Giving to charity rebounded on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic thousands of Americans making donations.
Giving back should be highlighted, as it gives you an opportunity to engage with your community, feel closer to loved ones, and give back to those in need. But this isn’t something you can skip and pick up on a whim.
It may be something you do every year, but the decision to give back should be taken seriously. The steps to choosing a charity in this article are worth taking the time to go over.
Know the Types of Charities
When choosing a charity, it is important to know the types. There are three main types of charities: educational, religious, and philanthropic. Each type of charity has its own mission and goals.
Educational Charity
There are many educational charities to choose from if you are looking to give back. You can choose to support a specific educational cause or a more general charity that funds education. Some things to consider when choosing an educational charity include the type of education they support, its impact, and its transparency.
Religious Charity
If you are religious, you may also want to consider a charity that aligns with your beliefs. There are many religious charities that support a variety of causes, from feeding the hungry to providing medical care to those in need. No matter what your priorities are, there is likely a religious charity that is a good fit for you.
What is Philanthropic Charity
Philanthropic charities are organizations that use donations to make a positive impact on the world, usually through education, medical research, or social services. A philanthropic charity is donating your time or money to a cause that you care about.
Ensure the Legitimacy
If you’re moved to give back and help others, that’s admirable. But before you write a check to your chosen charity, do a little research to make sure it is legitimate. A little legwork now will save you headaches—and heartache—later.
Check Their Registration
One of the most important things to do when choosing a charity to donate to is to check their registration. This can be done by visiting the website of the state Attorney General or the state Secretary of State. The website will have a list of all of the registered charities in the state.
Make sure the charity has registered with the state and has a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. This designation means that the charity is tax-exempt and your donation is tax-deductible.
Visit the Better Business Bureau
When looking for a charity to donate your money or time to, visit the Better Business Bureau site. Here you can research a charity to make sure it is legitimate and also see how efficiently it uses donations. This site will help you make sure your donation is going to a good cause.
Research Reviews about the charity
If you are looking for a charity to give back to, it is important to do your research. A good place to start is with research reviews about the charity. This will give you an idea of how the charity is and what its goals are.
Aligns With Your Passion
A good way to narrow down your options is to choose a charity that aligns with your passions. This could be a charity that supports a cause you care about, or that helps people in a region of the world you have a connection to. Once you find a charity you are passionate about, you can be confident that your donation is in good use and will make a difference in the lives of those the charity supports.
One That Gives Back Locally
If you’re looking for a charity to support, it’s important to consider where your donation goes. Many charities are large organizations with expenses that include advertising, salaries, and overhead. A local charity is more likely to use your donation directly for its cause.
When researching a local charity, find out how it works and who benefits from its services. You can also ask for a list of its recent donors to get an idea of its financial stability.n A local charity that is transparent and responsive to your questions is one that you can trust.
Fits Your Budget
When looking to give back and help those in need, it is important to find a charity that fits your budget. There are many great organizations out there doing amazing work, but not all of them will work for everyone’s budget. It is important to do your research and find an organization that you are comfortable donating to.
One great option is a donor-advised fund, which allows you to recommend how your donation is used. This ensures that your money is going to where it is needed most. Learn more here.
By taking the time to find a charity that fits your budget, you can ensure that your donation is going to a worthy cause.
A Charity You Can Volunteer For
If you’re considering volunteering your time, a great place to start is by thinking about the causes that are important to you. Once you’ve decided on a cause, you can research different charities that support that cause. When you’re looking at charities, it’s important to consider things like their financial stability, how they use their donations, and what their volunteer opportunities are.
Once you’ve found a charity you feel good about, reach out and see what opportunities are available.
Start Giving Back Today
With so many causes and organizations, it is important to learn about the causes you are passionate about and the organizations that best align with your values. Also, keep in mind how you would like to contribute: whether it is through time, talent, or treasure. Once you have done your research, it is time to take action and make a difference by giving back!
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