The Lutheran Community Foundation

Give Locally or Give Globally?

As the world becomes more interconnected, how does one determine whether to support the local community, reach out globally, or do both? more... |

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Six Questions to Ask a Charity Before Donating

Charity Navigator evaluates the financial health of over 5,400 of America’s largest charities, working to advance more efficient and responsive ways to give.  Here are 6 questions they suggest you ask a charity before you consider donating to them. more... |

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Avoiding Scams Claiming to Be Charities

Smart giving is not only about when to say yes to giving, but also when to say no. Scam artists are ready and waiting to take advantage of good hearts and intentions.  Read this article to learn more about avoiding fraudulent solicitations. more... |

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Stretching Dollars for Charitable Benefit

With reduced abilities to give, donors are feeling stressed.  The good news is that there are ways to stretch your dollars to make the most benefit to charities.  One of the 5 tips offered in the following article is to FOCUS YOUR MONEY. This might mean giving more money to one charity as opposed to small gifts to many charities, or joining your dollars with other donors to make a bigger impact, like you can do through the LCF Collaborative Funds. more... |

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Create an Annual Giving Budget

You have likely developed a budget for your groceries, your gas, and your housing payments. However, have you ever added "giving" to your budget plan? more... |

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How Can You be a Smart Giver in this Troubled Economy?

While it is tempting to decrease or stop all giving when personal investments shrink, this might be the most rewarding and important time to offer help where help is needed. more... |

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Core Operating Grants Could Help More Nonprofits Survive

Gary Yates, treasurer, president, and CEO of California Wellness Foundation argues that the philanthropic Community needs to respond by providing more core operating support to allow nonprofits to keep their doors open.  more... |

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Holiday Giving Tips from Charity Navigator

Believe it or not, December is here!  In this season of Advent, we await with hope for the difference we can make in the lives of others.

As you reflect upon this holiday season and determine your year-end giving goals, you may appreciate Charity Navigator’s Holiday Giving Guide. more... |

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End-of-Year Giving Guide - Tax Guidelines

Tax law provisions for charitable giving change over time, so it can be difficult to stay up-to-date.  Changes in recent years include IRA rollovers, donated clothing and household items, and new guidelines for monetary donations.  Review this summary for more information, and some helpful reminders. more... |

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Text-to-Give: Be Informed When Dialing

This new tool makes giving easier than ever, enabling donors to give an exceptional amount of money to Haiti disaster relief in a short time. But do you know how (and when) your money is going to reach those in need? more... |

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Research Charities for Maximum Impact

As of February 3, donations in support of earthquake relief efforts in Haiti have exceeded $644-Million according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy.  As you consider an appropriate response to this disaster, or any other cause you may choose to benefit, remember to perform some research first, through websites like Charity Navigator. more... |

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How Do You Decide Which Charities to Benefit?

Did you know that in 2009, 70,623 groups applied to receive charity status from the IRS? With 60% of these being approved, the federal government now has a total of more than 1.2 million registered charities and foundations. more... |

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Tips for Safe Online Giving

The Internet provides a convenient and quick way to contribute to charity. With all online transactions it is important to be aware of potential problems and ways you can protect yourself. more... |

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Strategic Generosity

Americans are setting records with giving in 2010. Linda Sterns, a freelance writer, argues that the current generosity is great -- but can be too impulsive -- and suggests a more strategic approach to giving. more... |

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Annual Income Level Can Inform Charitable Giving

Have you ever calculated how much you give? The average American gives about 3.2% of his or her pre-tax income to charity, much less than the traditional 10% tithe suggested in the Old Testament. more... |

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Seven Questions to Ask a Charity Before Contributing

Charities Review Council is dedicated to empowering people to give to charitable causes in informed and thoughtful ways. Here are seven great questions they suggest asking organizations before writing a check or requesting that grant from your charitable fund. more... |

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Ten Tax Season Tips from the IRS

If you have tax-related questions regarding your charitable donations, read these ten tips issued by the IRS. more... |

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