EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — For nonprofits like the Izzy Foundation, holidays like GivingTuesday that put a spotlight on charity organizations make a difference. "We could not keep going, we'd have to close the doors if it wasn't for the community and the donations," said Carla Mulhern, executive director of the Izzy Foundation. Based in Providence, the Izzy Foundation provides comfort and support to kids with life-changing medical conditions and their families. "We have two spaces at Hasbro Children's Hospital, beautiful purple rooms," Mulhern said. "Families can come in 24 hours a day, get a warm cup of coffee, get snacks ... feel Izzy's hug as they walk in the door, and be able to give them a safe space in what is sometimes an unnerving and scary environment like a hospital setting." It's generosity that keeps them going, she said, but recently they've noticed donations shrinking. "We still have the amazing people that give, but it is tough. It is trying times, so people are still giving but it might be a little bit less," Mulhern said. "Inflation has hit nonprofits hard, just like it's hit individual families," added Nancy Wolanski, director of the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island. Wolanski said with pandemic-related federal funding coming to an end and the state facing a budget deficit, nonprofits could use support from individual donors more than ever. A little goes a long way, she said, especially on a recurring basis. "We've seen their expenses increase," Wolanski said of local nonprofit groups. "We've seen need in the community increase, actually higher than pandemic levels... And some families have had to decrease their giving because they have less available income to spend." "Even if it's five or $10or $15 a month," she continued. "It may seem like a very small amount to an individual, but knowing that there's going to be someone giving that $5, $10 or $15, means nonprofits can plan on that." United Way of Rhode Island recently launched the "Give4GoodRI" website, which is a searchable database of local nonprofit organizations that people can use to learn more about dozens of charities in their communities. The Better Business Bureau also offered advice to those who want to donate on GivingTuesday. Tips include taking the time to find out more about the charity before donating, going directly to the charity's website to donate, and verifying the exact name of the organization to make sure it's legitimate. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW