How To Decide Where To Donate
If you run a business or find yourself with a little pocket change at the end of each month – and want to do some good with your cash, donating to charity is one of the best things you can do. When we donate to charity, our cash gets funneled into doing good for the causes we believe in and care about.
But when there is so much going on – where is the money best spent? How do you choose which charities are going to see some extra cash?
What do you care about?
Often we choose charities based on our personal experience – what has impacted us, what has happened in our lives. For example, if you saw violence or hunger during childhood, then a children’s charity will likely catch your eye. Think about what you care about and make a list of where your money should go.
Keep in mind that even within a single category, there will be thousands of charities that will make a positive impact.
Legitimate
There are more than a few cases where charities have been set up – only they aren’t really charities, and what that means is that the money you donate isn’t going towards any cause. Look for charities that have the 501(c)(3) status and that are registered on some of the charity organization websites. You’ll see a page that looks like this: The Dwoskin Family Foundation, on some websites that show the charity has been vetted and is correctly set up.
Transparency
If a charity seems to have a lot to hide, or there isn’t information about where the donations go – that is something to be wary about. If the charity has a website but no social media and no ways to contact them – this is a huge red flag too.
All organizations that are reputable will act and work like regular businesses.
Affiliations
A lot of charities run alongside causes and companies that you might not be comfortable with. Most of the time, you won’t be able to find affiliations without some digging – but you won’t be alone; some searches online will tell you much of what you need to know.
Even charities that seemingly serve a courageous purpose can be linked with anti-LGBTQA+, anti-black and more companies and people.
Be careful to trace as many affiliations as you can.
Evaluation
The outcome of the charity programs should be evaluated. You might see that a lot of programs are started but never seem to come to fruition. Look to see what their biggest impact is and if that is something that you want to get involved with.
When a charity takes the time to commission evaluations into the impact of their program, they are making sure that it is having the desired positive impact. Additionally, they are learning how to improve it in the future.
Perhaps you are focused on making a bigger impact and don’t want to just donate, If you want to run it then this article will be of interest – Building A Charity: Wellness 4 Warriors.
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