Ways to Support Us That Don't Involve Money
Here are five ideas!
We are so honored and encouraged that many of you, our friends and community, have expressed a desire to help us in some way as we build CATHARSIS Nashville. Part of the beauty of this vision is that it involves connecting with so many wonderful people, all of whom have something unique and valuable to contribute!
Because we are a startup, our needs will be quickly evolving once we receive our 501(c)3 status and begin seeking financial contributions. However, there are plenty of ways you can help us already. I am thinking of it like a concert—long before the event, you have to learn and practice and memorize the music, and even before that, you take time to choose just the right selections. We are in the “concert planning” phase (and soon will be literally!), with lots of exciting music to come.
In the meantime, here are five ways you can help us . . .
1) Prayer & Visualization
I recently read that during the time of the Desert Fathers, monks lived in small communities outside the towns, and the towns understood the monks’ prayers to be as crucial for their functioning as the work of the farmers, laborers, and soldiers. Here at CATHARSIS Nashville, we feel the same way: all that we are building depends on a solid foundation of spiritual, prayerful support and Divine guidance. We so appreciate your lifting us up in prayer!
Prayer List:
For favor with the IRS to grant our 501(c)3 status promptly—we submitted our application in June, and it has not yet been assigned for processing
For guidance to the right location (we have a possibility, but it is early yet)
For provision for our $22 million(!) endowment
To be Led to our first major public donor
For connection, in right timing, with the people and resources on our “wish list” below
For guidance to the right synergistic HSP treatment team and café operator
For my (Laura’s) pacing and energy management in stewarding this vision
2) Volunteer to Write Thank-You Notes
This is a great way to help if you are more introverted. I find that whatever mood I am in, I always feel better when I write a thank-you note! We are committed to expressing sincere gratitude to our donors, Board members, and volunteers.
Or, if you are more extroverted . . .
3) Host a Dinner Party
Or a house concert, brunch, or drop-in! One of the highlights of David’s and my year during 2023 was hosting a neighborhood “house party” to support Freddie O’Connell in his campaign to be mayor of Nashville. It was a fun way to get to know people and bring them together for a good cause. There might have also been a song involved!
Similarly, we believe one of the best ways to spread the word about CATHARSIS Nashville is through a synchronistic web of personal relationships. We’d be honored if you would host an event at your home and give us the opportunity to share what we are creating and ask for community support.
4) Connect Us
Maybe hosting isn’t your thing, but you’d be willing to connect us with other people and places in your sphere of influence!
We’d love it if you would help us meet philanthropists who want to support mental health, creativity, and spirituality.
We’re also hoping there are a few well-known artists who might perform a song at a fundraising concert, or donate a painting for an art show.
Or, you could ask your faith congregation to host Laura & David in concert with a love offering to benefit CATHARSIS.
5) Offer Your Expertise
Finally, please let us know if you have skills you’d be willing to offer to CATHARSIS either pro bono (as an “in-kind” donation) or for a reduced rate. Here are a few of the professional services we’ll soon be needing. We definitely believe in paying people for their work, yet if you are in a position to gift us some of your time and knowledge, that will help us build our endowment all the more quickly so we can move forward with our mission!
Wish List:
IT support
Professional web design (Our current website, CatharsisNashville.org, is a “placeholder” to get the word out. CatharsisNashville.com will be our future/ permanent website.)
Professional video production
Audio engineering & livestreaming for concerts
Legal services
Bookkeeping support
A creative architect
People who know how to start & run a café!
If any of these ideas give you joy, we would welcome your involvement! It truly takes a village, and we are very glad you are in ours. :-)