Is the Charity You’re Supporting a Good Fit?

Julia Oellerich is the Foundation Director at Upland Hills Health. The Foundation’s mission is to solicit and administer gifts and contributions to advance healthcare and wellness to those served by Upland Hills Health. Julia can be reached at 608.930.7169 or oellerichj@uplandhillshealth.org There are many different reasons people are inspired to support a charity. Some give because they whole heartedly believe in the mission of the charity. Some give because they are answering a call the charity has put out. Some give because they want to make a difference. But there is one thing every giver has in common – we all want our gift to be put to good use. So, how can you be sure that you are choosing a charity that is worthy of your support?

Choose a charity whose mission inspires you

There are over 1.8 million non-profit organizations registered in the United States. Choosing the one that best aligns with your charitable goals can be difficult and overwhelming. Start by determining the causes that inspire you – is the environment important to you? What about your healthcare? Do you want to help feed starving children or provide shelter from the cold? Determining a mission that speaks to you is a great first step in choosing a charity that best fits your charitable aspirations.

Determine if you want to give nationally or locally

It’s clear there are an abundance of charities that could benefit from your support. The question is, who do you want your gift to help? Do you want your donation to stay local, helping local people or would you prefer to support causes that have an international impact? Of course, there are benefits to both. Giving to a broader organization provides you the opportunity to support a wider selection of charities, benefiting people all over the world. On the flip side, giving locally allows you to see firsthand how your gifts are being put to work and helps promote growth and improvement in the place you call home.

Do your research

With so many charities seeking support, you can be left with a lot of questions. Is this charity real? How will my donation be used? Are they doing what they say they are doing with my gift? These are all good things to consider when making a gift to charity and don’t be afraid to ask! Put on your Nancy Drew hat and do some digging! If you have questions about the charity, don’t hesitate to call them. You could also visit their website or view their profile on social media. If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, you can turn to charity evaluators and databases such as GuideStar or Charity Navigator. Both of these websites will provide you with more information about the charity you are considering supporting. If you still find yourself with questions, request a meeting with them.The next time you are thinking of giving a gift, consider your own goals and aspirations. Ask questions of the charities you are supporting and do your homework. Be sure that the charity is reputable and aligns well with your charitable interests. In the end, you want your gift to be used to do good – be sure that it does! Wondering what good work is done with your gift to the UHH Foundation? Visit www.uplandhillshealth.org/foundation to find out, or call Julia Oellerich at 608-930-7169 to request a meeting!