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Billions of dollars are donated to nonprofit organizations each year through charitable giving. In this article we will explore how people allocate their donations and how to make giving or giving to charity more personal and meaningful. When one’s donation is consistent with her core values and beliefs, the relationship with the charity is strengthened and the likelihood of continued giving is increased.
According to Giving USA, in 2009 Americans gave more than $307.75 billion to their favorite charities and nonprofit organizations. The majority, approximately 75% of charitable donations, were attributed to individuals. Charitable foundations and other corporate donations accounted for 17% of total donated funds. Online giving accounted for 67% of all dollars donated in 2010. The online charitable giving channel is quickly becoming the method of choice for giving.
People make charitable giving decisions based on a variety of factors. Among the top recipients of money for charities are human service organizations, environmental and animal welfare organizations, arts and cultural organizations, and disaster relief groups. The last category is one in which recurring gifts are less frequent. Whether through online portals, mobile text campaigns or direct charitable donations, these donations are an appeal in a time of need that elicits an immediate, yet fleeting emotional response. So how can people maximize their charitable giving to nonprofit organizations and create a lasting relationship with the recipient? Will a values-based charitable donation create a stronger tangible benefit for the donor?
The pre-eminent philosopher Maimonides lists his famous Eight Levels of charity. According to the medieval scholar, the highest level of giving is to form a partnership with a person in need that allows the recipient to overcome the need to depend on others. Importantly, the concept of an ongoing partnership is raised. This is a deeply personal connection to the individual or organization in need and not a one-off, sterile or non-personal gift. A two-way relationship is created whereby the charitable giver is simultaneously elevated because the action is not for selfish reasons, but rather a reflection and outward example of living according to one’s values. In the context of Abraham Maslow, this exemplifies a harmonious life and a self-actualizing giver.
When deciding which nonprofit to donate to and determining how to donate, keep in mind that it is crucial to take responsibility for one’s actions. Philanthropy is a perfect vehicle to experience and enhance one’s true purpose. The highest return from charitable giving will be achieved by developing an ongoing, daily relationship with a charity that is consistent with its core values and beliefs.
One can achieve any dream or goal by ensuring that their daily actions are consistent with their core beliefs. The individual is assured of success because positive life changes are in harmony with their value system and motivated by their desire to help their favorite charity or non-profit organization through a charitable giving program. As the individual encounters daily success, he begins to realize that he is in control of his life, is able to make proactive and positive decisions, and gains self-confidence.
As people are presented with appeals for charitable donations, they think carefully about how they can make a difference in the lives of others, and in doing so, how they will also benefit and be truly inspired.