Good Charity

[albionmoonlight]

Like many people, I contribute a certain amount of my income to charity. I make my major contributions for the year at one time, and, that time is now. Most of my money will go to charities that I know and have some affiliation with. However, I thought that it would be good to learn a bit more about what is out there.

Therefore, I have decided to save $100 or so and to contribute it to a charity (or charities) that someone on the board suggests. I figure that this is win/win/win. I learn about some good people doing good things, which will make me feel good and expand my horizons (at least the Government cannot tax my psychic income); you get to advertise a bit for groups that you feel are worthwhile, and a deserving group gets a little more money as a result.

I have no rules for this. This is not a contest. Just post a group about which I may not have heard and why they could sure use some extra cash. We will see where it goes.

[KWhit]

I always give to the American Cancer Society. Who doesn't know someone who has been touched by this disease? Unfortunately, my mother-in-law died very young from breast cancer, so my wife and I have volunteered for them.

[Qwikshot]

I've given to the local police chapter and to Make a Wish Foundation.

[JPhillips]

I try to suuport arts groups, especially arts education groups.

[bosshogg23]

My girlfriend has given to numerous charities. I never have. The only one I have seriously considered giving to was the Jimmy V foundation. That speech alone was worth $100.

[AnalBumCover]

I'm guilty of donating to the UCLA Athletic Assoc, just so I can qualify for the Bruin Bench seats at the Rose Bowl.

Seriously though, I just made a $50 donation to the American Diabetes Association.

KWhit, In support of your cause, I've participated in the annual Revlon 5K Run/Walk (www.revlonrunwalk.com) Fight Against Women's Cancers. This year's event is May 10th at USC (LA Colosseum). Anyone who has been at this event knows that it's really an amazing sight to see 50,000+ people participate, some of them cancer survivors themselves!

[edited to add link]

[AnalBumCover]

dola.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

This cite offers a searchable database of America's largest charities here. Good Luck.

[Fritz]

For "major" donations I give to the Society for Historic Preservation and the Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy's (nature.org) approach is fantastic.

In the past I have helped fund scholarships, but have quit since seeing my university rip off the fund. I still support the idea of helping education, but have become untrusting.

An immediate and direct way to use your money, and be sure 100% of it goes to "the front," would be buy some scouting unis for an underprivledged cubscout pack. I need to do this sort of direct donation a little more.

[JeeberD]

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My father is in remission from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, so I have a special place in my heart this this group...

[KWhit]

Originally posted by AnalBumCover

KWhit, In support of your cause, I've participated in the annual Revlon 5K Run/Walk Fight Against Women's Cancers. This year's event is May 10th at USC (LA Colosseum). Anyone who has been at this event knows that it's really an amazing sight to see 50,000+ people participate, some of them cancer survivors themselves!

I do a similar event. The ACS Relay for Life - Link Here (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/gi/gi_1.asp) - is excellent as well. Teams walk around a track all night long relay-style. There are activities to keep you awake and it is a lot of fun. Unfortunately, a few team members didn't show up last year, so I think I ended up walking 8-9 miles. I was really sore the next morning. Not nearly as many people are there as in the Revlon event, but very fun and fulfilling anyway.

[AgPete]

Easter Seal Society

They helped my little bro who has down syndrome and help a lot of kids that will never get a chance to lead a normal life.

[sooner333]

Meals on Wheels is in a bad financial situation, and in some cases, have not been able to keep up with demand. A teen group that I'm involved in has given to them in the past, and the organization is worthwhile. I don't personally give much money to charity, but then again I'm a senior in high school that is going off to college next year.

[SunDancer]

I say a local children's hospital, or a place like St. Jude's Children Hospital.

[CamEdwards]

albion,

My boss, Mike McCarville, recently set up the McCarville Foundation. The first donations went to the families of three soldiers from Ft. Sill, Oklahoma killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The bulk of the donations, however, will be donated to the USO and various Family Assistance programs at military bases throughout Oklahoma.

Since it's a brand spanking new charity, thought I'd give it a plug.

If you want more info, just email me.

[ACStrider]

I'd give to the "guyjustoutofcollegepayingoffstudentloanswholivesinaustintx"fund. I give all my free money to that fund.

