With so many worthy causes and organizations vying for your attention, choosing the right charity to support can feel overwhelming. It’s not enough to simply want to give back; it’s essential to find an organization that aligns with your values, has a clear mission, and is making a tangible impact. This article will provide practical steps and considerations to help you make informed decisions and choose the right charity to support.
Understanding Your Values
Before exploring different charities, start by understanding your own values. Ask yourself:
- What Causes Are You Passionate About? What are the issues that are most important to you?
- What Impact Do You Want to Make? Do you want to help your local community, or support people in other parts of the world?
- What Kind of Change Are You Seeking? Do you want to support long-term change, or focus on immediate relief?
Researching Potential Charities
Once you have clarity on your values and goals, you can begin researching specific charities. There are many things to look for when selecting a charity:
- Mission and Goals: Review the mission statement, and determine if their values align with your own. Is their approach to the problem they are trying to solve something that you support?
- Impact and Effectiveness: How does the organization measure their impact? Do they have data to support their claims? Look for data-driven results.
- Financial Transparency: Are their financial records accessible and transparent? A legitimate organization will always be open and honest with how they allocate their resources.
Tools for Researching Charities
There are numerous resources that can assist you in researching charities. Some of the best resources include:
- Charity Navigator: This website evaluates charities based on their financial health, transparency, and accountability.
- GuideStar: GuideStar provides detailed information on over 2.7 million nonprofits in the US, including financial data and mission statements.
- The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search: You can use this tool to verify an organization’s tax-exempt status, which is required for making tax-deductible donations.
Consider Different Types of Charities
Different charities will have different impacts. Consider if you would like to give to:
- Local Charities: These charities are deeply engaged in your local community, and often have the greatest immediate impact.
- National Charities: These charities have a wider reach and often tackle issues across the country.
- Global Charities: These charities work to impact global issues, providing aid to areas in need all over the world.
Beyond Financial Donations
Remember that giving isn’t limited to money. You can also support charities through:
- Volunteering: Donate your time and skills to an organization, where they will have a significant impact on the organization’s success.
- In-Kind Donations: You can donate goods that an organization may need to achieve their goals.
- Advocacy: Use your voice to promote awareness of their mission and to advocate for policy change.
Trust Your Gut
While research is vital, it’s also important to trust your gut. If a charity’s approach or values feel misaligned with your own, it may be better to look at other options.
Wills.com and Charitable Planning
Wills.com can help you plan for your future charitable giving, allowing you to create a legacy that is both aligned with your values, and also ensures that your estate plan works in your best interest. We also help organizations by providing tools for charities to onboard their supporters, allowing them to seamlessly accept legacy gifts through wills and trusts. By working together we can all make a more positive impact on the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is a “four-star” charity?
- A: Charity Navigator awards a four-star rating to charities with the highest levels of financial health, transparency, and accountability.
- Q: Should I always choose a large, well known charity?
- A: Not necessarily. While they have a great impact, local charities can have just as much or even more impact, especially in your community. Choose based on your values and goals.
- Q: What if a charity refuses to provide financial information?
- A: You should avoid charities that are not transparent about their finances. Transparency is a critical component of a trustworthy organization.
- Q: How else can I support my favorite charities?
- A: Beyond donations, you can volunteer, engage in advocacy, or donate needed goods and services. Find ways to make a long term impact.
Conclusion
Choosing the right charity to support is an individual decision that is based on your values, goals, and vision for the world you want to see. By taking the time to thoroughly research the organizations you are considering, you can ensure your donations are used effectively and that you are supporting meaningful change for causes you care about. Be intentional in your giving and you will be empowered to create the impact you have always dreamed of.
Ready to secure your legacy? Create your free Wills.com account today!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult an attorney or visit the Wills.com Learning center.