In the Christian community, charity is of utmost importance. The Bible calls on Christians to be generous with their money and to look out for the needs of others. But with so many charities to choose from, it can be hard to know where exactly to donate your time, energy, and funds.

In this article, we’ll share our top 10 favourite Christian charities that are making a difference in the world today.

What Are Christian Charities?

Christianity is a religion of helping others and Jesus was the ultimate philanthropist. He healed the sick, fed the poor, and showed love and compassion to all who needed it.

Christian charities are organizations that are established and run by people of the Christian faith. Many of these organizations focus their efforts on caring for those who are in need. Whether they are helping victims of natural disasters, assisting families in their time of great need, or helping children and families in the community feel loved, these Christian organizations want to help others while living out their faith.

But what are some Christian charities that are worth donating to? Many organizations help people in need by providing food and shelter, providing medical care and relief efforts, rebuilding houses after natural disasters, etc.

Christian charities often have specific missions that guide their work. Here are some examples of common mission statements:

• To alleviate hunger and suffering among all people.
• To help children in need through education, health care, and other services that improve their lives.
• To provide relief for victims of natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other crises.

Top 10 Christian Charities

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From work and family commitments to paying bills and planning for the future, it’s easy to let our attention wander from those less fortunate than ourselves.

Every year, millions of people are forced to leave their homes because of poverty, persecution, and natural disasters. They are forced to seek refuge in other countries that may not have the resources to help them. In fact, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are more than 65 million refugees worldwide. And while many Christians are known for being generous with their time and money, it can be difficult to know which organizations are doing good work.

Here are 10 Christian charities worth donating to:

1.    World Vision Canada

World Vision is an international Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves 100 million people in more than 90 countries around the world. If you want your donation specifically used for disaster relief or other specific purposes, request that when you donate online or by phone.

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2.    Guyana Christian Charities (Canada) Inc

The Canadian-based Guyana Christian Charities (Canada) Inc. is a nonprofit organization staffed entirely by volunteers that aim to help anyone in need in Guyana, whether that be a community, a church, or an individual.

They collect money locally through events like our Annual Food and Bake Sale and Dances as well as other means like cash and memorial gifts to benefit the needy and those in healthcare facilities.

They also continually aid the orphans and the Georgetown Hospital Burn Care Unit by collecting and transporting donated books, laptops, toys, etc.

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3.    Canadian Council of Christian Charities

The Canadian Council of Christian Charities is a national association of more than 3,200 members. To make it easier for Christian organizations to carry out their goals, CCCC envisions a world where all Christian organizations are run in a model of efficiency, health, and excellence. Allow them to serve as your partner and advisor in the process of organizational growth. Their ultimate aim is to make maximum contributions to the Church’s work.

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4.    ONTARIO CHRISTIAN GLEANERS

Ontario Christian Gleaners is a non-profit organization that serves the hungry and homeless in Ontario’s rural areas. They run several programs that help people who are struggling to make ends meet. The group’s goal is to provide food security, housing services, and employment assistance to anyone who needs it.

Ontario Christian Gleaners’ primary program is their food bank service. This is where they get most of their funding, as well as volunteer hours. They collect food donations from local grocery stores and farmers’ markets, which they then distribute to the needy through their food bank services. The charity also collects money from the public, which goes towards purchasing more food for those in need.

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5.    The Salvation Army

One may usually find a Salvation Army kettlebell ringer outside of a big department store during the holiday shopping season. “The Salvation Army is a Christian nonprofit serving 400 communities in Canada and 131 other countries. The mission of The Salvation Army is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, provide for people in need, and make a positive difference in the world. They perform things like providing religious services and thrift shops, as well as aiding in times of need by offering lodging and shelter.

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6.    Safetynet Children & Youth Charities

If one person falls, it affects everyone other, according to the philosophy of the nonprofit organization Safetynet Children and Youth Charities. We hold the view that the evolution of civilization may be judged not just by advances in technology and the economy, but also by the degree to which we have compassion for people who are struggling through challenges and adversity.

The goal of this organization is to offer these children a safe place where they can grow into healthy adults. SafeNet also works with other organizations so that foster care families can receive financial assistance as well as emotional support for parenting these children.

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7.    ADRA

ADRA is the official Seventh-day Adventist Church relief organization. The Canadian chapter of ADRA is an active participant in the larger international organization. More than 130 countries are now under their sphere of influence because of this system. Throughout the world, from Canada to Africa, they’re working with impoverished communities to help them build a better tomorrow. As an organization, they participate in numerous projects, including those related to health and economic development, emergency response, and education. They also work to increase the availability of clean water and sanitation facilities, provide opportunities for women and girls to develop their potential, and promote more environmentally friendly methods of farming in underdeveloped regions.

