Buzz
After the consumer rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, today offers a chance to reflect and participate in Giving Tuesday, a globally recognized day dedicated to philanthropy. Since its inception in 2012, this day encourages acts of kindness, whether it’s contributing time or funds to causes in need.
How to select a charitable organization
Not all charities are created equal. Some may misuse donations or allocate too much to marketing instead of directly aiding people through their core programs. While many charities are assessed on the efficiency of their administrative costs (typically aiming for less than 25% of the total budget), this can be an oversimplified approach, particularly for larger organizations that prioritize fundraising efforts yet are still effective at channeling funds to their initiatives.
The most effective charities are those that operate with full transparency and accountability, ensuring that you are aware of where your donations are going. Before donating, consider whether the organization has a clear mission statement and measurable goals. For instance, if the charity's objective is to provide clean water to children in developing nations, can they demonstrate how many wells they’ve built or how much clean water they've delivered? If you can’t find a mission statement, the board of directors, or access to recent financial reports on the charity's website, you might want to reconsider your donation.
When selecting a charity, a great starting point is conducting research on websites like charitynavigator.org, charitywatch.org, and givewell.org. These organizations assess charities based on their tax returns, any complaints, possible conflicts of interest, and their operational transparency. You can also find valuable advice on how to evaluate charities through the Better Business Bureau’s guidelines.
Charity Options for 2020
Here are some charity recommendations for your consideration, but don't let these suggestions limit your choices—there are many lesser-known charities worth exploring as well.
COVID-19 Relief
GoFundMe features a Covid-19 Relief Fund designed to offer assistance to "families, individuals, and those on the front lines combating COVID-19." There are over 35,000 COVID-related campaigns you can explore on the site.
The pandemic has led to a critical blood shortage, and blood drives have been disrupted. Why not consider donating blood? The American Red Cross is calling for healthy donors to give blood, platelets, or AB plasma. America's Blood Centers, the largest nonprofit network of blood centers in North America, can help you find a nearby donation center.
The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation allocates 50% of its funds directly to restaurant workers, 25% to nonprofits supporting restaurant workers, and 25% for zero-interest loans to help sustain restaurant operations.
Feeding America reports that food banks are 60% busier than last year, so consider making a donation through their Giving Tuesday campaign. Your donation will help American families struggling with rent and grocery bills, and your money will have a far greater impact in alleviating food insecurity than donating canned goods would.
Thinking Globally
United Way operates a global COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund, with 95% of your donation directed toward providing food and shelter for those affected by the pandemic.
GiveDirectly is a program that provides cash transfers to extremely poor families, primarily in Africa, for investments in business ventures, agricultural assets, housing, and education.
The Against Malaria Foundation funds the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets in developing nations. There is substantial evidence showing that these nets help reduce child mortality and malaria cases (malaria claims over 400,000 lives annually, mostly children under five in sub-Saharan Africa).
As demand for PPE remains high globally, Direct Relief provides essential medical supplies to communities worldwide, delivering millions of masks, gloves, and face shields to healthcare professionals across the globe.
Promoting Social Justice
Campaign Zero, a project by the nonprofit WeTheProtestors, advocates for policy changes and legislative actions aimed at eliminating police violence. The organization recently launched the "End All No-Knocks" campaign, which calls for the abolition of "No-Knock" raids, frequently used in low-level drug offenses, and proposes other common-sense reforms to police search warrant procedures. You can donate to the campaign here.
Donations to the Freedom for Immigrants’ National Bond Fund help release detained immigrants, including those arrested during ICE raids and mothers separated from their children at the border, by covering the cash bond they are unable to pay.
CommonCause is a nonpartisan coalition that champions democracy and works to secure voting rights nationwide through grassroots campaigns and litigation. Their efforts focus on modernizing elections to make them fairer, more secure, and more accessible, such as advocating for automatic voter registration and same-day voter registration at polling places on Election Day. Donate here.
Offer your time as a donation
You don't need to give money to support your community; your time can be just as valuable. Think about volunteering for a charitable cause or joining a local board. The right volunteer role could help alleviate your pandemic-related stress, expand your social circle, and potentially benefit your career.
