Charitable Gift

Charitable gifts are contributions made to a non-profit organization in order to fund and promote a specific cause or mission. Those who are interested in supporting a particular project can donate any amount of money to the need. Furthermore, a charitable gift may involve something other than a monetary donation such as clothing, vehicles, property or buildings. Caring individuals may exercise unlimited creativity in choosing the most helpful donations to give to the various charity organizations of their choice.

Whatever a philanthropist's cares about the most in regards to charity support, the chances are that they can find a compatible organization that addresses that interest. Most non-profit groups accept charitable gifts and even depend on public or private support to meet budget requirements. Offering a charitable gift encourages an organization that the giver supports and believes in the stated cause. Therefore, use discernment when providing monetary or other types of support in order to make sure it is used for the stated reasons. Know where the money is going and what the money is used for. While there are many worthy organizations, there are a few that are not legitimate. Furthermore, there are groups who accept donations, but most of the donations to them are funnelled into administrative costs rather than the project need.

Perhaps the best way for any individual to insure that he or she can give some support each year to a favorite charity is to plan the amount of donations into the personal or family budget. There also are effective ways to give beyond a one-time donation. For example, a person can speak with a tax advisor or an attorney who can design annuities or endowments that will continue to support the organization on an ongoing basis. Again, it is important that those who give know the reputation and legitimacy of a group or organization before committing consistent support to them. Serious philanthropists should even consider checking out an organization with the Better Business Bureau before providing charitable gifts in order to insure that the money is going directly toward the stated cause.

There are many benefits of giving to charity for not only those who receive, but for those who give! The greatest benefit, of course, is the satisfaction that a person receives who is an instrument of blessing in someone's life through a sizeable, charitable gift. Also, the giver may be eligible for tax credits from certain charity organizations. Therefore, those who regularly provide charitable gifts to one or more groups should always make sure to keep accurate records of all donations. For those who give donations of less than $250, only a cancelled check or credit card statement is needed to verify the donation for tax purposes.

For those who provide checks of over $250, however, a receipt is needed from the organization stating that the donor received no tangible benefits in return for the gift. Offering donations to help those in need allows givers to put their faith into action by supporting causes that reflect personally approved projects. The Bible says that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). Therefore, everyone should consider giving a charitable gift not only as a means of supporting worthy causes, but also as a way of reflecting personal faith in Jesus Christ, Who is the greatest Giver of all time.

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