3 Things to Do BEFORE You Donate to a Charity

While it's obviously not acted on by all people, it is evident that we humans have not just the capacity to help others, but more importantly, a basic drive to assist those who are less fortunate. The desire is built into us. It's part of what makes us human. It's one of the true beauties of humanity.

Whether we have little or lots -- time, physical abilities, food, funds, furniture, etc. -- we're driven from within to offer whatever we have to those who have less of it.

Unfortunately, there are uncharitable -- that is, unloving -- people in this world who prey on those who want to act on this basic human kindness. While lacking a decent moral compass, these people do not lack cleverness or the ability to pass themselves off as people of light, rather than darkness.

This lens is presented as a simple guide -- three distinct steps -- to help those who want to do GOOD do the most GOOD without lining the pockets of those who spitefully use charities as cloaks for naughty-not-nice sources for their ill-gotten gain.

Thank you for your giving heart!

[Image: Lens host (Guy) with local kids in Ethiopia.]

Your first task -- BEFORE you give -- is to check your heart. Determine why you want to give.

Look into your heart and answer the following:

-- Are you giving so you'll receive praise or will your gift be the fruit of a sincere heart?

-- Do you have motives self-ISH or self-LESS?

-- Would you provide this gift of time, effort, property, or money even if nobody knew?

-- Do you expect something in return?

The point is that giving is best done and most rewarding when it is done from a pure heart. Even in our modern hyper-connected world, it is best if you bless others without fanfare.

Gifts are not very meaningful to either the givers or receivers if they are given under compulsion, because of guilty feelings, or for any other selfish reason.

So, check your heart before you give. If your motives are not pure, then take a few moments or hours or even days to align your heart with the good your gift is intended to achieve. If you do this first, both you and your recipient will be blessed.

** These are a few of my favorite giving organizations.

** Be sure to share your favorites before you leave this lens!

While it is important to simply give where it's needed and where you have opportunity, if you're going to give to an organized charity, I recommend that you check first with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

There are two reasons for this step.

First, if the charity has registered itself with the IRS and been approved as a charitable organization, it is an indication that the organization is legitimate. Keeping in mind that there even crooks can register with the IRS, it's still important to move on to the third step before you give.

Second, while I don't for the notion that you should only give if you can write the donation off your taxes, the current tax laws allow for such a deduction, so you may be able to give a bit more knowing that your tax burden may be reduced. [NOTE: I am not a tax professional, so please don't take my word for it. Consult with your tax adviser about any potential tax benefits.]

With these two considerations in mind, here are a couple places for you to check the charities you're interested in against the IRS database of registered charities.

Not all charities are really charitable. Check out these excellent videos before you pull out your checkbook or hand over your cash. You'll find more on Charity Navigator's YouTube channel.

You can reduce your tax bite by giving non-cash donations...but be careful to do it the right way.

Sure, you can donate cash! Here are some things to consider.

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