While on the surface, a charitable donation may feel like a simple case of doing something nice for those worse off than you. In reality it is sadly all too easy to end up giving your money to a charity that is either ill equipped to use the money correctly, to one that will see the best part of it eaten up in admin costs, or to a charity which is just plain bogus. It is a real headache to think that when you just want to do some good there are countless ways in which it can end up not going the way you hoped. Therefore, it is worth doing a bit of study before you donate and finding out where your donation can do the most help.
The Internet has a number of helpful websites that allow you to research charities in your chosen cause, whether it is helping terminally ill children, those who are homeless or those who have been victims of abuse. By auditing the procedures and work of these organizations, the people behind the websites perform an invaluable service in allowing you to see how best you can make a difference. One such website is the American Institute of Philanthropy.
By a system of points, the AIP rates charities on the basis of rigorous analysis, awarding points on the basis of how much of the money donated goes on charitable programs, how cost effective their fundraising programs are, their level of disclosure on financial matters and whether or not they hold excessive assets in reserve. This is just one of a number of websites that does the occasionally thankless job of bringing failing charities to book, and showing people where to donate.
The charities that will make the most difference when you donate will vary. It is worth thinking about what issue most motivates you to donate. Are some causes more deserving than others? Is transparency in question? If you give $100, will most of that money go to the children who need it most? All of these are questions you should ask yourself before donating. In some unfortunate cases, a charity will simply act as a positive front for a less altruistic purpose and, by trying to do well; you will indirectly help someone less than needy.
Informing yourself on where to donate is an important act because there is a tendency to become cynical when you find out that your money has not gone to the deserving cause you thought it had. It would be a real shame if people were turned off giving to charity by the negative stories that they hear. So think before you give, but do not let other people’s bad stories make you reluctant to give at all. Gather as much information as possible prior to making a decision regarding charity. Giving to charity is an important decision that can change your life and that of others. So give freely, but with the confidence that you are giving wisely.
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