Charity for donation???

b320

Hi,

I would like to make regular charity donations; can anyone please suggest some names?

I really wish to help children, especially those living in less fortunate circumstances. Since I am struggling with debts myself, I cannot help much, but wish to do my best nonetheless. However, I do not want to send my money somewhere, only to find out later that 90% of my donations have disappeared as "administration fees".

So, any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

b320

Oh dear, no reply.

Any opinions???

oldtoolie

Two websites might help with advice on donating to charities and how to select them.

Guidestar
https://www.guidestar.org.uk/

Intelligent Giving
https://www.intelligentgiving.com/

Larry Boyd
Tools for Self Reliance
https://www.tfsr.org
practical help for practical people
---
Thanks to MSE for making TFSR one of your charities of the year

grannybroon

Hi There

I tend to put stuff into the Charities shops for overseas aid, an annual donation to our kid's hospice here in Scotland - Rachel House, plus our own local hospice where my Dad received excellent care -St Columba's in Edinburgh. Also did huge donations to close friends and family for 'run for life' things as it was personal and for very good reasons. Finally always give to the Salvation Army as I feel they do such good work trying to find family members and help folk living on the streets. I was adopted through them years ago and I think a UK charity sometimes sadly forgotten.

Hope this helps. Charity donations can be very personal.

GB

Isatou

You might like to consider the charity I set up 4 years ago to support a school in The Gambia. ALL money raised goes directly to the school - we pay all the admin costs ourselves. We are a registered UK charity and for more details see our website - https://www.fobbschool.co.uk or send me an e-mail. Many thanks

GiveItBack

Hi b320.

First, can I say thank you for wanting to help kids who need it. Second, I'd say don't get too worried about admin costs. As a sector, charities spend around 20% on admin and similar costs. Admin costs are still needed, of course, as you simply can't run something without admin, and in the vast majority of cases, the admin can't be covered for free. Especially considering the increasing regulation that charities work under.

I think it comes down to trust, if you trust the charity, then donate there. I'd advise to recommend to someone that is a service provider, rather than a grant giver, as it's more direct.

Finally be wary about comparing charities solely on their admin costs. if you give 20 accountants a set of figures to produce accounts, you'll get 20 answers, the same is true for charities. You can follow the rules but interpret things differently and get different answers.

I'd say to find some charities you like the look of, give them a quick call, or send an email, and ask them where your money would/could go, and anything else you want to know. I think you'll get the best answers from the ones that will use your donation most wisely.

wokkies

hopefully this is allowed, a brilliant charity which some dear friends set up, you have to read the site really to understand what I'm talking about
http://www.christophersfund.org.uk/index.php

dancingfairy

I've always gone for Childline as it was set up by Ester Rantzen. I don't know how much they spend on admin but it's my choice if that helps. P.s they do tend to send mail asking for more money several times a year which can be a little bit annoying if you are giving what you can.

GiveItBack

dancingfairy. You could always contact them and ask not to be contacted so often. They should be able to do what you ask, and that way they wouldn't be spending money sending things to you that won't get them any income back. You're already giving what you can, but they might not know that.

Maggiemoo_2

I am a volunteer and trustee for a charity that supports children with congenital heart disease and their families who are treated at the new Evelina Children's Hospital in London. Any donations we recieve go towards organising an annual Christmas Party and annual Summer Barbecue and various other trips/days out for our members and their families.
Our remit is explained in our website - address below.

https://www.echo-evelina.org.uk

Most of our fundraisers are our members who do crazy things like running the maraton (my husband!!) or jumping out of planes!!!

Take a look and see what you think. :j

johnmc

I am a volunteer Leader for the worlds largest co-educational uniformed charity for Young People. It's our Centenary this year, so we must be doing something right!

We accept Young People (and adult volunteers) from all walks of life and all creeds and colours.

Whilst our head office are always glad of donations your money would be better spent at a local level where all staff give freely of their time.

I would say that if cash is tight then you would be better volunteering your time. It really is fulfilling and very much appreciated by the Young People.

The name of the Charity? You might have heard of us before, it's the Scout Association.

If you want to contact your local Group then try here.