10 Qualities of Effective Donors and How You Can Be One

What's your take on charity? Ever wondered about the magic tucked into the folds of generosity? While donating may be a routine part of your life, what if it could be an adventure rather than a checkbox? Charity isn't just a transaction; it's a symphony of compassion, an opportunity to sprinkle a bit of goodness into the world. There's a treasure trove of joy waiting for you, and all it takes is a few steps to turn your generosity into a force of good, not just for others, but for yourself too. Curious to know how? Well, that's exactly what we're diving into in this article.

1. Research, research, research

Let’s be honest. There are thousands of NGOs doing remarkable work in their respective fields. But which one is for you? With options brimming over the edge, it becomes essential to shortlist the right cause and the right non-profit to support. So, put your nerd glasses on and dig into the world of charities. You want to look for a non-profit that taps the right notes in your heart while also giving you proof of impact. What better place to look for proof than social media? Take some time out of your social media surfing to review your target non-profit’s social accounts. Their stories will answer all your questions.

2. Make it your passion project

Changing a life becomes a much more fruitful experience when you put your heart and soul into it. So, make sure that the cause you support means as much to you as it does to the lives you change. Passionate donors are an asset to non-profits because they not only boost the organization’s funds but also go the extra mile to make an actual impact with their active involvement.

3. Donate to an everlasting legacy

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a bright future isn’t either. Your donations today define the possibilities of tomorrow. So, when you decide to donate to a cause, take a visionary approach. If you donate to children’s education, instead of donating for one semester, donate to support their entire primary or elementary education and promise a hopeful future. The best part is that you don’t have to take on the burden of donating massive amounts. Many non-profits provide a monthly donation programme through online fundraisers that keep your philanthropy consistent and your pocket safe. Your legacy lasts longer than life and grows with the number of people you support.

4. Matching programmes are your best buddy!

Here's another one to ease your pockets. You’d think that to make a significant impact, you'd need to donate huge amounts of money. Well, you don’t. Matching donations are one of the most influential types of donations because they double your donation. You read that right! A matching fundraiser matches your donations penny by penny, which means you end up creating double the impact with the same amount of money.

5. Be informed about tax benefits

Charity in India comes with its own perks. When you donate to non-profits registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, you can claim up to 50% to 100% of your donations in your tax returns. These provisions can help you better plan your donations. The next time you donate, don’t forget to get your donor 80G certificate from your registered non-profit and save more money by donating. For more tax deduction-related information, click here.



6. Become a matchmaker

Quite literally. Non-profits depend entirely on public response and are hence usually on the lookout for impactful collaborations with corporate companies or other organizations with shared missions. This helps them reach a wider audience and involve more people in the journey of change. By playing the role of a matchmaker, you can connect organizations that hold collaborative potential and help both reach their goals. This can create more opportunities for the non-profit to diversify its impact.

7. Share your milestones

The first donation is always special, and you always remember the first life you saved. Don’t let it be the last time you give yourself that precious feeling of happiness. Your impact matters and deserves to be shared. Organizations welcome their donors and keep them informed by sharing milestones. Your stories add to the credibility of your favourite charity, thus making you an ambassador for good.

8. Explore other ways to give

You have much more to offer the world than money. Bring out those skills for non-profits who have their doors open to volunteers. Are you a star communicator? Or a marketer with decades of experience under your belt? Your skills are what a non-profit needs. Your expertise and support can enhance the impact a non-profit makes, changing thousands of lives.

9. Spread the word

Word of mouth > marketing strategies. So, don’t gatekeep your passion; share it with your friends, family, and all your contacts. You could be the gateway to a variety of possibilities, not just for you but also for the beneficiaries of your generosity.

Giving is a quality that shouldn’t be limited to you. Become a catalyst donor and make a personal effort to pass on this legacy to the people around you.

10. Help with feedback

In community work, your feedback is more than you may believe. It holds charities accountable for their actions and decisions. By providing constructive feedback, you help ensure that organizations remain transparent in their operations, financial management, and programme implementation. Growth-oriented non-profits appreciate you taking out the time to provide constructive criticism on how they can perform better. By offering suggestions and sharing your experiences, you contribute to the ongoing growth and development of charitable initiatives.

Remember, becoming a better donor is gradual, yet fruitful process. Every step you take to improve your giving practices contributes to positive change in the world.

The Giving for Good Foundation provides a platform for all ambitious philanthropists to donate to childhood education. You can start your story of impact with us and gift opportunities that reach the last person in line.

Exclusively written for Giving for Good Foundation by Bhairavi Hiremath