The holiday season is a time for family, reflection, and gratitude. It is also a season of giving, not only to those close to us but also to our community. Charity is defined as generosity and helpfulness, particularly toward those in need or suffering, as well as goodwill toward humanity. While the word originated in the thirteenth century, the spirit, value, and practice of charity have been essential parts of the human experience for much longer.
While charitable giving tends to peak from November to January, the needs in our community exist year-round. As the leader of United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, with the mandate to raise awareness of community challenges, organize solutions, and mobilize the caring power of the metro Richmond area, I am sharing helpful information while generosity, gratitude, and giving back are on our minds.
Charitable giving can sometimes feel overwhelming because there are so many incredible nonprofits, each doing important and meaningful work. From food banks and homeless shelters to groups dedicated to education, health, and natural disaster recovery, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Fortunately, there are tools to help you navigate charitable giving and ensure your donation is going to the right place.
Here are some suggestions on how to help make the most of your charitable donations:
1. Do Your Homework
When selecting where to give, it is important to conduct research and gather all the facts. Reputable organizations should offer transparency about their programs, how donations are used, and the results they achieve. To avoid fraudulent charities and scams, make sure your chosen charity doesn’t engage in any of the following activities:
- Asking for cash donations using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Sending mail appeals disguised as bills or invoices
- Pressuring you to give or threatening you in any way
The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers often capitalize on the holiday season by making fake appeals via phone, email, and on social media. If you’re uncertain, check platforms like Charity Navigator or Candid/GuideStar, which evaluate nonprofits for financial health and transparency.
If this advance work feels like too much, there are organizations that can streamline the process. For example, entities like United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg (where I am privileged to work) and the Jewish Federation of Richmond pool donations from multiple contributors and distribute those funds to vetted, high-impact programs. These organizations are held to strict standards and are required to report on how donations are used, ensuring accountability and effectiveness.
2. Decide How You Will Give
Financial donations are the most popular charitable gifts, but volunteering your time is another way to support your favorite cause. The holiday season is a great time to start involving children in volunteer work because the atmosphere is rife with opportunities to help others, whether through attending community events or performing acts of kindness.
Other meaningful activities could be shopping for items on nonprofit wish lists or conducting donation drives with your kids. Many local shelters, food banks, and family service organizations publish lists of needed items during the holidays. Involve your children in choosing gifts or essentials for families facing difficult circumstances. You can search for nonprofit wish lists at cfengage.org.
3. Track Your Donations
Once you have made your gift, you might want to mark your calendar with important dates of your charity’s key events so you can support the nonprofit in other ways. You should automatically receive a receipt that includes the charity’s name and the amount you donated. If you don’t, be sure to follow up.
4. Make It Personal
Finally, the most meaningful gifts are often those that resonate with you personally. Giving from the heart ensures that the act of charity is not just about fulfilling an obligation, but about making a real and lasting difference in the community in a way that is meaningful to you.
Start at home and teach the value of giving to create ripples for a lifetime. My daughter, for example, has always had a passion for dogs. As a child, she would save money to donate to the animal rescue group that set up shop at our local pet store. This early experience of giving is something we cherish as a family and reminds us often that even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way. As Thomas Fuller, a British clergyman, famously put it: “Charity begins at home, but should not end there.”
Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or donating essential items, every act of kindness can help create stronger, more resilient communities. By giving thoughtfully and with intention, you can help ensure that everyone in our community feels supported, especially during this time of year. Always remember, your contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to change lives.
