By Don Escalante
For more than a decade, Desert Charities News (DCN) has been the leading source for connecting Coachella Valley’s burgeoning nonprofit sector with those who need assistance.
“The Coachella Valley population is an incredibly generous one,” said Steve Tolin, editor and publisher of Desert Charities News. “Our mission is to be the ‘go to’ outlet to promote this generosity and, by extension, to spread the word to those who can benefit from the help offered.
“People helping people. That’s what it’s all about.”
Tolin’s background is extensive, and impressive. He was instrumental in starting more than 45 trade publications including monthlies, bi-monthlies, and annual directories. In addition to selling ad space, he also created the ideas, researched the marketplace and prepared the initial media kit, marketing materials and rate card. Just a few of the trade publications that have thrived under his leadership include Official Talent & Booking Directory, Official Country Music Directory, and American Music Awards. Tolin published the Dick Clark television show program, “The Academy of Country Music Awards” for 32 years, building it into the largest awards program in the country music industry.
Today he puts his energies to work with all Coachella Valley communities; some of which are known worldwide, others primarily known locally. But the nonprofit mindset is shared by all, and DCN is their leading source for comprehensive, up-to-date information and programs.
Of particular note is a recent online DCN addition, its Calendar of Events. “There’s nothing like it in the Desert Cities,” Tolin said.
The Calendar of Events, a section of DCN’s Nonprofit Directory at desertcharities.com, comprises the largest, most comprehensive listing of events in the nonprofit community arena, including benefits, openings, galas and special events. More than 700 events are highlighted through sub-categories “Featured Events,” “Special Events,” and “Upcoming Events.” desertcharities.com/event/
Additionally, under the “More Events” tab, visitors can sort and review events by date (today, this week, this month or custom date) throughout the year.
“This easy-to-navigate feature has been very enthusiastically received,” Tolin said.
DCN’s Nonprofit Directory is an evolving success story in itself. Success that can be measured in both numerical growth (currently more than 1,000 nonprofits are listed) and the logical conclusion that this participation signals an ever-greater circle of compassion of Valley residents.
This represents the largest database of nonprofits and their contact information in the Desert community.
The directory is separated into 10 categories: Animals, Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Education, Environment, Family & Community, Health & Medical, Museums, Performing Arts, and Social Services.
The list seems comprehensive but is never conclusive. After all, worthy causes – and those who wish to help – don’t decrease.
The Nonprofit Directory also include suppliers and venues to provide further assistance at the click of a mouse.
More than 400 suppliers are included in a widely varied yet convenient roster of 70 categories to assist in quickly pinpointing nonprofit agency needs. Advertising (including potential sponsors), Donor Recognition, Cause Marketing, Fundraising Services, Party Rentals, Photo Booths, Transportation, Valet, and Video Production are a sampling of the smorgasbord of services available.
Venues to host your next event? The directory has more than 150 of those, from (almost literally) A to Z, including listings under Art Museums, Children’s Museums, Cultural Space, Golf, Hotels, Meeting Space, Outdoor Space, Restaurants, Theatres, and Unique Space.
Simultaneously, Desert Charities News constantly updates nonprofit news and notes at dcnnews.com, and annually publishes two hard copy editions coinciding with full-time Valley residency and prime-time visiting months (covering October-November-December and January-February-March). Here is the recent issue: CLICK HERE
Today, DCN’s colorful print product, its website and online Nonprofit Directory serve to vastly enhance the resource and news capabilities that Desert Charities News has provided the Desert Cities since 2011.
Desert Charities News is about quality. Quality in the product and service it provides, to, yes, a quality audience.
“Desert Charities News has a proud history of supporting and enabling the helpers, and looks forward to maintaining its critical role of communicating answers to what is available to the Desert community,” Kristin Peterson, President of DCN.
Industry leaders and Influencers in the Nonprofit Industry are included in each issue with Men in Philanthropy and Women in Philanthropy. CLICK HERE This section is dedicated to the men and women who serve the desert’s philanthropic community through their leadership, vision and benevolent spirit.
Desert Charities News is the premier news magazine and website dedicated to philanthropy and charitable giving in the Desert Cities. Steve can be reached at (760) 346-1822 or at steve@desertcharities.com.
Don Escalante is a regular Desert Charities News content contributor.
“People helping people. That’s what it’s all about.”
