There is no doubt that the world is full of people who need help. News venues are rife with stories of the victims of natural disasters, wars, drought, famine and urban squalor. Many people feel empathy towards the less fortunate and want to help them, but find it difficult to decide which of the organizations vying for charitable donations are most worthy. Here are some tips on how to channel your generosity so your giving does as much good as possible.
Investigate
Though it is hardly believable that there are those who would make profit off of the misfortunes of others, charity fraud is widespread. Do not let yourself be pressured by fast-talking solicitors into contributing immediately. Investigate first to see if the organization is reputable. The Federal Trade Commission suggests contacting the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Watch or one of the other watch services listed on its website to find out if the charity is legitimate. Peruse the charity’s website to get detailed information about it, and call them to ask specific questions. Find out what percentage of your donation goes to the needy and what percentage the charity uses for overhead. Research sites such as worldhungernews.com to find out where the greatest needs are. Though some charities that spring up right after natural disasters and other catastrophes are legitimate, before you donate find out if they have the infrastructure in place to be able to help on a large scale.
Keep Records
When you donate, do not send or wire money. The safest way to give is by a check made payable to the organization or by credit card. In this way, you have a record of the transaction. For any donation over $250, the charitable organization is required to send you a receipt, which you use for tax purposes. It is important to know the difference between tax exempt and tax deductible. Tax exempt means that the organization does not have to pay taxes. Tax deductible means that you can deduct contributions on your federal income tax return. The Internal Revenue Service has a special webpage where you can check which organizations can receive tax deductible contributions.
Give What Is Most Needed
Though you might feel your giving would have greater impact if you collected material goods to send to those in crisis, this is not always practical. Sometimes it is difficult, time consuming and prohibitively costly to store and ship supplies in bulk. It is usually more efficient to donate money so that relief workers can buy needed items near the site of the disaster, saving time and transportation costs. If you have needed bulk supplies, it is more efficient to coordinate shipping with other donors.
Volunteer
If you do not have much money but you have time, consider donating your services. Charitable organizations need personnel in many capacities, including helping with fundraising, educating people about the charity’s mission and help on site if you have specific expertise. Be sure to research organizations you want to give your time to as much as you would if you were donating money. Be sure the organization has clear, well-documented accomplishments and future goals. Determine that the skills you offer meet the organization’s needs. Remember that once you do volunteer, you have made a commitment that must be honored.
Do not feel that because you can only offer a little in terms of time or money that your gift will not be appreciated. Research shows that those with median or low incomes are much more generous in giving than the rich. Without the small gifts of many people, charities would not be able to continue functioning.
