Giving Wisely

The Bible instructs us to give generously with a cheerful heart to those in need. Ask the following questions to help you give wisely:

Can the charity articulate who they are and what they do?
Organizations that can explain who they are and what they are trying to accomplish have a purpose and a commitment to bring focused change and improvement to a situation. 

Can the charity define its short-term and long-term goals? If an organization does not have quantifiable goals, they have no way to measure success. Good organizations love the opportunity to share testimonies.  They know what they are working toward today and tomorrow.

What progress has the charity made toward its goal?
It is not enough merely to be concerned with a problem.  Good intentions are not sufficient to warrant your charitable support.  Ask your charity what it has done to make the issue it confronts better.  What are its results? 

Does the charity's programs line up with your prayerful desires?
If you support the mission of an organization, ask yourself if its programs also line up with what you believe is worthwhile.  You believe in the cause and you hope and pray for the end result, but is the organization working toward that result in a way that seems rational and productive to you? 

Is the charity trustworthy?
You should be able to give with confidence.  Do not support a charity until you feel comfortable with it.  A guilty and distrustful giver is a onetime giver.  Research and ask questions, not only of the charity but also by using another unbiased source.  Pray and ask God’s guidance. Check with the IRS or your state attorney general's office.  Ask for an annual report.  Do whatever it takes to put your mind at ease.  Good charities will encourage this because a trusting donor is a willing and supportive donor.

Would you be willing to make a long-term commitment to your chosen charity?
Giving to a charity can be a long-term commitment which in turn ensures the success of the charity to reach its goals. Intelligent giving is motivated by altruism, knowledge, perspective, and spiritual insight.  As a Christian, you have the desire to help others because you understand the graciousness of God toward you. When you make a long-term commitment, you agree to support a charity through good times and bad, providing the funding needed to weather economic downturns.  In return, it promises to continue working toward addressing the issues you both think so important.  Long-term sustainable change can take place with continuous support, which is what we all want in our own lives and the lives of others.

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