Everyone knows the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” But the world is full of things that need changing—how can you make a real difference?
One person alone can definitely change the world, but sometimes investing time or money into a dedicated organization can make bigger change much faster. Even then, the choices seem limitless. You need to find out where you can make the most impact.
Here are effective tips for choosing the best charity foundation for your donations.
Follow Your Passion
Peter Dodge Bridgehampton, a recovering alcoholic, put his money into building a foundation for other recovering alcoholics, which now helps millions of Americans. His story shows that you can make the biggest impact by focusing your efforts into one field.
Start with a list of the causes you believe in—are you passionate about animals, people experiencing homelessness, or people in recovery? Once you have your list, prioritize and refine it until you have one or two to which you can make a donation. One way to do this is to try to find causes that lack support.
Do Your Research
It’s not hard to find a charity; you can start your search in your local area, or go to sites like GoFundMe to find a passion project. If you want to make a national or global impact, you’ll need to extend your research. There are thousands of charities, nonprofits, and even banks with charitable foundations that you can give to—but not all of them are created equal.
Check out reviews from charity watchdog organizations to make sure your money is going to the right place. Give.org, which is associated with the Better Business Bureau, rates charities according to rigid standards and allows you to read reviews.
What to Look For
There are signs that show a charitable foundation is trustworthy. During your research, look for traits like these:
- It’s a nonprofit. This way, you’ll know your money is going to the cause, not the CEO’s bank account
- They provide accessible financial reports. This way, you’ll know that your charity uses donations wisely and effectively
- Regular auditing by third party accountants. This way, you’ll know that they are committed to transparency
What to Avoid
Some red flags that point toward a charity scam include:
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Asks for cash or wire transfer donations
- Does not provide proof that donations are tax-deductible
Also remember that every legit charity foundation will have these three things on their website: a mission statement, financial reports, and a verifiable board of directors.
Donate to the Best Charity Foundation Today
Now that you know how to choose the best charity foundation, it’s time to make your decision! Start your research now so that you can make the changes you want to see in the world (and the donations, too).
Did this article help you out? You can find more posts like this on the Lifestyle page of this site. Learn everything you need to know about all types of charities and beyond.
