What are your plans for 2011

I recently wrote What are your plans for 2011 for SocializeYourCause which was more about what plans charities and non-profits could be doing to help them plan for 2011. Here, let’s look at what we as individuals are planning, or could do this year to help others in the community.

There’s many options for us when it comes to charity giving, in New Zealand alone we have over 25,000 registered charities we could support; this doesn’t count the number of community organisations not registered with the Charities Commission that could do with our support. But, being Kiwis we are generous and support many activities, people and organisations in the community.

So, where do we begin when looking at who, what and when to support? I guess one of the things we could do is look at why we support

Perhaps we should look at Not-for-profit – Giving Survey Results and how we handle charity requests both of which give an insight into what and why we support.

If you’re working with/for a non-profit, it’s important to have your plans layed out – spend the time, see it as an investment.

For those in the community that support non-profits, it’s not a bad idea to spend sometime thinking about your contributions, who and what you give to, the frequency, the amount or time given; are there things you could do differently?

There have been stories over the years of families who sit down, and as a group decide what non-profit/s they will support, how they will do it. Some opt to give any money they would spend as a family on a holiday to a cause in their local community; others will put any money normally spent on children’s birthday parties to causes that benefit children.

No matter what or how you’re able to give – as part of your planning for the year ahead, grab a pad and pen and note what you’re wanting to achieve through your charitable giving.

We plan almost everything in our lives, so why not our giving?

Who or what will you support in 2011?

How will you support them?

What if anything are your expectations in return for the support you give?

As a company will you involve your staff in the decision making of what causes/s the company will support?

Can you introduce the cause/s you support to others in your family, circle of friends, business or community associations?

All these and more questions will help you with your charity giving plans for the coming year … on, pick up that pen and paper and start your planning now!

CHANGE OF PLANS
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