Which Charity Will You Choose and Why?

According to Charity Navigator online, the top ten researched charities online include Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, the National Philanthropic Trust/Breast Cancer 3-Day, Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Alliance for Children Everywhere (Charity Navigator). What is it about these charities that appeal to the general public? Some of the charities listed above are for people who are more vulnerable and/or susceptible to illness. Such as Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which is a foundation set up to help fight childhood cancer (Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation). Those who are giving usually help those who can't help themselves for one reason or another. While those donating to Alliance for Children Everywhere, the organization helps the children around the world who are in need for various reason (Alliance for Children Everywhere).

According to Sandra Sims of Step by Step Fundraising, there are many reasons to why people are charitable. Her reason are as follows;

(1) Personal Experience

(2)They want to make a difference.

(3) They want to do something active about a problem or take a stand on a particular issue.

(4) They are motivated by personal recognition and benefits.

(5)Giving is a good thing to do.

(Sims)

Each of these reasons can be argued into categories under political, economic, cultural and psychological. I believe personal experience is the strongest cause of acts of charities. Perhaps the giver themselves have gone through an experience or a family member. For instance with my disability, I like to donate and work with charities that also better my situation. It often makes people feel good that they overcame a challenge by providing others with the same support they received.

When searching for a charity to donate to, you want to research the history of the foundation to make sure that your money or time goes to a valid organization. You would want to look for pictures and testimonials of past givers and receivers. Also, look for ways to donate, not every organization needs your money. Sometimes you will be able to volunteer your time. Charity is never just money, though it helps! Even going to a local hospital and reading to the children there makes them forget there situations for a short time. So how do you think you will be charitable in the time to come?

Works Cited

“Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.” Fighting Childhood Cancer One Cup at a Time. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundaion, 2009. Web. 12 Dec. 2009. .

“Alliance for Children Everywhere.” Alliance for Children Everywhere since 1969. Alliance for Children Everywhere, 2009. Web. 12 Dec. 2009. .

“Charity Navigator.” Your Guide to Intelligent Giving. Charity Navigator, 2009. Web. 12 Dec. 2009.

Sims, Sandra. “Why Do People Donate to Charitable Causes?” Editorial. Step by Step Fundraising. Step by Step Fundraising Inc., 2009. Web. 12 Dec. 2009. .