The following op-ed appeared in the November 15 and 16, 2007 editions of The Citizen newspapers of Berlin, Plainville and Southington.
‘Tis the Season for Giving Wisely
By Jim Williamson
Special to The Citizen
The recent rash of tragic wildfires in California has elicited the kind of nationwide charitable response not seen since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In the few short weeks since the fires engulfed San Diego County and surrounding areas, Americans have donated nearly $30 million to a wide variety of organizations assisting fire victims.
This human drama, much like Katrina two years ago, has focused nationwide attention on charitable giving – which for the nonprofit community is a good thing. But as Americans it is important to remember, particularly as we enter this season of giving, that charity is needed not only during times of epic loss, but on a 24/7/365 basis.
It is estimated that Americans will give more than $100 billion to more than one million charitable organizations between Thanksgiving and New Years. The flood of seasonal appeals is already overwhelming mailboxes and in-boxes throughout the country. Each of these appeals, worthy as they may be, plays on the heartstrings so that we not only open our hearts, but our checkbooks as well.
But the most effective charitable giving is a matter of both heart and mind, involving much more than writing a check on the fly when our holiday spirit is in full bloom. It requires a game plan, the kind from which both large and small donors – and charities, alike – can benefit.
1. Budget For Giving. Every household runs on some type of budget, formal or informal. Plan your philanthropy throughout the year and incorporate it into your budget, just as you would any financial obligation. Such a strategy can help spread the joy and alleviate end-of-year indecision.
2. Remember The Little Guys. The spotlight at this time of year is on large, national charities. But it’s also important to remember the little guys, the dozens and dozens of wonderful community organizations who are working hard to make our hometowns the best they can be.
3. Be Informed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you are asked to give, including the specific name of a solicitor and his or her relationship to the organization and how much of your gift will be used for overhead. Most trustworthy, well-operated charities spend at least 75 percent of their budgets on the actual programs and services they support. A
variety of online resources can help in evaluating charities, including Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), GuideStar (www.guidestar.org) and the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org). Locally, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has information on local funds and causes that may meet your philanthropic goals.
4. Plan Now for April 15. Our hearts and minds are generally in full-giving mode at the holidays, and that’s why the end of the year is the biggest giving season. However, there is a much more practical reason: tax planning. Gifts given to qualified charities are, of course, tax deductible, and donors often step up their check writing to make the December 31 deadline. This year, there is even greater incentive for astute planners: A one-time federal law allowing IRA holders to give directly to charity from their retirement accounts without first counting it as income, thereby avoiding potentially significant income tax. The exemption, though, expires December 31. Consult with your tax advisor or financial planner, or contact the Community Foundation for more information.
5. Ask About Matching Gifts. Many employers match gifts made by their employees or make grants to organizations recommended by employees. Be sure to ask your company if it can help your gift go further.
6. Volunteer! While they say that money makes the world go ‘round, there is nothing like a caring, human touch. If you can’t afford to give, or better yet, if you simply want a rewarding experience that benefits both you and your community, consider volunteering. The United Way (www.volunteersolutions.org) maintains an online database of opportunities by zip code. You are sure to find that there is no more rewarding gift than the gift of one’s self.
Using these guidelines, both you and the charities you support will benefit. And it will happen not because of heart-wrenching headlines and television images, but because of a thoughtful, considered and year-round commitment to helping others.
Jim Williamson is president of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, which serves Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington For information, call the Foundation at 860-229-6018 or visit www.cfgnb.org.
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