How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention
Nov 27, 2023
auto_awesome
Learn how to donate to a charity with intention and choose causes that matter to you. Explore the importance of strategic donating and effective altruism. Find and evaluate nonprofits using platforms like Charity Navigator and GiveWell. Debate on whether the size of a charity and its impact should be considered when donating.
17:39
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Consider your personal values and passions when choosing a cause to support.
Diversify your giving by supporting both well-funded organizations and smaller, local organizations to maximize impact.
Deep dives
Focus on Your Causes and Issues
Think about the issues and causes that resonate with you personally and make a list of what's important. Consider experiences that have had an impact on you or your family, whether it's related to health, education, or social events. Remember that charitable giving is personal, so avoid judging others based on their choices. Your philanthropy should reflect your values and passions.
Consider the Impact You Want to Make
Define the impact you want to have with your donations. This can include saving lives, improving quality of life, or supporting specific causes. Measure impact through organizations that provide clear articulation of their achievements, such as the number of meals served or interventions made. Effective altruism focuses on the most efficient ways to make a difference, like supporting organizations that demonstrate the greatest impact per dollar spent. Diversify your giving by supporting both larger, well-funded organizations and smaller, local organizations.
Find and Evaluate Nonprofit Organizations
Use resources like Charity Navigator, GiveWell, or CharityWatch to find and evaluate nonprofit organizations. Look for financial health and governance information, which can be obtained from the IRS Form 990 filings. Pay attention to policies like conflict of interest and whistleblower policies, as well as the composition of the organization's board. Factors like liabilities to assets ratio and program-to-expense ratio can also provide insights on an organization's financial stability and efficiency. Consider both large, well-established organizations and smaller, underfunded ones, and diversify your support to maximize impact.
Determine Your Giving Capacity
Assess your budget and determine how much you can afford or want to donate. Giving should not cause financial strain, so prioritize taking care of your own needs first. Consider giving a percentage of your annual income, such as 1% or more, but ultimately, it depends on what you can comfortably contribute. If cash donations are not feasible, explore other ways to give, such as volunteering your time or utilizing your specific skills. Remember that even small donations or non-monetary contributions can make a meaningful difference.