Being involved with a Non for Profit, from “Liking” or “Following” to choosing to donate time or money.

Facebook and Twitter are great for making you feel like you’re supporting an organization by following them or liking them.  It helps promote the charity and educate yourself, but eventually most people will make the move to donate money or time to the charity. YAY! So what do you do now? How do you know what charity to donate too?

My first piece of advice (from experience) is just don’t go directly to the most popular charity you’ve heard of. Do your research! Look up charities in your area that work in the field  you want to help out.  Some charities seem really cool on the outside, but may sponsor some really uncool causes.  If they are a fundraising charity that spreads their money around many organizations, find out what they are. If this information is not readily available, take note of this (cause it’s not cool) and try to find a “contact us” section to ask.  This process usually takes more than a quick look-over of a face book page or twitter profile. If you are donating to a service ( Like MindyourMind.ca or CAMH) actually use it or talk to people who have used it, to see if its good or not. Hear the feedback of people who have looked there for help and see if it’s something you would want to be associated with. NOTE: Some charities and services can have amazing programs within a not so amazing organization. Inquire if your time/money can be made directly to those programs.

Another Important need for research is to know where your money is going. Some places may not allocate their funds in the best of ways. Some overpay executives, and underpay all the full time employees or do not actually invest as much as promised into the programs and services.  CAUTIONARY NOTE: Just because it looks like a charity might be asking for too much money doesn’t mean they are. Ask the organization for a planned breakdown of what they are doing with the funds before assuming any conclusions.  Normally they will compile or have that information readily available. If they refuse to comment a red flag should be raised here.

My second piece of advice is look for respect.  An organization might be huge and busy, so if you contact them asking for information it may understandably take a little while for them to get back to you. This doesn’t mean them ignoring you for more than a day or so is acceptable…  If an organization ignores your request to help or donate move on. An organization should respect its followers, and even if they don’t have exactly what you hoped to help in or donate too, should at least provide you with some alternative organizations or programs.  If they can’t show some kindness to the people that drive their organization, regardless of how small your contribution is, working for them will probably be similar. This is usually a sign (in my experience) with expecting too much out of people. I once got told that money I donated for training would be wasted if I didn’t finish the training within one month.  It was over 50 hours of training, and the organization did not realize that I have other things going on as well. Needless to say I didn’t really feel motivated to stay with them.  Especially because I was not warned about the tight time restrictions beforehand.

Some organizations don’t really respects youth input, and will repeatedly ignore requests to help out at something if they think you’re too young. Do not put up with this or let it get you down. Organizations do respect and empower youth so keep looking and find one!! If you wouldn’t put up with it from a business as a client, don’t put up with it as a donor to an organization.  I know many people who will make up excuses for the organizations lack of response or interest in your donation.  This isn’t cool, if they don’t appreciate you or think they are too good for your donation (or act like it) find an organization that can use it. I know many people who get upset and disappointed by reactions like that, but internalize it to them not being good enough.  If you are passionate about a cause, you are good enough to donate to them.  And some organization will realize that and treat you with respect. 

Note: Charities usually have an applying process for their volunteers, and if you are working with at risk populations, they will usually require for you to have references and make sure that you are healthy. This is not a sign of disrespect or an over egotistical charity, but it’s how they know where to put you given your skills and to help protect themselves from being taken advantage of. Don’t be scared off by an applying and interview process.

My Third piece of advice is to try to have a couple organizations or programs you support. It helps you get a mind for different things that are going on in a field. After having experience with a couple places, if you choose to invest all time and help into on organization than go ahead. But try to see what else is out there, so you can gain the most out of your experience.

My last piece of advice is to know how you want to help. If you want to donate money, do your research of course, but pick something that has a current need for money in your cause.  If they are trying to raise money for a new program, or are in financial trouble donate to them.  Still make sure to find an organization that respects its donors, even if it’s as small as a thank you note or page after donating. Also find out if a charity has a shop where you can buy things and the money gets donated back into the charity. That way you are still getting something for you money.  If you’re donating your time, ask how much time they will need for you and for how long. Ask if it’s a reoccurring thing (i.e. some places need you to sign a year commitment) or if it’s just for a project. Ask what kind of help you will be doing, whether it’s straight promoting, creating or helping with services or something more creative (writing, interviewing musicians etc).  . Normally, an organization can find something that you can help out in but make sure it something you want to do.   Make sure that they don’t take advantage of their volunteers by asking too much of them, making crazy time commitments or asking you to break your morals for a cause. Sometimes there are marathons or one time awareness events that you can attend (usually you’ll have to raise some money for) that can give you a great look at how the charity works before you volunteer there.

While this blog post may seem negative, know that there are a lot of amazing organizations out there who want your help! Many treat their volunteers wonderfully and have amazing services! There are so many of them in fact, that you’ll likely find a few of them that you will want to work with and will have to choose.  It’s just important to do your research, look for respect, and know how much or how you want to volunteer.

Happy  Volunteering!!

Alicia