Local Giving for Local Impact

For many of us, supporting local business matters. We like to see our communities thrive, and choosing to support locally-owned businesses is a great way to help. It feels good to spend our money in a way that supports our neighbors, and keeps profits in our community.

When it comes to giving, it’s also helpful to consider how our charitable dollars make an impact. There are many worthwhile charitable causes, and some of the larger national charities attract our attention with large marketing budgets and fund-raising efforts. Amid the appeals from these well-known organizations, requests from local charities can be easy to overlook. Many small organizations do a great deal of good in their hometowns and can give a distinct local flavor to your charitable efforts!

Deciding what cause to support can make choosing a national or local charity easier. For example, if you want to support the arts, your community theatre or concert association can make great use of your funds. On the other hand, if you’d rather support agencies that help with natural disasters, a large national or international organization is probably the most effective place for your money. Even within the same broad cause, there are different ways to make an impact. A community mental health agency might make a great local impact, but a national organization may be a better fit if your aim is to support research into a specific disease.

Just as a local business is closer to the people it serves, local charities may be more in touch with specific community needs. If you give locally, you can talk to people in charge and find out exactly where your money goes. You also want to be sure how much of your donation will be spent on providing services, operations expenses, and marketing and awareness campaigns.Raising awareness for a cause can be super valuable, but it may or may not line up with your charitable intent. Most charities clearly state their mission, and many make a breakdown of how their funds are used readily available.

If you want to give actual items rather than money, local charities are a good choice. Giving canned goods rather than cash to your local food bank or homeless shelter is a good example. Many thrift stores are run by local charities and the proceeds go to support organizations in your community. You may also choose to get involved with a food drive, or a collection campaign for coats and blankets, or for children’s items like diapers, formula, and toys.

Giving locally allows you to combine financial giving with hands-on service that may be more satisfying. You may feel a stronger connection to the cause and decide to also donate your time and talents. You could help serve meals at a shelter, pack gift boxes, clean up a river or distribute items. If you have a particular skill or talent like accounting, computer technology, or marketing for example, you may find an opportunity to volunteer your skills. Giving of your time is also a great way to network with other like-minded individuals who share your values.

To find a local charity that fits your charitable intent, try reaching out to your local Community Foundations, Chambers of Commerce, or Better Business Bureau. National databases like GuideStar are also a good way to narrow down your search. You can also leverage a national organizations for local impact. Find out whether you can specify that your gift is used locally. For example, many national organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army or food banks are happy to receive gifts that are designated for your local chapter.

Whether an organization is local or international, always check to see how your donations will be used. All charities have expenses and that’s okay, but it’s helpful to know how much of your donation goes toward administrative expenses and fundraising, and how much actually reaches the people or cause the charity serves. Organizations like GuideStar, CharityWatch, and Charity Navigator each rate charities on certain criteria and provide useful information when vetting a charitable organization. And at very least, you should check the IRS (Tax-Exempt Organization Search) to confirm an organizations not-for-profit status before making a donation.

It’s also important to note that just because a charity is local doesn’t mean it uses its money wisely or efficiently. Some small organizations may be trying to duplicate what an older or larger organization can do more efficiently. Sometimes local organizations are run by people who are well-meaning, but who may not have the skills or contacts to make the best use of donations.

Giving isn’t entirely selfless… it feels good too! Giving locally can be a good way to maximize the impact of your donation and to see your dollars in action in your community.At the end of the day, giving is an individual decision. Choose the level and type of giving that fits best for you.There are many worthwhile organizations, and you can’t possibly give to them all. Don’t waste energy feeling guilty about the ones you skip. Instead, appreciate the giving you do in your own way, and let it add joy and satisfaction to your life.