7Weeks; 7Questions
Can you feel it? Charities are putting the finishing touches on their end-of-year pitch for you. Are you ready?
1st Week; 1st Question: What do you want to see changed in the world?
You know that you can’t fix everything, everywhere, all at once, so should you pick two or three charities and give what you can (funds, time and/or expertise) and let the rest go?
Or should you try to give to as many charities as possible?
Which is more effective?
The first question to settle is a question of YOUR priorities. It’s not just about “making the world a better place.” It’s also about you. Giving is a treasured occasion for joy!
We all seem to focus on an amount. Many of us do not think that we have enough money to give to really make a difference. We know that every little bit might help, but we are more apt to expect and celebrate those who can give more as they focus on their priorities in delivering an important service.
But wait – in addition to money, specific charities value time – whether it’s volunteer time, or even attending a meeting or being all in on a board of trustees.
The primary focus does not need to be on an amount of money. The primary focus needs to be on which charity or charities you see as most important; those who can realistically facilitate the change(s) you want to see happen in the world.
In the autumn of 2025, 23-year-old Billie Eilish received the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Innovation Award for music. In her short career, Billie Eilish has not hesitated to reject any “rules” of fashion, music, or procedure, while winning her way to nine Grammys, two Oscars, and the elite world of celebrities.
As Eilish received the prestigious award, she was additionally lauded for her philanthropy. She gave the proceeds of a tour – $11.5 Million – to causes that reflect what she wants to see changed. In doing so, Billie Eilish had indicated what she values.
Eilish also used this unique moment in the spotlight to “unreasonably” challenge a roomful of wealthy admirers with an affable, but profound jab: “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but, yeah, give your money away, shorties.”
Eilish explained further that our messed-up world needs philanthropy. She tried to light-heartedly give a profound challenge to those who have the financial means to join, and exceed, her own style of giving.
But it’s just not that simple. There are thousands of charities from which to choose and endless competing issues vying for attention. Especially at this time of year.
Most people who have a giving budget respond to three or four organizations at a time and then put aside smaller amounts of money for smaller donations or impulse giving.
For those who are living paycheque to paycheque, it is still important for human dignity and happiness to set aside a bit of money, a bit of time, and some expertise to give to others.
As a fundraiser, I wholehearted agree with Billie Eilish. After decades of watching the correlation of humans giving to others and thereby accomplishing big and small victories, I can anecdotally see that generous people, are happier people.
Once your priorities for giving have been determined, enjoy your generosity and watch the crazy great things the charities can do with your resources. Charities can generally be trusted to do all they can with as little as possible. If you really want to make their day, give your gifts to their General Fund – where needed most.
With your priorities named, you can more easily face charities asking you for a donation – no guilt needed! Let them know that you value their work, but that you’ve made your decision regarding your charitable giving for the time being.
A good fundraiser will ask if they can call you back. If you genuinely want to hear from them again, ask to be contacted at another time. If you know that you will not likely ever want to contribute to that charity, don’t waste their time, or bother with a small gift to send them away, because they’ll be back! Let them know that you are sorry, but you are not interested in giving to their cause.
And what about effectiveness?
Stay tuned for 2nd Week; 2nd Question!
Meanwhile, you might want to consider giving to the Poppy Fund https://legion.ca