Amidst the cycle of harrowing hurricanes and natural disasters, it is natural and generous to decide that you would like to help. However, often it is hard to actualize this desire and find out where and how you can contribute to the best of your ability. Often, as well, it is difficult to help in person, but donating money to the cause can go a long way. Here are some tips to make sure you are making the best decisions with your money.
Do Research Before You Donate
It is essential to evaluate a charity before you choose to donate and there are many ways to do this. It is a simple red flag if a charity is not transparent or seems abstract with where their money is going. Tax filings and other documents of that sort can illuminate an organization’s operations. It is also crucial to make sure you are in line with the organization’s mission statement, so take some time to peruse their website or a pamphlet or other informational resources.
Keep Track of How Your Money is Impacting
It will be much more rewarding if your donation is not a one-time occurrence, but instead a process that you continue to track and pay attention to over time. Donors should consider a longer-term involvement with the charities they are attached to, and this can come in a variety of forms. One is, for instance, keeping up with the mission and endeavors of the philanthropy.
Many organizations have either blogs, instagram, twitter, facebook pages, or other social media profiles that you can see, from afar, how that money is manifesting physically. If you like what this organization is doing, as well, it could be great to become a continued supporter and continue to donate or increase involvement over time.
Decide Where Your Time Should Go–That is a Resource Too
Your time is a valuable resource, one that can be even more valuable than money. For those that would prefer not to give money to philanthropies, or perhaps do not have the money to provide, you can still donate your time.