In Business / April 2007
Checks and Charities
There are a multitude of stock, bond, mutual fund and insurance specialists that can advise a woman about how to invest her money, but virtually no one to advise her which charity would be best for her to support. That’s too bad, considering only half of Americans own stocks or mutual funds, but nearly nine out of ten families donate their time and money to one or more charities.
In other countries, Americans are thought to be generous because they are rich, but it may be that Americans are rich because they are generous. Voluntary giving seems to accompany economic growth. Whether a woman gives away outgrown clothes, takes her old glasses to the Lion’s Club, donates an unused cell-phone to a domestic violence shelter, or volunteers in a soup kitchen, she helps a cause that matters to her. It is an important and personal decision that deserves a little time and a little thought.
Like all investments of time and cash, it takes planning. Women should plan their giving like they would plan for expenses or retirement. Rather than just responding to a scattering of requests or the most strident demands, a woman should take the time to identify which causes are important to her. She should give to the causes she is passionate about.
The first step is to research the organization and know as much about the organization as possible before sending them a check. Verify that the chosen charity is the one that actually does charitable work.
Imposters and sound-alike names are often frauds. Recognized charities have been certified by an appropriate governmental body and should have proof of their 501 (C) (3) status. The organization’s ratings can also be checked on the website, guidestar.org.
Check the charity’s website to see how money is used, to make certain donations go to support the mission, not only the overhead, and to see how donations are used to fulfill their mission.
Money isn’t the only way women can make a significant contribution to their charity of choice. Donating time and labor is an excellent gift. A variety of professional skills would be welcomed by most nonprofits; accountants to keep books, carpenters to help fix properties, writers for newsletters or web text. Donations of goods can also be helpful, from clothes to cars.
Many companies have matching programs that double an employee’s donation.
Women can encourage such support by making donations to reputable charities and utilizing their employer’s generosity.
Women should support organizations that are addressing issues they believe to be important, but also, organizations that are well run and attacking the subject in ways that move them. Some organizations approach the end point of a problem–the drop out, the drug addict, the pregnant teen, and the polluted streams. Other organizations intervene before, trying to change the system to reduce the incidence of problems. They may work with early childhood education to head off future problems for teens, or address the reduction of polluting emissions. Women should consider which approach is most important to them and put their money where their heart lies.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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