The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has unveiled its new wise giving website, Change the World With a Giving-and Wise-Heart. The site is designed to help donors think proactively about philanthropy and how they want to improve their communities through giving and volunteering.
The website contains a variety of information on how donors can make smart choices in their philanthropy, including guidance such as The Five P’s of Wise Giving and 25 Ways to Make Your Gifts Go Further. Donors can learn about different ways they can support charities, such as through matching gifts, payroll giving, giving circles, online games and click-a-day websites, credit card points and even regifting.
Another important focus of the site is wise giving and being able to spot legitimate organizations. Documents such as 25 Ways to Give Wisely and the Donor Bill of Rights provides donors with information on how to ensure they’re giving to worthy charities and the responsibilities a charity has during the fundraising and giving process. The website also tackles the issue of fundraising costs and how donors should examine costs.
Effective and wise giving is especially important during the holiday season when, according to studies by AFP and others, charities typically receive between one-third and one-half of their total annual contributions.
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During this holiday season, there is relentless pressure to buy, buy, buy and indulge oneself. It is wonderful to learn of AFP’s new website “Change the World with a Giving-and Wise-Heart,” which encourages and educates people about giving gifts that are in the real spirit of the holidays and to give gifts that benefit others.
AFP’s site recommends thinking proactively about philanthropy and how to support and improve one’s community through giving and volunteering. Every individual can help make a difference if a gift, of any size, is given wisely and intelligently. I’ve written about my favorite options that are better-than-going-to-the-mall(http://www.ventureneer.com/vblog/best-gifts-dont-have-ribbons-and-bow-another-take-holidays).
Or buy – and ask others to buy – from socially responsible organizations that give part of their proceeds to charity.
Giving during this holiday period is also a great opportunity to teach children about the true meaning of this season. So shower your kids with gifts if you like, but help them understand that many children around the globe would cherish food and many other basic necessities and they can play a small role in making the lives of those in need a little more livable. For ideas read http://www.ventureneer.com/vblog/buy-locally-motto-holiday-season.