Where should I give?

Being generous feels really good. We have found it extraordinarily satisfying to embrace a small number of causes and get to know nonprofits doing work in areas meaningful to us.

But it can also be overwhelming to know where to give. Here are some tips on how to get started:

1. If you’ve already supported a nonprofit, now is the time to double down and give more.  Most nonprofits could use a boost right now.

2. If you have a multi-year giving strategy, accelerate your giving. Given the uncertainties and new demands raised by COVID-19, non-profits are struggling. Move up the timing of your giving to help while your support is needed most. 

3. If you aren’t sure what causes to support, reflect on what has mattered to you for a long time. David has personally experienced the power of reading and education since he was a kid. Since giving birth to our daughters, Jennifer has been particularly interested in the strength that comes through harnessing the power of community.

4. Talk with a family member or friend. Hearing how other people approach giving will help you get clearer about your own approach.  Here’s a note we received since beginning this challenge: “We’ll brainstorm as a family - all three of our kids are home and finishing their semesters online.  It will be good to involve the kids in these giving decisions. “

5. Ask your financial adviser or a philanthropic adviser to recommend a few non-profits that speak to your interests. Or browse through lists of highly rated charities at Charity Navigator or Guidestar for inspiration.

6. Join SVP. Social Venture Patterns has a network of philanthropists in 40 cities around the world. SVP Partners pool donations and learn from one another. You can get as involved as you’d like. See if there is an SVP in your city.

7. Take the plunge. You can call the nonprofit and chat with their leadership team—or not. You can divide the grants from your DAF evenly among 3 or 4 organizations—or go big with one.  Really, you don’t have to over-think it. If you’ve gotten clear on what causes move you and you’ve done enough research to know the organization is doing work you respect, go for it. You’ll be glad you’ve gotten started.
   

Still not sure? Here are three organizations we support financially, operationally, or both. (David is the co-founder and CEO of Worldreader.) Each helps people in its own way— locally, as part of a national network, and internationally. And each would put your funds to work immediately.