Each year at this time, out of some combination of generosity and procrastination, millions of Americans rush to make donations to the causes and institutions important to them. It is a beautiful thing, but it is also something of a scramble.
As the end of the year approaches, we all scramble to make those last minute charitable donations. And because we “scramble” we don’t always donate to organizations that most represent our ideals or morals.
That’s why research before making donations to charities is so important—it helps ensure your gifts truly reflect your values and have the impact you intend.
This method of donating, however, is not the only way. As mentioned in a New York Times article, a new game called “Talk About Giving” helps families discuss values and philanthropy throughout the entire year. This in turn leads to families making more meaningful charitable donations at the end of the year.
If you're working to align your giving with your long-term legacy goals, an estate planning attorney can help guide your charitable contributions as part of a broader financial strategy.
The game includes a deck of cards with questions like:
– What is our family’s history of helping?
– If you could have changed anything that happened in the world this year, what would you change?
– Should we volunteer even if we don’t want to?
– What do you appreciate most about our town?
– How much did tonight’s dinner cost?