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8.    Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed is a Christian charity that provides food, clothing, and shelter to those who are in need. The organization was founded in 1983 and has since grown to help people all over the world. They have offices in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Mustard Seed’s vision statement is: “We provide hope for people in need by meeting their basic needs of physical survival, spiritual growth, and emotional wholeness.”

They accomplish this goal through their partner network of churches that provide food pantries, shelters, and other services for those who need it most.

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9.    Samaritan’s Purse

Samaritan’s Purse is another Christian charity that aims to help people around the world regardless of their religion or background. The charity provides emergency relief services such as medical care, clean water, hygiene kits, disaster relief supplies, and more to those who need it most in developing countries and disaster areas like Haiti and Syria. It also has several programs that help provide long-term solutions for those affected by disasters so they can rebuild their lives after the crisis has passed.

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10. Christian Horizons Foundation

The mission of the Christian Horizons Foundation is to promote and intelligently increase charitable giving by acquiring and leasing real estate for Christian Horizons to use in carrying out its domestic and international missions financed by charitable contributions.

Christian Horizons’ mission is to put Christian values into action by assisting persons with disabilities in achieving their objectives and developing inclusive communities.

The Foundation is run by a volunteer board of directors and receives no money from the government; it is fully autonomous from Christian Horizons and Christian Horizons Global.

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What are Volunteer Led Charities?

Volunteering is a great way to help others and make a difference in the world. But it’s not always easy to find high-impact volunteer opportunities, where you know your efforts will make a difference.

The idea of volunteerism is that each person contributes their time, talent, and money to the community, which then is donated to different organizations around the globe for a good cause.

Volunteer-led charities are organizations that are run by a group of volunteers. They often have no paid staff and rely on volunteers to provide services and resources for their communities. They are also referred to as non-profit organizations or NPOs.

Volunteer Led Charities are organizations that have a mission to help those in need. These charities are run by volunteers and donations from individuals who want to help out. Volunteers make up the majority of these organizations, so they are run by people who want to make a difference in the world.

There are many different types of volunteer-led charities, including those that help animals, children, and seniors. Some volunteer-led charities provide services directly to their clients (such as food banks), while others work with other organizations to provide support (for example homeless shelters).

Volunteer-led charities are a great way for people to get involved with their community and make an impact on those around them. It also allows them to give back and help those who need it most.

Eight of Canada’s Top Volunteer-Led Charities

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s also a great way to meet new people and learn new skills — not to mention make your community a better place.

But it can be hard to know where to start. There are hundreds of charities in Canada, many of which are looking for volunteers, but it can be hard to find out which ones are effective.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of eight of Canada’s top volunteer-led charities. These organizations are all well-established, and they’re run by passionate people who truly believe in their cause. All of them rely on the support of volunteers to carry out their work — so why not join them?

If you’re looking for a way to give back, consider these eight volunteer-led charities across the country:

1.    Volunteer Canada

Volunteer Canada is a national charity that helps Canadians to find volunteer opportunities in their local communities. They offer resources for youth, adults, and seniors to connect with organizations and charities that need their help. Volunteers can also search for opportunities in their community.

Volunteer Canada has been around since 1977 and they have been helping Canadians find ways to give back ever since. They work with more than 5,000 organizations and have helped hundreds of thousands of Canadians volunteer over the years.

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2.    KidSport Canada

KidSport is a nationwide non-profit that helps youth under the age of eighteen afford the costs associated with participating in organized sports. We offer funds to athletes through a private application procedure so that they can participate in a full athletic season. There are 166 local chapters of KidSport around the country, in addition to 11 provincial/territorial ones. Since its inception in 1993, KidSport has provided grants and sport introduction programming to approximately 825,000 children across the country.

They think that all kids should be able to reap the benefits of participating in sports leagues and that no child should be denied that chance. KidSport helps kids who otherwise wouldn’t have the resources to participate in organized sports due to budgetary constraints. 

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3.    Volunteer Manitoba

Volunteer Manitoba is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides support to organizations in Manitoba that need volunteers, including seniors’ services, hospitals, post-secondary institutions, and community groups. It also offers funding to assist individuals with disabilities who want to volunteer and provides information on volunteer opportunities in the province. The organization has been around since 1978 and had more than 40,000 volunteers in 2016.

They help organizations and individuals in Manitoba’s non-profit sector grow and improve so they can better predict, analyze, celebrate, and fulfill the needs of their local communities. Their significant community services include facilitating connections between volunteers and organizations in need of their help, raising awareness about the importance of volunteering, and serving as a resource for advice and direction in the nonprofit and voluntary sectors.

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4.    Aga Khan Foundation Canada

The Aga Khan Foundation of Canada (AKFC) is a charitable organization that aims to improve living conditions in developing countries. Together with Canada and Canadians, AKFC works with communities, companies, and governments in Africa and Asia to end the cycle of poverty and discover creative answers to the world’s most pressing development concerns.

A recognized Canadian charity, AKFC is an international development organization dedicated to ending poverty. Through collaboration with the Canadian government and a wide range of Canadian organizations and individuals, we have helped better the lives of millions of people in Africa and Asia since 1980.

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5.    Community Volunteer Connections

Since its founding in 1976, Community Volunteer Connections has worked to promote volunteerism and civic participation. Many volunteers come to us looking for direction and leadership. Their services are utilized by organizations to attract volunteers to help with their purpose and expand their volunteer programs.

Their goal is to help individuals of all skill levels and experiences find rewarding volunteer opportunities so that they may contribute to the growth and development of thriving communities via the efforts of non-profits.

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6.    Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society

The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is a nonprofit group made up entirely of volunteers who drive people in the Lower Mainland to and from their cancer-related medical appointments.

Those who are worried about getting to and from their doctor’s appointments because of lack of transportation may rest easy with the help of our team of volunteer drivers and dispatchers. By calling them, you may rest easy knowing that kind volunteers are available to help with whatever needs arise, whether they be physical or emotional.

For the hundreds of trips annually needed to get cancer patients to their lifesaving treatments, this charity relies heavily on the generosity of community-minded folks.

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7.    Volunteer Success

Volunteer Success is a non-profit company based out of Canada that provides a free, straightforward internet platform for those looking for volunteer work and organizations in need of assistance in making connections with suitable candidates. Their goal is to increase public support for volunteering.

On their site, you may find chances to volunteer with a wide variety of groups that could use your help. Find a cause you’re passionate about and apply for your next volunteer opportunity with ease. Plus, make a profile as a volunteer so that groups may locate you and contact you about possibilities.

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8.    Edmonton Meals On Wheels

Meals on Wheels Edmonton is a local charity that delivers hot meals to the homes of low-income seniors and those in need. Their outstanding food, delicious beverages, and novel approaches to community outreach through special events, cooperative ventures, and volunteer opportunities have earned them a solid reputation among our patrons. 

On April 21, 1969, the first hot meals were brought to the doorsteps of hungry people. They have been around for a long time in Edmonton, and they’re still growing and adapting to serve the city’s ever-evolving population. They’ve been providing excellent service to the local community since 1988 when they opened their food production and distribution center, began employing Red Seal chefs, and began tracking customer feedback to adjust their menus and services accordingly.

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The world can be a cruel place. We see it every day in the news, with natural disasters, war, and famine.

And while we can do our best to help those affected by these tragedies, there is only so much we can do as individuals. The problem is that if you want to make a real difference, you need to give to charity.

Giving to charity is a very personal decision. Some people believe that giving should be done privately, while others believe that giving to charity is an important part of being a good citizen. Regardless of how you feel about charitable giving, there are many reasons why we should give to charity.

In this article, we are going to talk about why charity matters and the importance of giving to charity.

But first off let’s debunk some myths related to a charity that hold back people to donate to noble causes.

5 Major Myths About Charity That Hold Back Generosity

The world is a big place, and it can be overwhelming to imagine all the different ways it could be better. Sometimes it feels like there’s just not enough time or money to make a difference. And if you’re not sure where to start, here are some myths about the charity that might be holding you back from generosity.

Myth #1: Charity is always volunteering

Charity isn’t just volunteering at a soup kitchen or collecting canned goods for the local food bank. It can also mean donating money to support organizations whose mission you believe in — whether they’re based in your community or halfway around the world.

Myth #2: Charity hampers economic growth

Another myth about charity is the idea that it hampers economic growth by taking money away from businesses and investors who could otherwise invest their money and create jobs. However, studies have shown that giving to charity has a positive effect on economic growth by increasing consumer spending and creating jobs.

Myth #3: Charities waste money on administrative costs

The third myth about charity is that charities waste too much money on administrative costs, especially when compared with for-profit companies. People think that charities waste most of their donations on overhead costs like salaries, benefits, and administrative expenses instead of helping people directly with their charitable work. Studies have found that for-profit companies tend to spend more on administration than non-profit organizations do in non-profit industries like healthcare and education.

