Cream Puff's recent diary on charity got me thinking. Many of us give money or time to charitable causes we believe in, and naturally we want our contributions to be used as responsibly and effectively as possible. I've worked for non-profits for over CENSORED years, and I've compiled some tips on how you can make the most of your charitable giving.
Donating Money...
It's important for you to find out exactly where your money goes. What is the mission of your charity? Is your charity local, or a chapter of a national organization? The answers to these questions could mean the difference between your money staying in your community to fund direct services or being pooled to fund, say, research at the national or international level. I'm not saying one is better than the other; but they're two very different scenarios and it's up to you to decide which best aligns with your values and priorities.
One measure of a charity's efficiency is the percentage of each dollar that goes toward programs and services. The idea is that the higher the percentage, the more efficient the charity. Beware! It's not always that simple. The systems of checks and balances that safeguard a charity from fraud or misuse of funds eat up part of that dollar, so a charity that spends less on administration might not be the better organization. Low operating costs are good, but they're not the only factor to consider when evaluating a charity.
Donating Time...
Not everybody can afford (or wants) to donate money. That's ok... you can volunteer. A lot of people are put off by the idea of volunteering. They imagine stuffing thousands of envelopes in a drab cubicle. But volunteering can be whatever you want it to be, both in terms of your time commitment and job description. You'll make new friends, acquire new skills, and know that you're making a difference in people's lives.
Do you have a particular area of expertise? Consider donating your professional services. The organization I work for has a team of massage therapists who donate their time to give massages to our critically ill clients. Nearly any skill can help a cause - be creative, and together you'll figure out a way for you to contribute and enjoy yourself at the same time.
Donating your professional services has a whole laundry list of benefits apart from the satisfaction of making a difference. For example, some donated services are tax deductible. You'll also be able to network with the charity's other volunteers, staff and board of trustees, many of whom can provide referrals to your business or service. You might get a few new customers!
For Anyone...
Regardless of whether you choose to give of time or money, I strongly recommend a tour of the charity's facilities. No matter how crazy the schedule, any reputable charities will jump at the chance to show the community what they do and how they do it. It will take maybe an hour of your time, but you'll forge a link with the charity and see first hand how your gift will help people. Don't be shy. Ask questions. You'll have a much higher level of investment in the cause than if you simply wrote out a check and dropped it in the mail, and you'll have the peace of mind of knowing your gift will be used responsibly.