Which Charities Should I Support?

It’s that time of year when many charitable causes reach out to their communities asking for their support. It can often feel a little overwhelming as you try to determine which organizations to contribute to. 

Giving by individuals in the U.S. totaled an estimated $292.09 billion in 2018.

Define a Giving Strategy
Many of us give from the heart.  We see a cause that touches our personal sensibilities and we want to support that organization.  There is nothing wrong with doing this; it just may not be the most effective use of your charitable dollars.

All donors can benefit from being more methodical about their giving. Concentrating your time and dollars can make a greater impact on those charities you support. Here are some suggestions on how to evaluate charitable requests and determine how best to spread your resources.

• Find a cause that excites you. There are many great organizations out there. Finding something that matches your values and interests will encourage you to become engaged and contribute with a greater understanding of the charity’s mission and goals.
• Review your options. There are several websites, such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar and Give.org that provide information on how effectively charities are using your donations. It can also be very helpful if you can meet the organization’s management team and take a tour of the facility. This will give you a better sense of how a group operates.
• Understand your impact. Find out how your charity evaluates the success of its mission and how it shares those measurements with donors. The more local the cause, the easier it is to assess their organization as well as be an active contributor of your time and money.

Mitchell Agency Supports “Coats for Kids Drive”
Last year the Greater Lafayette community through the Coats for Kids Drive delivered 1,000 coats to children in need.  We’d encourage anyone interested in donating to this program to contact the Salvation Army here in Lafayette.  The Mitchell Agency team took part by collecting donations and purchasing a number of coats for the Coats for Kids Drive.