Gift of Happiness Foundation study on giving to charity?
Gift of Happiness is delighted to receive regular corporate sponsorship from Monroe Consulting Group, who pays most of the charities running costs. We also receive donations of very much needed goods which we pass-on-to at least 1,000 poor children we serve every month. |
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Now we are trying to understand why monthly donations of cash from individuals have always been very low?
So we have been studying ways of increasing the amount of support we need to help us continue serving all those poor people in Thailand.
We hope this information may be useful to those of you who want to make the world a slightly happier place
How to make the world a happier place through charitable giving...
Like many people, you probably want to make the world a happier place, but are wondering how to even get started?
Giving to charity is a great way to contribute to a cause that is dear to you, and make an impact. But if you are in low paid employment or living on a retirement pension, you might wish you had more funds to help, yet there are many other ways to make important contributions to a trusted charity.
Giving to charity is a great way to contribute to a cause that is dear to you, and make an impact. But if you are in low paid employment or living on a retirement pension, you might wish you had more funds to help, yet there are many other ways to make important contributions to a trusted charity.
Deciding on an organization to trust?
There are so many causes that are worthy of your support, depending on your personal values.
"But how do you pick"?
You can first look at how much of an impact your donation will have. Many major charities have a high percentage of operating costs, which is not always easy to justify and you may never see where your contribution is really going. Others will use 100% of individual donations on their charitable causes, and raise money from companies to fund their running costs.
Once you have picked a cause, the next step is to decide whether you would like to help a small but effective charity or a global organization. Deciding to give to a small independent charity is the best way for you to witness the benefits of your contributions first hand. This is because smaller charities tend to be more transparent when it comes to showing where the hard earned donors money is being spent. Total transparency is also the best way for a small charity to raise awareness of how important it is to receive small but regular donations from individuals, clubs, societies etc. But of course, International causes such as disaster relief or human rights may seem more urgent. So you might decide to balance both by donating regularly to a trusted independent charity, and occasionally to emergency causes as and when disaster strikes. This is a very personal decision, and giving to charity is commendable per se, so just do whatever feels right for you.
"But how do you pick"?
You can first look at how much of an impact your donation will have. Many major charities have a high percentage of operating costs, which is not always easy to justify and you may never see where your contribution is really going. Others will use 100% of individual donations on their charitable causes, and raise money from companies to fund their running costs.
Once you have picked a cause, the next step is to decide whether you would like to help a small but effective charity or a global organization. Deciding to give to a small independent charity is the best way for you to witness the benefits of your contributions first hand. This is because smaller charities tend to be more transparent when it comes to showing where the hard earned donors money is being spent. Total transparency is also the best way for a small charity to raise awareness of how important it is to receive small but regular donations from individuals, clubs, societies etc. But of course, International causes such as disaster relief or human rights may seem more urgent. So you might decide to balance both by donating regularly to a trusted independent charity, and occasionally to emergency causes as and when disaster strikes. This is a very personal decision, and giving to charity is commendable per se, so just do whatever feels right for you.
You do not need to be rich in order to give to charity. In fact, you don’t even need money at all!
Giving when you have little money to spare.
You can donate old stuff that you have no use for but could help a family in need. You can donate your time and help. Your skills can be valuable to the charity itself, be it manning the reception a few hours a week, helping with accounting or building a website for them to gain more exposure.
You can also organize fundraisers and get your family and friends involved to help your cause, or ask them to donate money to charity in your name for your birthday or for Christmas.
Donating your time can be a one off endeavour or a regular commitment all over the year. Be sure to do what you can without spreading yourself too thin.
Making the most of your donation.
You can often deduct charitable donations from your income taxes every year. Make sure you understand the IRS rules in the country where you pay tax and follow them precisely. Look for professional advice if you have doubts.
Another way to amplify your donation is to reach out to your employer and see if they offer a match on charitable giving. Many companies do, and even if you work for a smaller one, your employer might agree to help your fundraiser as a one-time thing.
Often, the best way to have an impact is simply to reach out to a charity you like and ask what they need. If that is something you can get them for a fraction or the retail cost, be it your skills or something material, you helping them fill their need will have a much bigger impact than a monetary donation.
Be sure you trust the organisation before you give anything!
Finally, you do not have to try very hard to find out if the charity you want to support is a bona fide organisation?
You may find some very well written sob stories about how they care for the orphans, animals environment or homeless. They may even show pictures of desperate starving children and misstreated animals etc, but remember, those images are easily copied and downloaded from the internet.
To check them out very carefully you should start by simply googling the name and look for their registration details and hard evidential pictures, backed up with accurate written reports on their projects. If they do not show those details prominently on their website or social media pages, you should really think twice about giving them any support!
