Best Ways to Donate $’s to a Charity

You want to “give back”, you want to know that you are making a difference in the bigger world, you have found a cause that is pulling at your heart strings…And you’ve done your research to ensure it’s a real charity fulfilling the needs of the cause you wish to help. So what’s the best way in today’s fast paced world to donate your dollars?

♦ My personal first choice is to check out the website for the charity and determine if they have a way to donate directly via credit/debit card, many do. You know your dollars are going directly to your charity and will provide peace of mind in the long run. Some charities even offer options to donate via your cell phone but a word of caution – it may be easier but be sure you do extensive research and know exactly who and what cause you are donating to. General donations (without specifying a particular cause of the charity) can be used in any phase of the charity’s business. Donating via website gives you that assurance as you are able to make an exact condition.

♦ Want to make it even easier? Check out JustGive.org. This site allows you to donate directly to numerous charities or a specific organization. It even allows you to designate a particular cause of the charity allowing you to support only what you choose. You can donate to national and international causes or if you want to contribute to a local cause, you can specify that particular charity as well. Be advised however that JustGive.org does keep 3% of your donation to pay the credit card company’s fees but in turn they send an actual check to the charity of your choice on the 10^th of the following month so there are no further fees to you or the charity. Have an honorarium or memorial gift that you want to send? JustGive.org can do that for you as well. A letter will be sent to the organization outlining your memorial gift, and you will receive an email that can be used for tax purposes so be sure to file it appropriately. However if you wish to be anonymous that is an option as well. It’s your choice. As an extra added bonus, you can set up reoccurring donations through JustGive.org and never have to do anything else.

♦ Sending a check directly to the organization is always an option and can be satisfying to actually write and prepare the check for mailing yourself – a specific act of personally involved kindness. Never, ever send cash. Amazingly enough there are still individuals who use this practice but the charity can’t track it, it opens your donation up to fraud and you have no way to prove your donation for tax purposes.

♦ Do you wish to leave a legacy in your will to a specific cause? Check with the charity and with your attorney. There is specific wording that must be included to protect your wishes and to protect how the dollars may be used. Personally overseeing this particular type of giving is extremely important. Heartbreakingly someone, somewhere didn’t do their part to protect a $250,000 donation made in 2003 by Asta Forrest, a Danish immigrant (See the story here!). The donation was made to the Arizona Parks System and it was swept by the state government to pay off deficits without first using all other alternatives. A sad state of affairs. Protect yourself and protect your wishes – Do your homework!

Giving of yourself or your resources, no matter how big or how small can make you feel euphoric - enjoy it and learn lots! Giving - of any kind - can become the most rewarding part of your life.  Many believe that helping others on their journey through life is, after all, our purpose here on earth. When we help others we are actually making a positive difference in ourselves.

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