BLOGS
Donor-Advised Funds Explained for Beginners
For those new to strategic philanthropy, the world of charitable giving can seem complex. Beyond writing a check or note to a favorite charity, there are vehicles designed to maximize both impact and tax efficiency. Understanding the donor-advised fund basics is an...
Being Generous and Giving Young: Ideas for Charity as a Youth
Photo by rawpixel.com Every parent wants their child to grow up with a kind heart, and teaching kids about generosity starts with small steps at home. The good news is that you don't need lots of money to help others. As Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson writes...
When Something Smells Fishy: How to Verify Charity Scams
Photo by rawpixel.com Your heart wants to help--and that's a lovely thing. It's a lovely thing to have a heart that wants to help. So, when you see a commercial with hungry children or get a call about injured veterans, the story pulls at your emotions, and you...
Empty Wallet, Willing Heart: Volunteering Instead of Donating
Photo by user18526052 Many people think they cannot help others because they lack extra money, and this is simply not true. Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson wrote Giving Is Not Just For The Very Rich to show that everyone has something valuable to offer, teaching...
Charity and Philanthropy: A Simple Comparison Guide
The terms "charity" and "philanthropy" appear frequently in discussions about giving, yet many people use them interchangeably without recognizing their distinct meanings. Understanding the difference between charity and philanthropy matters for anyone who wishes to...
How Middle-Class Families Can Practice Philanthropy
The word "philanthropy" often conjures images of billionaire donors, massive foundations, and seven-figure checks—in front of newspapers or magazines, smiling and waving to the camera. This narrow perception has convinced countless middle-class families that...
What to Take into Account: Considerations Before Donating
Photo by benzoix Before giving any money away, use a charity transparency checklist: a simple tool that helps you check if an organization is honest and effective. Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson writes in her book that "[it] is important to be very selective and careful...
The Heart of Giving: Understanding the Role of Empathy in Charitable Behavior
labs.google Have you ever watched a news story about a family who lost their home in a fire and felt a tightness in your chest? Or maybe you’ve walked past someone struggling on the street and felt a strong urge to do something, anything, to help. That feeling has a...
Religious Influences on Modern Giving : How Faith Shapes the Way We Help Others
labs.google Have you ever wondered why some people are so quick to help others? Or why certain communities seem to have a strong tradition of giving, even when they don't have much money themselves? The answer often lies in something very personal: their faith. Across...
Hammering Out the Kinks: A Personalized Plan for Charity
Photo by rawpixel.com Creating a giving plan that works for you means giving to one that fits your values, budget, and schedule. Many people want to help others but feel unsure where to start: the key is hammering out the kinks in your approach before you...