Donating to an organization you support is a great experience. Knowing you’re playing a role in making the world a better place by investing in a cause you care about is a great feeling. However, you also want to be an educated giver and know that you donations are making the biggest impact possible.
Do Your Research
One of the most important things you can do is to educate yourself. If there is an issue you are particularly passionate about, read up! This will help you make better, more informed decisions regarding your donations. You should also research the organizations that you’re considering supporting. Check the internet for ratings and reviews of the organization. You might even compare your contribution to making a purchase. You want to make sure that you’re getting a good product before you spend the money. Why not apply the same mindset here?
See if you can measure the group’s impact. How many people do they support? How do they measure success? Do they feature reviews by credible third parties? A charity needs to be able to back up their claims with concrete evidence.
Narrow Down How You Donate
Narrow down your focus. Which issues and organizations are most important to you? It’s more efficient and will provide more impact if you donate to a few select groups rather than a wide variety. By adjusting your focus, your money will have more impact. You’ll also be able to foster a meaningful relationship with the charity and learn more about the work they do. Don’t underestimate the value of these relationships and insights.
Get Involved
Take your impact the next level by doing more than just writing checks. How can you contribute your skills to the causes you care about? Some organizations have openings for board members. This way you can help make decisions about projects. You could also hold a fundraising event for an organization to get your friends and family involved. Another option could be sharing your story of how you learned about the organization and why you support them. Charities are always looking to increase awareness!
Taking these steps will help you maximize the impact of your donation. Performing research, narrowing your focus, and getting involved beyond just giving money will help you better invest in philanthropy.