Americans have given generously to charity over the years, continuing a tradition that began in England in the 1700s. It's good when people help those less fortunate. Public charities are supported by a multitude of donors who provide the funds needed for the work that these beneficent organizations do.
A charity is an organization that works for the common good. Today there is usually no gain in return for these services, but this was not always the case. Although the earliest charities created in London in the 18th century asked for nothing in return, some later organizations did much good while earning a return on investment for their supporters. The first recognized groups operating outside the church sought to help the poor in London, such as abandoned children and girls forced into prostitution in order to survive.
Some, like the Foundling Hospital begun in 1741 in London or the Magdalen Hospital founded a few years later, sought to keep helpless children off the streets and educate them for a better life. Others gave plots of land to the poor, which allowed them to grow food for themselves. This 'teach a man to fish' approach was a practical way to offer help.
A charity can feed the poor, save feral animals in the city, preserve land for future generations and for wildlife, dig wells for villages without clean water, build hospitals or clinics, or provide other kinds of aid. An educational organization can function as a non-profit. In America, the IRS tax code determines the status of a charitable organization. Other countries also regulate beneficent organizations; each region has different requirements that must be met to qualify for exemption to taxes or regulations.
In the US, the IRS sets the qualifications of an organization that makes it public. Such a charity will have many donors, rather than one (like one wealthy philanthropist or a corporation). It will fulfill its mission directly rather than funding other groups. Its mission could be preserving open space, helping women start businesses, employing the handicapped, supporting libraries, endowing colleges and universities, or helping drug addicts to recovery.
Public groups get the money they need from individuals, from the government, and from grants given by private groups. If an entity is non-profit, as most are, it pays no taxes. Scams and greed abound in this arena, but much good is done by reputable organizations.
People who would like to make sure their gifts are used wisely can check the rating of charities they are interested in. There are organizations (non-profits themselves) which evaluate other organizations. They give high marks to those with low administrative costs, effective use of funds to accomplish their missions, and visible benefits.
A charity may work in a certain area, like the Appalachian Mountains where many live in poverty or among the Native American tribes. Others are international, like Feed The Poor or the World Wildlife Association. Some are targeted to certain segments of the population, like those that provide scholarships, while others, like the Salvation Army, serve all who are in need. Some have political clout, while others work in obscurity.
A charity is an organization that works for the common good. Today there is usually no gain in return for these services, but this was not always the case. Although the earliest charities created in London in the 18th century asked for nothing in return, some later organizations did much good while earning a return on investment for their supporters. The first recognized groups operating outside the church sought to help the poor in London, such as abandoned children and girls forced into prostitution in order to survive.
Some, like the Foundling Hospital begun in 1741 in London or the Magdalen Hospital founded a few years later, sought to keep helpless children off the streets and educate them for a better life. Others gave plots of land to the poor, which allowed them to grow food for themselves. This 'teach a man to fish' approach was a practical way to offer help.
A charity can feed the poor, save feral animals in the city, preserve land for future generations and for wildlife, dig wells for villages without clean water, build hospitals or clinics, or provide other kinds of aid. An educational organization can function as a non-profit. In America, the IRS tax code determines the status of a charitable organization. Other countries also regulate beneficent organizations; each region has different requirements that must be met to qualify for exemption to taxes or regulations.
In the US, the IRS sets the qualifications of an organization that makes it public. Such a charity will have many donors, rather than one (like one wealthy philanthropist or a corporation). It will fulfill its mission directly rather than funding other groups. Its mission could be preserving open space, helping women start businesses, employing the handicapped, supporting libraries, endowing colleges and universities, or helping drug addicts to recovery.
Public groups get the money they need from individuals, from the government, and from grants given by private groups. If an entity is non-profit, as most are, it pays no taxes. Scams and greed abound in this arena, but much good is done by reputable organizations.
People who would like to make sure their gifts are used wisely can check the rating of charities they are interested in. There are organizations (non-profits themselves) which evaluate other organizations. They give high marks to those with low administrative costs, effective use of funds to accomplish their missions, and visible benefits.
A charity may work in a certain area, like the Appalachian Mountains where many live in poverty or among the Native American tribes. Others are international, like Feed The Poor or the World Wildlife Association. Some are targeted to certain segments of the population, like those that provide scholarships, while others, like the Salvation Army, serve all who are in need. Some have political clout, while others work in obscurity.
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Get a summary of the things to consider before selecting public charities and more information about a great charity organization at http://tableofplentyhmb.org/board-of-directors now.
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