Your gift list is ready, presents are marked off and there’s an end in sight to this year’s holiday shopping. However, the last person on your list an all-too-familiar character: the person who has everything.
What do you get someone who doesn’t want or need anything?
A thoughtful option to consider is to make a donation in their name. There are several benefits in giving a gift that keeps on giving and is a great way to start a philanthropic holiday tradition.
Here are tips on how to give the gift of charity.
Explore Your Options
There are several ways you can make a donation. Start by conducting thorough research. Explore online philanthropy websites such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar and Wise Giving Alliance. Also, don’t overlook local charities. It may take a little time to investigate, but the result will be worth the effort.
Make it Personal
Be sure the organization that you’re donating to aligns with the recipient’s hobbies or passions. Contributing to an organization that appeals to their emotions and ideologies will make their gift significant and meaningful. If you’re wondering where to start, listed below are a few charities suitable for every personality on your list. Always do your homework before giving money or personal information.
If they’re interested in:
Art:
The Dreaming Zebra Foundation is a charity providing support so that children and young adults are given an equal opportunity to explore and develop their creativity in the arts.
http://dreamingzebra.org/index.php/about
Music:
Vh1 Save the Music is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring music programs in America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education.
http://www.vh1savethemusic.org
Job creation:
The mission of Women’s Bean Project is to change women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
http://www.womensbeanproject.com
Education:
National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) values the unrecognized potential of disenfranchised and vulnerable families, particularly those who may be nonnative speakers of English, and strives to empower these families through education, community service, and mentoring.
http://www.familieslearning.org
International impact:
Global Women connects women affected by poverty to resources that transform their lives.
http://globalwomengo.org
Healthcare:
Children’s Health Fund is committed to delivering high-quality health care to disadvantaged children.
https://www.childrenshealthfund.org
Pets:
PetSmart Charities save the lives of pets and find people who will love them.
https://www.petsmartcharities.org
Package Your Gift
Just because they can’t hold it in their hand doesn’t mean you should scrimp on the delivery. Design an elegant card that contains all the details of the donation; include the name of the charity; contact numbers, how the donation is spent and pictures of those being helped. Many foundations award mementos to donors such as stickers, ornaments or other small tokens that you could wrap in addition to the card.
Carry on the tradition
This gesture can also develop into an option for birthdays, anniversaries or as an annual holiday tribute. The gift of charity will be a surprise for everyone to appreciate – especially when they already have everything money can buy. It’s a wonderful way to show respect for a special person and support a good cause.
You may also like How to Re-Gift Properly (And Politely). For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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