Seriously though, the Salvation Army is the most popular non-profit organization, and for very good reason. The organization is very fiscally responsible and passionate about reaching out to people around the world. As a result, an extremely high percentage (the highest among major non-profit organizations) of money given goes directly towards the people who are truly needy. I got to be a counselor at one of their camps for kids one summer. The camp was free for them and one of the only chances for some of these inner city kids to get a break from their rough home situation. The college I went to is also the only campus endorsed by the Salvation Army, so I got to interact with quite a few Salvationists. As a whole, they're really great people who practice daily what they preach.

[Shkspr]

In the United States, over 40 million adults cannot read, and an additional 40 million can't read at any kind of functional level. They can't read to their children, so their children are less likely to read well...or at all.

Those children - hell, one of those adults - might be able to become doctors, teachers, engineers, researchers, and in a thousand little ways make advances that will improve the quality of life for others. So I support my local literacy council, with my time and my money.

There are so many worthy causes out there and so few people able to volunteer their time or money to them. I hold out hope that by supporting this cause, I make it possible to increase the number of people out there who have a good job and enough free time to return the favor and help those less fortunate in turn.

[Airhog]

I know of a very good charity. It is called Impoorandneedmoneyfoundation. I accept paypal :D

[Hammer755]

How about the Human Fund?

http://www.interlog.com/~porteous/nhf.gif

Seriously though, I would second The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My grandmother has suffered from leukemia for about the pas 6 years and I try to send any money I can towards battling it.

[SunDancer]

Any of you guys not to give at all, or to certain types or groups for a reason?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yes, there are a number of groups that I won't donate to. Basically, any that I believe works contrary to the best interest of ... me, my goals, the nation, etc or to those whose tactics I find despicable or to those that have extremely poor admin vs program ratios.

That said, I should probably plug a few of my favorite charities here while I have a chance.

The National Trust For Historic Preservation
Vietnam Vets of America
The "V" Foundation
and a couple of local non-profits which wouldn't be of great interest here perhaps but I always recommend considering local groups that don't have big fundraising budgets but would really benefit from even small contributions.

[SunDancer]

Care to explain Jon?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Even I don't think I could fully explain Jon if I tried :)

Oh, you mean the post not all of me. That might be easier.

An example of a group I have no respect for & will not donate to would be the American Cancer Society. I'm a dedicated smoker who doesn't appreciate their support of overzealous ordinances backed by flawed research. It'd be damned hypocritical of me, feeling as I do about them, to donate a dime to them. You aren't likely to see me making a donation to the ACLU any time soon either, nor PETA as another example.

Those are the sort of groups I was thinking about, and if I interpreted the question about who we wouldn't donate to correctly, that's the sort of the you were looking for.

[SunDancer]

Originally posted by JonInMiddleGA
Even I don't think I could fully explain Jon if I tried :)

Oh, you mean the post not all of me. That might be easier.

An example of a group I have no respect for & will not donate to would be the American Cancer Society. I'm a dedicated smoker who doesn't appreciate their support of overzealous ordinances backed by flawed research. It'd be damned hypocritical of me, feeling as I do about them, to donate a dime to them. You aren't likely to see me making a donation to the ACLU any time soon either, nor PETA as another example.

Those are the sort of groups I was thinking about, and if I interpreted the question about who we wouldn't donate to correctly, that's the sort of the you were looking for.

I wanted to bump this for two reasons.

Just curious Jon, can you explain the overzealous ordinances backed by flaw research theory.

Secondly, I am volunteering starting next month at local cancer institute (research and hospital). I have begain researching strengths of foundations, such as the one I work at and places like St. Jude. I have considered launching a fund-raising effort, with an eye of possibly turning it into a more "full-time" fund raising effort. Any feedback?

[SunDancer]

Anyone here been to an charity event? Thoughts?

[Marmel]

A while back, I used to do some stuff for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I even worked at one of their casino night charity events. It was good stuff.

I don't donate anymore, I just have not found a charity that I trust with my money, and doubtful that I will.

[scooper]

Originally posted by SunDancer
Anyone here been to an charity event? Thoughts?

