If you want to give your recipient something she can use, decide on an item and then search the web to see if anyone offers the same or similar items attached to a charitable purpose. For example, if you want to give her shoes, consider Toms instead of a normal shoe store brand. But don't be afraid to give a gift that doesn't put anything in your recipient's hands - most people will care more about the donation in their name than about having another item in their lives.
If you just want to make a donation in your recipient's name, your possibilities are endless. Most organizations (even businesses) will accept donations on your recipient's behalf, even if they are not the traditional "charity" group. Just call their office or visit their website for more information. They will probably provide you with documentation of your gift (a letter or certificate) acknowledging the gift on your recipient's behalf, which is great to present to your recipient as his gift. Choose a group that is meaningful to your recipient, such as an animal shelter for a pet lover, the American Cancer Society for a cancer survivor, or the local arts council for a ballerina or musician. Some charities are primarily research or grant organizations, while others provide tangible items to the people they help. Whatever your fancy, you can find exactly what you're looking for.
A word of warning: do a little research into any organizations you aren't familiar with. Most charity groups are legitimate, but some are only in it for the money. Check out the organization's operating expenses and the percentage of funds they use for charitable purposes at Charity Navigator, which is also a great resource to help you find the perfect charity to receive your donation.
There are tons of worthwhile products and causes for you to choose from. Here are some of my favorites from around the web:
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Toms Shoes are one of my favorite products these days. For each pair you purchase, Toms gives a pair to a shoeless child in a foreign country. There are lots of different colors and styles, and you can even get white ones and create your own design for your recipient! I especially love the yellow wedges (I am wearing these in my brother's wedding!) and the classic red canvas (I have owned them for 2 years and they are still going strong!), and I've got my eye on a pink glitter pair (so fun!). |
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| FEED bags are roomy, durable, and reversible burlap bags that use money from your purchase to provide meals to school children around the world through the UN World Food Programme. You can buy bags, clothing, and jewelry, and can even order customized products. My FEED 1 bag stood up to a year of abuse from law books and is still in good shape. |
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| These gorgeous bracelets from Same Sky are made by HIV+ Rwandan women who survived the country's 1994 genocide, and the profits benefit female artisans worldwide. They come in a variety of colors that are great for mixing and matching. |
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| These cute animals are just a few of the many gift options available from organizations like Samaritans Purse and World Vision, which offer critical supplies to people in developing nations. You can give animals, wells, medicine, food, vocational training, and freedom from sexual exploitation, among others. These organizations also offer disaster relief, sponsorship of a needy child, and many other worthwhile causes. |
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| Adopt an Animal programs - whatever your recipient's favorite animal is, you can find a group that rescues, protects, fosters, or prepares them for adoption. Gorillas, polar bears, tigers, pandas, sharks, butterflies - you can find anything you're looking for from the World Wildlife Fund or one of many other great preservation groups. One of my favorites is the WWF's Tub of Cubs, which lets you adopt a tiger cub, a cheetah cub, and a snow leopard cub, all for only $50! (Photo from Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International) |
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| Humanitarian organizations receive an influx of donations when a disaster occurs, but they need funds in between those times as well. Consider making a donation to a group like the Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity. The Red Cross also offers the ability to provide specific relief supplies and purchase products for your recipient, like first aid kits and emergency preparedness packages. |
Local Opportunities
Don't forget about your/recipient's local organizations. These groups often need the most help, especially around the holidays. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Soup kitchens
- Goodwill/Salvation Army
- Religious groups or houses of worship
- Schools
- Animal shelters
- Scholarship funds
- Camps
- Vocational training groups
- Battered women's shelters
For more charitable gift ideas, check out Charitable Gift Giving Blog and Shopping for a Change.
What are some of your favorite charitable organizations and/or gift ideas?
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