Donating to charity is one of the best ways to give back to the community. You will have a chance to positively impact people in need and teach your children the importance of generosity. However, there are more than 1.54 million charitable organizations in the USA, so it can be challenging to pick one. Here are a few tips to guide you through.
Consider your Interests
The first step in choosing the right charity organization is to determine your passion. Choosing an institution that you can relate to will make the donating process more fulfilling. Think about your community and the problems that they could be going through. Narrow down to the issues you care more about. You can choose to either support an organization that deals with the homeless, combats hunger, support education, art, or medical research.
Do Your Research
List out charity organizations that deal with issues that interest you or your family. Do in-depth research on the organizations and check their mission statement to see whether it aligns with your beliefs. Talk to people who work in the organization and ask other donors about their experiences. Contact the organization, ask questions, and you can judge their accountability by their willingness to talk to you. If they hesitate to give you some information, this is a red flag. Inquire about how the charity organizations use the donations too. Ensure that you only work with licensed institutions. Check the organizations through sites like CharityWatch to confirm their legibility.
Decide How you Want to Help
Now decide how you want to help the organization. If you consider giving out money, choose an amount that you can afford. It’s also a good idea that you set up smaller donations regularly to provide continued support. On the other hand, you can volunteer your services if you or your family member has a talent or special skills. Alternatively, you can choose to donate blood to save a life. If you want to support the homeless or hungry, such institutions accept food, clothing, blankets, and toys. Some organizations even allow you to make donations online, so choose what best suits you.
The Bottom Line
Always choose a charity organization that you identify with to ensure that your donations benefit a cause that you care about. While doing your due diligence, trust your instincts. Once you begin to doubt an organization, pick another institution with similar ambitions.