| Sunil
Oommen, a monthly SAALT donor, and an Indian-American, grew up
in New York. Sunil has always felt a sense of responsibility and commitment
towards the South Asian community in the United States. Sunil demonstrated
this commitment through various activities, including serving as the
lead organizer of the South Asian exhibition at his high school’s
annual international festival and as President of the South Asian
Student Alliance in college. In years since, Sunil has dedicated his
career to working with nonprofit organizations, and currently works
as a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization in New York City. He
tells us that he is thrilled that SAALT exists and is happy to support
the organization’s efforts through monthly financial donations.
We asked him to share with us why he feels so connected to SAALT.
What,
specifically, about SAALT inspired you to contribute regularly to
the organization?
I
wanted to support SAALT because its important and necessary work
could potentially improve the quality of life for many South Asians,
including my family and friends. I know that SAALT is the only national
organization with a mission unique to the South Asian community,
so that also reinforced my decision to support as much as I can.
I had given small amounts here and there to a few organizations
before, but I really wanted to make an impact by making a more significant
gift to SAALT and its work. As a fundraiser, I know how important
it is to keep donors year-in and year-out, so I wanted to sustain
SAALT’s efforts through monthly donations. I know that monthly
donations are ideal for any nonprofit organization because it keeps
a steady stream of resources coming into the organization, thus
constantly fueling all the great work SAALT is and will be doing.
How
did you learn about SAALT?
I
attended an event where Deepa Iyer, the Executive Director of SAALT,
spoke. I picked up some materials about SAALT at that event, and
after reading about SAALT’s mission and its projects, I immediately
contacted SAALT to see how I could become more involved.
Do you have any advice for people that want to help support non-profit
organizations regularly?
SAALT
charges my credit card on a monthly basis, so it’s painless
and easy. SAALT’s work can definitely help improve how the
South Asian community is represented and treated in this country
– that’s you, me, our family and our friends. Therefore,
to me, making a monthly donation to SAALT is as important as paying
my rent and electricity bill.
Some
people may think they might not have the resources to donate regularly,
but if you track your monthly expenses, you can see how much you
might spend on eating out, clothes, or coffee. Whether it is donating
$20 or $50 every month, any amount can help sustain an organization.
Since I work for a nonprofit organization, social causes are a big
part of my life, so this is a way I can support SAALT and help the
organization carry out its mission to ensure the full and equal
participation of South Asians in American civic and political life.
Also, you can get a tax deduction, which is always a plus!
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