I work for a charity. (Honest, I actually get a lot of work done) The best thing you can do is get some rich/powerful people involved through the use of a board. They know the other rich and powerful people that can get the money your charity needs. People with a lot of money will pay more attention to what their friends tell them in person than they will advertisements and public soliciation. If you can only land a couple of them, it is still much more efficient than to bang your head against the wall trying to get nickles and dimes from the general public.

Related to what Marmel said: Be open and honest about what your charity does. Be accountable. People will trust you much more.

One more piece of advice: Believe in what you work for. Immerse yourself in it and enjoy. My charity involves inner-city schools. Nothing energizes me more than a trip to one of our schools and interaction with the students.

[SunDancer]

Originally posted by scooper
I work for a charity. (Honest, I actually get a lot of work done) The best thing you can do is get some rich/powerful people involved through the use of a board. They know the other rich and powerful people that can get the money your charity needs. People with a lot of money will pay more attention to what their friends tell them in person than they will advertisements and public soliciation. If you can only land a couple of them, it is still much more efficient to bang your head against the wall trying to get nickles and dimes from the general public.

Thanks. Any advice how to go out and do that. My department that I major brings in many top-level CEO's and Presidents (Leading World of Hotels, Carlson, ect..) in the Hospitality Department. My dean and assistant dean are very "out-of-the box" in terms of their personalities. They are very supportive.

Related to what Marmel said: Be open and honest about what your charity does. Be accountable. People will trust you much more.

Such as?

One more piece of advice: Believe in what you work for. Immerse yourself in it and enjoy. My charity involves inner-city schools. Nothing energizes me more than a trip to one of our schools and interaction with the students.

I am slated to start volunteering at a local cancer institute, and I always been moved by Jimmy V and St. Jude in Memphis. As you just stated, I believe working in the hospital will really energize me to new levels, as I am already energized. I would look at possibities of raising funds from the pair of insitutes mention above, as well as "grants" for cancer-researching.

[scooper]

Good question. The charity I work for has been around since the early 80's so the board has been well established for years. I'm not really involved in the recruitment of board members. If you are working for an established charity, look into who has been supportive of that charity in the past. That is the best place to start.

I would guess an established cancer institute already has some sort of advisory board. Our board is very active in raising funds. I would challenge yours to do the same. Of course, there are always those who put their names on a board just for the prestige and don't do a thing to help.

On being accountable: Let them know exactly where the money goes and the reasons you want them to donate. We are very specific about where our funds go. We raise funds to help children attend Catholic inner-city schools. In our promotional materials, we lay out who the children are we are helping, their back-grounds, religion, minorities, etc. The fact is, most of our students are not Catholic. We are up front about that. It upsets some older hard core Catholics that we help those students, but it pays off as others see it as a way to help children they can't reach through ordinary means.

One more suggestion: fdncenter.org, learn it. Love it. Also, find out if there are any local publications listing local foundations. There is money out there, but you have to look for it.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally posted by scooper
I work for a charity. (Honest, I actually get a lot of work done) The best thing you can do is get some rich/powerful people involved through the use of a board. They know the other rich and powerful people that can get the money your charity needs. People with a lot of money will pay more attention to what their friends tell them in person than they will advertisements and public soliciation. If you can only land a couple of them, it is still much more efficient to bang your head against the wall trying to get nickles and dimes from the general public.That is very much true. Almost every dime we raise is due to relationships.

[SunDancer]

Originally posted by scooper
Good question. The charity I work for has been around since the early 80's so the board has been well established for years. I'm not really involved in the recruitment of board members. If you are working for an established charity, look into who has been supportive of that charity in the past. That is the best place to start.

I would guess an established cancer institute already has some sort of advisory board. Our board is very active in raising funds. I would challenge yours to do the same. Of course, there are always those who put their names on a board just for the prestige and don't do a thing to help.

On being accountable: Let them know exactly where the money goes and the reasons you want them to donate. We are very specific about where our funds go. We raise funds to help children attend Catholic inner-city schools. In our promotional materials, we lay out who the children are we are helping, their back-grounds, religion, minorities, etc. The fact is, most of our students are not Catholic. We are up front about that. It upsets some older hard core Catholics that we help those students, but it pays off as means.

