How do you feel about charities?

Answer 1

Some charities are good at getting help to the needy. Some charities are good at getting $$$ to their top employees and appearing to give help to the needy.

Its hard to know which type you are dealing with. As a start, use the website below.

A small charity in your area, that deals directly with the group you are interested in helping is probably one of the best solutions.

Large national, international, and regional charities - make me think I should set on my wallet.

Answer 2

Many are starting new non-profits all the time and using government money. What is the latest craze?

Plus many are devising ways to set up charities for profit that are supposed to help a certain group of people and they are applying for grants and small business loans. This is attrocious.

I used to be on several non-profit boards. These groups swing back and forth according to who is the Director and what their goal is. I was on a Family resouce center board that turned into free help for Mexicans. The director was American but Mexican decent. She did everything to make their lives easier like free food, clothes, rides, low rent, and medical handouts. Plus even free tutoring for the kids. My kids did not get that.

Many charities pay out huge amounts for overhead before the money trickles down to the people it is meant to help. I belive in direct help. If you see a homeless person take them to a motel and pay for a few nights. If you see someone hungry, buy them a few meals. If you see kids with no Christmas buy them gifts.
Someone had a fire and lost everything, give them what you don't need.

Other than this, the only charities worth supporting are ones that directly help people or advance medicine. Make sure they are reputable and been around a long time with a good record.

Answer 3

I feel if it weren't for the fact that a business gets the write off at the end of the year on their taxes, charities may not exist.
So, it's a give and take circus, in my opinion.
The one thing that irritates me the most about charities, is that once you give a dime, they will not leave you alone with their constant mail requests, and they always suggest what they think you should donate in dollars and cents.
While the proceeds from charities do benefit the less fortunate, every day you can do someone a favor for free by just being nice.

Answer 4

They used to work great when they were run by bored housewives, then people figured they could make money at it, and the actual charities got hosed. My cousin used to work parttime as a secretary for a Cerebral Palsey charity...This was about 18 years ago...she earned 40 thousand a year.

Answer 5

WE,my wife and I try to give our 10%,we have two children at home and sponscer 3 others in different places around the globe.Local Hospitals and Charities we feel arn't big money generators.When we fail and stop helping each other or system has failed and we are doombed.

Answer 6

there is one charity that advertises to feed poor children. I found out that the POOR only got about 10% of the money.. I now give my money to my church..they distribute it. They have programs for people in MY city to help them pay rent, buy food, go to the MD and they support agencies like pregnancy problem center, etc.. so I will give it to them first. I am not saying that helping poor children in Africa is not important but I believe in helping those in your OWN neighborhood first.

Answer 7

Charities are a great thing! Just check out who you give to ahead of time to make sure they are legitimate.

Answer 8

I think most of them do a terrific job with very little money. The bad publicity of a few spoils it for everyone else. It's easy to research what they're doing and how much they're paying their staff, so you can choose the places with which you agree.

Answer 9

i would rather not give to charities,the people will only get a small percentage of what you donate

Answer 10

Charities that handle their funds wisely...yes. What's not to like?