Unfortunately, bad things, such as natural disasters, happen
in the world every day. When these types of things happen or when people are in
need, it’s normal for charitable organizations to request donations from the
community. And, while donating is a great thing to do, not all charitable
organizations are as trustworthy as they might seem. To ensure that your
donations actually go where you intend them to go, it’s important to “donate
smart.”
To begin with, always take the time to research any
organization you plan to donate goods or money to. Make sure it is a legitimate
non-profit with a number, an address, and information about it online. If an
organization doesn’t show up in a Google search and it seems that no one has
ever heard of it, that’s a big, red flag that something isn’t right and that
the charity may not be legitimate.
You also want to look at results from the charity. While
doing something for the community is good, you want to donate to an
organization that is actually successful in its mission. There’s nothing wrong
with asking about results and inquiring about how much of the donated goods
and/or funds actually go directly to those in need.
You are also encouraged to be proactive about donating.
Instead of waiting for an organization to approach you and ask for money or
goods, figure out what you want to donate and who you would like to help. Then,
inquire about suitable charities in your area. Not only will this allow you to
give to causes you are passionate about, but it will also allow you to handpick
a charity that you know is good and that you strongly believe in. Also, you
won’t feel quite so bad about saying “no” to the
And finally, remember that your donations are (usually)going to be tax deductible, so ask for a donation slip and stash it away for
when you file your taxes. There’s no law that says you can’t benefit from
giving too!
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