Nov 23, 2009
Every non-profit has traits that, if you knew, you wouldn’t give to it…but you should still give.
If you’ll never give money to organizations that disappoint you, you have two choices: either willfully remain naive or be rigorously ungenerous.
Ah, but there are ways to target giving that make for much more effective use of your dollars. (Full disclosure: I study this for a living.) Groups that partner with local organizations, let the locals do most of the work, and that spend less than 15% of their funds on admin. costs (including paying the locals) are usually significantly more effective than others.
Just be careful and make sure you know what your charities are giving your donated money towards…we recently discovered that some “Pink Ribbon” cancer research charities give money to support abortion clinics. Not all, but just make sure you know where your money is going…that’s just responsible stewardship.
If people understood that, church giving would probably go up.
I worked for a Christian non-for-profit straight out of graduates school…it was great until reality set in…I was quite appalled after six months by the kind of stuff that goes on. Poor performance and failure to implement strategic goals were met with poor attitudes and excuses based mostly in part to lack of resources; however, they failed to use effectively what they had. Just like for-profit businesses, money and resources are poorly utilized in non-for-profits. Often, I thought, if the donors only knew…
I agree, you should still give, but ask to see independent audit reports of how the organization is run.
Disappointment is inevitable, and you are right: it shouldn’t discourage generosity. I often am saddened by the costs of administrative needs and fundraising (especially as I feel so much is wasted in paper, paper, paper to people who likely don’t care). My most comfortable giving is usually at places where I also volunteer, and see their humble offices, their need for a copier that works, more space, etc.
However, I also give to MPR becuase I listen every day, even though I know they are one of the richest and most comfortable public radio outfits in the nation. Ever see their offices? Still, I feel they are more a business than a true nonprofit (feeding children, repairing raptors’ wings, etc.) so maybe that’s the disconnect
I also feel most comfortable giving to organizations where I volunteer (or where I know individuals who work or are served by the organization). I guess it’s not really “giving by faith,” but it helps me decide where to give among all of the many needs out there.
Good point. I prefer innocence over naivete. If I know, I act. If I don’t know, I find out so what I give will actually get to a child who needs. You cannot be militaristic, but to be informed does not necessarily make you so. I like your thought trail…
Good advice. We have to remember, too, that our experience with a non-profit can be totally different from another person’s experience with the same non-profit. Compassion is a good example. Molly’s recent trip and blog really helped us see a side of Compassion that we had not seen in our experience with Compassion.
I really appreciate this post, I think it’s wonderful to tell people that just because an organization is a charity does not mean that they will be perfect, and thanks for says thing we should still give even when disappointed
I volunteer at local Crisis Pregnancy Center. I also raise money to support them.
I don’t do for others since I don’t know what their goals are and where the money will go.
Volunteer is great to get to know the non-profit and to know what they really need.
Hungry to eat His Word,
‘Guerite ~ BoldLion
It’s a numbers game and I’m starting to think that the law of diminishing marginal returns sets in much earlier for non-profits. This may be a biblical principle, but I can’t prove it. I do know that God uses the weak to shame the strong.
Yes, every organization will fail to meet the standard of the individual who wants to maximize his return, but it seems that giving to smaller organizations that are likely still holding closely to their original charter is the way to go.
I know lots of people who wouldn’t give to a certain org, won’t buy at a certain store etc. because of the reported media attention. If they knew everything about everything, they would be living on the street naked and not paying taxes (then you’d be living in jail, or on the street you be a prophet.) We can’t get away from misuse of money or mismanagement by charitable organizations and even our own government. It is best to do a little research and willingly give where YOU feel most comfortable.
And, praise Jesus, this is why I send monthly checks to God’s Own Profit, Benny Hinn! I know they ain’t perfect — LORD knows I ain’t — but he is taking the GOSPEL to the AFRICANS on his JET PLANE! Oh and he even sent me a model of it for my contributions. Is there any doubt he’s a kind man of God?
;)
We should charity in the name of GOD, which is more profitable investment among others
[...] if you knew you wouldn’t give to it. 2009 November 23 tags: non-for-profit by Doulos Every non profit has traits that if you knew you wouldn’t give to it. If you’ll never give money to organizations that disappoint you, you have two choices: either [...]