In the US, individual contributions make up the majority of donations to various charitable organizations. While altruism may play a significant role in motivating people to help others, it is also commonly known that this time of year is the busiest for a reason. Donations to charities must be made before December 31 to be eligible for a tax break for the current year. This often leaves people scrambling for a worthwhile charity to support in the final months.
A number of industries rely heavily on charitable contributions, such as art, culture, civil rights, and healthcare. After choosing a cause, people divert their attention to the arduous task of finding a reputable organization they can trust. Doing so can be very time-consuming if done on its own. In the US, 1.54 million nonprofit organizations exist. The dawn of the Internet Age has made a significant difference in people’s lives on both sides of philanthropy by eliminating this step. One of the most helpful resources that people can use to find a reputable organization is Charity Navigator. This website’s rating system evaluates a charity’s financial health and transparency over time. The ratings are based on past use of donations, communication with donors, and future plans.
It is not surprising that individuals are invested in discovering treatments for illnesses because this is a subject that has a broad impact. One of the most prominent organizations focusing on finding a cure for cancer is Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Breast cancer has been the worst malignancy for women for millennia. Susan G. Komen for the Cure exists in memory of Susan G. Komen, who died of breast cancer in 1980. Susan’s sister, Nancy Brinker, impressively founded the group in 1982 with $200 to her name. It is now one of the world’s biggest NGOs. Susan G. Komen for the Cure has spent more than $2.9 billion on breast cancer research and activities. From 1989 to 2016, the group contributed to a 40% reduction in breast cancer deaths.
Human and animal rights are subjects that also get attention from a philanthropic standpoint. These charitable organizations have been around for a long time. The Innocence Project is a nonprofit organization that focuses on overturning wrongful convictions. The DNA evidence garnered from supporter funds has helped over 350 individuals get released from prison after they were wrongfully convicted. One of the most prominent groups fighting for racial equality in the US is ColorOfChange, which has over seven million members. It is focused on building a better world for black people. The organization also aims to celebrate Black joy and strengthen communities through its programs.
For animals one of the most well-known animal protection groups is the American Humane Society. This organization helps animals by providing them with top-of-the-line care and finding them permanent homes.