This class guides you through the process of making informed and impactful charitable donations.

Research Charities:

Utilize resources like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance to evaluate a charity's financial health, accountability, and transparency.
Look for organizations where a significant percentage of donations go directly to the cause, rather than administrative expenses.

Understand Tax Deductions:

Donations to qualified nonprofit organizations may be tax-deductible. Keep detailed records of your contributions and understand the IRS guidelines to take advantage of potential tax benefits.

Align Donations with Your Values:

Identify causes that are important to you and research organizations that align with your values. Consider the impact you want your donation to have.

Consider Various Ways to Give:

Beyond monetary donations, consider donating your time through volunteering, offering your expertise, or donating goods and services.

Beware of Scams:

Be cautious of unsolicited donation requests via email or phone. Verify the legitimacy of the charity before giving, and never provide personal financial information over the phone to an unsolicited caller.

Set a Giving Budget: Determine how much you can afford to donate annually, helping you to make thoughtful decisions rather than impulsive ones.
Plan Your Donations: Decide whether you want to contribute a lump sum to a single cause or spread your donations across multiple organizations throughout the year.
Engage with the Charity: Before donating, consider reaching out to the organization. Ask how your donation will be used and if there are specific projects or initiatives you can support.
Follow Up: After making a donation, stay informed about the charity's work. Reputable organizations will share updates and outcomes that demonstrate the impact of your contribution.

These are the sites we discussed that rate charities and/or give you ideas:

IRS website from which you can search for non for profits according to IRS