How To Better Connect With Your Favorite Charity
Over time, many donors have asked: “How can I gain a better understanding of the charities I give to?” We all want to be sure that our dollars are going to worthwhile causes with the greatest positive impact that are aligned with our good intentions and wishes.
With this in mind, below are three ways you can better connect with your favorite charity and its ability to deliver long-term on its mission.
Ask the Right Questions
Every non-profit should be rightly proud of its work, its mission, and its results. We are fortunate to have many highly effective non-profit organizations right here in our community. Questions that you should feel comfortable asking include: What is the impact of your work? How many individuals are helped annually? What percentage of my gift goes directly to the work versus administration? If you want to better understand how your gifts are making a difference to the causes you support, HCF can help facilitate conversations like this that build trust and foster meaningful, long-term relationships between you and the charities you support.
Get Involved
In some cases, you may be asked to incorporate your favorite charities into your estate plans. In addition to setting up bequests and planned gifts, you might also consider making meaningful contributions during your lifetime. Lifetime gifts, eventually leading up to an estate gift, will allow you to see the results of your generosity. Other ways to get involved with the charities you support are to volunteer, become a board member, or ask to observe site visits. HCF is happy to help you find ways to start these conversations and better engage with your favorite organizations.
Include the next generation.
If you intend to leave a bequest or planned gift – or to open a fund at HCF – you are already taking steps to establish a family legacy. HCF was founded on family philanthropy. Many donors welcome the opportunity to involve their children and grandchildren in their philanthropy. Younger family members will appreciate the opportunity to understand your passions, and they may have some great ideas to accentuate your impact. The next time you receive an invite from HCF to an educational event, consider asking your family members to attend. We can help facilitate the next generation’s involvement through education about philanthropy, your values and your charitable giving priorities.
Know that Hudson Community Foundation can be a great resource for your philanthropic interests – contact us! We are local and here to help, always with your best interests at heart.
If you want to chat about philanthropic giving, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for YOU.
The team at HCF is a resource to serve philanthropic clients. We understand the charitable side and are happy to serve as a secondary source as you manage the primary relationship with your clients. This blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice.