The King County Employee Giving Program (EGP) hosted five Nonprofit Expos in September and October to help employees get a better understanding of how their contributions to the Annual Giving Drive have a real impact on the lives of people and animals, on the arts, and on the environment, both here and abroad.

The Nonprofit Expos featured more than 140 nonprofit organizations and reached more than 800 employees directly from every King County department and Separately Elected office.

“The Nonprofit Expos are about enabling quality conversations between employees and nonprofits,” said Junelle Kroontje, KCEGP Administrator. “The program not only provides opportunities for giving but acts as a resource, and these events are a perfect example of that. For example, Regional Animal Services of King County consistently adopts out animals brought to our events and employees tell me about finding a service that they needed for a family member who has just been diagnosed with a disease, or an opportunity to volunteer.”

Bringing nonprofits into the worksite is the number one way that employees learn about new organizations to support.

“Thanks so much for putting this on each year,” said Karen May, a Project Manager with Department of Natural resources and Parks. “I ran up for ‘a few minutes’ and wound up learning a lot about organizations I had never heard of, that have volunteer needs that I may be able to fill and that I am inspired to support through the Employee Giving program. This effort is well worth it in my opinion – thanks for this and all that you do – much appreciated!”

This year’s Annual Giving Drive runs until Friday, November 21. If you make a pledge to any of the more than 950 nonprofit organizations by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, you will be entered into a random drawing for two lift tickets to Stevens Pass. If you have already made a pledge, you will be automatically entered into the drawing. Click here to make a pledge.

You can pledge online or with a paper form to your favorite nonprofits by:

• Payroll Deduction – One time, once a month, or twice month.
• Time Donation – Eligible vacation or comp time, this is a great option for employees who will lose their time at the end of the year.
• Check – Made directly out to the nonprofit.

Even a small contribution, like $5 a pay period, can make a big difference to the people, animals and services supported by these nonprofits. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/giving.

Meet four nonprofit organizations who attended Nonprofit Expos this year:

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (9615) Formerly under a non-profit Federation, this year the Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS) has their own Employee Giving ID. The local Seattle non-profit supports people who deaf or blind affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

The non-profit provides advocacy, 19 units of transitional housing, a homework club for children and a domestic violence and abuse hotline. The hotline is connected to the 24/7 national domestic violence hotline, and during the times of ADWAS business hours, the national hotline redirects all calls involving people who are deaf or blind to ADWAS.

“We’re the first in the Country and I think it’s important. The King County [population] is incredibly pioneering and innovative and progressive in the things they’ve done, and ADWAS is one of them,” Carol Brown, an ADWAS employee said.

Inspire Youth Project (9217) Inspire Youth Project knows the importance of a stable environment for kids.

“Our main goal is to create a place of belonging to our kids,” Julie Wheaton the Children and Youth manager said.

A local non-profit, Inspire Youth Projects offers mentorship programs, summer camps and emotional support services to children ages 5-18 recovering from child trauma or affected by HIV/AIDs.

“We have a lot of disadvantaged kids who might not have the support in their community so we work on really creating a place on their own. We do a lot of social and emotional support to make sure they’re ready for school and they can just start with learning,” Wheaton said.

ArtsFund (1700) For 44 years, ArtsFund has supported art groups around King and Pierce County. This past year Arts fund gave grants to 55 Arts organizations resulting in 9,087 exhibitions and productions. Some of the art groups ArtsFund supports include the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Seattle International Film Festival, Seattle Arts & Lectures, 5^th Ave Theatre, the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Symphony.

African Medical & Research Foundation (3502) The largest African-led health development organization, AMREF provides services and training in over 30 countries. AMRF tackles major health issues like maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, malaria, Tuberculosis, clean water and sanitation. Since its mission is “to improve the health of people in Africa by partnering with and empowering communities and strengthening health systems,” AMREF works to support and grow local health care. 90 percent of AMREF’s employees are African.