Being Charitable in Tough Times

Charitable contributions can fall as much as 2-5% during a recession when adjusted for inflation.  How can you make sure that your favorite charity does not suffer during the current difficult financial times? As many people are faced with an uncertain financial future, we are often unwilling to give as much cash as in the past.  Fortunately, many other avenues are open to charitable givers which do not require opening the check book.

1.   Donate your professional services to your favorite charity such as accounting or legal services.
2.   Make an extra effort to clean out your closets and donate to the needy.
3.   Participate in a jog-a-thon or other charity event in which participants gather sponsors.
4.   Use your creativity and sponsor a new event for your favorite charity such as a fundraising party. Have fun while asking participants to bring items to help others.
5.   Recruit your friends to work on charity projects. 
6.   Use a credit card which contributes to a worthy cause with each purchase.