Each organization that we select must:

+ 1. Support current and pressing issues

Each new organization OOTM funds must contribut to an Issue, Topic, or Cause (ITC) that is currently in the public eye. OotM recognized giving trends of Millennials that showed people born between 1980 – 2000 are more likely to support a wide variety of causes, than choose a handful of organizations to support exclusively. Individuals under 40 are also more likely to be “activated” by a new cause. They are often reactive to what they see around them and find it difficult to stand by while injustices (as they see them) are happening. “Young people are finding community through causes and activating each other as they do.” There has not been a funding organization yet that has mobilized this attitude in giving to the extent that it can be mobilized, OOTM believe that it can accomplish this goal.

+ 2. Pass a financial and structural well-being assessment

Each new organization OOTM funds must pass a financial and structural well-being assessment and a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis conducted by the Executive Director. The Nonprofit sector, by nature will always have financial challenges. However, this is not a reason to heavily fund organizations that are not making the most of their resources. A Healthy Nonprofit has many markers, but OotM will focus on a few of these. A healthy nonprofit should; have a diverse funding strategy, not relying upon a single source of revenue; have a clear and direct mission and strategy, which helps them direct funds to areas that truly need them; have low turnover of their employees; be technologically savvy and nimble enough to navigate a modern world.

+ 3. Focus on long-term solutions

Each new organization OOTM funds must not only be making an impact with “boots on the ground,” but also must have a plan for systemic improvements in their target area. Nonprofit organizations can sometimes get caught up in their day-to-day missions and forget about the long-term betterment of the people they serve. OotM will attempt to find organizations that do real work every day, and truly make tangible impacts in people’s lives every day. OotM will also require funded organizations to envision a future for their clients that does not include the organization. A Nonprofit organization’s goal should always be to do achieve their mission to the extent that they are no longer needed. While that is usually an unrealistic goal, the important thing is that the organization is attempting to solve a systemic problem, and not simply create temporary fixes.

+ Additional considerations in the selection process include:

• Local vs National vs Global impact – Each current issue or topic area will be different in nature. OotM will attempt to best determine whether the current issue will be best served by contributions to locally, nationally, or globally focused organizations.
• Donor Input – OotM is focused on stewarding our donors as best as we can, and that includes taking feedback, and suggestions from donors about what organizations to fund.
• Subject Matter Expert Input – Based on the current issue or topic area, OotM will seek the guidance of experts in the field to find the most impactful organization possible.
• Preference toward “doers” – OotM will give preference to organizations which have programs focused on providing a service directly to clients in their area or field of need. This excludes other funding organizations like foundations and community funds, and it also excludes Universities and Private high schools.
• Non-Denominational – OotM will give preference to organizations that either are non-religious by nature, or that do not have any kind of religious requirements for their services. This does not mean organizations with a religious background or influence are excluded, for example, The Salvation Army is religiously influenced, but does not have religious restrictions on their services.

+ All of these factors and criteria will determine a final organizational grade which will be given by the Director of COTM and will be an informed yet subjective score out of 5.0 stars based on these five areas:

• Mission Driven
• Financially Stable
• Structurally Responsible
• Forward Looking
• Unique and Distinct

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• For example an organization could have the following scores:
• Mission Driven: 10/10
• Financially Stable: 8/10
• Structurally Responsible: 9/10
• Forward Looking: 8/10
• Unique and Distinct: 6/10
• Cumulative Charity of the Month Subjective Score: 4.1 Stars