Throughout the year, there are many times when Americans think about giving back; the holiday season, the end of year for taxes, giving day, or at community non-profit events. It also marks when various charitable organizations and groups reach out to donors. It can be difficult to choose the right fit for your giving due to the number of tax-exempt organizations in the country.
- Write A Philanthropic Autobiography
One of the essential factors that donors should consider when it comes to giving is the alignment of their interests and values with the causes they support. According to Una Osili, a professor of philanthropy at Indiana University, this can help them deepen their relationship with the organizations they give to.
For Alan Ranzer, the managing partner of Impact 4 Good, a company that focuses on corporate social responsibility, it’s essential to reflect on the past year and identify the areas where you can make a difference. For instance, if you had a terrific hiking trip, consider supporting an organization that provides urban youth with an opportunity to get away from the city and explore nature. If you lost a loved one to illness or injury, supporting a charity that helps raise awareness about the cause can be very meaningful.
- Give To The Moment
According to Paul Schervish, a professor of philanthropy at Boston College, this advice should be considered carefully. Although it’s natural to want to help a charity after a humanitarian crisis or natural disaster, it’s essential to take a step back and consider the impact of your giving before making a financial commitment.
If you’re considering giving to a charity that’s not on your list, avoid giving at the moment because it could cause you to make a quick decision. For instance, if an organization that you’re already supporting is appealing for donations, it might be a good idea to use the organization for new purposes.
- Decide Locally or Globally
Deciding between supporting a local or global charity can be a difficult decision. According to Osili, many individuals want to make a difference in their local community and impact the world.
Most people like supporting local charities because they believe their donations can significantly impact a smaller organization. According to Ranzer, sometimes smaller organizations that don’t have the resources to carry out effective marketing can also be great places to support.
- Research
Before you make a financial commitment to a charity, make sure that the organization uses the money that you’re planning on giving wisely. Various organizations conduct economic assessments and provide transparency on the operations of charitable organizations. Some of these websites include guidestar.org, charitywatch.com, and givewell.org. These sites provide quantitative assessments of the organizations’ performance.
These organizations do the necessary research to discover the operations of the various charitable organizations they support. They then present their findings in an unbiased manner.
You can also ask your trusted institutions for advice. According to experts in charitable giving, it’s helpful to see which organizations your alma mater, employer, or house of worship supports. These organizations’ philanthropic efforts have likely been thoroughly vetted, and your values probably align with these entities.
- Think Past The Money
Even if you don’t have a lot of money left at the end of the year, there are still ways that you can support a cause. One of these is volunteering at a local charity, as these organizations don’t have the overhead that larger organizations have.
If you have time, try volunteering at a local charity through volunteermatch.org. This website allows you to search for local organizations you can support on a date that’s right for you. Besides geographical proximity, you can also look for other cause areas such as education and animal welfare.
If you have a particular skill set that you’re in demand for, such as graphic design or accounting, you might be a good candidate for a position at a local charity. You can also find a match through volunteermatch.org, as well as catchafire.org, which is a platform that connects people with organizations that need help.