On this Giving Tuesday, we’d like you to give, but not in the way you might be thinking. Yes, of course, we encourage you to support your charity of choice as they work to deliver crucial services that are meaningful to you. However, we’re hoping that you give yourself a little something too. We’d like to encourage you to give yourself the gift of acknowledgment. When we talk to our nonprofit program partners and grantees, we’re hearing the stress that comes from months of uncertainty and shifting priorities. As the grant reports roll in and we connect with nonprofit professionals throughout New Jersey, we’re seeing how hard everyone is working to further their missions and serve their constituencies.

On this day of giving, we’d like you to give yourself some credit for the work you’re doing every day. Furthermore, if there’s anything we can do to lighten the load, let us know. Has your grant project been affected by timing issues outside of your control? Call us; we’ll talk through it. Are you considering submitting a grant application for a public humanities project but you still having some fundamental questions to explore? Email us; we’ll get a meeting on the books. If there are ways that we can support your efforts through providing information and resources or just be a sounding board as you figure out the next steps for your public humanities project, please contact us. That’s why we’re here.

Give generously to those who give so much to your community, but don’t forget yourself. Give yourself credit for all you’re doing and all who benefit from your work. We’re all finding our way together. As always, thank you for your contributions to the cultural infrastructure in New Jersey.