Donating Money to Charity
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We live in a privileged world, yet there are millions of people all over the globe who are impoverished, starving and living in terrible conditions. While organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank and UNICEF work feverishly to assist the millions of hungry people in the world, these operations rely on not only the donation of goods from companies and individuals, but on financial support from the government and other donors.
There are numerous benefits attached to the donation of money to reputable charity organizations. One major benefit is the knowledge that your donation will go to improving the life of another person. By donating money to the less fortunate, you are taking action against hunger, poverty, sickness and possible death.
Another benefit is that your contributions may be tax deductible. Meet with a tax professional or accountant before you donate anything to determine the proper route to take.
Choosing a Charity
When choosing which charity/charities you are going to support, please consider the following:
- What is the charity's cause? Every charity has a certain cause, something they work to improve in the lives of others. Some charities deal with assisting former drug users in getting clean and getting their lives in order. Others provide food and shelter assistance for the homeless or severely poor.
- Does the charity have a suggested donation amount? Numerous charities have worked out precisely how much money it takes to assist one person, on average. This amount can be a good guideline for how much you can donate.
- If you would like to donate to more than one charity, do you want to put your dollars behind charities who work for the same goal, or spread out over various purposes?
- How is your donation going to be sent? You should research via your human resources department if applicable and find out if they have any form of matching system in place. A matching system is a form of donation where the Company chooses a charity and will add to your donation by a certain percentage. Also, you need to find out if your company will do an automatic deduction to the charity or charities you've chosen.
- How long and/or often do you want to donate? Based on the points above, you should plan out how long you will continue to contribute to the charity you choose. Will you send a small amount every paycheck? A big check every six months? This is another point to decide with your accountant or tax professional.
Stop World Hunger!
When it comes down to it, the choice to donate is your own. If you have the funds to be able to donate to any charity at all, then I applaud you. Please make wise money choices, even when helping others.
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Comments
I have no problems donating. The problem I have is, is the money going to the right places. Just check out the UN
That is why you must fully research your prospective donation, bogey. Never give your money to a cause you do not back 100%.
Yep, that's why I am such a fan of microfinance - it makes one gifted dollar go such a long way!
Jenny
I can't remember the guy's name but he is from Bangledesh and he just won the Nobel Peace Prize. He set up an institution that gives out small loans. It's been a huge success. The vast majority of the loans go to poor women and most of the loans, something like 97%, get paid back. I like this approach a lot better. The American Cancer Society collects hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Their upper execs fly in big corporate jets and live a lavish lifestyle. In addition, the ACS, even if it was run by truly good-intentioned people, has no financial motivation to find a cure for cancer. It would disolve the institution. Finally, we know now that there are several natural cures and lifestyle changes that one can make to reduce their risk of getting cancer. I don't see the ASC promoting these. They do, however, promote all the chemotherapy, surgery and drug solutions for treating cancer.
Gamegirl, you are right! You have to choose your charity carefully. However, many that I would never give a dime to have a very 'reputable' image in our society.
Keep up the great hubs.
Cheers,
Jonathan
As a grandmother, I LOVE it when I see people like you, coming up the ranks! Thank you for being so positive and up! I love it - we need more like you GAMEGIRL! Go Girl!
Laurie B.
All issues involved with the ACS aside, there are plenty of charitable organizations who are worthy of financial donations in the event that you choose not to donate goods. Please don't paint every organization with the same brush you paint the ACS.
One of my favorite charities is called Child's Play. Run by the guys at Penny Arcade, these guys give hospitals the money to purchase games, consoles and such toys for children confined to hospitals. So, for those kids who are locked away in hospitals getting treatment for various diseases, organ transplants, etcetera, Child's Play takes cash donations and turns it into joy.
I'll add a link above with the others so anyone who may stumble upon this and may be interested can help.
Thanks WildwindE, I really do try and be positive. It's hard, teh intarwebz r 4 argueings. *hug*
I agree Gamegirl. Worthy charities are indeed worthy. It wasn't my intention to be negative if that is how it was read. I do think it is negative to give to something that doesn't bring results. However, it is quite positive to give to something good. I donate on a monthly basis.
And, I repeat... good job on this hub and keep up the positive outlook!!
Regards,
Jonathan
Very cool Hub. Thanks for sharing!
One of my favorite websites donates a portion of the profits from every sale they make to the buyer's favorite charity. They have a stock list of charities/causes they deal with,a nd they allow you to reccomend your personal favorite at the time of purchase, also. This means everytime you buy something you were going to buy anyway...you can also donate to your favorite cause.
The company is called Funds For Us - www.FundsForUs.com
It is very important to do a little research before you start giving money away. I agree with your position.
Great stuff, thanks! Researching reputable charities can be a long process but you've provided some very useful starting points.
Peter M. Lopez says:
2 years ago
Great hub, Gamegirl. I should have consulted you before I published mine on giving. LOL.