We have noticed that there is a small group of members who consistently nominate charities, and a large group that don’t. We were curious to find out what prevents the majority of our members from putting their names in the hat. Based on member responses, here are some answers and clarifications to the questions and concerns members raised about nominating and presenting.
If I’m a member, do I have to present a charity?
No, not at all. We have many members who have never presented and who are part of our circle because they want to learn more about and support local charities. We just want to be sure that anyone who might be willing is encouraged and informed about the process.
What if I’m willing to present but I’m not familiar with or connected to any specific charities?
First, take a look at our list of pre-vetted charities that are ready for presentation at this link. You will also find a link to each charity’s website so you can explore a little.
Second, once you find a charity that interests you, reach out through the charity’s “contact us” page. If a phone number is provided, it’s best to call. If not, send an email. Ask who you would speak to about potentially giving the charity an unrestricted monetary award. Someone will get back to you.
Third, schedule some time to talk with this person (or with whomever they refer you) and that person can tell you everything you need to know to decide if you want to put your name in the hat to present the charity.
Finally, keep in mind that as the presenter, you can do as much or as little as you want. You are only required to introduce yourself and the charity and tell the group why you’re nominating it. An employee or volunteer of the charity or a recipient of their services can do much of the heavy lifting for you by doing the majority of the presentation and the Q&A.
How do I know if a charity is eligible?
To be eligible for an award from us, a charity simply needs to be a non-profit recognized for at least a year by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization and allocate the vast majority of its funds in Lake County and/or north suburban Cook County. Since the allocation of funds is not something a member typically knows, we get that information from the charity as part of the vetting process.
The only other requirements are that the charity agrees not to further solicit our members for donations or sell our names to 3rd parties, and a representative from the charity is willing to come back the next quarter to give the group an update on what they did with the award.
If you have a charity to present that is NOT on the list of vetted charities, you can request that we vet it at this link.
I hate presenting and public speaking
Keep in mind that you can have a lot of help with the presentation and Q&A—the only thing we require is that you introduce the charity and tell us why you are presenting it. Past member presenters who were very nervous about getting in front of the group will tell you that it’s an empowering feeling to secure an award for a charity that is important to you.
I’ve already presented a charity that has been awarded, will it look bad if I present a different charity?
Not at all. We have a few members who have presented and received awards for multiple charities. Our members are much more focused on learning about the charity and not as concerned with who presents it.
I’m new to the group. How long do I need to wait?
We suggest attending (or watching) one meeting to get a feel for how the presentations are done and what you think does and doesn’t work. But after that, you’re ready to go. Keep in mind that if your name is picked out of the hat, you have three months until the next quarter’s meeting to prepare to present.
If I’m a member, do I have to present a charity?
No, not at all. We have many members who have never presented and who are part of our circle because they want to learn more about and support local charities. We just want to be sure that anyone who might be willing is encouraged and informed about the process.
What if I’m willing to present but I’m not familiar with or connected to any specific charities?
First, take a look at our list of pre-vetted charities that are ready for presentation at this link. You will also find a link to each charity’s website so you can explore a little.
Second, once you find a charity that interests you, reach out through the charity’s “contact us” page. If a phone number is provided, it’s best to call. If not, send an email. Ask who you would speak to about potentially giving the charity an unrestricted monetary award. Someone will get back to you.
Third, schedule some time to talk with this person (or with whomever they refer you) and that person can tell you everything you need to know to decide if you want to put your name in the hat to present the charity.
Finally, keep in mind that as the presenter, you can do as much or as little as you want. You are only required to introduce yourself and the charity and tell the group why you’re nominating it. An employee or volunteer of the charity or a recipient of their services can do much of the heavy lifting for you by doing the majority of the presentation and the Q&A.
How do I know if a charity is eligible?
To be eligible for an award from us, a charity simply needs to be a non-profit recognized for at least a year by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization and allocate the vast majority of its funds in Lake County and/or north suburban Cook County. Since the allocation of funds is not something a member typically knows, we get that information from the charity as part of the vetting process.
The only other requirements are that the charity agrees not to further solicit our members for donations or sell our names to 3rd parties, and a representative from the charity is willing to come back the next quarter to give the group an update on what they did with the award.
If you have a charity to present that is NOT on the list of vetted charities, you can request that we vet it at this link.
I hate presenting and public speaking
Keep in mind that you can have a lot of help with the presentation and Q&A—the only thing we require is that you introduce the charity and tell us why you are presenting it. Past member presenters who were very nervous about getting in front of the group will tell you that it’s an empowering feeling to secure an award for a charity that is important to you.
I’ve already presented a charity that has been awarded, will it look bad if I present a different charity?
Not at all. We have a few members who have presented and received awards for multiple charities. Our members are much more focused on learning about the charity and not as concerned with who presents it.
I’m new to the group. How long do I need to wait?
We suggest attending (or watching) one meeting to get a feel for how the presentations are done and what you think does and doesn’t work. But after that, you’re ready to go. Keep in mind that if your name is picked out of the hat, you have three months until the next quarter’s meeting to prepare to present.