tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355086750486200439.post8732157794572079511..comments2024-03-24T19:55:32.537-05:00Comments on The View from This Seat: Guidelines for Charitable GivingLKSeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08860725174433173015noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355086750486200439.post-27434443639692220852010-11-30T19:16:14.101-06:002010-11-30T19:16:14.101-06:00Since becoming permanently employed again, I have ...Since becoming permanently employed again, I have bee surprised that we increase our percentage of giving roughly 50% from 12% up to 18%. This has bothered my view on the policy of giving - which has requires of me both habit and joy. Many of the gifts are tax deductible, which is a serious consideration (and one reason why many Americans are philanthropic), but we also give substantially to non-tax deductible causes just out of mercy for our fellows in need.<br /> <br />Charity Navigator is one one very good resource for evaluating charitable organizations. Having worked for two of their ranked charities I would say they do their best rating apples and oranges but the results can be questionable.<br /><br />Definitions for justice and mercy (mandated by scripture and within other religions as well), are as elusive as a good definition for a Christian. The generalities hold, but not the specifics - one's justice is another's injustice. Indeed we are dealing with this issue at work right now.<br /><br />But in the end the general principal you mentioned must remain: GIVE.1sojournernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355086750486200439.post-81986754025042934642010-11-30T09:21:32.236-06:002010-11-30T09:21:32.236-06:00David, thanks much for posting your meaningful com...David, thanks much for posting your meaningful comments!LKSeathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08860725174433173015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355086750486200439.post-37284825586178947222010-11-30T09:15:15.223-06:002010-11-30T09:15:15.223-06:00Today, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has for man...Today, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has for many years been reported as the most giving day of the year as more checks seem to be written today in support of philanthropic causes. I'm not sure why it is today, but early in my career much was said about this day and having appeals arrive in people's mailboxes the day after Thanksgiving.<br /><br />There are millions of causes in our country. Most, if not all, receive some form of support. Without a doubt we are the most philantrhopic nation in the world.<br /><br />The keynote speaker at Kansas City's National Philantrhopy Day breakfast was Dr. Claire Gaudiani, a former college president and now professor of history. She was speaking about her latest book, "Generosity Unbound" (Broadway Publications). I haven't read it yet, but she summed it up in her speech. She basically contends that philanthropy, as it has done in the past, can help bring our economy out of disaster and strengthen the middle class. I haven't read her book yet, but her speech was most informative and inspirational.<br /><br />Giving at this time of year obviously has it's tax implications, but moreover it is also a season for giving. Giving sets an example to our family, benefits needy causes, and provides immense satisfaction for the giver. Your guidelines are most worthwhile. After considering them, this fundraiser encourages everyone to give to something through whatever means s/he has. Whether it's a baked treat to a neighbor or change in the Salvation Army kettles or causes for which we are passionate...please, please...GIVE.David M. Fulknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355086750486200439.post-15739687869225504872010-11-30T08:21:16.094-06:002010-11-30T08:21:16.094-06:00I appreciate Tim's significant comments, and a...I appreciate Tim's significant comments, and at a later time I will probably address the issue he introduced.LKSeathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08860725174433173015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355086750486200439.post-16209524583727579052010-11-30T08:19:45.899-06:002010-11-30T08:19:45.899-06:00Leroy, you bring up a very good topic here. I am a...Leroy, you bring up a very good topic here. I am also interested in something you said in your very first line about "investment portfolios which they seek to optimize regularly." Along the lines of your post, I wonder how much of that optimizing takes into account the 5 questions you have asked about charities, and/or similar questions regarding socially responsible and ethical investing. I fear that many good people have their investments wrapped up in businesses with practices they would never actively support in any other way. Important issues at stake are environmental impact, diversity and equality, working conditions, family benefits, outreach and charity, etc. Here are some good resources for anyone who wants to explore this more:<br />http://www.socialfunds.com/<br />http://www.socialinvest.org/<br />http://www.ethicalinvesting.com/Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05883235580157101231noreply@blogger.com