Giving Tips

America's charities, and more importantly, those they serve, can be comforted by the fact that 2006 is shaping up as a banner year for charitable giving.

Contributions are up primarily because of the favorable health of the overall economy --historically, the biggest influence on contribution levels. Furthermore, the absence of a major disaster this calendar year should mean that funding wasn't diverted elsewhere, nor is there a risk of donor fatigue this holiday season. As a result, we are predicting that individual donors will give at least $100 billion to charities this holiday season.

But record-setting giving will do little to improve our world unless we all commit to pursuing responsible and informed philanthropy. We offer the following guidelines to ensure your holiday contributions are well-spent.

• Don't forget arts and cultural charities.
  These organizations were the only type of non-profits to experience a substantial decline in giving in 2005. If you are passionate about the arts, consider adding a well-run cultural charity to your giving list this year.
  
  
• If you gave to Katrina relief last year, consider giving to Katrina rebuild this year.
  Americans gave over $4 billion last year to provide basic necessities -- food, clothing, shelter -- to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Over a year later, the more expensive and complex task of rebuilding is just getting underway. Donors moved to help provide short-term relief last year should consider funding groups rebuilding the ravaged area.
  
  
• Be proactive in identifying disaster relief charities now.
  2006 offered a reprieve from the disasters that motivated philanthropists to give so generously in 2005. But hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, drought, famine and terrorist attacks are sadly inevitable. Take the time now to research and identify a couple well-run disaster relief charities, so you can give quickly and with confidence when the next crisis hits.
  
  
• Get on the bandwagon and support community groups that help the less fortunate.
  After years of declining contributions, giving to community groups is in vogue, increasing by 28% last year. The extensive media coverage of Hurricane Katrina, which exposed the plight of the poor in America, prompted the long-overdue rise in this type of philanthropic support. Abundant opportunities exist to support the less fortunate in your own neighborhood, from paying someone's utility bills to funding meals for elderly shut-ins.
  
  

Happy Holidays from Charity Navigator!