A Guide To Giving Sustainably & Responsibly
For the first time, many people are beginning to make philanthropic giving a part of their lives.
Because of COVID-19, non-profits across the country face severe public funding cuts. In addition to fighting for policy that supports these programs and initiatives, giving back is one way that we can help organizations in need and the communities they serve.
However, if you’re not already in the habit of giving, it can be difficult to get started. What’s the best organization to give to? How do I know that my money will actually make an impact? How much is enough?
We want to help you give sustainably and responsibly. Follow this simple guide.
Figure out how much you can give. When you have a budget you can make responsible and sustainable decisions about which organizations to support.
Do your research. Use guidestar.org or charitynavigator.org to search for organizations working on the issues in the geographic areas you’d like to support.
Do more research. Make sure the organization you’ve chosen does what they say they do. Look at their leadership. Look at their financials. Do they reflect their mission and their work?
Set up a monthly donation. This helps organizations make long term plans. It also keeps you accountable since the donation is made automatically each month.
Do not restrict your gift. If you are donating to an organization you should trust them to know how to spend it. They know their needs better than you do.
Make an accountability or fundraising group with friends and family. Ten people giving ten dollars a month is $1,200 over the course of a year. You can support more organizations and make more impactful donations.
Talk to people about where you are giving. Sign up for newsletters. Attend events. Encourage others to give. Become an active community member.
We hope that learning about the organizations and causes you’d like to support inspires you to get involved.
If you are unsure about where you’d like to donate, these are the organizations the Freya Project has supported via our fundraising events. We believe in the work these organizations are doing in their communities.
Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have questions about philanthropic giving!