Child Charity

Every child charity is created for two reasons: to provide for young people in need and to offer an opportunity for compassionate service and giving. Child charities are legal non-profit organizations specializing in fundraising and bound by law to use the money raised for the purpose in which it was intended. With the advent of the Internet, charitable organizations for children across the globe bring horrific needs to the attention of the smallest community. Without charitable organizations for children, helpless children would have no voice. Child charities act on behalf of children to see that needs are met---and hearts are tugged to donate, often through the Internet. Charitable organizations for children, large and small, exist based on their ability to fund raise and the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) exists to ensure that they do so honestly. After all, how does a person really know if a charitable organization is and does what it promises to do? What if the donation never reached the little people who are in need? NASCO is charged with oversight of charitable organizations across the nation and helps consumers identify the organizations that keep administrative costs lean so that the maximum amount of a donor's dollar goes straight to the children.

Before a child charity can solicit funds, they must have a way of making themselves known. Fundraising campaigns in the media, products marketed with a donation purchase, gala events, telemarketing, and seasonal solicitations are all part of a child charity's fundraising agenda. However, child charities' websites are by far the most successful public relations campaign. Not only is all the information about child charities online, but also donors can make tax-deductible contributions with an Internet connection and a credit card. Since there are always more needs than donations, it is a constant battle to "get the word out" in such a way that donors feel compelled to help. Like all organizations, charitable organizations for children have expenses that add up quickly. Without strong management, only a fraction of a donor dollar may end up benefiting those who are supposed to benefit.

Asking questions is the best way to investigate the integrity of a nonprofit that is supposed to be helping children. Try to think beyond the appeal, beyond the emotional impulse to help, and check with the charitable organization to see how a donation is actually being used. Make sure that the agency is legitimate by finding out what portion of the dollar is used in what ways. Try to avoid cash gifts so that better security and tax records can be kept. Write checks to the charitable organization rather than in the name of one person--and when a donor writes out that donation amount to the charitable organization, keep in mind that it costs a child charity about $35 for each $100 raised. Each charitable organization establishes its own percentage of mission costs vs. administrative costs, but it isn't unusual for administrative expenses to cost up to 40% of the donations received.

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