Myth #4: Charity only helps people who don’t work hard enough

Some people indeed need help more than others — but this doesn’t mean they’re lazy or irresponsible or don’t want to work. People aren’t paid what they’re worth because political systems are rigged against them, not because they’re lazy. The idea that the poor just need to work harder is an old myth meant to keep the status quo intact and justify inequality in society. And it’s wrong on many levels.

Myth #5: Charitable organizations don’t do enough good with my donation money.

Some charities are more effective than others at using your donations wisely — but all are legally obligated to use your contributions according to their missions and goals. If you want your donation dollars spent on specific causes or programs, ask questions before making a gift and make sure you understand how much of your gift will go toward administrative costs versus program expenses such as food or housing assistance for those in need. If a charity isn’t transparent about its financial practices or doesn’t provide an opportunity to ask questions, it might be a good idea to donate elsewhere.

11 Reasons Why We Should Give to Charity

Giving to charity is a great thing to do. But it’s not just a nice gesture. It’s a moral obligation.

Charity matters because it helps others, but it also matters because it helps us improve our own lives. Here are 11 reasons why charity matters:

1.    To support people in need

You can help improve the lives of those around you by giving to charity. It’s not just about money; it’s about giving time and effort as well. You don’t have to be rich or famous to make a difference. You can even donate your old clothes or furniture if you don’t have any money.

2.    To teach our children about giving back to society

Children need to learn about the charity at a young age so that they can grow up with a sense of responsibility towards their community and the world around them. By teaching them how important it is to give back, we will teach them how to live with gratitude, humility, and kindness toward others – something that will benefit them throughout their lives!

3.    To make ourselves feel good

It sounds selfish but donating money makes us feel good! We are helping other people while benefiting ourselves in return by making us feel like we did something good for someone else whose life may have been difficult otherwise. We might not be able to help every single person who needs it but every little bit counts!

4.    To save lives and improve quality of life

When you give to charity, you are often helping someone who needs it more than you do – whether they are suffering from an illness or have lost their job and can no longer afford to pay their bills or buy food for their family. These donations help them get back on track financially so that they can live life without worrying about their finances all the time – something that can improve the quality of life for everyone involved!

5.    Charity gives you a sense of purpose

Giving back to your community gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It allows you to help others while also improving your self-esteem and confidence. The more time and effort you put into helping others, the more likely they will be willing to help you when you need it most.

6.    The charity provides opportunities for personal growth

If you give time or money to a worthy cause, you will learn some valuable skills along the way that can help improve your life in many ways. For example, volunteering at a soup kitchen teaches responsibility and commitment while also providing valuable experience that can be applied elsewhere later in life.

7.    Charity drives your passion

Giving to a cause you care about is a wonderful way to indulge your interests and fulfill your needs at the same time. Are you an animal lover? You will gain a sense of significance and vitality when helping animals at a shelter through volunteer work. Is a good education the finest present you can offer someone? Sending money to help educate females is an act of following your passion and following your heart.

8.    The charity encourages us to be thankful for what we have been given

If you’ve ever wondered why people are so generous with their time, money, and belongings, it’s because they realize what they have isn’t enough and want to share it with others who don’t have as much. This type of generosity helps us appreciate what we have been given and see beyond ourselves. It also reminds us that there are many more people in need than just ourselves.

9.    Charities advantages extend to your social life, health, intelligence, and soul

If you volunteer for a good cause, you’ll meet and work with a wide variety of individuals who share your interests and values, expanding your social sphere in the process. You may get the chance to do something active, which may improve both your health and your mood. Knowing that you are helping a good cause may do wonders for your peace of mind and sense of purpose.

10. The charity promotes social justice

One of the most important reasons to give to charity is because it promotes social justice. When you give to charity, you help others who are less fortunate than yourself. You can help people who have lost their homes after a natural disaster or help people who don’t have access to clean water or food. Charity allows us to reach out and help those who need it most.

11. The charity provides tax benefits for donors

Giving money away isn’t just a way of helping others — it’s also great for your finances! Most developed countries offer tax breaks for charitable donations made by individuals or companies.

The reality of widespread poverty, low income, and barriers to education amongst Indigenous communities in Canada is harsh. There are thousands of charities working every day to rebuild, create opportunities and provide these communities with additional services & support to make a better life for themselves and their children.

 In this article, we’ll highlight seven charities that provide education, counseling, and other services to help Indigenous people overcome the challenges they face daily.

Indigenous Charities in Canada

There are many charities all over Canada that help our Indigenous people. The conditions of the reserves and the communities are deplorable, and a lot of them don’t have access to clean water or proper food. This is why we need to help out our brothers and sisters as much as possible by donating money or volunteering at these charities.

