How to donate to a charity?
Charity is one of the best ways to help others in need, and it’s also good for your health. Donating money to charitable organizations can bring you increased happiness and physical health, as well as lower stress levels, better sleep and less depression, according to one study done at Harvard University. The process of deciding how much to donate can be complicated, however, especially if you plan on donating over time instead of in one lump sum. If you want to make sure your money goes to the right place, follow these tips on how to donate money to charity in a way that truly helps people in need.
Step 1: Choose a Charity
You’ll have no trouble finding opportunities to give back; there are over 1.5 million registered non-profits in America alone. However, you may have difficulty choosing one—that’s why we recommend first figuring out what area of interest you’d like to focus on and select from there. For example, if you want to help feed America, consider one of these three options: Food Bank For New York City, Feeding America or Meals On Wheels Association Of America.
Step 2: Create an Account
Whether you’re donating $1 or $100,000, it’s important to get all of your donation details in one place. Head over to Feeding America’s website and set up an account with your personal information so that you can make donations easily through Amazon Smile in Step 3.
Step 3: Give
Many charities take contributions. These contributions can be in monetary or non-monetary form. Giving money is something we all can do, and it’s always appreciated, but there are other ways to help as well. Volunteering your time and donating unwanted goods (clothing, toiletries, food) are just some of the ways you can make a difference in someone else’s life by giving back.
Step 4: Monitor your giving
If you’re considering donating money or volunteering time, ask if your company offers matching gifts. Many companies allow you to double your donation simply by having your employer match it. To find out what local charities are in need of help from employees, check with your human resources department or any employee resource groups in your area. If there aren’t any such groups in your area, start one!
Step 5: Increase Giving Over Time
Most people make a New Year’s resolution to become more charitable. Many of these resolutions are based on guilt—the desire to give back for all you have in life. Don’t focus on what you can get out of donating; focus on how your donation can help others. When you put yourself in their shoes, it will be easier for you to make financial donations regularly throughout 2014 and beyond!
1877 kars4kids
Kars4Kids is an American-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The mission of Kars4Kids is to mobilize caring people for children in need by harnessing our collective purchasing power and marketing strength. Kars4Kids donates more than 90% of its proceeds to feed and clothe America’s homeless children, as well as provide them with essentials like shelter, clothing, transportation, literacy programs and more.
GIVE TO CHARITY
Why it’s important: Giving to a charity isn’t just about making someone else’s life better. It can make you feel good about yourself, too. There are numerous studies which suggest that helping others increases happiness and reduces stress levels. Plus, when you have an established donation plan with your favorite charity, it is much easier to keep track of how much money you have given away throughout your life.
CANCER RESEARCH CHARITY
Not all charities are created equal. If you’re interested in feeding America or cancer research, for example, make sure you give your money to an organization that is devoted exclusively to these causes; don’t just cut a check for any old cause. Check out Charity Navigator, which has spent 15 years analyzing over 10,000 nonprofit organizations and has been ranked as one of America’s 100 Best Charities by Forbes magazine for five consecutive years.
FEEDING AMERICA CHARITY RATING
If you’re in a position to give, but don’t know where or how much of your money is best spent, look no further than Feeding America’s Charity Ratings. Every year, Feeding America conducts rigorous research into thousands of U.S. charities that are fighting hunger and poverty in America. These charities are rated on their efficiency, effectiveness and impact by independent reviewers.
