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Every charity wants to be your favorite charity. Think about the people you know who give back to the community. If you are asked, “What’s their favorite charity” you will have an immediate answer. They are deeply involved with the hospital or they serve on the board at the museum. You might think charitable giving involves picking a favorite an writing big checks. Here is the case for making small gifts to several charities.
Consider this scenario. You have budgeted $1,000 for charitable contributions this year. You might gives the whole thousand to one cause. Which one? If two are tied for first place, they might each get $500. How did you choose them? What about other worthy causes with name recognition, ones you don’t know much about?
Here is the case for making $50 gifts to twenty worthy causes in your local area. This is both charitable and also good for business, especially if you are a financial professional.
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You are creating a broad base of support. Instead of supporting one or two causes, you are spreading your wealth around. You are supporting different missions with different ways of helping people.
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You will be recognized. Many nonprofits publish annual reports. It might be titled “Report to the Community” but it usually lists donors by name and giving category. Your name will be in print.
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They will educate you. You are now on their radar as a donor. Many charities have the experience of a small donor with a long history of giving, leaving the charity a bequest in their will. Now you are a donor, they will get you familiar with their mission.
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You get invitations. Nonprofits often have events that bring members together. It builds spirit and connects them with the institution. You know your college has alumni weekend every year. You get to attend events, some free.
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You get cultivated. The charity wants you to become a larger donor. This will be done through education, but also getting to know. You. They will want you to visit their facility and see the good work they do. Many wealthy people love to be cultivated.
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You can show your support. Members often get a magnetic sticker that attached to their car bumper or rear door. Schools often have decals for your rear window. Showing their logo affiliates you with their mission in the community.
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You will get fund raiser invitations. Most nonprofits do event based fundraising. You pay for these tickets, but they are usually a night out at an event where you will have a good time. You are learning more about their mission.
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You will meet other people in the community. Many people have favorite causes, but some like you, support many causes. You will have something in common with people you meet.
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There are often benefits. It might be reduced admission to events or exhibitions. It might be discounts at local stores or restaurants. You might get benefits that save you money and bring business to local merchants.
As you learn about several organizations at once, you will find the ones that are the closest match to your concerns and interests. Then your gifts to them can gradually frow from two figures, to three and then four numbers to the left of the decimal point on your check.
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