We collect all requests that we get for contributions throughout the year. We then sort through them all. We could get over six requests from the same organization. That aggravates us because it's such a waste of paper and materials.
We line them up alphabetically and then make our choices from what we read or have heard. Then Art researches the organizations to find out how they operate and what percentage of the contributions actually go toward the cause and not toward advertising or "administration."
Then we decide how much we want to allocate and send off our contribution. This works best for us. Otherwise we'd be contributing a far higher percentage to breast cancer research (which is also important to us) because there are so many people who ask that we contribute to their runs or walks. Art did the Y-Me Breast Cancer Run on Mother's Day every year in Chicago with Tif. We like to handle our contributions carefully so that our money is used appropriately and that we've given enough to all the charities and organizations that we want to support.
Still, I feel badly when people ask that we contribute to their cause and I have to say we'll take it under consideration.
And yet... we still contribute to many of the Salvation Army kettles that we see everywhere. Oh well! It's the season for giving.
Oi, it reminds me of the stack Mrs. H would receive in the mail every day. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteWe have so many people who stop us on the street asking us to make regular commitments to different charities, as well as the collecting tins that appear equally regularly. Christopher and I go about it in different ways. He gives regularly to a couple of charities in London and to about three homeless people that appear in the same spots on his journey to and from work. I have chosen my favourite charities and make monthly payments to them. We both have to explain this to the 'importuners' but they generally understand. You seem to have a time consuming but ultimately fair system.
ReplyDeleteI like your very organized system for deciding who gets how much. I've regretted giving to a couple of causes in the past because they don't merely "solicit" contributions, they HOUND us for more. It's very aggravating and takes the joy out of giving.
ReplyDeletei admire your thoroughness is investigating the different charities. I give monthly to our church's humanitarian program which goes throughout the world whenever there is a disaster. I also work at our humanitarian center monthly on hygiene and school kits. It feels good to give especially this time of year.
ReplyDeleteKay;
ReplyDeleteI have always admired your approach to giving to charities! You've been doing that ever since I have known you both!
Our giving is more random...we have specific charities...cancer has always been on the top but there are others...some local and some not!
I have been feeling bad lately that we can't give to all that call! Tisk as you would say!
Our reaction is similar, but seems simpler to us. The more we get asked for donations, the less likely we are to donate--obviously too much money is used for mailings. We donate every year to our local alma mater's scholarship fund. We donate to a well-known children's hospital, and at the holidays we try to help those who help families.
ReplyDeleteI can see why people who win lotteries are often overwhelmed with requests. You and Art must be dedicated givers to get so many.
If only everyone was as careful as you are in their giving, there'd be more good done in the world!
ReplyDeleteI'm always saddened that I can't give as much as I'd like, and frustrated that the charities spend so much money on *asking for money* rather than on what they're hoping to spend it on, like cancer or world hunger.
If only if only... !
What a good topic to talk about.
Amanda: Actually, it's not that time consuming because we've already researched most of the organizations like Doctors Without Borders. It took us about 3 hours last night to finish. We just have to force ourselves to sit down and do it.
ReplyDeleteYou have big hearts... and man, how organized are you two? LOL. Even your junk mail is organized.
ReplyDeleteWant to come over? ;)
Hi Kay,
ReplyDeleteNice to see another blogger from Hawaii! I have put you in my Favorites and will continue to visit your blog every day.
Great post!
I've done the same thing for years. There are a couple of organizations that we give to annually because of the help they provided when Shawn was born with bilateral retinalblastoma 30 odd years ago. I too, look for organizations where the bulk of the money does NOT go to administration/advertisements etc. but rather to patient care or research. I would rather give clothes/household goods to a homeless or abuse shelter than Goodwill since Goodwill sells their goods (and here you will find people buying that can well afford to shop elsewhere leaving those who can't afford much again without)
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I try to drop what I can every time I pass the Salvation Army bucket that is in front of my store on a daily basis. Small change can add up quickly.
Happy holidays and MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!
I used a method similar to this several years ago and decided on the charities I would support with my money ... and now I give on a quarterly basis to each ... automatically. I've asked them NOT to send reminders and for the most part, the ones to which I contribute honor that request. As for the rest, I recycle but it seems like such a waste of resources to me.
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
I send a monthly check to the Seattle Union Gospel Mission. I started doing this when we discontinued our church membership and I got to choose what I wanted to contribute to. Then I found out one of my students was in one of their family homeless shelters for women and children. That did it for me.
ReplyDeleteI receive many pieces of mail each week asking for donations. Those that I consider I put into the bill paying file and then decide after the monthly expenses have been deducted.
Good system, Kay. Good for you for being so diligent! Hey, Gigi's here too. Aloha-
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of requests Kay. I give to two charities only for Breast Cancer Research and for Carers. When I get approached I just have to say that I have two charities I give to and thats it. I feel comfortable with that but I do buy raffle tickets or give the odd donation here and there or give away goods to the Salvation Army.
ReplyDeleteI think there is going to be more pressure from charities given these economic times.
I applaud you for doing this.
I so admire your system for donating. We too get inundated with requests. Mark and I donate clothing and household items to our local hospital's thrift shop (the proceeds go to necessary items for the hospital and the shop is run by volunteers)as well as books to the local library's bookstore, from which proceeds go back to the library. We also purchase big bags of cat and dog food for our local animal shelter and donate several times a year. These may not be "cash" contributions but its our way of helping out. I find this works well for our budget! Of course we do have to buy from our nieces magazine drives to help the school and the Girl Scouts!
ReplyDeleteI am impressed with how you handle this. Very admirable, Kay.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to decide. I'm with you on those that ask and ask. And I've noticed those same organizations ask before we are due to give another annual donation. I actually stopped giving to a couple because of these practices. This Christmastime, my donations were just about all local; helping people build or improve their own homes; shelter for women, children, and the homeless; libraries, and a poetry place. I've begun underlining in red in my checkbook register so I know when I give to whom. Some are in December, but there are a few scattered throughout the year. It has helped a lot.
ReplyDelete