The Key to Charitable Giving is Intention

As November arrives, our focus naturally shifts toward giving and community. It’s the holiday season and donation requests will start filing in from everywhere.

It’s common to think that charitable giving is reserved only for the wealthy looking to get tax breaks. In reality, anyone can make a meaningful difference as long as they’re intentional. Now that cash is sparse and cards are standard, giving can fall by the wayside unless we plan for it.

Here are a few ways to be more intentional about your charitable giving:

1. Build giving directly into your budget
The most reliable way to give consistently is to add it into your budget. Review your monthly income and expenses, then commit to a realistic among whether that is a percentage of your monthly income or a fixed dollar amount.
To help avoid the temptation of spending those funds elsewhere, consider opening a separate bank account for those funds. Having a giving fund ready allows you to respond quickly when unexpected needs arise, such as a neighbor facing emergency surgery or a regional relief effort.

2. Research and protect your donations
Take the time to decide what matters most to you. Make a list of causes you really care about such as education or healthcare– and research organizations that support those causes. The more specific you can get, the better. Organizations can be found on the IRS website and can be filtered to organizations in your city.
Donate directly through an organization’s official website, and be cautious of crowdfunding links from people you do not personally know.

3. Look beyond the checkbook
Generosity isn’t limited to monetary gifts. Donating your time, skills, or mentorship makes an immense impact. Also, check whether your employer offers charitable gift-matching or paid volunteer hours to amplify your efforts.
Ultimately, giving is less about the dollar amount and more about the habit of carrying for your community. With a clear plan, generosity can fit into any budget.