Charities Blog

Giving Something Back

Should Charities Issue Receipts for Donations?

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Giving to charity is an admirable act and one that should be taught even to small children. Some kids exposed to charitable giving at an early age find it worthwhile to donate part of the monetary gifts they receive when they reach the age of 16 or 18. Some adults, however, start out in this endeavor at a later age.

There’s no age limit to the act of giving to charities and regardless of when you start donating, what matters is you are sincere in what you do. It’s a different kind of personal fulfillment if one is able to share his or her blessings, particularly hard-earned money.

dollar and Donation Box

But the question is, “Do you need to ask for an official receipt every time you donate money to a non-profit charitable organization?”

Ideally, a charity should issue receipts to donors. It is a legal obligation of a non-profit group to do so. Also, people who have donated money will need official receipts in order to make a claim on their annual income tax returns. [Read more…]

The Purpose of Charitable Organizations

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To be organized and operated for purposes that are beneficial to the public interest – such is the main thrust of charities or charitable organizations.  They are quite distinct from other entities that exist primarily to do business and earn a profit.  Because they exist for a noble purpose, they are in turn provided relief from taxes. 

There should be no marked difference in the general objectives of charitable organizations whether they are private foundations or public charities.  The main difference between the two is the manner of sourcing their funds.  While the former get their funds from a single source such as an individual, a family, or a corporation, the latter received theirs in the form of grants from private foundations, government, and also individuals in their own capacity.  Public charities are allowed to solicit funds from the public in the form of activities that will lead to grants. 

There are at least three purposes that have remained consistent throughout time and these include poverty relief, education advancement, and religion advancement.  However, there are other purposes that have been accepted for being beneficial to the community such as the erection of public buildings or works and the maintenance thereof, fight against community deterioration, protection of rights as mandated by law, and easing the burden of government, among others. Some organizations which promote sports competition are also classified as charities. 

Clearly, any organization that could manifest its relevance in providing benefits to the public without asking payment for its delivery can be considered a charity.  Charitable organizations have a critical role to play in areas where governments are unable to sufficiently address the needs of the people.  They have the capability to make a difference in the life of a person, a community, a country, and even the world.

The Dilemma Of Celebrity Adoptions (From the Archives)

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art.elton.john.afp.giOn the one hand, the children being adopted by celebrities are given another shot at life – a much better shot, actually. On the other hand, celebrity adoptions may be sending out the wrong message. This is what the charitable organization EveryChild is concerned about.

The recent news that musician Elton John is planning to adopt a 14-month-old boy from a Ukrainian orphanage is the root of the charity’s sentiments. Elton John has been active in helping raise awareness for infants who are infected with HIV. His recent visit to the Ukraine is part of his efforts.

While he has always considered adoption, he said that he had concerns about it as he is not exactly a spring chicken and his career is not exactly the perfect setting for raising a child as well. However, when he laid his eyes on Lev, the baby boy, and interacted with him, Sir Elton John said that he changed his mind.

Now back to the concern of EveryChild…according to James Georgalakis, EveryChild’s Communications and Advocacy Manager, people in developing countries might get the wrong message from all these celebrity adoptions. He told CNN that:

“Research conducted in the Ukraine in 2007 which showed high-profile celebrity adoptions and news around foreigners coming into the country and adopting children generally was actually encouraging vulnerable young mothers to abandon their children into homes hoping their child would be adopted by a rich foreigner and have a better life. So it’s quite well documented that these high-profile adoptions could actually be increasing the number of children in institutions.”

Having read that information, I do see the point that EveryChild is concerned about. However, limiting or disallowing celebrity adoptions may not be the solution. What do you think? Should celebrity adoptions be restricted or is there another way to approach the issue?

Photo courtesy of CNN

Wherever the Need

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There are people in need everywhere. Some of them are right in your own backyard. Some of them are on the opposite side of the world. No matter where it is, Wherever the Need (WTN) tries to assist.

Wherever the Need is an organization that chooses to implement projects that will have long term effects. Water for example is of prime importance to them. They work to provide clean drinking water for the people- which is critical for people to stay healthy, and if possible to the livestock and plants as well. They are very environmentally minded. They always try to ensure that their projects are earth friendly.

Wherever the need isn’t as big an organization as some but they are registered in the UK and the US.The fact that they aren’t as big an organization means that it is possible for relationships to grow between benefactors and the recipients. For those who like to make a difference and feel like they are extending their circle of family and friends, this is a great choice

One beauty of this organization is that you can approach them about a project that you woud like to start and they can help you to make it happen. It is your project but they help get it up and running. So if you know of a group that really needs your help, don’t hesitate to bring them to the attention of WTN. Be prepared to do your part of course. You will be involved every step of the way with your project; it is worth it!.

Quick Tips To Bear In Mind When Donating To Charity

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Some people are naturally generous. You know this type. Anyone who approaches them on the street for help, they’ll help. If they receive a letter in the mail asking for a donation, they’ll do so without any hesitation.

A friend comes to them for help, they’ll give without any questions.

There is nothing wrong in being generous, but you ought to know that giving to charity should also be done with caution. It wouldn’t do if you’re being scammed, would it? Here are some quick tips that will help you give to your heart’s content without sacrificing the spirit of giving.

Come up with a list of charities that you wish to give to. This is the safest course you can take. There are so many charitable organizations out there – some of them are not legitimate, we have to face it. As such, you ought to check out organizations that you can be sure of, and stick to them.

