Charitable Giving Tips Ahead of Giving Season

The last few weeks of the year are always a good time to both reflect on our past charitable giving and plan for our future philanthropy. It is also a time when demand on charities’ services increases. Donors and their families tend to give even more generously during what is often described as Giving Season.

By keeping these 5 tips in mind, donors can approach the giving season with confidence, making informed decisions that maximize the impact of their generosity.

Research Charities Thoroughly

Before donating, take time to research potential charities. Look into their mission, how they use donations, and their impact. Ensuring your chosen charity aligns with your values and operates transparently maximises the effectiveness of your donation.

Plan Your Budget

Set a charitable giving budget to determine how much you wish to donate. This helps you to support multiple causes if desired. Having a budget also enables you to make more strategic decisions about your giving, ensuring that your contributions align with your philanthropic goals.

Evaluate the Impact

Consider the potential impact of your donations. Look for charities that have a proven track record of making a difference and use funds efficiently. Some organisations offer detailed reports on how donations are used and the outcomes they achieve, giving you comfort that your grants lead to meaningful and measurable improvements.

Engage Friends and Family in Your Philanthropy

Giving Season can be an excellent opportunity for donors to incorporate family—along with the unique perspectives that come with them—into their philanthropy. Equally, donating to a favourite organisation or cause in a family or friend’s name is a fantastic way to celebrate the upcoming festive season and honour a loved one.

Think Beyond Cash Donations

Grantmaking is just one way you can achieve your philanthropic goals. Volunteering time, participating in campaigns, and encouraging others in your network to support causes they are passionate about are all effective practices you can invest in.

As you look to support communities in diverse ways during Giving Season, contact NPT UK to see how we can support you both now and in the future.

About the Author

Natalie Pinon is Executive Director, Development at NPT UK. She has over 15 years of experience working with philanthropists and impact investors to manage their giving.