Hi guys! Thanks to all of you for your kind words as we deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. My family and I are just fine, though still without power probably for a few more days. I’m at my office today, happy to have the comforts of electricity and an internet connection.

I tend to avoid sharing the boring details of my life, including my job, but now seems like a good time to talk about it. I work for a philanthropy, and we give money to nonprofit organizations all throughout New Jersey.

Although it’s probably not something you give much thought to, you and I – we all – benefit from the tireless efforts of nonprofits every day. They preserve our land and protect our water quality. They offer an amazing assortment of after school programs for our kids. They give us museums and theatres and dance performances. They provide food and counseling and shelter to the most vulnerable in our communities.

In times like this, when a natural disaster has devastated people’s homes and disrupted their lives indefinitely, it’s heartwarming to see such an outpouring of generosity. But invariably, the emergency funds run out, the media moves on to the next big story, and people forget that it takes months – even years – to rebuild communities.

If you want to help with Hurricane Sandy relief, the biggest impact you can have is to donate to the nonprofits here in New Jersey. I’m not talking about the Red Cross or the United Way – though they would welcome your donations too. Those big organizations are focused on immediate needs. I’m talking about the individual nonprofits that work every day to make our lives and our communities better and who will desperately need the support in the months to come as New Jersey rebuilds.

If you want specific suggestions for nonprofits to support, I’d recommend any of the organizations that my foundation gives to. You can find them all here (just click on any of the listings to get their contact info). Note on the left side of the page that you can filter the organizations by “Arts,” “Education,” “Environment,” and “Media” – which are the categories of nonprofits that our foundation gives to.

If you want personal recommendations from me, please email me: charlottesfancy [at] gmail [dot] com, and I will give you a list of my favorites organizations here in New Jersey.  (See below for my personal recommendations)

Thanks again for your support and kind wishes. I hope to be back to my regular blogging schedule soon.

UPDATE: I decided it would be easier just to list some of my favorites here:

Elijah’s Promise not only feeds fresh, hot food to people who need it, they also offer culinary training (a path to a job) and cooking classes for families, and operate a pay-what-you-can cafe called Better World Cafe in my town. They are pioneers in breaking the cycle of poverty in New Jersey.

Clean Ocean Action is a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting water quality in New Jersey. They have fought for years to keep our water from being polluted and our beaches safe and clean. They will be instrumental to the on-the-ground recovery efforts along the New Jersey coast.

WFMU is the most innovative radio station in New Jersey, and I have learned so much from them about building community. Their operations were hit hard by the storm. I love these guys and would be thrilled if people could help them.

Sayreville Pet Adoption Center is a no kill animal shelter that provides a warm, safe home for cats and dogs until they can be adopted by families. We got our dog Daisy from here and know from experience that they care deeply about animals.

New Jersey Audubon Society is one of the most respected and forward-thinking environmental groups in New Jersey. They are stewards of 34 beautiful sanctuaries across New Jersey, and spend each day fighting to protect our land and our animals, especially the endangered and threatened species.