Question about charitable donation

MoFree · June 2012

If you could make a sizable (not Gates foundation amount, but more than a few hundred) charitable donation, where would you donate the money?

DH wants to use a part of his settlement money for a charitable donation. At first we thought of programs for new drivers that demonstrate the very real dangers of texting while driving. However, based on the board responses from my post last week, I think it would be a waste of money that could be put to better use. We are thinking of donating to a very highly regarded food bank or a program that sends city kids to summer camp since we know the $$ would make a direct impact.

In these very hard economic times, there are so many causes and organizations we would like to support, but we prefer to focus on one local group.

allardr · June 2012

In my experience larger organizations the money can be put towards side costs not exactly directly to what you want. I like to find local things like soup kitchens, kids sports organizations, etc. Things in your community that you'll see do some good. So I like that you're thinking that way too. As for ideas, just depends your community sorry if that was a total lack of help.

It's not Christmas time yet but if you waited, there's Project Christmas tree (pick a kids name or multiple kids and shop for them) I love this because it lets me have the fun of shopping, but with no guilt

ks3pink · June 2012

I love your original idea! We had a presentation by a group called VIP at our high school this year and it even made me think. They did a morning session with police and parents who had lost children and videos that were very realistic. They also did a mock funeral which was very powerful for our seniors as one of their classsmates' funeral was in the same gym a year before. That afternoon they did a live reenactment of a crash with fire, ems, police and the parents of the dead teenager (plus the "dead" teenager). If you could find a group that does presentations like that I think it would be an awesome investment!

Mizsoccer83 · June 2012

I donate a lot of time and raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation since I was diagnosed with this illness due to a near-death car accident I mentioned in your original post about the settlement. I think it's a great idea to give back to a charity that personally effects you. I also give money and help with donations to the fire department that two firemen work at- who we call our guardian angels-they are the only reason my friend are I are alive, literally.

MoFree · June 2012

ks3pink:
I love your original idea! We had a presentation by a group called VIP at our high school this year and it even made me think. They did a morning session with police and parents who had lost children and videos that were very realistic. They also did a mock funeral which was very powerful for our seniors as one of their classsmates' funeral was in the same gym a year before. That afternoon they did a live reenactment of a crash with fire, ems, police and the parents of the dead teenager (plus the "dead" teenager). If you could find a group that does presentations like that I think it would be an awesome investment!

My issue is not with the presentations. Based on the responses on this board from responsible adult mothers and/or mothers to be who know their habits are wrong and potentially dangerous , I am pessimistic that any program will actually cause someone to think twice before texting.

ks3pink · June 2012

MoFree:
ks3pink:
I love your original idea! We had a presentation by a group called VIP at our high school this year and it even made me think. They did a morning session with police and parents who had lost children and videos that were very realistic. They also did a mock funeral which was very powerful for our seniors as one of their classsmates' funeral was in the same gym a year before. That afternoon they did a live reenactment of a crash with fire, ems, police and the parents of the dead teenager (plus the "dead" teenager). If you could find a group that does presentations like that I think it would be an awesome investment!
My issue is not with the presentations. Based on the responses on this board from responsible adult mothers and/or mothers to be who know their habits are wrong and potentially dangerous , I am pessimistic that any program will actually cause someone to think twice before texting.

I know, I just wanted to share that as an extremely stubborn person the presentation even influenced me. Whatever you decide I think it is wonderful that you want to help others!

sdlaura · June 2012

I agree with the previous poster who said that a local organization would be best. That way you can really see how your donation is helping people/kids in your community, rather than donating to a larger organization and potentially having your funds go toward administrative or general expenses. I believe there is a website out there (I can't think of the name off the top of my head) that helps people identify charities that meet their personal goals for giving - maybe try googling around.

MoFree · June 2012

L12541:
I agree with the previous poster who said that a local organization would be best. That way you can really see how your donation is helping people/kids in your community, rather than donating to a larger organization and potentially having your funds go toward administrative or general expenses. I believe there is a website out there (I can't think of the name off the top of my head) that helps people identify charities that meet their personal goals for giving - maybe try googling around.

Are you referring to Charity Navigator? They rate charities based on how much money goes to administrative costs and how much goes to help the intended recipients. I was shocked about the ratings some well known charities received.

sdlaura · June 2012

MoFree:
L12541:

I agree with the previous poster who said that a local organization would be best. That way you can really see how your donation is helping people/kids in your community, rather than donating to a larger organization and potentially having your funds go toward administrative or general expenses. I believe there is a website out there (I can't think of the name off the top of my head) that helps people identify charities that meet their personal goals for giving - maybe try googling around.

Are you referring to Charity Navigator? They rate charities based on how much money goes to administrative costs and how much goes to help the intended recipients. I was shocked about the ratings some well known charities received.

That might be the one....I haven't used the site before but had read about it.

chickenlittlenc · June 2012

Charity Navigator rates charities, but there's also another one called Guidestar that actually allows you to view the tax returns from many charities. (You have to sign up for a membership, but it's free). Depending on how much research you want to do, both are very helpful.

I'd also go for a local charity that matters to you. As a domestic violence survivor, my favorite charity is the local domestic violence program here in my small town. When I donate larger amounts of money, I usually call and speak to the director and she tells me exactly what their needs are... I like knowing exactly what my money is going towards. (For example, I donated $500 around Christmas time a few years ago... I had wanted my money to go towards gifts for the kids, but they already had other charities designated to take care of that. Instead, my money was used towards the purchase/installation of a steel entry door for their shelter because their current front door was aging wood and no longer very secure.)

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