'Tis The Season: A Guide To Making Smart Charitable Donations | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

'Tis The Season: A Guide To Making Smart Charitable Donations

Good and bad charities exposed, make your donation count.

18
'Tis The Season: A Guide To Making Smart Charitable Donations
The Torch

This year has brought me many blessings. I, like many of you, plan on making a few charitable donations this holiday season in order to give back. (well, as much as a broke college student can afford to anyway) I am sure you are already being bombarded by people ringing bells in front of stores, door to door solicitors, phone calls and retail workers at your favorite stores persuading you to donate a dollar to a charity their store is partnered with.

The "Giving Season," a well-known term in the philanthropic community refers to the time between Thanksgiving and New Years, where it is estimated over 40 percent of charitable donations are made each year. Last year alone, Americans donated over $373 billion to charities. This amount is clearly enough to make a difference, however many "nonprofit" organizations take advantage of this giving spirit.

In 2014, The Tampa Bay Times compiled a list of "America's Worst Charities" based on the last 10 years of available federal tax filings. These popular charities spent the majority of the money raised by solicitors toward paying them and in almost every case, less that 10% went to the "charity." This is not a rare phenomenon.

This doesn't mean you should avoid charity altogether this holiday season. If you want to give back and make your donation count just follow these easy steps:

Do Your Homework:

Before you make any donations this holiday season, familiarize yourself with popular charities that will make your donation count. (in terms of the majority of your dollar going directly to the cause you wish to support) Some of my personal favorites include The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and Prevent Child Abuse America (National Office). Also, know which popular charities are less highly ranked.

Know The Signs of a Charity Scam:

There are several red flags that indicate you should not donate to a particular charity. Some of these include: little details being provided about the charity, the name mimics a well-known and already established charity, they cannot provide proof that a contribution is tax deductible, they pressure you to donate quickly or enter you in a sweepstakes if you donate. (which is illegal)

Utilize Available Resources:

With access to so many resources, it is easy to ensure your donation is going to a legitimate charity and will count. If you are unsure about making a donation, do a little additional research. Web sites such as Charity Navigator, Give.org by the Better Business Bureau and Charity Watch are all great resources that will help you make sure your donation will count.

Get Hands On:

Finally, getting hands on is one of the most effective ways to give back. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen, help a local family in need or foster a child if you have the means. Getting directly involved is the best way to contribute this giving season as you can make a difference and be sure your efforts are going to the right place.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

70189
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

3832
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

7900
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments