How often are we ready to sit down for dinner when the phone rings and there’s an appeal from the latest charity campaign. Like me you might listen, weaken and then commit to a pledge. Is your giving really whole hearted, or do you feel somehow targeted and hit? Your giving will result in greater satisfaction if you’ve truly given to something you are passionate about.
Following are key ideas to help you give passionately:
Use the Comprehensive Guide to Giving
The American Association of Fundraising Counsel (AAFRC) has published a very comprehensive guide at http://www.aafrc.org/gusa/GUSA05_Press_Release.pdf.
Give Wisely
Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), works to provide a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of America's largest charities. They help givers make intelligent giving decisions by providing information on over five thousand charities.
Turn Your Shopping Into Giving
Check out The GreaterGood (www.greatergood.com) website. Here your purchases make it free and easy to support good causes like animal rescue, hunger, breast cancer, child health, rainforest, literacy, and ecology.
Use Your Website To Raise Money
If you have a website you have the opportunity to use it to create awareness and promote your favorite charity. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for example, you can turn your website pink. Add a section on the home page of your site that highlights a new charity each month. Whatever you do on your website will help communicate your values to your customers.
Giving to others pays both ways. The one in need is helped in tangible ways, and you receive great satisfaction in helping make life richer for someone else.
