On Line Donation

On line donations combine the convenience of the Internet with the enjoyment of giving. It used to be impossible to give money to charity over the Internet. The only way charities would accept donations was through check, money order, cash or credit card. Typically, these were by phone, in person, or by mail. Today, people can give an on line donation with a few clicks of the mouse. This can be an easy way to give money, but beware of scam artists before you click "Donate."

When looking for a charity to give an on line donation to, think of some nationally or internationally known nonprofit charities. These typically offer the Internet option for giving. People can also see if a local charity accepts donations over the Internet. Furthermore, people should look for a charity that focuses on a mission that is consistent with the giver's own beliefs. On the other hand, givers need to watch out for non-profit organizations that support issues that are not inline with their standards and beliefs. Asking around and researching organizations is a good way to insure the money given is going to a worthwhile charity.

An easy source for on line donations is a charity or non-profit search website. These sites compile all known information about major charities, rate them and even breakdown their financial information. Unfortunately, however, many of these sites cannot evaluate religious charities because of their tax-exempt status. For those charities, people can call a local office or visit their website to find out what they do and what they support.

Before giving to any charity organization, people should insure that the charity is known and legitimate. Potential givers should be especially cautious when they receive emails asking for on line donations. These emails may appear to be from a known organization, but the link inside could lead to a fake website set up to accept "donations." These people can steal credit card information and use it without the card holder knowing it before it's too late. In addition, check to see that the website that offer to take on line donations is secure.

Most importantly, potential givers need to be informed about their on line donation. In order to do this, people can read about the charity to see where exactly their funds go. If there is a particular cause a person is interested in donating to, such as a recent disaster, people can use a search engine to find current giving opportunities. Sometimes, there may be little else a well-intentioned person can do besides pray and give a little money, but it goes a long way for important causes. Sometimes it does more for the giver than even those for whom the help was intended: "And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:7-8)

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