During the holidays, many consumers are inundated with requests to donate money or time to charitable organizations. Some charities spend too much on administrative costs, some are questionable and others are scams. Consumer Reports suggests that you carefully vet charity groups before giving. You can do so by checking with one of the watchdogs, such as the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator and CharityWatch.
The best charitable organizations will have a track record and a transparent mission statement. A good place to start is the charity’s website. You can also find information on their finances and performance by searching for “charity name” and “financials.” Donating to a high-performing charity can make your money go further than donating to a poorly performing or even fraudulent charity.
American Humane: This charity provides shelter, urgent care and forever homes for domesticated and wild animals and supports bonds between humans and animal. Donations help fund vaccinations, research and education initiatives. The organization spends 88 cents of each dollar donated to fund its programs.
Global Fund for Women: This nonprofit is an advocacy group that fights for women’s rights around the world. Donations support the work of dozens of partner organizations, and help women around the globe gain access to services such as healthcare, education and financial opportunities.
Girl’s Write Now: This charity helps girls and gender-expansive youth in New York City who have limited access to resources and educational opportunities. Donations will help them finish school, gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce and become leaders in their communities.
Cancer Research Institute: This charity is dedicated to improving the survival rates of people suffering from all types of cancer by supporting cancer research. Its scientists work to develop immunotherapy, a treatment that targets the tumor without damaging healthy cells. The Institute spends 88 cents of each dollar on its programs.
Direct Relief: This charity is a good choice to support during the COVID-19 pandemic because it is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit that is able to accept tax-deductible donations. It works to deliver medical aid, supplies and vaccines to affected countries. The charity has a history of working with other organizations to provide emergency relief in times of crisis.
The companies above have strong philanthropic programs and focus on a wide range of issues. In addition, they encourage their employees to volunteer with their local community to have a greater impact on the lives of the people in need. Chevron focuses on helping communities thrive by boosting local economies, focusing on healthcare and empowering people through education. Disney’s volunteer program offers $2,500 grants to exceptional individuals and families that are making a difference in their communities through their efforts.
Whether you want to support a specific cause or want to help the most people possible, these are excellent charities to consider. You can volunteer your time, donate money or buy fair trade presents this holiday season. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit our guide to Getting Involved in Charities.