Disclaimer: This post is reflective of our company while under the name Pledgeling and the listed information may be outdated. Please refer to our main company website on Pledge for current information and resources.
Did you know that according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, December is the most popular time for individuals to give to charity? New Year’s Eve is often the most popular giving day as people ensure their contribution can be deducted on your taxes.
As individuals across the US are getting ready to make their year-end gifts, here are a few things to consider:
- Give to your Passion: While nonprofits provide critical care in our communities and around the world, a charitable contribution can be a meaningful experience for the donor when you give to something you are passionate about. Whether it’s providing funds to a fight a disease that has touched your family, supporting the local youth organization, or providing funds for international issues such as clean water or livelihoods, giving to the causes that you are passionate about can bring you joy. If you aren’t sure of an organization to support, you can easily explore causes on Pledgeling’s website.
- Give to the General Fund: Giving to a specific campaign is satisfying because we are more connected to how the funds are being used; however, organizations rely on general fund giving to survive. No one might want to pay for the electric bill, but without electricity, the organization cannot exist. Once you trust an organization, consider giving an unrestricted gift (and consider setting up a recurring gift so the organization can count on your support year round).
- Give in a Trusted Way to a Legitimate Charity: This time of year, people are inundated with giving appeals - in the mail, on the phone, over email, etc. Before you give, be sure your funds will make it to the intended organization. Sometimes phone solicitations can be a scam, and even if it is legitimate, often only 50% of the funds are passed on to the organization. As your trusted donations partner, Pledgeling allows you to give in the most secure way to any registered and IRS-approved 501c3 nonprofit organization. As an additional bonus, Pledge issues donation receipts for tax-deductible purposes and makes them accessible to you forever, simply by signing-up for a free Pledge account and logging-in at any time. Come April, your accountant will thank you!
So if you haven’t made your year-end gift yet, do it today through Pledgeling and make a meaningful impact on 2016!