December is always a natural time to reflect on the year that has just passed and look forward to what is upcoming. It is also widely considered the Month of Giving; so, while you’re wrapping up your Christmas shopping, selecting Hannukah treats or preparing handmade gifts for Kwanzaa, take a moment to reflect on ways you can give outside of your home.

While many of us are starting to find a new sense of normalcy as Canada begins to emerge from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, many charitable and not-for-profit organizations are still struggling. From an August 2021 study, four out of ten Canadian charities have been faced with declining revenues the past two years, and more than half of those say the declines are greater than 40%. This is further compounded by the majority of organizations reporting an increased demand for their programs and services.

Recognizing that December can often be a stressful time when it comes to cash, consider if there are any non-monetary ways you can contribute to Nova Scotia-based community organizations. It could be as simple as sharing a social media post to help a small group reach a larger audience, or donating gently used socks, mittens, and jackets to a local shelter.  If you want to make an even greater impact, think about donating your time or skills. Organizations in Halifax require everything from professional to delivery services and tutoring to pet fostering, and any foundation could certainly make use of your expertise.

At CUA, we’re incredibly proud of the work we do in Nova Scotia through our Community Impact initiatives. Whether it’s providing free-of-charge financial literacy sessions or advising organizations on one of our specialty non-profit banking solutions, we strive to make a difference to each individual’s financial well-being. As part of this work, we’re thrilled to announce our Community Investment Grant Program will be returning in early January 2022. We’ll be providing $100,000 in funding to small businesses, organizations and social enterprises that make a big impact in our Province. We can’t wait to hear about the new ideas and initiatives people in our community are undertaking.

On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued loyalty to CUA, and wish you a warm, safe and happy holiday season. As always, I invite you to connect with us at any point in your financial journey, by calling 902.492.6500 or emailing info@cua.com.