How Do You Give?

Filed in archive Charity on December 26, 2006

In my last post I referred to the salvation Army's holiday bell ringers and why they might be getting less than they used to. I mentioned that there seem to be an increasing number of non-profits asking for our dollars, but I also want to discuss the possibility that people are being more planful in their giving.

When you have little money, you often give a couple dollars here or there, or throw loose change into a collection box (or Salvation Army kettle) to support an organization in a small way. That is great, but many people as they age start to make more and have more to give. For me, this has meant that I've started thinking harder about what types of organizations mean the most to me and which ones have the best reputation for using that money wsely. When you're giving a dollar you don't think too hard about it; when you're giving a hundred or a thousand, you might be like me and want to think long and hard about what impact your money is really having.

I rarely give small amounts randomly but instead do all my charitable giving once per year, giving more sizable amounts to non-profits that I've spent some time researching and have decided to actively support. For instance, I concentrate mainly on non-profits in my community, so that I can feel my money stays close to home, helping people that live near me. I also feel that these organizations have less bureaucracy than some larger charities, and that my modest contribution is really felt---not a drop in the bucket of a massive charity that may use my money in all number of ways, maybe even some that I wouldn't approve of.

I'm not trying to suggest how you should give, or who you should give to. We all have different priorities, different amounts of money we feel comfortable parting with. Just thought I'd share my personal philosophy.

What's yours?