Tip List - Maximizing your charitable contributions

As with the rest of our finances, I try to be frugal with charitable donations. Here are a few ways to maximize your giving:

1. When coordinating a fundraiser, ask local businesses if they are willing to donate toward your cause. For example, I coordinate a pancake breakfast at work each year, with the profits all going to charity. Our local grocery donates a gift card each year to help maximize our profits. We sometimes get items to raffle as well, so don’t be afraid to ask for what you want – the worst you can hear is no.
2. When buying food to donate, stock up when pricing is best. I take advantage of all the great pre-Thanksgiving sales on canned foods and boxed meals to donate to our local food pantry.
3. Consider requesting information on what is most needed from your preferred charity, so you aren’t buying something that will go unused. Each year we receive a list of the most needed items for the food pantry. It helps us know our donations will help fill key needs.
3. Buy items at the end of a season when they are on clearance – if you have space, stock up throughout the year. My favorite find was a huge sack of stuffed animals I picked up at a local store after Valentine’s Day. (I think I may have mentioned this before) Each adorable animal was less than $2. I do the same with hats, mittens and coats if I find a great end of season deal.
4. If you travel, stock up on toiletries from your hotel room. These items are always needed in shelters. A friend I work with whose mother volunteered for years at a shelter tipped me off about this.
5. Keep an eye out for things you can donate when cleaning out your closets. I try and (within reason) distribute the items I want to donate into stacks based on the needs of specific charities. The rest goes to the Goodwill donation station near my house, because it is so convenient.
6. When you don’t feel able to donate money, consider donating your time. Often our time and assistance is the most valuable thing we can give to others!
7. Consider the efficiency of fund usage when donating money. I try to find charities that have the lowest administrative costs, so the money is most effective.

What do you do to maximize your charitable donations? I’d love to hear your suggestions!