One more suggestion: fdncenter.org, learn it. Love it. Also, find out if there are anothers see it as a way to help children they can't reach through ordinary y local publications listing local foundations. There is money out there, but you have to look for it.

My aim is more broad, in providing funding for multi-hospitals and grants for research/science of cancer. I don't work for an established charity yet and am looking to do it as a startup "foundation".

[scooper]

Well, I don't have much experience with startup foundations. Good luck. Cancer's a cause close to my heart. I lost my dad four years ago to it. We only knew for six weeks.

[SunDancer]

Thanks scooper. May I ask though, how I could go about approaching the "well-known rich and famous" ypu mentioned previous. I really don't know any, and being a "start-up", how would I go sell this.

[scooper]

That's the tough part. I just started last year and the support for the program was well established. And any new support from the rich and famous is garnered through their own rich friends, not from contact from our office.

[SunDancer]

Any advice on how?

[scooper]

Not really. Just beat the bushes and call people.

[stkelly52]

I am going through much the same process as I am starting a Non-profit organization. Basically, it is about talking to as many people as you can, making as many connections as you can.

Also, write to Bill Gates. He give away all kinds of money, and all it costs you is a stamp. However, when you write to him don't ask for a little money, ask for a lot. He likes to give big amounts to a few groups rather than small amounts here and there.

[wbonnell]

Rather than donating to some beauracratic organization which will skim off the top, why not donate to a needy family in your community? Man gets laid off, but can't pay his mortgage? Pay it for him. Whatever.

[wbonnell]

Originally posted by Marmel
A while back, I used to do some stuff for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I even worked at one of their casino night charity events. It was good stuff.

I don't donate anymore, I just have not found a charity that I trust with my money, and doubtful that I will.

What about donating directly to the needy.

[Anrhydeddu]

What about donating directly to the needy.

Exactly. Your $100 can do more direct good than giving $500 to a bloated charity or $1000 to the government in taxes.

[wbonnell]

Originally posted by Anrhydeddu
Exactly. Your $100 can do more direct good than giving $500 to a bloated charity or $1000 to the government in taxes.

The only catch is if they need a large sum of money (ie organ transplant).

[Anrhydeddu]

Not necessarily. Local churches have raised tens of thousands for specific cases or helped to relieve other financial burdens in the meantime. It's sure better than being on a priority list, esp. if you are in the wrong socio-economics class.

[SunDancer]

Thanks guys for feedback. My "goal" is my own foundation of start-up, not donating to an established one.

To be honest, I always have mix feelings of the homeless, ect...
I don't believe in government handouts such as welfare, due to the fact that many people (not all) take advantage to them. I feel bad for them, but I always have questions about why they are not able to survive. As good as it sounds for paying a guys mortage, I kinda have to say that I have bills to pay as well, plus their are handouts he can get while he searches for a job.

I know that I talk to my dean of hospitality at college, a good, care-about-his-students and would seems to have a really good heart type who has built a major card for putting our in the top level in the nation in gatherning major CEO's of companies and the alumni, from the CEO of the Leading Hotels of the World (www.lhw.com) at the top, is really big in hooking up with students in anyways possible. Here is a link to some of the people I met. I went to this event, as theire was a "dinner party" afterwards where students mingled with these guys" http://www.niagara.edu/hospitality/print.php?art_id=295

Also, my closest friend at school, prolly my best friend (or co-best friend), lol up at college knows and has many connections with hockey people. He knows Bob Hartley, and working at a camp of his, and his dad knows many other people.

[panerd]

Originally posted by JonInMiddleGA


An example of a group I have no respect for & will not donate to would be the American Cancer Society. I'm a dedicated smoker who doesn't appreciate their support of overzealous ordinances backed by flawed research. It'd be damned hypocritical of me, feeling as I do about them, to donate a dime to them. You aren't likely to see me making a donation to the ACLU any time soon either, nor PETA as another example.



Yeah, we would sure hate for women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer to get closer to a cure because you can't come to grips with the fact that you are addicted to smoking.

[SunDancer]

Originally posted by SunDancer
Thanks guys for feedback. My "goal" is my own foundation of start-up, not donating to an established one.

