This year, the American Philatelic Society (APS) joined organizations from around the world in support of “Giving Tuesday,” a day of giving that’s “fuelled by the power of social media and collaboration.”
Immediately following the now-ubiquitous celebrations of consumerism known as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, “Giving Tuesday” now serves as a marker to kick off the charitable season and end-of-year giving. Last year, more than 45,000 organizations came together to make a difference; this year, the APS joined the effort to make a difference (and as philatelists, we’re all better for it).
The APS and American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) welcomed gifts of all kinds; however, it was also a “very special” opportunity to grow the APS and the hobby.
“Thanks to the success of World Stamp Show-NY 2016 — we have received a challenge,” reads the APS website.
That challenge was an offer to match dollar-for-dollar donations for two purposes:
(1) Modern Member Outreach (goal: $25,000 for a total of $50,000): “Collecting is different for newer collectors,” reads the APS website. “Technology through the Internet has opened new doors to finding stamps and learning about the hobby. With your help, we can connect with collectors and promote the hobby and the APS with greater technology than ever before.”
(2) A Team for the Hobby (goal: $25,000 for a total of $50,000): “Recently, we convened the Summit for the Future of Philately in Bellefonte,” explains the APS. “From that Summit, a dream team of collectors, dealers, the U.S. Postal Service and the National Postal Museum will form the Council on Postal Collectors to promote the hobby for the next generation.”
To view the report on the Oct. 28 Summit on the Future of Philately, click here.
The APS and APRL are both IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charities. Gifts may be tax deductible for U.S. taxpayers. Written acknowledgments are provided for all gifts of $5 or more.