American households enthusiastically give money to charity, volunteer for a favorite cause, or participate in social impact activities in some way. Chances are, you are doing it yourself, maybe even two or three times a year. But how do you know the charity you choose is a good one? That’s a good question.
First and foremost, Cobb Community Foundation is here to help! Our team is closely connected to nonprofit organizations in the community. It’s our job, and it’s our mission. Please reach out to discuss the organizations and causes you care about.
Second, do your own research. Well-respected national resources, such as Candid’s GuideStar, can give you a good sense of a particular organization’s financials, governance, and how the charity is measuring the impact of its programs.
Third, check out the charity’s website. Does it make sense? Does it look well organized? Can you find the information you’re looking for in five minutes or less? You’ll be able to get an excellent feel for the way an organization is run, just by looking at how it presents itself online. Check out the organization’s website, too, to learn how the organization describes the work it’s doing and also to see lists of its staff members and board of directors. These are the people responsible for making sure the organization is fulfilling its mission in a financially sound manner.
Fourth, as you browse the website and look at other materials provided by the charity, see how quickly you can identify the actual people that the charity helps. Not names, of course, but the group of people who are benefiting directly from the charity’s activities. So, for example, at a children’s hospital, you will want to know that children are being well cared for. If it’s a homeless shelter you’re supporting, scan the website quickly to look for stories and information about specific activities the charity is doing to help those in need, beyond broad generalizations.
Finally, and most importantly, ask yourself if you truly love this cause. If it feels good to support a cause, that counts for a lot. Giving works best when it’s self-defined, and that means defined by you. The results of your giving will be that much better if you support the causes you love, in the ways you choose to support them. Sure, every once in a while, it’s okay to support a friend’s cause because you care about that friend, but try to stick with your own personal favorite causes as much as you can. Doing good should feel great–to you.
The team at Cobb Community Foundation is a resource and sounding board as you put your philanthropic goals into action.
