Give wisely during season of charity
It is the holiday season in America, when most children and adults look forward to receiving a special gift or two they’ve desired. But for thousands of American charities, this is an especially critical time of year. What many organizations receive during the next few weeks in particular can dictate what they will achieve during the entire year to come.
The United States has more than 800,000 public philanthropies, and thousands more religious charities and houses of worship, which depend greatly, some entirely, on donations to continue their work for society. Fortunately, Americans have been renowned givers for many years.
In 2001, according to Independent Sector, a coalition of charities and foundations, 89 percent of US households donated funds to philanthropies. The American Association of Fundraising Counsel Trust for Philanthropy pegs total contributions for that year at $212 billion.
But since the outpouring of support in response to the Sept. 11 tragedies, we have seen some unfortunate, and in some cases devastating, changes.
Certainly, economic down forces have restricted the ability of some people to give. However, we also see a declining level of confidence by Americans in our nation’s charities.
National and local media coverage of organizations’ handling of donations, money mismanagement, and even possible ties to terrorist organizations have many people questioning whether their financial contributions are reaching intended recipients. According to a recent poll commissioned by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 42 percent of those questioned said they have less confidence in charities since Sept. 11, and almost one-third, 29 percent, said they are less likely to donate to any charities.
Of course, giving up on giving is not the answer. Right now organizations supporting education, the environment, and people less fortunate need the public’s help more than ever before.
As the founder of Communities In Schools, which has successfully helped at-risk students for 25 years, I have watched many philanthropic organizations thrive or falter based largely on the donations they receive from the public. But I understand that for giving to be sustained, people need to feel confident that their donations are being put to good use.
Quality charities can easily be identified. Here are some ways for generous Americans to feel more confident about the organizations they donate to.
– Support local charities.
Charities in your community most likely serve the people and causes in your city or town, so you can have a greater understanding of what specifically these organizations are accomplishing and how you are helping. Because you are close enough to actually see the results, you can determine how caring and accountable the charity is and most importantly what is achieved.
– Talk to the charity about how they will use your donation.
Any organization with a track record of successful outcomes will be happy, and eager, to share with you what their mission and accomplishments are and how your funding is vital to their work.
– Seek out charities that use funding wisely and efficiently.
The most effective charities are run like businesses, issuing annual reports, making budgets available to the public, and allocating a majority of their revenue to program operations.
This month, Worth magazine issued its second annual assessment of America’s Top 100 Charities, selecting “those charities that are doing the best job, dollar for dollar of mitigating (America’s) problems.”
The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance offers charity evaluations and offers guidance to donors in making informed choices.
– Work with your place of employment and a chosen charity to develop a specialized philanthropic program, such as maintaining a park, supporting a shelter or health clinic, or tutoring students.
Many charities, particularly local ones, will enthusiastically work with you and your company to develop and implement a program that meets your common goals. And, this allows you to have oversight of how your funds and resources are being applied.
– Give your time.
Charities need money to sustain their work, of course, but many are equally in need of people who can provide hands on assistance.
The most fulfilled and effective volunteers have a passion for the causes they support, whether it be volunteering at schools, serving on a local philanthropy’s board to help raise funds or offering guidance in a special area of expertise.
According to Independent Sector, almost 84 million adults volunteered in 2001, a value of $239 billion.
Volunteering allows you to see and learn first hand what a charity does and the impact it has. And it gives you piece of mind that your financial contribution will be used wisely.
Supporting charitable causes is a bedrock of American society – one that we cannot afford to see crumble.
Philanthropic efforts play a vital role in sustaining our culture, our land and our people. So this season, please continue to give. Give wisely. But give.
Bill Milliken is founder and president of Communities In Schools, which operates 193 localized efforts across America, helping at-risk kids stay in school and succeed in life. Learn more at www.cisnet.org.