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It seems like there is never a shortage of needs to be met. When you are giving, how can you make sure your dollar goes the furthest? Here are some tips and recommendations for giving.
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Give Local
Your local church, branch of the Salvation Army, or other non-profit organization has a set-up on the ground to support those in need in your community. Giving to a local organization will make a difference in your personal community.
Ask if your church has a benevolence fund set aside to give to church members or community members who are going through hard times. Or look for an organization like Love, INC that works in local communities and provides job and budget training instead of just a handout.
Volunteer Your Time
Your church, local Red Cross organization, or food bank can never have too many volunteers. Most organizations provide an orientation and training for volunteer positions, and there are needs in many different fields: Literacy training, financial education, emergency response, administration, or just an extra pair of hands to stock shelves--you can find a volunteer position for any area of interest.
If you're stuck on where to start, go to www.volunteermatch.org, where you can search for organizations and volunteer positions in your community. Once you have found an organization whose goals you support, pass the word on to your friends. Start a facebook fanpage or official twitter account for them. Help with a fund raiser every so often, and get the word out in your community, whether it's for academic scholarships for underprivileged youth, or a blanket drive for a homeless shelter.
Catch a Global Vision
Well-known national and international organizations need your support, too. acumenfund.org and kiva.org both espouse non-traditional aid methods to erradicate poverty. Kiva allows you to give a loan directly to an entrepreneur in a developing country (pre-approved by a microfinance organization), and as he or she pays the funds back they become available to lend again. Acumen Fund's goal is to investment opportunities that will stimulate local economies, helping to lift more people from poverty.
The International Red Cross (ICRC) is one of the world's biggest disaster relief organizations, and is often first on the ground in the face of a violent conflict or natural disaster.
A child-sponsorship program such as www.compassion.com ensures that your dollars go to directly to a child in need. He or she will receive schooling, health care, and aid to their family.
Utilize the Tax Deduction
In the United States a donation to a status 501c3 non-profit organization is tax deductible, so write your check already! The money goes to the good cause of your choosing, and by April 15 you will see the added bonus of money back in your pocket when you file your income tax return.
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