Many Canadian charities are helping Indigenous people overcome the challenges they face in Canada today. This list is by no means exhaustive but it does include some of the best Indigenous charities in Canada that are doing great work for our First Nations communities.

Here are some charities that you should consider supporting:

Inuvik Youth Centre Society

The Inuvik Youth Centre provides a facility that is friendly and comprehensive, and it offers progressive programming that promotes and fosters integrity, accountability, respect, acceptance, and responsibility. This is done to assist the youth of Inuvik.

The Inuvik Youth Centre is committed to providing opportunities that will assist local youth in developing the skills necessary to become productive, self-assured, healthy, and successful members of their community. Through the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and abilities; healthy relationship attitudes; respect, knowledge, and pride for cultural traditions; and a healthy mind and body, youth will have the opportunity to develop and realize their strengths and capacities through the drop-in space and programming that will be provided.

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The Youth Centre now provides programming for children and teenagers aged 6 to 18 years old. The following are some examples of available programs:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programming
• Media studio programming
• Cultural programming
• Life skills programming (budgeting, planning, and preparing)
• Cultural arts and craft programming
• Music room programming
• Recreational activities
• Environmental club program
• Literacy and tutor program

Nesika Cultural And Heritage Society

The Nesika Cultural and Heritage Society is aware of the close connection that exists between the safeguarding of Aboriginal Title and Rights and the maintenance of cultural and historical sites. For the sake of future generations resilience and a sense of pride, they will do all in their power to preserve the resources at our disposal and to share the wisdom that has been bestowed upon them.

The historical periodical that was published by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs was the seed that eventually grew into the Nesika Cultural and Heritage Society. As their namesake did before them, they continue the history of promoting communication and education based on the belief that there is power in knowledge and strength in togetherness. 

Nesika wants to get involved in and offer to fund initiatives that aim to provide practical education, research that is centered on the community, and programs that want to preserve and safeguard land, legacy, and culture.

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Gathering of Rivers for Community Care

Gathering of Rivers for Community Care is an organization with the mission of assisting economically and socially disadvantaged children, youth, and families in the Matawa First Nations Communities of Aroland, Constance Lake, Eabametoong, Ginoogaming, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Long Lake, Nibinamik, and Webequie to improve their quality of life. This organization is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the Aboriginal people of Canada.

Even though poverty affects fifty percent of Aboriginal children under the age of six in Canada, the Aboriginal youth population is the fastest-growing group in the country. When you give to the Gathering of the Rivers for Community Care, you are contributing so much more than just monetary resources. Access to education, the ability to remain in school and graduate, and the chance to fulfill their full potential will all be made possible for young Aboriginal people because of the financial aid that you offer.

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THOMPSON HOMELESS SHELTER INC.

Thompson Homeless Shelter Inc. is an Indigenous charity that provides support and assistance to homeless people across the country. The organization was founded by a group of First Nations people in the city of Thompson, Manitoba, who wanted to help those in need.

Thompson Homeless Shelter Inc. offers shelter and food for people who are struggling with homelessness and poverty. They also provide services such as counseling and health care support, job training programs, and employment referrals to help people get back on their feet again.

Since 2008, when the Canadian Mental Health Association took over the homeless shelter, they have provided their clients with a wide range of services designed to improve their quality of life. When clients at the Thompson Homeless Shelter need extra help, staff members collaborate with the Canadian Mental Health Association to access their programs, resources, and services. The shelter provides a wide range of services to its clients to better their quality of life, so much more than simply a place to sleep safely.

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Linking Hearts Inc.

Linking Hearts Inc. is a charity that works with the youth of indigenous communities to provide support and resources to help them succeed in life. The organization operates a residential school for young people who are at risk of dropping out of school and provides counseling services, recreational activities, and more.

The charity works with community members to help them heal from their experiences and rebuild their lives. They provide counseling for individuals and families, advocacy and support for children who have been affected by family violence, resource materials for people working with survivors of family violence, legal assistance, healing circles, and cultural activities.

http://www.linkinghearts.ca/

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Rossbrook House

This charity was founded by a group of young women who wanted to change their community for the better. Rossbrook House offers shelter, counseling, support groups, and advocacy services for women, children, and men who have been affected by domestic violence. The organization also provides training on the issue of domestic violence for professionals working in health care, education, social services, and law enforcement.

