Why You Should Donate to Foundations

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter.

The many reasons to care for your community.

A study done in 2006 by colleagues at the National Institutes of Health indicated that the act of giving stimulates regions of the brain associated with social connection, trust and happiness. In communities, a culture of giving creates healthy and sustainable social networks.

Giving is distinct because, unlike purchasing or trading, there is no expectation for anything in return. And while it’s true that when you give you are more likely to receive, that's not what it’s all about. On an episode of Roofing Road Trips with Heidi, Charles Antis of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing commented on the culture of giving that has been cultivated in the roofing industry throughout the decades, “Every roofer I know is struck with this similar condition. We can't let anybody have a leaky roof just because they don't have the money to pay. And every roofer I know has donated roofs. . .and that's the way we are with information in the industry too. If something's working, you share with me. If something is working, I share with you, and I love that about our industry.” 

Everyone in the roofing industry benefits from giving and as the coronavirus has suspended various fundraisers and created challenging economic situations for many, there is no better time to give. The Davis Memorial Foundation, for instance, relies on individual and corporate contributions in order to provide scholarship and grant opportunities for people seeking an education in construction or who wish to attend trade school. So, by giving to the Davis Memorial Foundation you are empowering individuals to pursue an education and advance the industry. The Davis Memorial Foundation also awards grants to help fund the development of construction-related curriculum and the building of libraries at construction management schools in the western states. By donating to them or participating in their online auction, you are contributing to the growth of the roofing industry itself.

You can also support the industry in Washington by giving to ROOFPAC, a Political Action Committee that is the voice of the roofing industry in the lawmaking world. ROOFPAC engages with lawmakers and federal agency officials on legislation and regulations to protect businesses from harmful or restrictive legislation and regulations. ROOFPAC was able to raise more than $410,000 in the 2016 election cycle through voluntary contributions from NRCA members, and nearly 90 percent of the candidates ROOFPAC supported won their elections in 2016.

There’s also National Women in Roofing (NWIR), a volunteer-based organization focusing on connecting and empowering women to further advance their professional lives and the roofing industry. By joining NWIR you help provide networking, mentoring, educational and recruitment opportunities for all. You are also promoting the contributions of women in the industry, which is an essential component for industry growth as we move into a more equitable future. Anyone can join, including men, and advance their careers in roofing while being part of the necessary change in the roofing industry.

Charitable actions produce trust and connection. They strengthen communities and advance the greater collective towards sustainable health, wealth and happiness. There are multiple opportunities to expand your network of giving through donations and memberships, and while there is never a wrong or right time to give, the onset of the coronavirus has cancelled opportunities for fundraisers and harmed the economy on a wide scale. Now more than ever before, organizations are in need of your generosity.

For more information on charitable giving opportunities, visit the RoofersCoffeeShop RCS Giving Back page sponsored by Cotney Construction Law.