What is a reputable organization that I can donate to?

Question

I have some money that I think I should donate. I want to donate it to an importnat cause, not something silly.

Does anybody know of any good causes to donate to?

Answer 1

Personally I support St. Judes Children's research hospital. They are doing very important work in finding cures and treatments for severe childhood illnesses, especially cancer.

Answer 2

How about the Fisher House.

This is a facility run by a non-profit organization that assists the families of wounded soldiers to be by their spouses side while they get better.  It is a wonderful organization helping those who are in harms way, not because they necessarily believe in the fight but because they are willing to make that sacrifice for their country regardless of the call of Duty.

Answer 3

I feel Best Buddies is an organization deserving of support. Please consider their cause.

www.bestbuddies.org

Answer 4

Christian Children's Fund is good, as is Salvation Army, for using most of the money to benefit the people, rather than spending a lot on administration and fund raising.

When I gave them a large amount, I requested that they not send me any fundraising letters, just a letter telling me what they did with the money and they have honored that request.

Answer 5

You have had some great suggestions..I would go with Habitat for Humanity.  A great organization that helps many people get back on their feet.  My church built a home a few years ago and it was a great experience to be a part of.  

Also samaritans purse which is a Franklin Graham organization that helps those less fortunate across the world.  One good cause is  Operation Christmas Box.  Check it out.  It helps to spread the word of Jesus Christ through giving Christmas boxes filled with gifts to children of ALL countries.

Or if you would rather help out a medical research cause you could do the 3 day walk for breast cancer.  www.the3day.org

Answer 6

The Salvation Army.  

I and my family came back into this country as refugees five years ago.  The military personnel knocked on our door at 7.00 a.m. and said, "Ma'am, we are evacuating this area.  You have ten minutes to pack."  

We were gone ten minutes later, with two babies and three suitcases each, all of our belongings and earthly possessions left behind.  The only thing we took were our clothes, our books and a pair of shoes, plus our babies' dollies.

When we got the the airport in our host country, we called the Salvation Army, who got busy to shepherd us back to the US as comfortably as possible.  

They met us at the airport in Florida with a car, paid for a hotel for three days for us, helped us to get an apartment, deposits for gas, electric, water, etc., and then donated mattresses and cribs for our children.  I was amazed.  They never asked for a penny in return.  They were wonderful and they saved our bacon, literally transforming us from homeless refugees to members of the society in less than 30 days.  Amazing.  

Yep, Salvation Army gets my vote.  

Good luck!

Answer 7

Heifer International

Gives people a hand up rather than a hand out

Answer 8

Your area's Abortion Clinic.

Answer 9

Habitat for Humanity would be good. As they are a large international organization with many affiliates, you could choose to have your money used locally or internationally.

The goal of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing. If you live in poverty-level housing and spend more than 50% of your disposable income on housing, Habitat helps you buy a simple, decent home.

It is not a hand-out. Sweat equity is involved. You have to help build your house and put in a certain number of hours helping build other houses. You then buy the house at cost and pay a mortgage.

The house can be passed on to relatives if you die. You can also sell the hgouse (although a second-lien is placed for the first ten years in order to prevent people from abusing the system, as the houses are sold well below "market value"). Habitat is a very reputable non-profit and has been in business since the 1970's.

Habitat for Humanity, International, is based in Americus, GA, and Atlanta, GA, but there are regional offices and local affiliates in cities across the country.

www.habitat.org is the website

The Fuller Center for Housing, founded by Millard Fuller (the founder of Habitat for Humanity) after he left Habitat a couple of years ago, would also be a good choice.

Answer 10

You will undoubtedly be bombarded with good organizations that you could donate your funds to.  I have a few wonderful charities that I do most of my donations to, but my favorite is the Kiwanis.   A global organization working to provide service leadership opportunities to the youth of the world.  They also help with major world wide projects such as providing iodine to eliminate goiter around the world and many more activities where help is needed by those less fortunate.  For more information on the foundation and the organization, please visit www.kiwanis.org  

Sincere gratitude to you for giving to those less fortunate.

Answer 11

the RSPCA - Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

www.rspca.org.au