Giving Tips
Interfaith Food Ministry has been a trusted nonprofit serving Nevada County residents for over 30 years. We strive to be accountable and transparent in everything we do. As such we have earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid-GuideStar, the world's largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. They put together the following Giving Tips.
Does the charity match your passion?
As you consider which charities to support this year, remember there are close to two million of them. That means you don’t have to settle for an organization that isn’t a perfect match for your beliefs and goals. No matter what cause you want to support – whether it is providing humanitarian aid to disaster victims, feeding food insecure families , or finding a cure for a particular disease – there’s a charity out there that matches your intentions. Take the time to find it and confirm (not just assume) it offers the programs and services that match your charitable interests.
Is the charity fiscally responsible, ethical and effective?
Before you give to any charity this holiday season:
Do you trust it enough to give without strings attached?
Donors sometimes like to designate their contributions for specific projects and purposes. While this may be ideal for disaster giving, don’t be the roadblock in your favorite charity’s quest to do good work. Take the time to research your charity so that you can trust them. Then give an unrestricted gift so the charity has the flexibility to respond to changing demands for its services and to spend the money where it is most needed to continue their day-to-day good work.
Does the charity have strong leadership?
Good charities usually have formidable leaders, more so even than in the private sector. Look for a charity with a dynamic, proven leader. Organizations with high turnover usually struggle, and the inability to retain quality leadership is often a red flag for instability.
Does the charity match your passion?
As you consider which charities to support this year, remember there are close to two million of them. That means you don’t have to settle for an organization that isn’t a perfect match for your beliefs and goals. No matter what cause you want to support – whether it is providing humanitarian aid to disaster victims, feeding food insecure families , or finding a cure for a particular disease – there’s a charity out there that matches your intentions. Take the time to find it and confirm (not just assume) it offers the programs and services that match your charitable interests.
Is the charity fiscally responsible, ethical and effective?
Before you give to any charity this holiday season:
- Examine the charity’s finances. Financially healthy organizations - those that are both financially efficient and sustainable - have greater flexibility and freedom to pursue their charitable mission.
- Ensure the charity is accountable and transparent. Charities that are an open book and follow good governance practices are less likely to engage in unethical or irresponsible activities.
- Look for signs of effectiveness. The charity's ability to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change in the world is the key reason for their existence and for your donation, so make sure you find evidence of its impact.
Do you trust it enough to give without strings attached?
Donors sometimes like to designate their contributions for specific projects and purposes. While this may be ideal for disaster giving, don’t be the roadblock in your favorite charity’s quest to do good work. Take the time to research your charity so that you can trust them. Then give an unrestricted gift so the charity has the flexibility to respond to changing demands for its services and to spend the money where it is most needed to continue their day-to-day good work.
Does the charity have strong leadership?
Good charities usually have formidable leaders, more so even than in the private sector. Look for a charity with a dynamic, proven leader. Organizations with high turnover usually struggle, and the inability to retain quality leadership is often a red flag for instability.
