There are so many worthy causes, and situations, how do you decide where to donate?
A personal giving strategy helps you decide before you donate.
My Story
During a church business meeting a motion was made for our church to make a charitable donation to a national organization which distributes Bibles.
On the surface it seemed like a good idea.
Shouldn’t every church support the distribution of Bibles?
During the discussion phase, I asked the critical question; has anyone checked the 990?
The 990 is a tax return that provides a reality check.
As it turns out, very little of the money collected was going directly to distributing Bibles.
In fact, a huge chunk was going to support very large salaries.
The motion was tabled, and the idea abandoned.
Checking the 990 is part of my personal giving strategy before donating to any large organization.
Devising a personal giving strategy is simply a way to preplan for giving and getting started is easy.
I call it the three W’s of giving: where, when, and what amount.
There is no right or wrong.
Donating, or choosing not to donate, is completely a personal choice.
Where to Donate
Where do you want your hard-earned money to go?
To get an idea of where you’d like to donate, consider what’s important to you.
Would you like for your dollars to help an organization that makes a difference on a large scale?
In that case, donate to a larger organization whose mission aligns with what’s important to you.
Conduct at least a minimal amount of research to make sure your money will be well spent.
Or would you prefer to keep your giving local?
Opportunities abound everywhere.
There are local food banks, backpack giveaways, and multiple other programs.
Our church even has an undie Sunday where we bring new underwear to donate to the local homeless shelter.
If you want to donate locally, and you don’t know where to start, ask a local church.
Direct donations are always appreciated.
Not all giving needs to occur through an organization.
Look around. There are people who could use a helping hand everywhere.
Single parents and middle-class families who are struggling to make ends meet can always use a bit of extra help.
My mom used to come to my house with a bag full of paper products and cleaning supplies.
I was elated.
Sometimes just a little extra help can make a big difference.
When will you donate?
When do you plan to donate?
Annually, monthly, weekly, on the fly when something catches your attention?
Experience tells me that if you don’t have a plan, it won’t happen, and donating will turn into just a nice thought.
Knowing when you plan to donate eliminates any guilt for times you choose not to contribute.
What amount will you donate?
While large donations are always appreciated, no donation amount is too small.
Even the smallest donation matters.
While one pair of underwear may be a small donation, a church coming together results in a significant donation to the local homeless shelter.
Give based on your ability to give, not on anyone else’s expectations.
We are heading into the season of giving, and being able to give is a blessing.
While you can’t donate to everything, you can donate to something.
Having a personal giving strategy simply allows you to preplan for what that something is.
Happy Giving!
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