Friends,
I feel that Philanthropy is an important part of being involved in your community, your state, country or planet. This is where you live, so you want to do what you can (when able) to improve conditions for your fellow man who might not be as fortunate.
BobbyVassallo.org has ideas on giving, current tax implications and benefits to the giver, charities you might investigate and how, along with different giving devices available to you. Bobby Vassallo is hereby not dispensing tax advice, but do take a look at the ideas and speak to your own accountant/tax preparer to perfect a strategy for you.
I have a basic dislike for the huge charities, as they have become bloated and almost government-like in their bureaucracies. The overheads for some of these are described within BobbyVassallo.org, under "Huge Charities" and you will see what I mean in terms of dollars in, dollars out.
I have a list of favorite charities, but Operation USA (formerly Operation California) remains my all-time favorite. First, the management team has been in place for decades, and operations run on a shoestring, so that delivery of Emergency Medical and other services are 1st priority, not second after overhead. Richard Walden, a Wharton School grad, has more knowledge of the industry than anyone I have come across, and can expound for hours on the state of the industry, which groups are doing well, and which are raising moneys just to stay in business. In these times, many charities are fighting to keep doors open.
Consolidation is key for many charities today. Much like seeing a hamburger chain restaurant with a chicken chain attached, basically sharing space, charities can “team up” to share a receptionist, office space, telephones, copiers, internet, etc. The ones making these moves might just survive through the worst crunch any of us have ever witnessed, assuming most Great Depression members have moved on.
Charities need your support now, more than any time in our memory. We should not lose this precious resource, working to make the world a little better. Thousands give their time, freely to these organizations for a reason.
Bobby Vassallo, International Election Observer, Mexico
Do what you can to help your favorite charity sustain through this rogue economy if you can.
Bobby Vassallo