for my foundation that I can then distribute as I see fit. This year, Christmas shopping could benefit my charities!

I can also spread the word about GiveBack and my foundation through Facebook, giving my friends the opportunity to see who I am helping. And that can lead to partnering with me to make an even bigger impact. I like knowing that I can help make a difference by supporting organizations like the Hands on Network. They gave a lot to Nashville, it’s only fitting that we give back to them.

photos from HON’s Facebook albums