The need for generous people is at an all-time high right now. The pandemic has created economic and health care challenges that continue to stretch our resources.
Millions of people across the globe are out of work, struggling to pay their bills and feed their families.
Social justice movements have shined a light on problems we all need to work together to solve.
With so many people in need of support, it can be challenging to figure out how to do the most good.
These tips will help you rethink your giving strategy at a unique moment when every donated (Manx) pound really does matter for families facing these issues closer to home.
1 – Pick the organisations you trust.
Social media has made it easier than ever to raise awareness about causes that need help.
Many goodhearted people try to get involved directly by starting their own crowdfunding campaigns on sites like GoFundMe.
Unfortunately, donating to these campaigns is often an inefficient use of your money.
Crowdfunding isn’t subject to the same oversight as, say, the Red Cross.
It can be challenging to verify that your money reaches its intended target. And scammers always love to prey on people’s best intentions during a crisis.
Unless you know the organiser of a crowdfunding campaign personally, it’s best to stick with well-established nonprofits and charitable organisations.
For extra security, you can check with the UK Government and our own Government Register of Charities to locally to vet groups before you send money.
2 – Understand how your donation will be used.
When you donate to a large charity, a portion of that money could fund operational overheads like salaries and advertising.
Some givers are disappointed when they find out that their money is helping an organisation pay bills rather than directly helping a person in need.
If seeing your money in action is part of your giving goal, you might feel better donating to organisations in your community, such as churches, shelters, or a local nonprofit like the Manx Solidarity Fund.
In addition to direct giving, you could also make an extra effort to support local businesses.
It’s easy to see where the money you spend on carryout from your
favourite restaurant goes; you get a burger, and the restaurant hopefully stays open.
3 – Focus your generosity.
The variety of problems we’re dealing with right now can make it difficult to decide how to give.
And “decide” is an essential word because you can’t donate to every single cause.
Many long-term financial plans get thrown off course by short-term charitable impulses.
Retirees living on a fixed income need to be especially careful that they don’t break their nest eggs trying to give too much.
Remember – your basic needs come first. If helping a charitable cause puts your finances in jeopardy, who is going to help you?
One way to bring your giving down to size is to start local.
Large national nonprofits and charitable organisations have established donor networks they can tap during crises. Restaurants and food banks in your community probably don’t.
You can’t solve a big problem overnight by writing a big cheque. But you can make a difference in someone’s life tomorrow that could lead to positive change over time.
4 – Consider alternative ways to contribute.
Most experts expect levels of charitable giving to hold steady or slightly increase throughout the rest of the year.
Volunteering, however, is likely to decrease significantly due to the lingering effects of social distancing, cancelled events, and other public health policies surrounding the pandemic.
As valuable as your money is, your gifts and professional skills might be even more valuable right now.
Volunteering for these organisations as a remote tutor, graphic designer, or virtual office administrator could help an important cause keep its gears turning when your community needs its support the most.
Has Covid-19 affected your giving goals for 2020? Let’s have a chat about how you can use the financial or intellectual assets you have to help others live their best possible lives.
I am taking next week off to make the most of the last of the school summer holidays, attending and supporting various local events, and eating out wherever possible.
I’m taking a week off from the podcast too, but I hope you take the chance to listen to this week’s guests, Miles and Pippa Pettit of Noa Bakehouse, and maybe review some of the past episodes going back to when lockdown (and Island Influencers) started.
As an island, we’ve come such a long way!
The team are taking the replacement ‘Senior Race Day’ off on Friday and will reopen on Tuesday after the UK Bank holiday.
Have a great Supermanx Weekend and let’s hope the weather is better than it usually is for the TT!
