REAL SIMPLIFIER

REAL SIMPLIFIER

How to choose a charity

Eileen Heisman, CEO of the National Philanthropic Trust, offers advice on vetting organizations beforeopening your heart(and your wallet).

What’s the biggest mistake givers make? They donate impulsively. Charity scams rely on you doing no background check and making a hurried gift. Spend 10 or 15 minutes doing proper research to make sure that a charity is legitimate and reputable.

What sort of research? Reputable charities will have an online presence— at the very least, a Facebook page. If a charity does not have a site, that should raise questions. [Go to irs.gov to confirm that a charity is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.] On an organization’s website, look for information on their programs and how they use funds. Then search the local media to see what kind of coverage the charity or members of its board have received.

How should you deal with unexpected donation requests? Whether it’s a coworker or a stranger asking for a donation, buy some time

Written by Brandi Broxson Illustration by Peter Oumanski

to first research the charity. You can say, “I would rather give directly online. How can I give you credit for the donation?”

And phone solicitations? If someone calls claiming to represent a charity, ask them to mail a hard copy letter. Often they won’t if they’re not legitimate. If you see a link on social media, do not click through. It may not take you to the actual charity. Always go directly to the charity’s site instead.

What if you’re new to an area and want to find a local cause? Ask neighbors or coworkers for their favorite places. Or go to a trusted site, like GuideStar or Charity Navigator, which vets charities. Plug in your city and what type of cause you’re interested in— education, poverty, the environment. The more specific you can be, the better.

How can you include kids? Actively involve children in the process. Let them help you choose a cause they care about—say, a shelter if they love animals—and invite them to contribute a bit of their allowance to a charity piggy bank each month. At the end of the year, donate it together.

Is it better to give all I can to one place or to spread out my giving? Aim to give more to fewer charities. Five hundred dollars to one charity will be more impactful than $100 to five. If a certain social issue is important to you, put all your eggs in that basket and stick with it for at least three or four years.

Why? It costs charities a lot to find and recruit new donors. If you’re loyal for multiple years, you’re saving them money. What if you can afford to donate only a little? No amount is too small. And smaller gifts can add up for a big impact. Just look at the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. People donated small amounts for a total of more than $100 million.

What’s the easiest way to give? Use a site like Network for Good. It provides a secure link to donate [choose from more than 1 million charities] as well as a snapshot of the organization’s mission, programs, and financials. And if you give to more than one charity on the site, you’ll receive a single receipt, which makes it easier at tax time.

What if you can’t give money? Be a cheerleader for a charity. Research shows that one of the biggest reasons people give to a cause is because friends and family ask them to. Post about the organization on social media, workaninformationbooth at an event, or hang signs at your local coffeehouse to spread awareness.

GIVE A GIFT FOR GOOD Go to realsimple.com/ charitablegifts for a gift guide of do-good goodies.

#FOLGERSFEELSLIKEHOME

Tabitha Blue, the creator of FreshMommyBlog.com, knows that home is where the heart (and the party!) is. Here, she shares her tips for fi lling your house with friends, fun, and great memories.

BRIGHT IDEA

Lighting is a subtle way to set the mood and add ambiance to any party. Homemade lanterns can give a festive feel and make your event a night to remember.

CLEAN SWEEP

Company coming over? Tabitha’s tip: brew a pot of Folgers® Coffeehouse Blend coffee while you tidy up. It’s the ultimate post-cleaning treat and makes the entire house smell amazing.

HAPPY HOSTESS

Tabitha’s secret to seamless entertaining? Plan ahead. Hosting is a breeze when you start early by setting the table in advance, and even easier when your napkin holders double as place settings.

THE GREAT INDOORS

When the season changes, bring the picnic inside! For a fun twist, Tabitha and her friends camp out on the fl oor with a spread of snacks and Folgers® Coffeehouse Blend coffee. No matter what food it’s paired with, the bold, delicious fl avor still shines through.

EVERY CUP OF #FOLGERSFEELSLIKEHOME

Share your favorite at-home coffee moments with #FolgersFeelsLikeHome, and include #ContestEntry and tag @RealSimpleLifestylers for a chance to win* a great prize package from Folgers® Coffeehouse Blend! For complete Offi cial Rules, visit realsimple.com/folgers.