07.20.2023

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Beat 2022’s giving slump locally

Charitable giving slumped 10.5% in 2022 — here’s how to give back locally

A screen recording of a nonprofit's website showing where to make donations online.

You can donate to most local organizations online. | Screen recording via LALtoday

Giving USA released its latest report on charitable giving in the US — and after a record high of $517 billion in 2021, 2022 saw Americans give $499 billion total.

That’s a decrease of 3.4% without adjusting for inflation, and 10.5% in inflation-adjusted terms — making it the largest slump in charitable giving the US has seen since the Great Recession.

What caused the decline? Factors include individuals having less to give. While the cost of living rose nationwide — most rapidly in Oregon and Washington — disposable personal income fell over 6% in 2022 when adjusted for inflation, and the stock market saw its worst overall performance since 2008. Meanwhile, charitable gifts that were given were economically less valuable due to inflation’s steep rise.

Want to make an impact? Here’s how to support local causes that matter to you.

Consider a recurring gift. Instead of donating one large gift at the end of the year, set up monthly, recurring, incremental gifts to the charity you want to support. This can help maintain nonprofits’ cash flow and ability to forecast revenue.

Don’t forget gifts are tax deductible. Make it easy by making gifts on a credit card — many accounts will automatically pull a list of all your charitable donations from the past year.

Volunteer your time. Have less to spend? Head to our volunteer guide for 35+ opportunities to give your time.

Need some inspiration? Here are three local charities that directly support local causes:

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine | Volunteer, make a one-time donation, or contribute monthly to support this volunteer-run health care center.
InnerAct Alliance | This substance abuse prevention organization serves Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties — volunteer or donate online.
Polk County Bully Project | Foster, adopt, volunteer, or donate to support this organization that saves bully breed dogs (read: Pit Bulls, Boxers, American Bulldogs, etc.).

Events

Thursday, July 20

The Aquarian Market | Thursday, July 20 | 6-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Visit this monthly, pet and family-friendly night market for vegan food and drinks.
Trivia Thursdays! | Thursday, July 20 | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Join for food and drink, and play “Friends"-themed trivia to win prizes.

Friday, July 21

Summer Day of Caring | Friday, July 21 | 9 a.m. | Jesse Keen Elementary School, 815 Plateau Ave., Lakeland | Free | Volunteers of all ages can work with United Way to spruce up a local school, and then enjoy a luncheon at Barnett Family Park.
“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” | Friday, July 21-Sunday, July 23 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | This musical comedy will have you singing along to Jimmy Buffett’s greatest hits.

Saturday, July 22

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, July 22 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market before it takes an August hiatus.
STEM in the Park | Saturday, July 22 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Visit the Nature Center for hands-on activities to inspire an appreciation for nature and science.

Sunday, July 23

Side Hustle Sunday | Sunday, July 23 | 9-10:30 p.m. | Sun Kava, 5711 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Dive into the vibrant world of entrepreneurship by getting business insights, investment tips, and networking with Lakeland’s emerging entrepreneurs.

Monday, July 24

Yoga for Beginners | Monday, July 24 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Coleman Bush Building, 1104 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and water to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older — class meets in a temporary location from June 12-July 26.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Ranked

No. 2. That’s what the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area ranked on CoreLogic’s list of areas likely to see home prices drop in the next year. According to Chief Economist Dr. Selma Hepp, the ranking is in part due to how sharply Lakeland’s home prices appreciated during the pandemic. (CoreLogic + WFLA)

Number

$2.076 billion. That’s what could be raised over 20 years via a new half-cent consumer goods tax. Funds would support the maintenance + development of Polk roadways, with Lakeland getting $219.6 million. According to a Transportation Planning Organization report, Polk had 34 miles of D or F-rated roads last year. (LkldNow)

Development

Lakeland’s Planning and Zoning Board gave Lakeland Regional Health the green light to expand onto land north of its main campus. The hospital hopes to use the land for a 3,000-sqft space housing 18 medical stations for its graduate medical education program. It’s now up for city commission approval. (The Ledger)

Real Estate

A new mixed-use complex could take shape across three Winter Haven warehouses. The 22.57-acre site is currently zoned for light industrial use, but Haven Realty asked the city’s Planning Commission to rezone it for residential + commercial use. Next, the Winter Haven City Commission will discuss it. (The Ledger)

Arts

Another freshly painted Swansation statue has been revealed, this time by artist Meredith Pope. After checking out the new bilateral creation, brush up on your local history with the full story on how Swansation got its start (AKA: Where did all these giant swans around town come from?).

Holiday

Junior League of Greater Lakeland has updated its rules for 2023 Lakeland Christmas Parade participants. Each float must have a banner clearly stating the organization’s name carried by two walkers. Participation fees will be processed online prior to application submission. Applicants will be accepted or denied by Tuesday, Oct. 17. (The Ledger)

Drink

What’s your at-home happy hour style — cocktail or mocktail? Publix has fresh ideas for both. For the cocktail lovers: Try the Berry Bourbon Smash recipe. And for the mocktail-ers: Try this Watermelon Agua Fresca recipe.*

Network

Treat your office besties

Lakeland outings perfect for your corporate team

A group of young professionals laugh, talk, and drink beer at a long table outside. A sign reading "emerge" is visible in the background.

Celebrate a job well done with your office team. | Photo by @emergelakeland + @bradenworrell

Sometimes the best team building happens outside the office. Check out our list of office outings that are sure to give your team something to reminisce on at the water cooler.

Ax-Caliber, 204 E. Orange St., Ste. 102, Lakeland
Head to this axe-throwing venue and virtual range with groups ranging in size from 20-200. Bonus: This downtown venue also has a restaurant with menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Skate World, 911 N. Lake Parker Ave., Lakeland
Book a corporate party to make your team members feel like kids again. Not into skating? Rent out the venue for a two-hour private Nerf party for up to 30 players — you can even bring your own outside food.

Lakeland Escape Room, 308 E. Pine St., Lakeland; Escapology, 210 E. Pine St., Lakeland
Put your team’s cooperation and problem-solving skills to the ultimate test in different scenarios — different difficulty levels are available for each team’s preference.

Dozens more opportunities here

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor

Picture this — it’s Saturday morning, you have a fresh pastry from Born & Bread Bakehouse in hand, and you’re headed to the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market to peruse fresh produce and hand-made goods. Check out other tips for the perfect weekend.

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