Saturday, January 31, 2009

Charitable contributions: advice, please

I love going to Church, and Cliff is happy enough to attend with me. He does, however, have a problem with some of the begging-for-funds that goes on there.

Now we both agree that the inspirational message and the lovely singing done by the choir is worth something. Cliff is willing to give them $25 a week; I'd rather give more.

Cliff isn't a stingy person, and I think we could come to a compromise if we could find a trustworthy charity to which we could donate. It could be Christian-associated or not. I don't care, and I doubt that Cliff does.

I just want to know the funds are going to go to people who need it, and not to some rich guy who's running the organization. I like the American Cancer Society and St. Jude's Hospital and Mercy Hospital, in Kansas City: How do I know if they'll use my money wisely?

Is there a watchdog agency where I can go for advice? Do any of you know?

I'll take suggestions. Just give me some way to find out if it's for real.

10 comments:

  1. I think that most organizations have a website that also includes info about where the donations go to. Maybe you could check them out. I give to a couple of local organizations in our community and I know the funds are directly used for our people. That's all I know. I hope you find one you like. There are so many needy and good things to give to.
    'On Ya'-ma

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  2. The Salvation Army is the one I give to or The Harvesters. I also support PTH (Pathway to Hope)education for the mentally ill. I abore United Way. I used to give to MADD until they sent me more in the mail soliciting for MORE money than I ever gave them. American Cancer Soc. is the same way. Oh, gosh don't forget Wayside Waifs. Anne

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  3. Nature Conservancy is a great organization, although not religous in nature.

    www.nature.org

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  4. salvaion army is always a good org to give to. harvesters in kc is always in need so they can feed hungry people in our area. and check out the animal shelter. don't be shy, if you don't find all the answers you need, call & askt to talk with someone in charge, get the info from them. ask them to mail you info too.
    if you go to church reg, you should give there, once a month, give a percentage of your monthly income. if you need answers there, ask the pastor. too many churchs harp on money at every service. when i pastored i only mentioned it once a month, & then only briefly. many people have left churchs because of pastors who begged or demanded money in every message.
    hope you find a couple of good charities.
    my vote goes for the salvation army & wayside waifs. ;) and of course your church, if you have one.
    have a lovely sunday.
    huggies...

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  5. I heard of someone who flew all around the country and the organization paid for it. I like to give locally.

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  6. http://www.charitynavigator.org/

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  7. Donna, I tend to keep it very local. Charities like United Way take 14% right off the top for them selves and their regional manager have six figure salaries.

    Donate to your local food bank, fire station, homeless shelter, scholarship programs.

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  8. Anonymous8:32 AM

    Pioneer Woman touched my heart this last year with her husband and girls going to help in the Dominican republic with the project Compassion. But we have children in this country whgo need us too. It's a hard decision.

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  9. Almost all my giving I do through my local church, which votes on how and when to use it's funds.

    But I do really believe there is a report of somekind I've heard of before that runs through and compares many of the bigger charities like you mentioned on % used for operating costs verses % used on the main goal. I just can't remember where!

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