Haiti's earthquake. Children who need mentors in after-school programs. Orphans in China. A place for artists to thrive somewhere other than New York City.
Nonprofit charities exist to help all of these needs and more, but many donors wonder if a charity organization is legitimate and how their money is used after writing the check.
"You've got to see some personal side of the organization," said Doc Waller, executive artistic director and founder of The Layman Group.
TLG is a nonprofit arts organization founded by Waller to encourage the development of art and creativity in Alabama. Waller started the volunteer organization after realizing too many artists view places like New York as the only outlet for artistic growth.
Waller said legitimate charity organizations must have transparency, reputation, structure, social networking and a good website.
"Nowadays the website is No. 1," Waller said. "I've designed (TLG's) website 30,000 times."
Waller said a legitimate charity will value a donor based on their gift, not its amount.
"(The charity) will show that they are interested in what you say, no matter what you give to them," Waller said.
Danny Aubin, director of the Potter-Daniel Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County, agrees with Waller.
"We're just thankful we're getting a donation," Aubin said.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a nonprofit charity organization that has existed for 150 years.
Aubin advised donors to evaluate a charity's affiliations and marketing before contributing.
CharityNavigator.org can help potential donors decide when and to which nonprofits to support. It provides categorized lists of hundreds of charities and allows users to submit feedback documenting their giving experiences.
The site suggests donors be proactive in their giving, obtain copies of the charity's financial records and stresses the importance of picking a charity and sticking with it in order to maximize the benefits.
Linda Blakely, projects and administrative director for Storybook Farms, said it was important to give where a donor's interests are. Storybook Farms is a nonprofit faith-based organization that provides equine therapy for children with mental, physical or emotional needs.
"You need to have a connection with the charity you're donating to," Blakely said.
Blakely graduated from Auburn in December 2010 with a degree in human development and family studies and said she has always loved kids.
"That's what draws me to a place," she said.
Blakely said to be careful donating to a charity if a previous targeted donation has not produced any results. In other words, be sure of the charity's legitimacy.
Blakely also stressed the importance of giving to nonprofits despite the current economic situation.
"For us, even just a little bit goes a long way," Blakely said.
Waller agrees and encourages donors not to slack during hard times.
"If you don't (give), you get away from validating the people in organizations who are holding on to the most valuable things in our community," Waller said. "There's nothing worse than not being able to recognize the great things around you."
Waller encourages others not to lose sight of the important things.
"Nonprofits are the listening ears of the community," Waller said. "You cut off the ears and you lose the balance."
Top 10 Best Charities that rely on private contribution:
From CharityNavigator.org
1. Fisher House Foundation
2. The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
3. Homes for Our Troops
4. Keep a Child Alive
5. Hampton Roads Community Foundation
6. Feed My Starving Children
7. Special Operations Warrior Foundation
8. Community Partners International (formerly Foundation for the People of Burma)
9. WaterAid America
10. North Carolina Community
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