Over a year, today the center sees over a thousand kids and young adults (6-24) and up to eighty of them every day. Rossbrook provides a safe space in addition to three alternative school programs, a homework club, a young mom’s group, sports, and recreational activities, Aboriginal cultural activities, leadership activities, a music program, and a healthy kitchen program that feeds participants and teaches them about healthy eating and cooking.

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Urban Systems Foundation

The Urban Systems Foundation (USF) is a registered charity that works to support the growth of Indigenous communities. The USF supports urban Indigenous organizations and communities to develop capacity, build social capital and promote social change.

Sincerely appreciative of all that has been bestowed upon them, The Urban Systems Foundation is committed to sharing the fruits of their success with the rest of the world by forming partnerships with like-minded international groups and securing international sponsorship. Their employees and volunteers offer their time and knowledge freely, and they actively promote originality to broaden the range of options available to these communities.

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Takeaway: You can improve the lives of indigenous peoples by contributing to these charities.

Above is a list of seven Indigenous charities in Canada that are doing tremendous work throughout the country. When thinking about which charities to donate to, remember to look for local Canadian organizations and support them. The work of these Indigenous charities should be held in high esteem – they work tirelessly so that the collective future of all Canadians can improve

Giving to charity is usually the least you can do to help someone in need. Not all of us have the time to be involved with the work charity organizations do. However, by giving to a charity, we’re still able to do our bit to help those in need. Learning and researching on the not-for-profits organizations and avoiding making donation giving mistakes are critical to the success of your giving.

However, news of scams by charity organizations is not uncommon these days that it can be quite challenging for honest donors to make a contribution. If you plan to donate to a cause you support, there are a few things you need to know and be wary of.

Research, Learn, and Understand

The Internet has made it so easy for anyone to do research. All it takes is a few seconds of search and you’re able to pull up information about almost anything. Plus, with social media, you can also do a lot of research on anything or anyone you want to know.

Before you start giving, you must research about the organization. Legitimate organizations will have an official and verified website. Even though many scammers can design a very convincing website, a lot of things can point you in the right direction.

You can do a cross-search about the organization by checking scam reviews or reports by other users. People are quick to share information if a charity organization scams them, so it can be pretty easy for you to find any information.

Another way to verify if a charity organization is legitimate is to see if you can find any charitable news or validated Press Releases about them. Legitimate organizations need publicity, so they usually want the news to publish their works and efforts. Look for public events or CSR programs run by the organizations in the news.

Contact the nonprofit organization of your choice

A legitimate charity organization will display their contact details on their official website or social media. Use these details to get in touch with them. You can ask anything you want to know from a representative of the organization.

While we acknowledge that some scam organizations are good at pretending, your instincts will usually tell you. Make sure you get clear and coherent answers when you ask them about their objectives, procedures, and progress.

Genuine organizations will have clear answers on what they do, who they help, what kind of help they provide, how they use the money etc. The employees will be aware of the short- and long-term goals of the organization, so you can get a straight answer.

Furthermore, by talking to someone, you can gauge whether their objectives, missions, and procedures make sense to you. Sometimes, you may support the cause of the charity organization, but you may not agree with their procedures or efforts.

You don’t have to donate anything if your gut feeling is telling you something is not right. Even though you may feel slightly guilty, remember that it’s better for you to feel guilty than to have your money end up in the wrong hands.

Once you’re ready to donate

After you’ve done your research and ready to donate, pot for the safest way to transfer money. Legitimate organizations will ask you to donate via check or your credit card because this is the most secure option. However, never wire money to charity organizations.

Wiring money is as good as giving cash because once transferred, it’s almost impossible to get it back . Even though you feel that the charity organization you choose is a legitimate one, you can never be too sure. So, make sure you choose the safest way to transfer money.

It’s a good idea to transfer the smallest amount you possibly can. It has nothing to do with being stingy, but it’s more of a precaution. Should the organization turn out to be all they claim, you can always transfer more to them in the future.

Also, make sure you take a screenshot of all your communication and transaction with the organization right from the beginning. This way, you have evidence since day one should anything happen.

Monitor the Donation Transaction, and your donation impact

Now that you’ve donated to the charity of your choice, make sure you still keep an eye on anything suspicious. Many times, scam organizations are not really out to make money. What they want is your personal details, which can be used in identity theft crimes.

Make sure you keep an eye on all your banking transactions. You should report any suspicious transactions on your card/account to the bank. We’re not only talking about unauthorized transactions by the charity, but also other transactions that you didn’t make.

Your bank will block and cancel your card immediately upon reports of any unauthorized transactions. After you’ve received a new replacement card, you can advise the bank to flag or block any transactions by the same company or organization just to be on the safe side.

