Five Questions to Help Donors Give with More Confidence

Choosing where to give can feel surprisingly difficult. With so many worthy causes and organizations doing important work, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and put giving off for another day.

I see this often in my work as a philanthropic advisor. That's why I know the best donations are the ones we actually make. Lack of clarity is what holds most people back, and that’s where the right questions can help.

Many donors think they should start by asking, “What’s the best nonprofit to support?” This is a good question, but it overlooks an important fact: giving is personal. To get the most from your giving, it's helpful to explore your own experiences, values, relationships and aspirations.

At the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, we've created The Giving Compass to help people explore those questions more deeply. Whether you're just getting started or have been giving for years, this guided workbook can help you clarify what matters most and chart a more intentional path forward.

If you're pressed for time, you can also simplify our process into five simple questions.

1. What do you care about most?

Before you start comparing organizations, spend some time reflecting on what inspires you to give.

What values or beliefs shape your approach? What issues or opportunities do you feel most passionate about? And what kind of community do you hope your giving will help create?

Your answers may lead you toward a particular cause. Maybe it's supporting STEM education, expanding access to the arts or helping families build financial stability. They may also point you toward a particular community or place you hope to support.

There are no wrong answers. The goal is to understand what matters most to you. Because when your giving reflects your values and priorities, it becomes more meaningful.

That's why we created The Giving Compass, and it provides some great suggestions to help identify the values, cause areas, people and places that spark your generosity.

2. Which nonprofits match your vision?

Once you have a clear sense of what matters to you, start looking for organizations whose work aligns with your priorities. You can start by reviewing our list of grantees or searching nonprofits involved with Give More 24!, our region's largest day of giving.

For many donors, this is where having a philanthropic partner like the Community Foundation can be extremely valuable. We bring extensive knowledge and strong relationships to quickly identify promising organizations for our fundholders.

No matter how your search begins, the goal is to find opportunities that connect to your vision. Because there is rarely a single "perfect" nonprofit accomplishing all the impact you hope to make.

3. Which organizations feel like the best fit?

Once you've identified organizations that align with your interests, it's time to learn more about them.

Start by exploring the organization's mission, approach and programs. Visit its website, use research tools like Candid.org and, when possible, have a conversation with someone connected to the organization.

Our team also manages this legwork for fundholders. I often conduct additional research, arrange site visits and help our donors gain a deeper understanding of the organizations and opportunities they are considering.

Finding an organization that shares your priorities is an important first step. From there, you can consider the organization on its own merits and decide whether you feel confident supporting its work.

I often tell donors to think of this process like any relationship. Learn enough to understand one another. Then, take the next step.

4. What do you want to give today?

One of the most common questions I hear is, "Will my gift really make a difference?"

It sounds cliché, but every contribution truly does make a difference. And giving isn't limited to writing a check. You may choose to volunteer your time, offer your skills or make strategic connections for the causes you love.

If you are ready to make a donation, the Community Foundation can help you explore your options. Donors are often surprised to hear about the creative and flexible ways they can give. Whether it's using an IRA distribution for charitable purposes or contributing appreciated stock to open a Donor Advised Fund, we can help you transform a broad range of assets into a tax-smart charitable strategy.

The most important thing is not waiting for the perfect moment. Consider what you can do today, because community challenges only grow more complex over time.

5. How do you want to stay connected?

Donating is just the beginning. Some of the most satisfied donors I work with are connected to the causes they support in a variety of ways. They volunteer, attend events, ask questions and celebrate progress alongside the organizations they care about.

These experiences help donors gain a deeper understanding of the work they're supporting and the professionals guiding the organization.

As you become more involved, your interests and priorities might shift. This evolution is natural and important. That's why it's helpful to revisit these questions or The Giving Compass to update your approach.

Set Your Direction Today

Giving with confidence doesn't mean having all the answers. It means taking time to find where your passions, values and beliefs intersect with community needs.

If you'd like to dig deeper, download The Giving Compass or call our office to schedule an appointment. Because wherever your generosity leads, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington can help you map out every step to putting your charitable goals into action.