To be honest, I always have mix feelings of the homeless, ect...
I don't believe in government handouts such as welfare, due to the fact that many people (not all) take advantage to them. I feel bad for them, but I always have questions about why they are not able to survive. As good as it sounds for paying a guys mortage, I kinda have to say that I have bills to pay as well, plus their are handouts he can get while he searches for a job.

I know that I talk to my dean of hospitality at college, a good, care-about-his-students and would seems to have a really good heart type who has built a major card for putting our in the top level in the nation in gatherning major CEO's of companies and the alumni, from the CEO of the Leading Hotels of the World (www.lhw.com) at the top, is really big in hooking up with students in anyways possible. Here is a link to some of the people I met. I went to this event, as theire was a "dinner party" afterwards where students mingled with these guys" http://www.niagara.edu/hospitality/print.php?art_id=295

Also, my closest friend at school, prolly my best friend (or co-best friend), lol up at college knows and has many connections with hockey people..

Just wanted to know what you though about it.

[EagleFan]

A friend of mine just started a fund that is sort of like Make a Wish Foundation but it is aimed directly at Disney. This is in honor of his wife who passed away last December from cancer. The last thing they did as a family was to go to Disneyland and he says that the lasting memory that he had was seeing how happy she was to be there with him and their 4 year old son. In a time that she was in near constant pain it helped her forget that for a brief time. His father is a minister and local counsil member and they went to work in creating it and I just saw last week that it is now official.

I can get you more information is you want. It blew me away when I saw his picture on the front page of the paper as he never mentioned it around any of us because he kew we would want to help and it was so persnal to him that he wanted to be ble to do that for her by himself. (I'm not good with relaying exact feelings and reasons here, but it was a very touching explanation)

[SunDancer]

Eagle, that would be great. I would thank you if you did get more inofrmation. I just curious in how they went about going to launch it.

[SunDancer]

Originally posted by panerd
Yeah, we would sure hate for women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer to get closer to a cure because you can't come to grips with the fact that you are addicted to smoking.

I was wondering why Jon was against the ACS.

[SunDancer]

Originally posted by EagleFan
A friend of mine just started a fund that is sort of like Make a Wish Foundation but it is aimed directly at Disney. This is in honor of his wife who passed away last December from cancer. The last thing they did as a family was to go to Disneyland and he says that the lasting memory that he had was seeing how happy she was to be there with him and their 4 year old son. In a time that she was in near constant pain it helped her forget that for a brief time. His father is a minister and local counsil member and they went to work in creating it and I just saw last week that it is now official.

I can get you more information is you want. It blew me away when I saw his picture on the front page of the paper as he never mentioned it around any of us because he kew we would want to help and it was so persnal to him that he wanted to be ble to do that for her by himself. (I'm not good with relaying exact feelings and reasons here, but it was a very touching explanation)

Eagle, Just wondering if you had read this.

[SunDancer]

I wanted to bump this up, for a few reasons:

I been working about 40-50 hours since early July volunteering at a local cancer hospital, and I have put my faith, passion and energy into it. I truly feel happy volunteering here. After learning, feeling, and understanding the people, environment and the mission and purpose of the hospital, I like to start "groundwork" on a foundation towards this hospital. This is Roswell Park in Buffalo, NY.

The hospital has a foundation around, focused on cancer research. However, I like to look at doing something in the way of "quality of life" for the patients who and visit stay here, and the staff that is perheps the nicest, kindest and hard-working hospital group I have ever seen. Everyone is suprised at the helpfulness and nicest of them. I like to make the patients feel more comfortable and like a "guest" at a 5-star hotel, more then just a patient. Maybe I could focus also on building up the enviroment of the hospital (maybe through funding recreational or environment projects (like maybe help build the garden they have (which is beautiful as it is) better, or maybe bring artwork, whatever). Or maybe help purchase gifts at christmas present for the patients or staff. This is something I really like alot, as I love hospitality (hence my major).

What do you guys think? I don't want to "step" on the boundaries of the Alliance Foundation, as they can focus on cancer research funding, but create another way to give the institute more in a differenet way. I believe I can get the ok, and the 100%-support from the hospital. I just like to hear your thoughs, and maybe suggestions.

[SunDancer]

Also, in addition to my previous post, what do I have to do in terms of legal stuff?