The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.
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Last Updated on October 23, 2024
Powerful philanthropic practices give you a better chance of making a difference. At the Intersection of Altruism and Economics is impact. Make the most of your charitable donations and make a difference in the world.
Powerful Philanthropic Practices: Maximizing Your Impact
1. Choose causes that align with your values and passions.
Research suggests that individuals are more likely to donate to causes that resonate with their personal beliefs and interests. This personal connection leads to a deeper sense of purpose and engagement, fostering a long-term commitment to the cause.
2. Conduct thorough research on nonprofits.
Before making a donation, take the time to evaluate the organization’s mission, track record, and financial transparency. Reputable charities should readily provide information on their programs, impact metrics, and financial statements. Use online resources like Charity Navigator and GiveWell to assess an organization’s effectiveness.
3. Consider both immediate and long-term impact.
While emergency relief and crisis response are essential, supporting organizations with a focus on sustainable development and preventative measures can have a more lasting impact. Invest in programs that address the root causes of issues rather than simply providing temporary relief.
4. Diversify your giving portfolio.
Spread your donations across multiple organizations and causes to maximize your impact. Supporting a variety of initiatives allows you to address a broader range of issues and contribute to a more holistic approach to social progress.
5. Engage with the organizations you support.
Stay informed about the organization’s activities, volunteer your time, or advocate for their cause. Building a relationship with the organization demonstrates your commitment and strengthens the impact of your support.
Are you making an impact with your charitable donations?
You can use a game to learn more about how to make sure your hard-earned money makes a difference for your cause.
The game MyGoodness comes from the MIT Media Lab and supported by the charity The Life You Can Save. The charity focuses on how to make the most impact with charitable donations.
Preview MyGoodness with this short video:
Understand Your Donations: Take the Test
Test yourself: Play MyGoodness!
There are over one million registered charities in the United States alone, and many more worldwide. How do you choose among them?
MyGoodness is a simple game that helps you understand how you give. In the game, you will make 10 giving decisions. Each decision is between two choices, and you tell us which you prefer.
At the end of the game, we give you a summary of your ‘goodness’ and how it compares to others. You can share that feedback with whomever you would like.
Let me know how you did. I learned I can do better.
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