hati.org.my

The original article is from the Star newspaper.

How to give a donation... wisely

So you've decided to make a contribution to charity. What next? Giving to charities is a social investment. Like all other investments, a little bit of research will ensure a higher value on the returns. If you are willing to do your homework before you give, even small gifts added up over a long period can make a big difference, and you will be assured that your contribution will be well spent.

To help you get started, here some guidelines to making a wise donation:

1. Get more information about the charity / community
Is the organisation well managed? Are you satisfied that the community really needs attention? Different organisations have differing views and methods as to how to tackle the same problem. Do these views coincide with your personal views and philosophy?

2. Do visit the charities
See for yourself the cause you will be contributing to. Meet and spend time with the one's who'll be receiving your help. Often you'll get a more in-depth idea of what they really need, and may develop a long and lasting relationship with some very special people. Make it a weekend family outing, Get your children involved.

3. Where is the money going?
Inquire what the funds will be for. A new building? Computers? Conserving the turtle population? What percentage of the donation will go towards the cause? Charities should be accountable for spending of public donations. You have the right to know and it is best to keep track of how your donations are spent.

4. Cash or kind?
Be conscious of the type of donation that you will be giving. Will it be just cash, or should it be food rations, clothes and school uniforms or household items? Should the cash donations be project specific or to cover general expenses? Even giving some committed time will be greatly appreciated by the recipient and may turn out to be highly rewarding for you.

5. Always ask for a receipt
For you records, you are encouraged to ask for a valid receipt, especially if you are giving a large sum.

6. Don't donate if you're feeling suspicious
Don't be swayed by charities asking for the ringgit through guilt and intimidation. Do not give to an unknown charity over the telephone, especially if it pressures you to give immediately. If approached, ask for proper identification and licensing credentials issued by authorities.

7. Keep in Touch
A good way to find out the organisation's / community's progress and know that your effort was well spent.