You can donate old stuff that you have no use for but could help a family in need. You can donate your time and help. Your skills can be valuable to the charity itself, be it manning the reception a few hours a week, helping with accounting or building a website for them to gain more exposure.
You can also organize fundraisers and get your family and friends involved to help your cause, or ask them to donate money to charity in your name for your birthday or for Christmas.
Donating your time can be a one off endeavour or a regular commitment all over the year. Be sure to do what you can without spreading yourself too thin.
Making the most of your donation.
You can often deduct charitable donations from your income taxes every year. Make sure you understand the IRS rules in the country where you pay tax and follow them precisely. Look for professional advice if you have doubts.
Another way to amplify your donation is to reach out to your employer and see if they offer a match on charitable giving. Many companies do, and even if you work for a smaller one, your employer might agree to help your fundraiser as a one-time thing.
Often, the best way to have an impact is simply to reach out to a charity you like and ask what they need. If that is something you can get them for a fraction or the retail cost, be it your skills or something material, you helping them fill their need will have a much bigger impact than a monetary donation.
Be sure you trust the organisation before you give anything!
Finally, you do not have to try very hard to find out if the charity you want to support is a bona fide organisation?
You may find some very well written sob stories about how they care for the orphans, animals environment or homeless. They may even show pictures of desperate starving children and misstreated animals etc, but remember, those images are easily copied and downloaded from the internet.
To check them out very carefully you should start by simply googling the name and look for their registration details and hard evidential pictures, backed up with accurate written reports on their projects. If they do not show those details prominently on their website or social media pages, you should really think twice about giving them any support!
We hope this information is helpful to those of you wishing to support a worthy cause, but just never got around to it yet.
Of course we are more than happy to answer any questions about the serious business of giving to the right charity if you are happy trust in our experienced advice.
Please contact us here; [email protected]
Gift of Happiness Foundation registered logo
Take a look at why many people already trust Gift of Happiness Foundation.
Gift of Happiness Foundation has been established as a properly registered charity in Thailand since 2009. The charity was originally registered in 2005 under the laws relating to a recognized body of persons just like many established loyal societies and other committees set-up to provide support for the needy in Thailand.
In March 2010 the charity was also honoured to be granted membership of the League of Foundations of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Gift of Happiness Foundation registration number: Kor Tor 1914. - Tax I.D: 0-9930-0009226-1.
Since those early first steps to become a trusted and transparent child support charity we have received numerous accolades and commendations from British, Australian, French, South African Ambassadors and a high level of trust from many respected companies and organizations (Not least our only corporate sponsor, Monroe Consulting Group).
We have also been properly vetted and approved to receive grants or donations from Charities Aid Foundation of America (CAFA), Exo Foundation, Boulevard De La Stim, Rotary Clubs, PayPal and Ammado Giving to Nonprofits.
In March 2010 the charity was also honoured to be granted membership of the League of Foundations of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Gift of Happiness Foundation registration number: Kor Tor 1914. - Tax I.D: 0-9930-0009226-1.
Since those early first steps to become a trusted and transparent child support charity we have received numerous accolades and commendations from British, Australian, French, South African Ambassadors and a high level of trust from many respected companies and organizations (Not least our only corporate sponsor, Monroe Consulting Group).
We have also been properly vetted and approved to receive grants or donations from Charities Aid Foundation of America (CAFA), Exo Foundation, Boulevard De La Stim, Rotary Clubs, PayPal and Ammado Giving to Nonprofits.
See our monthly project reports here - Our full 2016 Annual Report here Or Read more about us
Thank you!
Thank you!
This is where you can really make a difference right now!
Please send goods or whatever you can afford to help the children have a slightly happier life
Note; GoHF is unable to process credit card donations because Thai Banks require a large deposit to allow the set-up a credit card payment gateways (We simply don't have that amount of funding!).
You can still send Credit Card donations via PayPal even if you do not have a PayPal account!
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Transfer any amount to the GoHF Charity Account
Via ATM or Android or Cheque to: Account Name: Gift of Happiness Foundation. (Cheques crossed account only, payable to; Gift of Happiness Foundation) Address: Kasikorn Bank PLC. BIG-C Rama 4, Bangkok. 10110. Account No: 7702101594. Account Type: Savings. Sort Code: 0004. Outside Thailand: Swift Code: KASITHBK. [Currency Converter] |
The Children Always Need...
*Clothing - Adult and Children’s/New or Used. *Toys - "No toy weapons please". *School equipment - Paper, pencils etc *Playground equipment - Always very welcome *Medical supplies - anything available at pharmacies. *Bedding - Essential for most northern locations. *Toweling - Can also be used for bedding. *Personal hygiene - Soap, toothpaste/brushes etc. *Mosquito nets - Helps prevent Malaria and Dengue. *Other useful goods - We know what's needed. READ MORE>> |
