Buying and Giving Locally

Maybe your charitable donations should stay in your zip code?

For many of us, buying locally matters. We’ve all heard the term and seen the signs: Shop Locally. Eat Locally. But let’s extend that thought for a minute: do you consider giving to your local charities? The fact is, we are bombarded with requests from worthwhile charitable causes. Many of these are well-known national or international organizations with sophisticated fund-raising efforts. Amid their appeals, requests from local charities may be easy to overlook. Yet many small organizations do a great deal of good in their hometowns.

Before deciding whether giving locally or nationally is a better option, here are a few things to consider:

1. Administrative Costs. No matter whether an organization is local or international, always check to see how much of the money it raises goes to administrative costs and how much actually reaches the people or causes the charity serves. Most charities have websites where this information is readily available.
   
   
2. What kind of giving matters most? For those who want to support the arts, chances are that a local organization, like a community theatre or concert association will make great use of donated funds. If the priority is support after natural disasters, an international organization is probably the most effective place for donated money.
   
   
3. What about giving actual items rather than money? Local charities are usually better choices for receiving goods. Many places, for example, use “angel trees” which are programs that provide gifts for needy children or the elderly. If helping the hungry is at the top of the list, providing canned goods, rather than cash, at the local food bank or homeless shelter is a good option.
   
   
4. Local designations. Find out whether the organization allows for gifts to be locally designated. Many national organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army or food banks are happy to receive gifts that are designated for a local chapter.
   
   
5. Where does it go? Just as local government is closer to the people it serves, local charities may be more in touch with specific community needs. By giving locally, it’s easier to talk with the people in charge and find out exactly where the gift of money goes.
   
   
6. Other ways to give. Giving locally also allows financial giving to be combined with hands-on service that may be more satisfying than just giving money. Several options are serving meals at a shelter, packing gift boxes, volunteering at a food bank, or distributing gifts. 
   
   
7. Research them. Just because a charity is local, however, doesn’t automatically mean it uses its money wisely or efficiently. Always check. Sometimes, a small organization may be trying to duplicate what an older or larger organization can do more efficiently. Sometimes, local organizations are run by people who are well-meaning but don't necessarily have the skills or contacts to make the best use of donations. Do the research!

Final Thoughts

Remember that giving is an individual decision. Choose the level and type of giving that fits best for you, instead of trying to match what others do, or by giving what someone else thinks you should. Finally, keep a balanced perspective. There are many worthwhile organizations, and you can't possibly give to them all. Don't waste energy feeling guilty about the ones you skip. Instead, enjoy making a difference where you can, and let it add joy and satisfaction to your life.