It's really not hard to notice the economy has been hard hit this year. We know you are concerned about what will happen in the next few months. We also are feeling the pinch of tightened belts and are working even harder now to ensure a continued success rate for wildlife, wild places, and healthy communities. Personally, I am now, more then ever, searching for creative ways to support the vital work of the non-profits I love and support. Here are just a few ideas I have found. Let me know what you think or any ideas you have!

Workplace giving. October is typically workplace giving month. If your employer has a workplace giving campaign, you can spread a gift out in little, manageable chunks over the next year. Having just $10 held back from a bi-weekly paycheck can send Mitch to DC to meet with a senator to champion a groundbreaking bill for wildlife. Conservation Northwest is already listed in the catalogs of some big workplace campaigns, below, and can receive gifts via United Way as well. Use the blog's comments field if your company has us listed, or add us to your work's list. Thanks!

• WA State Combined Fund Drive agency # 320835
• Microsoft Giving Campaign agency #2293
  Events on campus
• Federal Combined Fund Drive local agency #74285  
  Inland NW campaign  
  South Puget Sound campaign
  North Puget Sound campaign
  King County campaign
• United Way King County program # 3941824

(PS. A few companies haven't caught on to our name change, so don't forget to search for Northwest Ecosystem Alliance, too)

Conscious holidays. If you are scared of the looming holiday spending season, consider giving gifts that give back. We have a wide selection of fun items and gift memberships at our on-line store. And you can always ask your friends and family to make donations to your favorite charity in lieu of material gifts.

Wildland Partners. Like workplace giving, automatic donations via credit card or checking allow you to make a significant impact in manageable, small gifts. For the price of a single latte a week, you can support a year's worth of wildNW email alerts that bring the chance to take action on vital wildlife projects right into our members' inboxes. 

Matching gifts. Does your employer match your charitable donations? This is a great way to double your gift's impact, no matter how much you can give. Usually all it takes is filling out a form from your HR department. We have a partial list of employers here.

Take action, win a prize! If you can't be a monetary supporter, there is a unique opportunity this month to make a huge impact for the Columbia Highlands. Get creative and win some fabulous prizes. You can also sign up for e-news and WildNW alerts to be kept abreast of other action opportunities throughout the year.

Wow, that's a decent list of things I can do to make a positive change for the non-profits I rely on to act on my behalf to make the world a better place. Phew, now I feel a little better.