New Age of Donating to Charities

In this Dot.Com age, almost all activities involve the existence of digital gadgets or equipment in order for these activities to be accomplished successfully and efficiently.  One of the best examples for this is the method of donating to charities.  Unlike before that donating was made possible only through personal appearances in charity centers – today, one can donate money or in kinds through the “digital” way.

The Digital Method

a.    Internet

The great wonders of the Internet are being proven again by its involvement as a practical venue for people to keep in touch with the various charities around the world.  What makes the online method more efficient is that a donor needs not to travel or go to the place of the charity where he/she wants to donate something at.  An American-based individual , for example, does not need to go to Africa in order to donate money and help poor people thereat; instead, a donor just needs to go online, log-in to the chosen charity and then specified the amount of money that will be donated, and press SEND. As simple as that, one could help and save lives.

There are various websites that offer such services – and they can keep the identity of their members (the donors) confidential.  One only needs to register in the website and make an account in the site.  In the site, one will choose which charity he/she wants to donate at and the mode of donating money.  Of course, one has to make sure that the website offering such services are legitimate one.

b.    Via Mobile Phone
Another innovation in giving donations to charities in this Dot.Com era is via mobile phones (or also known as cellphones).  By sending a text message, one can already share a donation to charities that are inclined to help the less fortunate individuals.  This can be done by sending a text message with certain keyword and the amount of donations to the mobile telecommunication company that the owner/donor has an account with.

Although this mode of donating to charities is still now at the early stage, it has already become famous for those who are into donating because of its convenience.  Also, it appears inviting among young people because one can donate any amount, even as low as $4 or less.  In a way, such process can help a lot because even in just small amounts, but if many are donating – at the end – it can still earn a big amount out from these donations.

Meanwhile, in donating to charities, one should be careful on where to donate so as not to waste the money or the kinds that were shared.

1.    Make sure that the organization or charity center is a legitimate one.  There are some organizations that are bogus and just want to make a profit out from the donations that were given.  One can check at the license or registration of the charity, which will prove its legality.  Also, a little research and background check about the charity center will contribute a lot in determining the legitimacy of the organization.

2.    It is also helpful if one keeps track of the amount of donations given by him/her.  This will serve as a guide, whether such amount really went to the intended charity.

3.    In order for someone to know better about the charity, he/she should inquire about the charity’s objectives and process of transacting donations from the donor going to the intended charity.  As a donor, one has the right to know how his/her donation will be forwarded to the target group.  One should be suspicious if the organization refuses to divulge any information about their group or how the flow of donation will reach the beneficiaries at the very end.

Above everything else, donating to charities should be done voluntarily and with the sincere intention of helping.  There are some who just want to donate because of the perks that go with it, such as certain tax exemptions. When someone helps, it should be from the heart.