I have been impressed with CJI,” says Jerry, a long-time donor.  “It’s all about healing relationships.”  He also appreciates that CJI makes good use of a modest budget as 21 staff work alongside about 157 volunteers.

When deciding whether to give, Jerry’s family gets to know the leaders of an organization, listens to the stories of changed lives, and reviews annual reports.  They like to keep the process simple, not requiring applications or formal updates so that reporting requirements don’t consume their donation.

Jerry enjoys attending CJI annual meetings.  “Your staff is so alive.  Their enthusiasm influences our desire to give.”  He knows many CJI staff do challenging jobs for less pay than they would receive working in the private sector.  “They are making a charitable contribution too,” says Jerry.

Knowing that every organization has difficult-to-fund projects, Jerry’s family likes to keep their donations flexible.  “I think that CJI has tackled some complex issues — I’m impressed with a difficult job done well.”  With gifts from the generous family, CJI works with people whom others don’t want to help.  “It feels good to make a difference,” says Jerry.

Sometimes when giving to a large organization that needs hundreds of millions of dollars, Jerry and his family members feel like they are throwing their money “into a black hole.”  He says, “I don’t know if it’s selfish, but we like to make an impact.”  He prefers to give to small and medium-sized organizations.

I know when I give to CJI, that even a relatively small gift will make a big difference.”  He adds, “They take my bit of money and multiply it.”