It’s that time of year. The end of the year.  When everyone all of a sudden realizes they may owe a lot of taxes and want desperately to change that situation.

On top of that, every charitable organization knows this is what wew are thinking.  So, they remind is (or is that nag the …. out of us) to donate to their cause.   After all, we Americans give almost $ 360 billion a year to charity!   (That does not reflect the fact that philanthropy is a $4 billion “industry”!)  Which means we really need to discern who does what with our money.

Too many of the “disease” organizations end up using our money for their own benefit- not to improve the lives of patients or those afflicted with the disease. Too many other charities simply don’t use our funds well.  Which is why choosing the right charity is OUR job.  To find our which organizations will useyour money the best way possible.

(For what it’s worth, 56% of the wealthy class include educational causes in their donation portfolio.  Poverty and healthcare causes are next (virtually tied at 35% and 34%), and the environment stands at 28% amassing the funds of the wealthy donors.)

I choose my charities carefully.  Oh, sure, I add to the ‘stable’ often.   But, I still make sure the charities I choose spend most of the money I donate for the results I hope to achieve.   Because I manage my choices of charities as if it were an investment portfolio.  Because it is.

The places to which I donate are the extensions of my personal actions; they are the agencies that will help effect tikun olam- the making of this world a better place- as a result of my (and a slew of other folks’) money in their coffers.

Admittedly, one of my choices used to be my alma mater.   Because I knew the school catered to those students who really couldn’t afford an education.  And, it provided one heck of a benefit for the buck.  Unfortunately, it has been acquired (don’t get me started how much lobbying was done to change the rules of the game for this to happen)- and I no longer include their programs in my roster.   (I still give to the professional/graduate programs that helped me on my way.)

The problem is how to evaluate the non-educational charities.  There are various agencies that can provide help- besides the self reporting provided by the entities themselves.  (Of course, we all know how well self-reporting works- after all, we all recall the United Way scandal- plus the other charities that routinely hide the fact they’ve been robbed by employees.)

By the way, I made some recommendations about a year ago for various charities that may interest you.  Here’s that reference.  And,here’s another list that may help you choose.

There are other places to check.  Like the Giving Institute that purports that its members to have the highest ethical standards.  Or, the International Aid Transparency Initiative which evaluates the cost and effectiveness of various charitable entities.  Or, my favorite, GiveWell which rates a slew of charities.   (By the way, these three groups also need money to do their job; it’s useful to help them do so., so include them in your portfolios.)

So, as you close out the year- give.  Give as much as you can.  Give to those causes that resonate in your being.  But, make sure those charities will maximize your money to advance your dreams.

The world needs your help. It’s waiting.  Oh, and the year is ending soon- so get your money in before 31 December, so you can garner some benefit on your tax bill.

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