Anatomy of a Charity
GIVING BACK DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
BY BRIAN G. THORNTON, IIDA
DO SOMETHING! That is usually the first or earliest thoughts most philanthropists, volunteers, and people with a big heart speak out loud to themselves. It has to start with a spark to ignite the fire. Giving back is as natural for some as breathing, expressing gratitude, and saying Thank You. Think about it. We have all grown up around nonprofits, charity, and fellowship through religious affiliations, Goodwill, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, among the thousands of other organizations that rely upon donations, our time, and interest.
The year 2020 was no different. Even amid global pandemic, sources have confirmed that now more than ever, people are still giving, looking for ways to give, and following through with their donations. In Las Vegas, still reeling from the effects of 9/11, the 2008 Recession, and a slow recovery, there is no better time than the present to give and volunteer. When asked to find a topic for this first article in 2021, it was clear to look no further than a local giver-in-chief, Mandy Telleria, creator of The Good Deed Project, Las Vegas.
So, before Mandy and her successful design-oriented organization are introduced, it’s necessary to dissect the common thread of people that naturally want to give back or somehow have that giving gene in their DNA. That begs the question, Why should you start a nonprofit? A practical response may be that it allows you to use your business talent, education, and experience for the good of humanity or the world community. Typically, it is not a revenue stream for the creator. The founders of nonprofits are usually not permitted to profit or benefit from the organization’s net earnings. They earn a wage in various other ways, however, including receiving some compensation from the nonprofit. Since there are many questions and ethical and legal concerns to doing it the right way, it was best to simply outline a few things.
It feels good to make a difference in your community, whether you’re serving meals in a soup kitchen, collecting for a food bank, volunteering at a senior home, or donating your time versus a monetary contribution. Still, sometimes it has the added benefit of advancing your career. Volunteering at a food bank or helping others through this pandemic has never NOT looked good on a resume. Especially now.
As a charity’s anatomy is further revealed, non-profit, if you will, it’s important to look at some of the universal attributes as to why we do it. Some have been quoted as saying, “It has really changed my life or “Challenging one’s self in new ways has given me a newfound confidence. I wanted to dedicate the time to get in touch with the community in a way I never had” or “It can be really difficult to get people interested. You have to have that spark. Once you’ve got that spark, it’s a bit like oxygen. As long as you give them fuel, you light the fire.”1
Mandy Telleria, Founder & CEO, The Good Deed Project
GOOD NEED INDEED
Mandy Telleria, 37, is the Founder and CEO of the six-year-old THE GOOD DEED PROJECT. Mandy is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a degree in Interior Architecture. Her activities while a student included Leadership as President and Treasurer with the American Institute of Architects Student Chapter and participation with the Student Chapters of ASID and IIDA. Therein giving back time and volunteering at an early stage before her career took off, no doubt. In addition to her firm, Mandy is a Registered Interior Designer with experience ranging from luxury residential to hospitality design both domestically and abroad and in branding. She was also an adjunct professor at the College of Southern Nevada for nearly five years within the Construction and Architectural Design Program.
The Good Deed Project – [“TGDP”] is a Las Vegas-based 501(C)3 organization with excellent community support within the design industry and beyond. Their ongoing focus is good deeds incorporating people’s time and materials donated, resulting in thoughtful interior renovations for deserving people with intentions of improving their quality of life.
We asked Ms. Telleria what was the need or your driving factor?
“At the time, near the end of 2014, the economy was still building itself back up, and nonprofits had been making ends meet with little to nothing left for facility improvements and repairs. That said, now being in the nonprofit sector myself, organizations are always trying to make ends meet because the public need is constant.”
“The Good Deed Project was initially meant to be a ‘couple of pro-bono projects.’ It had never crossed my mind to create a nonprofit then, or even well into the first projects. It was after many people who had contributed their time and materials kept asking about when I was going to turn it into a nonprofit. It took a lot of encouragement for me even to begin to consider the possibility. I knew it would be a lot of work and, more so, responsibility. I had no idea,” Telleria laughs.
Further noted, she added, “With all that said, the reason all this started was that I was dealing with an intense bout of depression. One day I decided to put my energy and thoughts into helping others and had intended to research different nonprofits and then choose one to volunteer in. That then evolved into the idea of giving my time while also utilizing my skills as a designer. That somehow then jumped to doing renovations for shelters at zero cost to the organization(s). Now, there’s a problem to solve, LOL! That was the beginning of what has flourished into a labor of love, and now a 501(C)3 with wonderful community support both within the design industry and beyond.
Before The Good Deed Project Kitchen Remodel
After The Good Deed Project Kitchen Remodel
“There wasn’t an existing model I followed. The idea has always been ‘good deeds,’ i.e., people’s time and materials donated. Had I intended to create a nonprofit organization from the onset, surely I would have had a well thought out plan per my usual MO, but this has all evolved arduously, organically.”
As it began, “It started with lots of calls to colleagues, and many cold calls, too. The calls were to request materials and volunteer time, not money. The largest project we’ve done is S.A.F.E. House, the second-largest domestic violence shelter in Nevada. It was one of our first, which was completed without one dime exchanged.
