Finance
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Charity Beneficiary?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

There are several different issues to consider when choosing a charity beneficiary. This includes the wishes of the donor, the mission of the charity, and whether the recipient is a worthy choice for the donation. It can be helpful to plan far ahead when choosing a beneficiary so that all of these elements may be considered carefully.

Often one of the best ways to pick a charity beneficiary is for the donor to pick a cause that is significant for him or her personally. This could be something such as a former school, research for a disease which has afflicted a loved one, or a favorite arts organization such as a ballet troupe or an orchestra. It could also be a cause that the donor has worked for or otherwise supported in the past. A charity beneficiary can also work in an area in which the donor is particularly interested in seeing improvement.

Someone who loves the arts might donate to a ballet troupe.
Someone who loves the arts might donate to a ballet troupe.

Another factor to consider when picking a charity beneficiary is how much each candidate would benefit from the donation. This does not necessarily mean picking the organization that is most in need of funds. It may be more beneficial to choose the organization which is most adept at managing and maximizing the benefits of its donations.

A donor may also wish to research a potential charity beneficiary in order to ensure that the organization is legitimate. This can include examining financial and tax records, determining exactly how the charity benefits others, and learning about the overall reputation of the organization. Examining legal records, if any, can also reveal much about the true motives of a charity. Getting a feel for the way the group interacts with external sources can also help in making a decision.

Charities exist to help with a variety of causes, from hunger to disease research.
Charities exist to help with a variety of causes, from hunger to disease research.

It is also advisable to consider the anticipated longevity of a potential charity beneficiary. If the organization is in poor financial health and is constantly struggling to stay active, then it is more likely that it may not be around to receive the donation. Learning about the overall management of the charity can also reveal whether it is a thriving organization or one that is in danger of closing.

Overall, the most effective way to choose a charity beneficiary is to go with an organization that feels like a good fit. There should be very little if any doubt that the money is going to the right place. The donor will also tend to have consistently positive feelings about and overall trust of the right organization.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Someone who loves the arts might donate to a ballet troupe.
      By: Aleksandr Doodko
      Someone who loves the arts might donate to a ballet troupe.
    • Charities exist to help with a variety of causes, from hunger to disease research.
      By: Monkey Business
      Charities exist to help with a variety of causes, from hunger to disease research.