Tis the Season for Charitable Giving

[+ ArVaGuy]

In just a few weeks 2009 will be coming to a close. It’s been a tough year economically for millions of people. While there are some signs that the economic situation may be stabilizing, it’s readily apparent that a full recovery is a few years away. Times like these are hard for everyone but even more so for various nonprofit and charitable organizations.

 

By far, the United States leads the rest of the world in individual charitable giving. Americans contribute nearly 2% of our GDP to domestic and international organizations.

Every cause imaginable has some charity associated with it; from animal rights, to environmental, cultural, medical, social, or religious. There are just over 1.1 million charitable organizations in the United States. Recently, an article in the Washington Post estimated that nearly 10% of these charities may be forced to shut down due to the tough economic conditions causing major declines in donations.

 

I know that it is hard for many of us these days to make ends meet due to declines in the stock market, job layoffs, massive personal debt and the like. Prudence requires that people be more discerning with their discretionary funds. Consequently some people may have become more reticent to make charitable donations. This is a natural result after analyzing the situation.

 

Given these circumstances it is clear that individual donors should carefully consider and scrutinize the charities asking for money. I would advise looking upon one’s charitable donation as they would any other investment opportunity. Another tip, nonprofits must file a Form 990 with the IRS, essentially an annual report to the government on operations. This is publicly available and will provide information on income, expenses, and the highest salaried employees. Any reputable charity will be glad to provide their most recent report. After all if you are going to give up hard earned money you have a right to know how it’s being utilized.

 

Charity Navigator provides excellent information on many 501© (3) organizations. Among the questions they advise before donating are: Can your charity clearly communicate who they are and what they do? Can your charity define their short-term and long-term goals? Can your charity tell you the progress it has made (or is making) toward its goal? Do your charity's programs make sense to you? Can you trust your charity? Are you willing to make a long-term commitment to your organization?

 

Here comes the “ask” as it’s known in the nonprofit sector. I making an appeal on behalf of all charities that any participants who can afford to donate make an effort to give to the charity of their choice. Whatever your cause or interest, gay related or not, local, state, national or international, please contribute if you are so inclined. The months of November and December are the major fundraising period for many charities. If you cannot afford a monetary contribution consider volunteering your time and skills, believe me it will be appreciated and can be very rewarding.

 

I’m providing a link to Charity Navigator as a resource for background on groups you may be inclined to support. In addition, the Better Business Bureau ranks major charities as well. Much of the information provided by these groups will be an eye opener for many both good and bad.

 

This Thanksgiving day, I wrote my usual checks to the organizations I support. I am considering adding one or two others due to the economic crunch to try and help others. I’m very thankful for what I have (like remaining employed) and that my friends and family remain healthy and happy. Also I’m thankful for this eccentric collection of message center posters who provide so much entertainment and information.

 

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

 

 

 

PS. Thanks for reading this generalized request for charitable donations. I’m stepping off the soap box.

[+ Lucky]

Study the charity before you donate, and don't give cash.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/nyregion/25homeless.html?adxnnl=1&ref=nyregion&adxnnlx=1259294511-mG0LdlTgzfXPfiFnyq3eyg