Although we’ve been a volunteer-operated organization until now, we’re going into our sixth year, and funding is necessary for sustainability and growth. So the requests are a bit different now. We have support ranging from small monthly donors to large corporate partners like Lowe’s and Home Depot and everyone in between. The majority of our contributions come from people I know personally and have begun to extend to their circle of influence. Now and then, I’m surprised by a stranger’s extreme generosity who heard about us through the news and such.”
So, as we dug into this good deed story, it was important to know some of the local heroes who helped TGDP. “Our necessities have been covered by kind folks like Dwayne Eshenbaugh, who gave us office space in his a NOVUS Architecture studio for two years. All Storage, until recently, provided us with complimentary storage space for materials and furnishings. Kara Maas, Designer Relations at Las Vegas Design Center, International Market Centers, has been the key to providing our families with quality, new furnishings, and large monetary donations have been equally helpful. Jason Gerber from Marble Express surprised me at the end of our Building Hope campaign last December with nearly $11,000. That with other significant contributions all helped to stretch funding to have a greater impact in the lives of the people we serve. Our new office was provided by the generosity of Quentin Abramo, Owner of Q Companies/Faciliteq & CoOperate.”
The Good Deed Project volunteers add door hardware.
“There has been a mountain of research in every category necessary to build and operate a nonprofit — books, webinars, networking, wisdom from industry leaders, not to mention, a whole lot of figuring it out as I go and forging ahead with an entrepreneurial spirit.”
“Every bit of experience gained and help received along the way has become a small but mighty (and growing) network of generous donors, volunteers, connectors, and ambassadors—all wrapped up nicely with the unwavering support and love of a few people. Including my Ma, who is greatly the inspiration behind my desire to help others. She volunteers even on days when she has had to work her full-time job.”
GIVING GOOD EXAMPLES
So, for those who may not understand what a licensed Interior Designer does as a full-time charity founder [she has built TGDP without the benefit of salary – in essence, a volunteer as well]. Like everyone else on the planet, 2020 presented so many challenges and postponements. A large charity fundraiser had to be postponed in the spring. Telleria wrote her supporters, “Regarding the 3rd Annual Good Deed Spring Brunch: It is postponed until further notice…we depend on tens of thousands of dollars, raised by your generosity at this event, to sustain our Building Hope program. During this time especially, do good, be kind, and be safe.”
“Financial. Financial. Financial. That’s the main issue that would ease other operational expenses, including staff, distribution facility, etc. Time constraints would be another big challenge.
Regardless of the scope, any project is a big puzzle of time and finances while maximizing the results. There is pressure in the success and completion of a project as there is no choice but to bring the family back to a healthier and safer environment than before. The trick is making it all come together with the clock ticking in the background and the moving target being the magnitude of the impact we’re creating in the family’s life and future. It ain’t easy,” Mandy quipped.
We’re curious. Were there any local government or jurisdiction issues related to permits?
“To date, we’ve completed significant projects without the need for permitting. The time frame we work within does not allow for changes requiring permitting. With future affordable housing projects, permitting, zoning, etc., will be part of the equation.”
THE PANDEMIC
Please explain some of the hardships the global pandemic has caused. “It has affected everything. Our scope of services, volunteer availability, fundraisers/events, donations, and of course, the families we serve. The need has increased, resources have decreased. I was sick for two months. It was a difficult period on top of a difficult period. It was scary, overwhelming, and isolating.”
THE GOOD SEED
Has the coronavirus slowed donations and participation?
“Yes, it [the pandemic] has slowed things down, and we’ve pivoted our services in the meantime. There are so many needs right now, and we’re here to help as best as we can with the resources we have.”
For those who can give, Telleria admits “funding is crucial – any amount is of good use and appreciated, including monthly donations, corporate matching, and hosting (virtual) events and fundraisers on our behalf. Volunteers of all skills levels are welcome. Currently, we are on the hunt for sponsored storage space to utilize as a distribution center; minimum 2,000 SF.”
DEED NEEDS
Finally, if money were no obstacle, what one thing would you like to see The Good Deed Project do for the Las Vegas Community?
“Wow. Quite the question. Funny enough, I have thought about this. I’ve mused over ‘When I win the lottery’ and what TGDP could be. The organization would lead our community (and beyond) in providing affordable housing, safe, decent shelter, and resources to the homeless and disadvantaged. Resources would extend beyond immediate necessities to include steppingstones for self-sufficiency and upward mobility. Everyone deserves a safe, decent and affordable place to live. We’re all better off when our friends and neighbors live and do well in an environment where, they too, can then pay it forward in some capacity. Our city is facing higher rates of homelessness due to pandemic related job losses and evictions. That is a challenge the community must work through together.”
DO SOMETHING, DO THE DEED
Volunteering can be deeply fulfilling. While it means many different things to the individuals who sacrifice their own time and energy, the outcomes are the same—however small; you’re having an uplifting effect on your community. Doing good deeds feels good. So, for those in Las Vegas, we have THE GOOD DEED PROJECT and good leadership by founder Mandy Telleria. There will always be a need for a deed. So, again, we ask, when was the last time you did something?
To learn how you can help by donating or volunteering, please visit thegooddeedproject.org or call 702.518.1555.
1 Quoted from the article, 3 Volunteers on What Giving Back Means to Them by Bill McCool, TheMuse.com 2020.
