Americans have given generously to charity over the years, continuing a tradition that began in England in the 1700s. It's good when people help those less fortunate. Public charities are supported by a multitude of donors who provide the funds needed for the work that these beneficent organizations do.
A philanthropic organization is called a charity when it promotes the common good without expecting to turn a profit. The earliest attempts outside of religious entities were in London in the mid-eighteenth century. Wealthy aristocrats decided to help the most destitute in the city. Later, some charities formed by wealthy men did much good and at the same time rendered a monetary gain to their investors. This is not often the case in modern times, when non-profit organizations abound.
Some, like the Foundling Hospital begun in 1741 in London or the Magdalen Hospital founded a few years later, sought to keep helpless children off the streets and educate them for a better life. Others gave plots of land to the poor, which allowed them to grow food for themselves. This 'teach a man to fish' approach was a practical way to offer help.
Today there are educational non-profits, ones that provide food, clean water, and shelter to the poor, others that hope to save endangered species or environmental treasures, and others that work with the homeless. The classification of 'public' or 'private' is dependent on tax codes and civic regulations. These will differ in every nation, as charities abound around the globe.
In the United States, a publicly presented charity is one that has many donors and is actively and directly engaged in furthering its mission. Private ones are foundations that are funded by one individual, corporation, or other donor. For example, industrialists like Andrew Carnegie funded public libraries, founded children's homes, built hospitals and universities, and did other good works with their money.
All the money that a public charity requires does not necessarily come from citizens. The government provides funding for many of them, and they can qualify for grants from private groups. There is some fraud, greed, and mismanagement among the many entities that solicit support, but the majority of these groups do a great deal of good.
Even with IRS attempts to make sure that this program is not used as a tax dodge, there is much room for legal siphoning off of funds, outright fraud, and mismanagement. If people want to make sure their gifts are used effectively, they can check with agencies that evaluate charitable entities and rate them. If a large amount goes to administration rather than to the field, the entity has huge bank balances, or the benefits are small, they may choose to give elsewhere.
A person with a desire to help can choose a localized cause, like 'Save The Bay' or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. There are also many international entities, like Food For The Poor or World Relief. It's good to give back to the community or the world. In fact, we would all be much worse off without these group efforts.
A philanthropic organization is called a charity when it promotes the common good without expecting to turn a profit. The earliest attempts outside of religious entities were in London in the mid-eighteenth century. Wealthy aristocrats decided to help the most destitute in the city. Later, some charities formed by wealthy men did much good and at the same time rendered a monetary gain to their investors. This is not often the case in modern times, when non-profit organizations abound.
Some, like the Foundling Hospital begun in 1741 in London or the Magdalen Hospital founded a few years later, sought to keep helpless children off the streets and educate them for a better life. Others gave plots of land to the poor, which allowed them to grow food for themselves. This 'teach a man to fish' approach was a practical way to offer help.
Today there are educational non-profits, ones that provide food, clean water, and shelter to the poor, others that hope to save endangered species or environmental treasures, and others that work with the homeless. The classification of 'public' or 'private' is dependent on tax codes and civic regulations. These will differ in every nation, as charities abound around the globe.
In the United States, a publicly presented charity is one that has many donors and is actively and directly engaged in furthering its mission. Private ones are foundations that are funded by one individual, corporation, or other donor. For example, industrialists like Andrew Carnegie funded public libraries, founded children's homes, built hospitals and universities, and did other good works with their money.
All the money that a public charity requires does not necessarily come from citizens. The government provides funding for many of them, and they can qualify for grants from private groups. There is some fraud, greed, and mismanagement among the many entities that solicit support, but the majority of these groups do a great deal of good.
Even with IRS attempts to make sure that this program is not used as a tax dodge, there is much room for legal siphoning off of funds, outright fraud, and mismanagement. If people want to make sure their gifts are used effectively, they can check with agencies that evaluate charitable entities and rate them. If a large amount goes to administration rather than to the field, the entity has huge bank balances, or the benefits are small, they may choose to give elsewhere.
A person with a desire to help can choose a localized cause, like 'Save The Bay' or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. There are also many international entities, like Food For The Poor or World Relief. It's good to give back to the community or the world. In fact, we would all be much worse off without these group efforts.
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Get a summary of the things to consider before selecting public charities and more information about a great charity organization at http://tableofplentyhmb.org/board-of-directors now.
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