Everyone likes to give to good causes. But it’s important to do your research to know that those you give to are ethical and use the money wisely. It’s also good to donate anonymously, so that not only you can give to who you want, but that you give dignity to those in receipt.
- Only give to humane medical research (no animal testing) and also give to local ethical charities, rather than big wasteful charities.
- Buy from clothing brands that help animals. Next time you need a new t-shirt, hoodie or beanie, buy from companies that sell organic versions, and use profits to help animals.
- Charity Bank offers simple savings accounts, with short application forms. It’s a cross between a charity and a bank, so you save money while helping to fund local community projects.
- Sign up your small charity to Everyclick. Supporters then just switch search engines, and sponsors donate, each time you search.
We all hear about big charities spending money on company cars and earning huge wages. Those in receipt of such criticism say that they have to employ people who know how to generate big money. But as always, it’s the small charities that do most good. The fact that ‘big charity’ exists is often the problem in itself. It then becomes a big issue in almost having to keep the charity going (thus the problems still exist) to avoid a load of redundancies etc. Charities that send you plastic pens (instead of using donations at source) are likely not the best use of your money.
Donate Anonymously
Set up an account with Charities Aid Foundation and then you can donate anonymously to whomever you choose, without them seeing your contact details. Also see how tiny charities can raise funds.
Many celebrities give big amounts, then tell the world about it. A few do this for tax gains. Some (like Keanu Reeves and George Michael) give/gave away millions and never talked about it. Others do it to regain popularity, if they’ve done something bad in the public eye. But giving should be done in private. Not for anything in return. Someone once said that if you give with an expectation ‘that’s not kindness, that’s business’.
Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from our Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ
