Mensor Cares is a group of Mensor employees who believe in the spirit of working together and help others in need. In order to support other non-profits, an own non-profit organisation was financed and formed through payroll deductions, Susan Fisher reports:
Early 2015 a discussion started about how our contributions could be used. Which associations should be funded and what percentage of our contributions would actually get there?
Could we achieve more employee participation if they were involved in making decisions as to where and how their money was spent?
Finally in September 2015, Mensor Cares was founded as a non-profit organisation. It is run wholly by employees and has no overhead administrative costs. One hundred percent of employee donations are returned to recommended charities. A board of directors was elected for multi-
year terms.
Various groups benefit
They meet monthly to review donation requests from agencies and make recommendations for funding. For tax purposes, the requesting organisation must be a registered non-profit group as well. A variety of organisations received funding in 2016 – including those who serve several thousands of clients and also smaller groups. Among those funded were the Smart Orchestra with musicians of all ages and skills and the Scheib Center, which provides mental health and mental disability services to residents in the area who may not have insurance coverage.
Other recipients have been Meals on Wheels, a local women’s group, and School Fuel, a group that sends food to students. Mensor Cares have educated themselves about local resident non-profits and the needs of others. Through the contributions we have created an atmosphere of giving and fostered an interest in serving our community.