2020 was a crazy year, to say the very least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the coronavirus pandemic to the ongoing fight to stop climate change to Black Lives Matter and beyond, there have never been more organizations needing our support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, we all have limited resources, meaning we need to pick the ideal cause to have maximum impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, which one to select? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s how to choose a charity to support in a few simple steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Determine Your Values<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you think of choosing a charity like a funnel, determining your values will be the large, open side of the cone. However, it\u2019s crucial to understand what\u2019s important to you and what isn\u2019t. As psychologist Barb Markway and Celia Ampel define<\/a> in The Self-Confidence Workbook<\/em>, values \u201care the principles that give our lives meaning and allow us to persevere through adversity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can decide on your values and their respective priorities yourself, or you can use one of the free online tools available. Websites such as Life Values Inventory<\/a> lets you answer a series of questions to determine what\u2019s dear to you. After you finish their quiz, you\u2019ll get personalized results as well as downloadable strategies \u201cdesigned to help connect your values with strategies for flourishing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 25 Small Acts You Can Do to Have a Great Impact<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Pick a Cause<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve determined your values, it\u2019s time to narrow things down and choose a cause. According to the Cambridge dictionary<\/a>, a cause<\/em> is \u201ca socially valuable principle that is strongly supported by some people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For help with choosing a cause to support, ask yourself some questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Is there a particular group of people you feel passionate about helping?<\/li>
- Do you wish to see clear results from your support?<\/li>
- What are the world\u2019s most pressing issues<\/a>, and do I want to help there?<\/li>
- Do you want recognition for your charitable contributions?<\/li>
- Would you prefer your cause be global, regional, or local?<\/li>
- Do you want to support something current or an ongoing issue?<\/li>
- Should the cause relate to what you do professionally?<\/li>
- Are you willing to support more than one cause?<\/li>
- Do you want to support financially or some other way (e.g., volunteering)?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 10 Ways to Support the SDGs Without Spending Any Money<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Find Organizations in Your Chosen Category<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve narrowed down your cause or causes, you\u2019ll have to locate established charities and nonprofit organizations within that sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Almost every cause, especially those with global concerns, will have multiple charities. Here, you\u2019ll have to ask yourself a few further questions, as well. Do you want a renowned charity with a proven track record, or would you rather support a newer or less-funded organization? Is this a one-time donation or will you be supporting on an ongoing basis?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, locate the charities in your cause by using these directories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- GuideStar Pro<\/a><\/li>
- Charity Navigator<\/a><\/li>
- Charity Watch<\/a><\/li>
- GiveWell<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Make a list of the charities which match your cause, values, and questions, and move on to the final step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 15 Earth Day Tips to Support the Environment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Research Each Charity Before Donating<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before you just hand over your hard-earned money to a charity saying they\u2019re easing poverty or promoting equality, it\u2019s important to make sure that your money will go where they say and that it\u2019ll have the impact you desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For this, my favorite tool is Charity Navigator<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There, you can first locate your cause, whether it\u2019s something specific, like Black Lives Matter<\/a>, or a hot global topic, such as helping refugees or preventing suicides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fun Fact<\/strong>: Here’s a cool charity-related word for you to know – “eleemosynary” (pronounced el-uh-MOH-suh-nary<\/em>). Eleemosynary<\/em> is an adjective that means<\/a> “of or relating to alms, charity, or charitable donations; charitable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s really all there is to it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How Does Recycling Help the Environment?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n