Philanthropy Tips

Always remember that no matter how bad we think we've got it, there is always someone worse off, and they need our help. Many people don't think they can afford to give. But while you're enjoying the food you put in your mouth and the heat in your home, others go to sleep hungry and cold. Please give to others.

Here's a tip for you. Pick a charity you like and get on a monthly plan. You pay it along with the other bills without thinking about it. That way you can't talk yourself out of it. I've sponsored a child in India for many years and its very fulfilling.

If you're an expert at what you do... or for that matter, just really good at it... you should donate some time to an organization that can put your skills to work to help others.

Talk to others about your philanthropic efforts. It just might rub off and inspire them to get more involved. Also, teach your children about how giving back to the world is just as important as taking from it.

Find out where the money you are donating is going. You want the majority of the money to be helping the cause and not funding administrative duties. The Charity Rating guide from AIP’s suggests that about 60% or more that you give should be spent of the services that the charity provides and that mo more than 40% should be spent on the other costs such as administration and fundraising. You have every right to know where your dollars are being spent so don't be afraid to ask!

If you plan on donating more than $250 worth of cash and/or items to your favorite charity, be sure to keep receipts of all your transactions so you can claim the tax deductions! You can also use acknowledgement letters from the charity as proof of donation.

Inspire other people to get more involved in charitable activities and events. Inspire them to not only take from the world but to give back as well. There is an old saying;

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."

Let us learn from this and realized that this world can only be as good as what we do to influence it. Each of us have a voice and can have a tremendous impact if only we care enough to take action.

Organizations to Give To:

• American Cancer Society
• Goodwill
• Christian Children's Fund
• American Red Cross
• World Vision
• Missing Kids
• Christian Children's Fund
• Doctors Without Borders
• Save Darfur
• Make a Wish Foundation
• Habitat for Humanity
• March of Dimes
• Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
• Project Hope
• St. Jude Children's Hospital
• Easter Seals
• Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Amnesty International

Of course the list goes on and on. There are many in need of your help.

Try organizing a small fund raiser for your cause/organization. These events can range from bake sales to car washes to bucket brigades. Be sure to check with your local area for laws and any businesses for permission to perform these activities. You can also contact companies that sell goods in conjunction with charity organizations to raise money. Read all the information on the companies to make sure a good chunk of the money raised actually goes to the cause.

Do not get talked into donating money right away if you are not comfortable. Some charities might try to pressure you to giving a donation right then and there, but you do not have to if you are not 100% sure, especially if it is for a large sum of money. You have the right to check into the organization and request more information before making a decision. Any upstanding charity will understand and be willing to work with you.

Make sure that the charity you are thinking about donating to is indeed a legit organization. Some entities will employ an name that is close to that of a reputable charity to trick people into donating to them. You should get information and pamphlets so that you can you check with watchdog groups and your local government to validate the charity.

Once you have donated money to a charity or cause, there is every possibility that they will contact you about future donations, or that other similar charities may contact you. Be prepared either to give more money or with a good (and honest) reason if you choose not to at another time.