Read about how to do your bit for the less fortunate through charity without feeling any misgivings later.
Our society encourages us to empathise with those who are in need. You would love to help out a good cause but you are afraid that your generosity could be misused. Fear not, as there are simple ways to ensure that you are giving your time and money to a genuine cause.
Learn more about the cause
While choosing whom to support, it is better to pick a cause which is close to your heart. If everyone around you is donating to a particular cause, do not blindly follow them and do the same. After choosing your cause, do a little research on it and the organisation you will be donating to. Would you prefer to give your money to a global organisation or are you more passionate about the problems faced by the inhabitants of a particular region?
Do a little research on the organisation
If the organisation you plan to support operates in your neighbourhood, stop by, and see how they work. You could also ask to see their annual reports and budget to see how the money they receive is spent. A genuine charity organisation will not refuse to give you an account of how they spend their funds. In most cases, the money you contribute is exempt from being taxed and you will get a receipt for the amount you give.
Know how your money will be spent
Generally, your contribution goes into an organisation's annual budget. However, sometimes, charity organisations have special purposes or occasions when funds are used separately. You should inform the organisation if you want your money to be spent for a particular event that they carry out. For example, you could specifically contribute towards a party held for underprivileged children, or towards buying supplies for them, or to hold a vaccination drive.
If you want to be certain that your contribution will be spent for the cause, talk to some of the people who have benefited from the organisation's work. If you can, attend some of their functions and talk to the people there. Ask those who have donated to the organisation before, if they were satisfied with how their money was spent.
Give more than just money
Some people prefer to give in kind rather than cash. There is nothing wrong in doing so. There are a lot of charities which encourage donors to give things that people need. Before you run off and buy a horde of items, do talk to the people in charge of the charity first. Tell them you are interested in buying something for the people they help. Ask them what is genuinely needed. For instance, an organisation that is involved in educating less privileged children would need books, stationary, and other supplies. An old-age home, on the other hand, would need food grains, linen, adult diapers, etc. The bottom line is to make sure that you buy something that will actually be used.
Volunteer your time
Many of us would love to donate money to a noble cause but we are constrained by our financial position. This does not mean you cannot be charitable. Using your talents and skills can be more fulfilling than simply donating money. It is also a great way to meet new people and actually be able to see how you can change a person's life.
You do not have to be an expert at what you do. You could volunteer to assist underprivileged children with their studies for a few hours each week. If there is a meal programme to feed poor people, you could help to prepare the food. Alternately, if you are not fond of cooking, you could help to serve the food to the people. Volunteer to brighten up the children's ward at your local hospital if you are artistically inclined. Painting walls with bright colours and smiling cartoons can go a long way towards making a sick child feel better.
Charity is not just about giving money and then forgetting about it. Getting involved in the cause you support is a much more fulfilling experience and will make you feel better about yourself.
What charitable organisations do you support? Do you prefer to give them your money or your time? Has volunteer work changed you? To share your views and experiences, click here.
