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| Path: Main Street : Resources & Library : Research Articles : Feature Article |
Some tips on how to start giving effectivelyby Melanie Lovering
Attendees of the recent 2nd Annual Canadian Women's Foundation (CWF) Forum learned "Strategies Women Can Use to Make A Real Difference." The forum, hosted by senior executive Jocelyne Cote-O'Hara, featured individual presentations by journalist Sally Armstrong, Angela Robertson, executive director of Sistering and Julie White, former president and CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Although the views on women and philanthropy were presented from three different perspectives, some common themes emerged for how people, and women in particular, can start their personal giving strategically.
If you're sure you want to give, but just not sure where to give, start by assessing your own values. Once you've decided what issues are important to you, it's time to research the organizations that support those causes. Don't assume you are already familiar with all of the organizations related to your pet cause-- dig deeper to source out relevant organizations. Then, identify the level of support you want to give. Will it be on a community, provincial, national or international level?
Contact the organizations that interest you. Phone them, visit their website and even visit their offices in person. Talk to the volunteers, or better yet, volunteer yourself.
Decide how much you want to give. And don't feel guilty about saying "no" when you feel inundated with requests. In the end, giving smaller amounts to multiple organizations erodes the power of your giving. If you're stuck between several, consider donating to an umbrella organization or funding body that targets specific groups or issues.
Decide how you would like your funds to be used. Do you want to help the organization stay afloat by donating operating funds? Or is it projects or advocacy that interest you? "Keep in mind," stressed Robertson, "that operating funds are hardest to obtain, yet they're inextricable from programming." And once you've given, "Be a good donor, not a high maintenance donor. If you don't trust them to use the money well, don't give it," suggested White.
As Canadians, we worry that our effort is not going to the right places. "Take ownership for the process when you give", urged Armstrong "stop and think about what you're doing when you write that cheque." And finally, give yourself some credit!
Melanie Lovering is Director of Sales at CharityVillage.com. Reach her at melanielovering@charityvillage.com.
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