Beyond doing the basics such as reading audits and tax returns, one of the best ways to get involved with an organization is through volunteering. Many volunteers become donors and every charity knows this is a significant pipeline for cultivating new donors. However, the volunteer process allows you to truly understand, first-hand, the needs of the organization.

Some brilliant advice I was given is to respond rather than react, to any and almost all situations. In my experience, it is critical to assess the situation before making a decision or over committing to the needs required to aid in relief or alleviate pressure in a crisis. Common sense also plays a big part in lending a hand. Knowledge about the situation goes a long way and makes a world of difference if you come at it through an educated lens.

Engaging in philanthropy during a crisis is like being a superhero without the cape. First, identify the most pressing needs; think of it as having a philanthropic 'Spidey sense'. Agility is key – adapt quickly to changing circumstances, much like a chameleon, but with less color-changing and more strategy-shifting. Collaborate with others – remember, even Batman had Robin. Use digital platforms to reach more people; it's like casting a wider net, but you're catching goodwill instead of fish. Finally, keep your sense of humor; it's the unsung hero in tough times, lightening the mood while you lighten the load for others.

Écouter son cœur, son intuition, ses envies. Allez vers ce qui vous anime, vous fait frissonner, vous émeut. Faites ce qui vous semble généreux et en pleine conscience sans frustration, ni pression.

It is always best policy to pause and reflect on the matter at hand before reacting. When it comes to crisis, there is an added pressure. But we have to remember to research the cause and be sure that we are donating to an organization that can truly aid the situation!

Transparency, transparency. I tell my nonprofit clients constantly - who wants to donate to a cause that looks like they are already perfect? You need to get vulnerable and share the weaknesses and challenges you are facing in order to rally people behind you.

If you’re considering doing something huge for a nonprofit that is struggling, have an open conversation with them about the ‘state’ they are in. It might be that you may be able to donate cash, but, you might also have the connections to connect them to an organisation or person who could expedite their impact or message. I think we often focus on the ££ but, as supporters or major donors we also forget our contacts and our network can be just as valuable in the face of trouble. I’ve seen this myself as a trustee and board member.

If you align with the right organizations it makes your decision much easier when it comes to making connections and donating money.

Generosity is a 2 way experience. In response to your question; I simply say “to give & receive heart” in what you are moved to do.

Listen, learn and look - for organizations to support that align with your values. Many small and mid-sized charities do good work! I recommend investigating what makes them unique; by gifting to smaller charities, your donation makes a larger impact!

Is the org accountable? Are they transparent? There are many ways that a non-profit can be recognized and trusted by. Always be sure to study the organization's values. But don't forget to research the certifications too! Transparency is so important in the non-profit world.

Download their annual report from the last few years and have a read. This will give you a lot of insights into what they are focusing on, where they are spending their money and if you connect with what they are doing. I'd also look at what they share on social media. Are they transparent? Are they vulnerable? Is their audience engaged with them and showing trust? Most of all I look for the impact stories - if they can show me they are doing what they say they are, it means a lot.

transparency and accountability are the two major marker to evaluate the reputation of the organization. one can check this by visit their website ,social media handles frequently.

Knowing this piece, nonprofits have a clear roadmap for showing how they are the right organization to solve the crisis. This work happens over time, with consistency and that boring middle. When people are looking to help, don't be a best-kept secret.

Being flexible and understanding are crucial to powerful and meaningful philanthropy. The needs of those affected by a crisis may shift, depending of the situation, which means the support they require may also shift. If you are open to the growing and changing needs of a cause or a crisis, and are willing to be flexible, it not only ensures the right type of help is given at the right time, it also means that the cause you are supporting can have the confidence to deliver what is required, knowing their supporters are there with them along the way. Flexible collaboration and open communication are key drivers to successful outcomes for all.

Sometimes giving is not in the books. But there are non-profit organizations such as the Florida United Methodist Foundation, where you can give to a great cause while earning a percentage interest back on your donation. If you can give, it's always a blessing. But always be sure that you are making a financially viable decision first!

One thing I believe will be profoundly helpful in any support for philanthropy would be giving the leaders within these groups enough room to act, and believing that they have the ability to make good judgements based on past records. This is no invitation to allow people do whatever they wish with money donated. However, you cannot micromanage leaders and expect them to deliver the utmost. Identify the organizations "why", see if it aligns with your ethos, be sure they have the capacity to act and then, give them enough room to act.

Be careful to not add to the stresses of the situation. Sometimes feeding resources remotely rather than boors on the ground can be more beneficial. Work with the leadership to see what is most needed. Is it containers full of clothing, shelters or donations of bottled water sent from your part of the world to theirs? Is it manpower at a drop-off or pick up point to coordinate distribution, or many hands to clean up where accommodation is readily available for the extra volunteers onsite.