Avoiding Charitable Bankruptcy

It feels good to donate to a charitable cause. I write the check that I know will buy the last ingredient needed to find the cure for cancer, and it feels good. Then, I write the check to help pay for books at a school ravaged by floods, and it feels good, too. Next, there are the checks to preserve historical monuments, to feed homeless puppies, to cheer co-workers during times of loss, for multiple sclerosis, for women's shelters, polar bears, fire stations'gasp.

All this charitable donating is leaving me feeling broke. How can I stay charitable and stay out of the poorhouse myself?

Stay Focused

One key to keeping charity under control is to stay focused. Choose one or two charities and pour all of your efforts into those. It's easy to get pulled into many charities; they fill much needed voids. However, most of us can't donate to every cause that comes across our desks. Add up all of the charities that approach you at work, through the mail, on the phone, through schools, at the supermarkets, and everywhere else, and one could easily allocate a paycheck each month towards contributions.

It's okay to say "no." While the word doesn't give me a pleasant feeling, I have to draw a line. At work people collect a sunshine fund for co-workers. Then, they raise money for cancer research during two different fundraisers throughout the year. Later, a coworker sets out to raise money for multiple sclerosis. Add in all of the student sales for class trips and sports and the dollar donations at the banks and stores, and charity begins to become a financial burden.

Instead, I've learned to politely say "no." I purchase from only one student fundraiser throughout the year, and I choose to support one organization researching a cure for a childhood illness. It feels good.

Set a Budget

Just as with everything, you must set a budget for your charitable spending. During the month of October, cancer fundraisers abound. By setting a limit, it becomes easier to say "no" during a busy month. By saying, "I already gave my donation at last week's community walk," you are supporting your cause within your means. It's also acceptable to tell someone, "I plan to donate my charitable allowance this month at my child's school function on the twenty-fifth."

By setting a budget, you allow yourself to have an option in donating as well. You can donate a small amount to several branches of the charity that month, or you can donate one larger contribution to one branch. With a budget of $50 allocated for historical preservation, there's the option of donating it all to the Gettysburg foundation's new visitor's center or sending the center only $25 and sending the other $25 to restore the town's train station. Either way feels good.

Donate More Than Money

I'm charitable but not wealthy. However, there is more to life than monetary wealth. Consider ways to help your charity beyond writing checks. While my donation budget is currently exhausted, my charitable heart is not. Can I help set up for the event? Can my services be donated?

When solicitors call or stop you at the store, ask them these questions. Donate your efforts as well as your earnings. It feels really good.

Stay Charitable

Sometimes the amount of times we're asked to give to various charities leads us to a less than charitable feeling. Try to keep an open mind. The solicitors have the best of intentions; they don't realize that they're the seventh phone call that day asking for donations. Nor do they realize that you've already exceeded your budget for the month. Likewise, keep your own mind open. You know your limitations, and there's nothing wrong with keeping them. It feels good to be charitable, it feels good to stay on budget, and it feels good to set charitable limits.