As Americans head back to work with full hearts after Thanksgiving, we have an annual opportunity to support nonprofit organizations in the work they do year round. While there are plenty of reasons to give, here are six tips to keep in mind:
1. Think about today’s priorities
There’s no shortage of needs from which to choose – from education and advocacy to meeting basic needs, there are plenty of great options! We’re partial to democracy issues.
2. Check the charity rating on a resource like Charity Navigator
Before you give, confirm that the organization is a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit and in good standing.
3. Donate directly through the charity
Eliminate the middle man! By contributing directly to the charity via its website or another way, you’re making sure the beneficiary gets the whole donation.
4. Earmark your contribution for a specific program or need
Passionate about a certain program or area in which a nonprofit works? You’ll be more invested in your donation if you know that it’s going to something you care about.
5. Take advantage of your workplace’s matching gifts benefit
Do your employee benefits include an opportunity for matching gifts? If so, make sure to report your giving to qualifying charities to double the impact.
6. Generosity is good!
In addition to benefits like better mental health and stress management, giving makes you feel good and is a great way to pay your good fortune forward.
The Democracy Fund is grateful to our grantees who are making a difference for the American people. We support them because we believe in their commitment to making Americans’ voices come first in our democracy. To learn more about their work, please visit our Impact page. This #GivingTuesday, we can all make a difference!