Friday, 11 February 2011

Choosing Your Charity - How Can You Do the Most Good?


There are thousands of charities in the world that have great intentions and work toward a goal of a better tomorrow. As much as we would like to be a part of all these causes, it is simply not possible. Choosing which charity to support can be a difficult decision. But if you find the charity with a cause that is near and dear to your heart, your support will be effortless and rewarding.
Charities that offer support, care and advocacy of humans or animals are ones that many people gravitate towards because of the emotional connection they feel with the recipients of the support. Children's charities are often regarded as some of the most important charitable organizations because of the potential that is held in every child to grow up and be a successful member of society. Mentoring and sponsoring a child as they grow can give them the support they need to be healthy, be educated and make a difference in their own community.
Of course, it would be much easier if there were one donation fund that we could invest our resources and money into and that one fund would spread it out to the places, people and animals that needed it most. But that's not how it works - and for good reason. Different people are emotionally connected to different things. A child's plight for clean water in Ethiopia may not resonate as much with one person as it does for another. Conversely, rescuing and cleaning wildlife affected by an oil spill may not be a charitable choice for another person. Of course, both of these situations need donations and volunteerism. The people who are the most emotionally connected to each would give of themselves to ensure that progress is being made. Personal experiences and beliefs shape our decisions when it comes to which charity should receive our support.
Understanding that you, personally, cannot support every charity will allow you narrow down your choices of charitable organizations that you should join. Not all charities do the same things with their resources, so be sure you research where each dollar goes and find exactly who benefits from your donations of time and money. If you wanted to sponsor a child, find out exactly what your sponsorship means and the benefits your sponsored child is receiving rather than sending a charity an unspecific monetary donation once every couple of months. With child sponsorship, you should be able to interact with the child - write letters, send pictures, etc. You should have this type of personal connection with any charity you choose. If you support a charity for women affected by domestic violence, you should feel a strong bond for the women for which you are supporting and advocating.
When you are choosing your charity, remember to consider their level of need. When you find one that you feel an emotional connection with, determine how much they need your support and the amount of good you can do with your time and donations. When you find the right charitable organization, you will know that your money is going to a cause that truly needs it and will help - in some small way - make the world a better place.
Mr. Abernathy is a marketing agent of Children Incorporated. For more information on how to Sponsor a Childplease visit their website.