You're a good guy. You hold doors open for people, and give directions to puzzled tourists. You help little old ladies across the street with a jovial smile, or at least you deftly avoid trampling them in your rush to catch the train. Overall, you do your best to make the world a better place.
But maybe there's a part of you that wants to do more. Maybe you're inspired by philanthropic magnates like Bill Gates, or you just feel guilty when you walk past a homeless guy asking for money. Whatever the reason - as the size of your wallet catches up with the size of your heart, you might look take good deeds to the next level: a financial one.
If you're looking to add Altruist to your list of titles, there are some key things to keep in mind about giving to charities and non-profits:
Find the one that's right for you.We all have our interests, passions and causes that strike a chord with us. Think of something you've read about that's affected you, or an idea you'd really like to promote. There are
green groups,
yellow bracelets and
pink ribbons; you can support the
Red Cross or an organization called
The Blue Card. Think local, national or international -- the possibilities are virtually endless, and you're more likely to continue giving if you feel a connection to the cause.
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