Women are often generous volunteers and contributors, yet we want to use our resources wisely. Start by checking out a non-profit at Charity Navigator.
Does it match your values? Does it use your money well?
For example I agree with Michael Angier’s values and process:
“My personal belief is that commerce has the greatest potential for creating peace and harmony in the world. It’s just not smart to go to war with people you do business with. In addition, I believe that helping people help themselves goes much further and creates less dependence than simply giving money and food. Giving people a hand up instead of a hand out resonates with me as a more lasting and beneficial means of reducing starvation and poverty.
My intention was to find an organization that did this, and I feel we succeeded. After doing our due diligence, we chose FINCA (The Foundation for International Community Assistance). They have a 4-star rating with Charity Navigator, and their values are consistent with our own.
FINCA provides financial services to the world’s poorest families so they can create their own jobs, raise household incomes and improve their standard of living. As FINCA loans rotate among members of the community—and as members’ savings are re-invested in the neighborhood—opportunity and economic vitality increase.