How to avoid getting scammed

Sometimes, as much as we’re trying to be vigilant, things can happen. But there are several things you can do to avoid getting scammed. The most important thing is never to let anyone pressure you into making a decision. You should learn how to spot charity fraud.

A lot of illegitimate charity organizations rely on people making decisions under pressure. They often talk fast, gives you stats and data so they sound important, or they name drop so you’ll feel compelled to donate.

They often use sentimental claims, so you’ll feel guilty for not donating. They may even show you photos of depleted homes with undernourished children for sympathy. As much as you feel sorry and want to help, don’t make a rash decision.

Ask for a copy of literature or official letter because charity organizations are not allowed by law to simply ask for money or organize fundraising. Once you got this documentation so you can do your research, you can tell the representative that you’ll donate when you’re ready.

Also, don’t be quick to trust Caller ID or SMS. Just like a hoax website, these are easy to fabricate too. You don’t have to answer any call made from numbers you don’t recognize. Furthermore, there are many sites you can check the authenticity of a phone number. All you have to do is to run the check on any suspicious number and see what turns up.

Conclusion

In your efforts to do your bit for charity, be sure you still exercise caution. If you’re in doubt and couldn’t find enough credible information on the charity you’re interested in, it’s always wise to go with organizations that are already established and well-known.

There are many genuine charity organizations out there that are doing honest work and they do need your help. However, they’re also an almost equal number of scam organizations that prey on people’s kindness. And exercising caution doesn’t mean you’re penny-pinching.

Just because you’re giving to a charity and it’s for a good cause, it doesn’t mean you can be careless. If ever you’re scammed by an organization, you can always file a report with the FTC. This is why it’s important to keep records and evidence of your conversation and transactions.

Giving to a charity can give you a sense of fulfillment. All you have to remember is to be smart and careful about it.

In realty, donating to a real charity is not where you should stop, you should donate to a high-impact nonprofits to make sure your valuable donation realizes into great impact.

Getting your Children Involved

Studies show that around the age of 2, that children start to show genuine empathy.  The world starts to expand beyond themselves and they can start to see things from another’s perspective. They will begin to understand the pain of someone else and try to help the individual.  As a parent I remember pretending to cry and my daughter would come over and tell me “don’t cry mommy, it will be ok” as she pat me gently on the back.  As parents we help our children grow, we can expand their actions by helping expand their level of thinking.  Charitable giving is a great way to get children involved, expand their perspectives beyond the family and immediate circle of friends to thinking about the world in different ways.  Thinking about a city, their province, their country and even global giving as parents it gives us new ways to show our children that there is more to the world than their own circumstances.  As parents we can build on the empathy they start to experience at very young ages as part of normal development and start to educate a broader context and give them real tangible actions that they can do to help.

Align a cause to their interests is a good way to start.  As a parent we don’t want to force our views onto our children so a good place to start is selecting a few charities that will be interesting to them.  Let’s take for example – animals.  Do they love animals, have they demonstrated an interest and understanding in different types of animals?  Why not start with a charity or nonprofit which has focused their work on supporting animals.  Some organizations might offer giving to different types of animals, or different types of causes like more simple needs like food and shelter or maybe they have more complex needs like saving a species.   Maybe you want more tangible giving opportunities, where you can see the work, maybe collecting blankets and towels and giving to a local shelter.  Alternatively, as a family maybe you have you travelled a lot, maybe seen firsthand different parts of the worlds that have needs beyond our own then perhaps international giving is a good place to start. Align your giving by country, or by cause like water – at a young age it doesn’t matter the cause as much as it does the education of the needs of the world and that as a child, they can do something about it. That even the smallest action is better than doing nothing at all. Imagine the empowerment a child will feel when they can take tangible actions/steps to make the world a better place.

A Giving Journal

Consider a giving journal, keeping track of your actions help reinforce the experience and help them remember their giving experiences. A giving journal can be powerful addition to any giving efforts, supporting their memories and actions just like a photo album will help them remember in days to come. A giving journal helps keep their thoughts organized, helps them build out future plans, helps them set goals and later achieve them, helps them creatively by recording ideas and documenting plans and actions.  It can also help them at a deeper level explore their feelings about the need to give, why they want to give, and how to inspire others to think beyond themselves.

There are many good organizations with amazing resources to help you and your child but here are a few.

Charitable Giving for Animal Lovers / Kids

Local Animal Shelter – this is a great choice for younger kids because you can raise and give money, or many will take household items like old blankets and towels, or you can raise money to buy food and donate it.  You can also volunteer time and energy.  Many have the need for volunteers for walking the animals or cleaning out cages.  Another way to help local animal shelters is by using a child’s own social network to expand the awareness of the local shelter’s needs.  We choose local animal shelters because of the wide variety of ways to help, giving children many different types of options to support the local animal shelter.