Make sure that you know all about the organizations that you are giving to. Do research. Check them up with the Better Business Bureau. Talk to your friends who also make it a habit to give to charity.

When doing your research, make sure that take a look at whether or not the organization is a good fit for you and the causes close to your heart. Do not immediately put your trust in an organization just because it looks good. Take a thorough look at the activities and methods of the organization before you commit to anything.

Lost Children’s Network

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ChildWarriors.jpgNothing makes society put aside its differences than cases of missing and exploited children. Children are some of the most abused and misunderstood in most developing countries that they suffer more than we know. They are exploited as child labor, child warriors, prostitutes or simply victims of bad economic planning that allots enough resources for their future and development. The Lost Childrens Network, is a group of several non-profit charities who focus on the problem and try to alleviate some of the indignities children suffer all over the globe.

Recent statistics have shown that the use of children as child soldiers (mainly in Africa where the number of misguided children has grown to such extent that they are viewed as a resource for war) with their views of society and culture tainted with hatred, lust for power and the satisfaction of doing a good job for their war lords. These children, products of the Aids epidemic have little or no parenting supervision having fallen to conflict themselves as either victims or participants in the never-ending ethnic-cleansing that is currently sweeping the nation.

The group aims to inform people all over the world about the plight of these lost and misguided children in hopes of making the future brighter for them. They are also engaged in the search for kidnapped or literally lost children who have disappeared from their residences or while on tour abroad. These cases have increased in these past few years due to the more relaxed approach people have with regards to the time they append with their families, taking their children with them in hopes of regaining the lost time they spend at work with the time they spend on vacation. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is an estimated 15,000 soldiers that fall under the age of 18 with some as young as eight according to the BBC. In conjunction with the many charities and non-profit groups who aim to alleviate the suffering of children they are changing lives even if does not encompass the globe. Let us all help in their drive to help children wherever they may be on this earth for a brighter future which they can call theirs.

Non-Profit Groups – the backbone of charitable institutions

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Volunteer work.jpgThe several charities around all rely on manpower in the form of volunteers may they be aimed at people or towards nature. The many charities survive because of people who are dedicated to provide the proper care and help to those who may need it wherever they may be. Volunteer nurses and doctors go to distant lands to help people such as those who are currently suffering in Darfur helping the sick and injured as they live day by day in uncertainty.

Donations flow to those who suffer in the far reaches of the earth, delivered by volunteers who choose to do a little for their fellow man such as pilots, military men and others who just want to help. Financing is not the only aspect one can help with in terms of wanting to help. Habitat for Humanity has projects that construct free housing for the homeless relying on volunteer masons, electricians and the regular Joe to do the building. Thousands of houses have been built by these volunteers some of whom come back, time after time for the unseen reward of gratitude one gets from those who benefit from their hard work.

The people who need help are endless in this world and at any one time, a person dies in misery, his life becoming worthless and insignificant just because they are nobody’s. That is what we aim to change, everybody is somebody and all should know that. The children of Africa who have survived drought and famine now face AIDS and a life without parents due to the disease. Much can be done if everybody pitches in including businesses for they are the main source of funding besides governments and donations. Helping all those who need it is the goal, volunteering is the soul.

Charities… For Real!!!!! ( Part 1)

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Kids.jpg
There are millions upon millions of charities out there and the new year is the best time to begin with a helping hand to those who needs it the most. True, charity should have no suspicion and other nuances but with the many fraudsters out there, one simply does not know whom they can trust to get their money to those they aim to help.

Best to get information from the many online charity organizations and web sites to get a glimpse at the scope and type of work the said charity does for your country of choice or target field. You can check out America’s Charities, Give.org, The Charity Navigator, Just Give.org, The Angel Network among some of the many charity resources out there that can help you in your quest to a more oriented and hassle-free drive to help others.

Ask your family and friends if they have knowledge in the area and to allow you to get more of the localized resources available. Don’t have much to give but still want to help and have spare time? Donate your time and help make the world a better place. There are many charities that allow volunteers to play parts in their various activities. Volunteer your services which may prove to be indispensable during their many outreach programs. Mostly any skills can have a place in charitable organizations, many of which rely on other people like you to provide the bulk of their manpower needs.

Still not sure who to trust? Ask the government social services organizations or other Non-Government Organizations on who they work with (many of them work in coordination with others to provide or make up for needed resources). Companies who have or sponsor charities are more likely to get help from the government in the form of many benefits which can be seen in the many tax-deductions and other perks.

Charitable Institutions: Are They for Real?

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It is truly hard to believe how people would dedicate a large portion of their time helping out the people in need. Foundations, events for a cause and other forms of activities aimed at helping victims and less fortunate people are among the common things we heard daily.

Charitable Reflections

The question lies on whether charitable institutions are really geared towards helping people or helping themselves. This is not to really put such organizations in question but it cannot be denied that such are only fronts for something more dastardly and conspicuous. A lot of such cases have been revealed and yet some groups continue with such.

No doubt that it is hard to determine the sincerely put up groups from the claiming groups that are up to no good. For one, a project for a cause is something that would inherit world wide attention at any point. In such a scenario, wouldn’t this be something that can be considered as good publicity that can help gathers attention for something worth bigger? While the idea seems to be rotten, hopefully none of today’s charitable causes have resorted to it.

[tags]charity, institutions, charitable organizations[/tags]