Quote:
Originally Posted by MoneyGuy
I look at these things differently. I'm absolutely not referring to the OP but I find when people say they donate all year long so they don't donate for unsolicited requests, they may not donate to charity at all. We donate all year long, and also give to charities when people show up at my door for causes I support. We have also canvassed for a couple of those charities (cancer foundation and heart-disease research, I think it was).
My wife and I have lost three parents to dreaded cancer so we donate to cancer research. When the cancer lady, and similar people show up at my door, I give them 20 bucks. I donate to the United Way, to Christian missions work, to our church, often for cancer research and to local school projects because schools are under funded. At this time of year, we donate to the food bank, Santa's Anonymous and certain others.
We feel this stuff is very important. We may not have Champion's income or lifestyle  but we're fortunate to be blessed with more than we need and feel privileged to be able to share some with others who are less fortunate. These charities would be in a big pickle if not for generous givers. |
That's all true, but not the whole story.
I have our monthly donations to our preferred organizations coming out of our bank account via direct deposit every month on the first. I feel that allows me to:
1) Pick the charities I think do the most good
2) Allow for the most amount of my money to get to the actual "cause," since none of it is going to pay canvassers/telemarketers/mailouts/fundraising overhead, etc.
3) Allow the charity to have a more consistent income they can budget to, instead of worrying every month how the most recent campaign is going
I think by doing that I end up giving more than the "$20 every time someone comes to the door" crowd, and it gets used more efficiently. My two cents only, since obviously charities are able to raise money that way or they wouldn't do it.