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2 comments

• Keith

  This is an interesting problem. I give through charitable organizations, such as churches and other not-for-profit organizations. I also give directly, from my own hand or my own bank account, directly into the hands or the intended recipient.

  The latter approach is difficult and self-limiting. First, it puts the burden on me personally to vet the clients, to ensure that the need is real, and that the funds are going toward the expected purpose. Second, it’s limited by how much I have available, regardless of what is needed. If I’m having a bad month, no one gets anything. That can have debilitating effect on those I’m trying to help.

  Finally, many people simply will not give unless they get something back. In this country in particular the entire charity “industry” is fueled by the tax-deductible status of our contributions. Without being able to reduce our tax exposure through charitable giving, we don’t give.

  The key then seems to be to work with organizations that have the leanest operations, those providing the highest throughput to the actual aid recipients and the lowest overhead. Give generously, but do your research to ensure that the funds are being properly utilized.

  # 2009-07-13 at 23:17 pm

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• Keith

  In the last sentence of the first paragraph above, please correct “or” to “of,” and add a possible plurality to “recipient.” The correct phrase should be “into the hands of the intended recipient(s).”

  Thanks.

  # 2009-07-13 at 23:25 pm

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