World Wildlife Fund – this is a good choice for animal lovers because there have ways to donate a single gift, or monthly recurring donation.  They also have parent matched donations.

Wildlife Trusts are great ways to give to local Canadian charities that help to support wildlife in Canada.  They also host local events which are great ways to get the entire family involved.

Charities focused on Arts for Kids

There are many options for charities focused on the Arts but according to a magazine article posted by Macleans they are also many poorly run arts charities.  Do your homework before selecting a charity to support.

Supporting Local Food Banks for kids

This is an easy way to start to give back locally, by donation of food or donation of money to help the local food program with expenses.  Many food banks are set up as non profits, because they support a local community instead of being available to all which means your donation may not be tax deductible. When your children are older you can also donate your time and energy in serving the community by stacking shelves, being part of food distribution or creating your own campaigns to give back.

There is no wrong way to give back, no wrong way to teach children about giving and realizing there are needs well beyond themselves.  Start the journey, and you will be amazed at how much you will learn through the adventure about yourself and your child/ren. 

Love to hear about the stories of impact.

Five Principles about Charity Administration Costs

• Charity Effectiveness and Impact are very important
• It costs money to run a charity to do great work. While some smaller charities can be run by volunteers, but larger charities with complex structure requires a more extensive program
• More than half of Charity have paid staff
• Charities come in all shape and forms, there is no one size fit all model for running a charity. Canadian Charities can be a University, a hospital, an international disaster relief organization, or a food bank.
• Canada charities may exercise different type of accounting to administration costs so it is hard to compare apple to apple

Charity Effectiveness and Impact are very important

Some charities make a high impact on the community but carry a high administration cost; some charities have less administration cost but also less effective. The more important note is to compare the administration costs to the effectiveness of a charity. The best charities are the ones with relatively lower administration costs with a very high impact. The best way to understand the administration cost is to improve the transparency of charities by knowing what happens behind the scene. Circle Acts is an organization created with the goal to support and promote such high impact and transparent charities.

Charity Costs Money to Run

All charities must use their funds to further their charitable causes – this is what it means to be not-for-profit, and is a requirement of registration with the Canada Revenue Agency. All charities spend money on administration – without it, they wouldn’t be able to operate and pursue their charitable purposes. Charity needs to spend money to delivery services, to educate the public, and also to pay the staff as we discuss later. When managing their finances, charities should exercise proper care and diligence and not be wasteful. This includes taking care when spending on costs considered as administration or overheads, such as staff, rent, transport and power. Wherever possible, a charity should use funds in a way that maximizes its impact and makes a difference for the people it was established to benefit. At times, charity does not have enough budget to hire best in class talents due to limitations of administration cost, they rely on great talents with heart to join an organization. It is seldom to be able to hire great resources for all positions in a charity and therefore charities sometime give the perceptions of being mismanaged.

There are over 85,000 charities in Canada, and chances are some are mismanaged, but many aren’t. As donors, we have to be aware and it is the donors’ rights to hold the charities accountable to our donations.

Charities have paid staff

Charities are still organization and it doesn’t mean they don’t hire people. Operating as a not-for-profit does not mean that a charity can’t employ people. The work of charities often requires qualified staff and these people need to earn a living. In Canada, while some charities are run by volunteers – most of these are organisations. However, majority of all charities do need paid employees to be able to deliver their services. Charities would not be able to attract the quality staff they need to carry out their work if they were not allowed to pay people fair wages for their skills, knowledge and experience.

Some larger charities may have paying board members too.

Different types of charity

Setting ratios or percentages as standard benchmarks for administration costs often ignores that the charity sector is made up of many sub-sectors that vary greatly. For example, the charity sector comprises: Universities, Private hospitals, Non-government schools, reduction of poverty, the advancement of religion, Social services/welfare organizations, Housing providers, and Environmental/animal protection groups.

Even within the same charity ‘sub-sector’, each charity will have a different set of circumstances and activities, based on its services, its size and its physical location. Applying a standard ratio or percentage as a benchmark can lead to unfair assumptions about a charity’s management and overall performance. Running a hospital has different staff and regulation compliance than running a food bank in a city of 50,000 population.

Conclusion

Donating or giving to a charity is an investment to bring a better world and supporting good causes. It is a donor’s responsibilities to be aware of the charities that he/she supports. It is not an easy tasks, and there are information online and solutions to help donors and are different between countries.