If You Want Your Donations to Make a Bigger Difference, Give Local Robert L. Woodson Sr. - The Woodson Center
go to original December 1, 2021

I believe we are generous because problem-solving is in our DNA. Historian Paul Johnson noted that the story of our country is "essentially one of difficulties being overcome by intelligence and skill, by faith and strength of purpose, by courage and persistence." And in my decades of work, I have discovered that low-income communities display these qualities as much as - if not more than - anywhere else.

Unfortunately, most charitable dollars don't always make it into these communities, even if thats what people intend when they give. In fact, the majority of dollars go to large nonprofits such as hospitals, universities, museums and other art-related institutions, or charities for animals and the environment. Too often, even if someone wants to give to improve the lives of the less fortunate in their city or state, they don't know where to turn.

Grassroots charities can intervene where there is the greatest need, and they often can do so simply and cost-effectively.

And even when larger charities do get to the business of trying to help the forgotten folks, they often don't have the know-how to be effective. In fact, relationships are the biggest reason that local charities can be more successful: Their leaders are guided by the community and people they serve. They're entrepreneurial at heart, able to quickly respond to changing needs and to the successes (and failures) of their work.

I've learned over decades of service that nearly every solvable problem is a local one. And to solve local problems, we need local leadership. Nonprofits with deep roots in the community can achieve unparalleled success in transforming lives and entire neighborhoods. National organizations too often throw money at a problem and hope something sticks.

So, I want you to think hard about who and what you're funding when you donate to charity this holiday season. Will your money go to empowering lower-income citizens to improve their own lives or will it go toward something that benefits the organization to whom you gave?

During the holiday season, the "shop local" campaign has become a popular national effort to support small businesses. Well, Id say the same for charitable work. If you want to make a difference in the world, start with your neighborhood. Give local.

Read the rest at The Hill

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