As the wildfires continue to affect families in Los Angeles, facing evacuations, property loss, and uncertainty, most of us feel rather helpless but want to show support through charitable giving.
We live in a world full of catastrophes, which makes us want to control the controllable and find ways to help. Charitable giving nationally increased by 1.9% to $557.16 billion in 2024, according to data from Giving USA (givingusa.org/about). But before you begin writing checks or making pledges, here are four things to keep in mind as you consider giving to charities:
- Research first. Before donating, make sure you take a closer look at where your money is going. Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) has information on different charities and can be a great resource as you examine how much of your donation will go directly to support the programs you care about (and how much goes into the charity’s pocket). Next, with a simple Google search, look up the charity and check out their website. If you can’t find information about the charity’s mission on their site, it is time to be suspicious.
- Get the most from your donation. Our first instinct is to donate cash to charities. To make a deeper impact, an unlikely partner is the Internal Revenue Service. Our tax code allows for more tax-efficient ways to give. Unfortunately, the techniques available are largely unadvertised and underutilized. With some guidance and a little planning, you can make a bigger impact. (Good news: We are here to help.)
- Be suspicious. Phone calls and emails asking you to give become more frequent in times of crisis. Phishing scams are prevalent and require all of us to proceed with caution. The first rule: If it smells fishy, it probably is. Scammers love emails that look good, but after closer inspection, they are just slightly off. An ounce of diligence and reexamination is always a good idea.
- Find out if the charity is registered. Some states require fundraisers and charities to register. Check to see if the charity is registered before giving at the National Association of State Charity Officials (nasconet.org/resources/state-government).
Unsure where to begin? Here are some highly regarded charities that provide direct wildfire relief and are known for their effective and transparent operations:
- American Red Cross: A well-known organization that provides immediate assistance such as shelter, food, and emotional support to those displaced by wildfires.
- Direct Relief: Focuses on providing essential medical supplies and equipment to communities affected by disasters.
- The Salvation Army: Offers a range of services, including food, shelter, emotional and spiritual care, and disaster relief assistance to victims in California.
- World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to those affected by disasters, including families throughout the affected region.
In times of tragedy, we all want to help. We want our neighbors to know that they aren’t alone. Charitable giving and philanthropy are great ways to help and show support. Windes Wealth Management can work with you to make an impact so that your donations reach those who need them.
Contact us today to discuss efficient ways to donate more to your charity of choice.