Wise Giving: How to Find the Perfect Charity

Rich Sources

The Internet has also been extremely helpful in attracting contributions, especially from younger donors.

"Particularly in [major] disasters, this can be seen. In the [2004 Indian Ocean] tsunami, there were approximately 100,000 donors; 28.8% of the donations were received online," says Welling.

The next generation of donors will be electronic. "We can send information with greater impact; it is more immediate and at no cost," Welling says, referring to AmeriCares' Internet-based donations.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary and tap into a lucrative donor base, AmeriCares is also holding a glamorous event at Cipriani, a high-end restaurant in downtown Manhattan.

Approximately 1,000 people are expected to show up for the star-studded, black-tie gala, including former President George H.W. and Barbara Bush (long-time friends of the founders, the Macauleys), author and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel, Rwandan hero Paul Rusesabagina (the inspiration for the movie Hotel Rwanda) and concert pianist Jon Kimura Parker.

The event has also attracted big corporate names, including Goldman Sachs (GS Quote), Altria (MO Quote), MetLife (MET Quote) and John Hancock (JHFT Quote).

No, it's not all about the partying. "We are hoping to raise $1 million to $1.5 million," from the evening, says Welling.

There are several ways for interested parties to contribute: $100,000 will buy you a visionary table, which gives sitting for 10 guests, a private reception for 10 with the Bushes and a Web site listing; $25,000 will give you an ambassador table for 10 guests, a private reception for up to four guests with the Bushes and a full-page acknowledgement in the program. Remember, all this money is going to a good place.

Donating to a nonprofit is similar to making an investment. You want to do your research and know whom you are giving it to and how much your investment will increase over time.

So when you're considering a charitable investment, make sure you do a thorough analysis first. You'll be much more likely to put your money in the right hands.

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