Donating to a charity is a great way to help your fellow human beings. For many, knowing that their donations help other individuals can be a major mood and motivation booster. Fortunately, with the internet making financial transactions more convenient, things have also become easier for those who wish to donate to charity.
Below are some of the easiest ways in which you can donate to charity:
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1. Create a donor-advised fund
Donor-advised funds have started gaining more popularity as a medium for making donations. In donor-advised funds, an organization acts as a sponsor for your donation. Once you deposit your money in a donor-advised fund, the organization will manage it and then donate it to a cause of your choice. These organizations are a more affordable and accessible alternative to private foundations.
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2. Via check
You can also always donate to charity the old-fashioned way—via your checkbook. Issuing checks remains one of the most common methods of donation. This practice is popular for its convenience and security, both for the donor and the charitable organization. Although it may seem like an obsolete method of payment in the age of online transactions, it is still considered a safer mode of payment, especially when large amounts are involved.
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3. Through giving circles
Giving circles are small groups of people who come together and collect money to donate to a charity. This method of donation has gained popularity in recent times and has made donating to charity more fun and transparent by adding a community aspect.
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4. Through intermediaries
Making a donation, like all money transactions, is something that you should think about seriously before taking the plunge. Therefore, you may want to seek advice from intermediaries before making a donation. Intermediaries can be associated with particular causes or organizations and can answer any questions you may have before donating. This can reassure you that your donation is going to the right cause for you.
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5. Through online crowdfunding
Online charity is becoming more popular with time. Even though some donors are still apprehensive about donating via the internet, a substantial amount of people consider it a more convenient way of giving to charity. In online crowdfunding, financially strong donors come together and donate money for a cause or a person in need. Crowdfunding has played an instrumental role in raising money for causes, such as clean water, and has helped many budding entrepreneurs to obtain funds for their startups.
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6. By donating food, a car, or clothing
Donating your old car or clothes you no longer wear can be an effective way of helping someone in need. Donating food on a regular basis can also help support food banks that provide for families in need.
In addition to donating funds or supplies, note that donating your time through volunteering is another excellent way to give back to society. What’s important is finding causes and organizations you feel good about supporting and helping however you can.
