Create a giving plan
You've identified the causes you want to support. Now comes the big question: How much do you give and to whom? Explore these tools and resources to create a giving budget and identify charities aligned with your causes.
Set a three-year budget
Many donors prefer to spread out their giving, so they can balance their generosity with the present and future needs of their family. To decide how much and when to give, create a three-year charitable giving budget. Consider dividing your giving into three categories—proactive giving, reactive giving, and emergency giving—to help maximize your charitable impact.
Start with our three-year giving budget template.
Find organizations to support
It's easy to get overwhelmed when choosing charitable organizations. Start by short-listing a set of organizations that support your causes. Use resources like friends and experts with knowledge on your causes, local community foundations, online research tools like Candid's GuideStar, and issue funds. Consider performing at least a quick review of each organization to make sure there are no red flags.
Create a short list of nonprofits with our activity sheets.
Related resources
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VideoGiving to causes we care about
Donors discuss how selecting and granting to a specific charity is quick and easy.
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ResourceCharitable donation calculator
This calculator helps you test different scenarios and develop a plan for your charitable giving.
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VideoFinding and evaluating charities
Identify and vet nonprofits that support your focus areas and evaluate them over time.
Keep building your plan
Explore other ways to make the most of your charitable giving.
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Identify the goals and causes most important to you and narrow your charitable focus. Also consider involving your family in your giving.
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Learn which organizations are eligible for tax deductions, determine which assets to give, and choose your charitable giving vehicles.
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Decide how you want your gift to be used and the frequency of your giving. Also look for opportunities to hone your plan.
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Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open to different ways of giving, such as volunteering or serving on a nonprofit board.