'Tis the (Giving) Season…
By Peggy O’Neill
Vice President, Development and Communications, Helen Keller International
With the holiday season upon us, many of us are in the giving spirit as we look to brighten the lives of the less fortunate. However, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of worthy causes asking for our support.
Here are five steps you can take to give smart this holiday season.
1. Give to the causes that matter most to you
Before you take out your wallet, ask yourself, what issues do I care about? Where can my support have the greatest impact? Supporting causes and issues that you are passionate about and that are meaningful to you will make you feel positive and empowered by the impact that you are making with your holiday donations.
2. Get to know the organization
After you identify causes or issues that inspire you to give, look into organizations that work in that area. Educate yourself by visiting the organization’s website and reading up on their mission and programs. You want to make sure that you understand what the organization stands for and that the mission and programs align with your values.
3. Seek a second opinion
Sometimes it can be confusing to interpret an organization’s financial statements, which is why you may want to seek a second opinion. You can research organizations you are interested in supporting on credible, third party resources. These sites provide prospective donors with an independent evaluation of organizations and protect donors against dishonest or fraudulent charities. Guidestar and Charity Navigator are popular choices that provide a comprehensive profile and rating for most organizations. Charity Navigator is the premier charity evaluator in the country and uses a star system to rank charities based on financial health, accountability and transparency. Look for organizations with a four-star Charity Navigator rating.
4. Increase your impact
While gifts of all sizes make the world a better place, there are a few options that allow you to make an even bigger impact with your donation. One good way to multiply your donation is through a corporate matching gift program. Many employers will match your original donation, allowing your gift to touch even more lives. Ask your employer if this option is available. You may also want to consider asking an organization for information about planned giving options such as including the organization in your estate plans or giving through your retirement accounts.
5. Follow your gift
Once you choose to invest in an organization, stay up to date on their progress throughout the year. Subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on social media networks, like Facebook or Twitter. Tell your family and friends about the good work of the organization and find other ways to get involved. Not only will this keep you informed about the issues and organizations that you care about, but you will also see the impact of gifts like yours over time –and make your giving experience even more meaningful.
No matter how you choose to give, I hope these steps will help you make smart, informed choices about how your charitable giving can reach its full potential this holiday season. In a season filled with the spirit of giving and receiving, choosing to support organizations that help those in need can be the greatest gift of all. After all, as the legendary founder of my organization, Helen Keller once said, “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.”
Peggy O’Neill is the Vice President of Development and Communications at Helen Keller International. She joined Helen Keller International in 2010 and has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and strategic management.
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