When it comes to giving to charities, many of us think that all charitable donations are either pocketed for personal use or never used to the advantage of those in need. However, there are some great places to give your time and money, and it is time we do that. Here are some organizations that we should all be familiar with:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital– This pediatric treatment and research center is located in Memphis, Tennessee. It’s founder, Danny Thomas, chose to build a shrine to the saint in the form of a children’s hospital. The hospital is known worldwide for the many advances in the treatment of pediatric cancers, infectious diseases, and the continued biomedical research being made. It is the hospital’s policy that no child is ever turned away due to inability to pay. St. Jude’s has treated children in from all 50 states and over 70 foreign countries. Your gift is tax deductible and you have the choice of a monthly gift program that starts at $19 or one-time donation. Their daily operating costs are $1,220,004. About 86% of donations received are spent on the services provided daily. You can also start a fund raising program in your area, as some schools do, and gifts, cards, and volunteers are always welcome.
Disabled American Veterans- This organization began when returning World War I wounded soldiers found themselves without any real help or support to care for them. Captain Robert S. Max a wounded veteran and attorney from Ohio, became a judge, and became a champion for the cause, traveling all over the country and helping to establish the first 32 chapters, now more than 2000 of the DAV. The many different services offered to wounded veterans include: transition into civilian life, claim representation to help veterans apply and receive their VA benefits, outreach programs for homeless veterans to receive food, shelter, medical and other services to transition back into society. Since 1989, their allocations for homeless projects total $2,389,944.00. As of last year, 76% of all donations are used for their programs. All donations are tax deductible, and the organization is approved by both the Better Business Bureau and National Charities Information Bureau.
Feed the Children- A Christian charitable organization, Feed the Children has been giving food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to children in the U.S. and around the world. In the U.S., the food and other supplies are given by corporate and individual sponsors and shipped to regional distribution centers. They are then packed into individual and bulk boxes and given to homeless shelters, churchs, and other organizations that feed the hungry. Last year, $746,212,248 was used for these services, and 89% of donations are used for the actual program services. You can give a one-time donation (just $25 dollars provides 175 pounds of food) or a monthly sponsorship, which are tax deductible.
Soldiers’ Angels-Started by a mother of an American soldier in Iraq, Soldiers Angels’ supports thousands of American Service Personnel around the world. There are many projects that help our troops, from adopting a soldier (sending letters and gifts), to supplying wounded soldiers backpacks with personal items not available in the field. You can also sew blankets for the wounded, which are used in route to the hospital. Many returning soldiers say this is their most prized possession. You can also donate to help purchase Kevlar blankets, which are used in unarmored vehicles on the front lines. All donations are tax deductible. Their website has a complete listing of the many different ways you can help.
Boys and Girls Clubs of America- This organization helps young men and women to reach their potential by giving them a place to go where they can find positive support. The programs encourage leadership, education, and personal development. From sports to graduation initiatives, there is a huge list of wonderful activities to be found at the clubs. There are 3,900 clubs in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S Virgin Islands, and military territories. All monetary donations are tax deductible, and you can always volunteer your time as well
So, what should you look for before giving to a charitable organization? Here are a few tips:
Give to just a few. The more you give to a single charity, the less is eaten up by administrative costs.
Check them out. Most states require a charity to be licensed, and your states Better Business Bureau can give you more information on how they are rated.
Look out for like sounding names. For example, The National Cancer Center and the National Cancer Coalition are both real charities, but one has a better rating than the other.
The Internet is your friend. There is no better place to find out the pros and cons of a specific charity. And the charity’s website may have all of the information you need, including it’s annual report of exactly where your money is going.
There are numerous other organizations that are just as great as those listed, and you should certainly check them out yourself. But the above charities have performed well, are tax deductible, and are truly helping others in need. Wherever you decide to give, do so with an open heart and the knowledge you are giving your time and money where it will be put to good use.
