I engage in a specific process for my charitable giving.
I give 10% of my gross income.
I give to small, local organizations that are usually overlooked and are engaged in activities that improve local lives. My donations must be kept confidential (I learned the importance of that the hard way after I did this for the first time!), and I do not give to organizations that ask me for donations. I also take the time to vet organizations, so I can have some confidence that the money will be put to good use.
I started giving when my first business became successful, in recognition of the fact that no business can be successful without substantial support from the community. I consider donating to be a way of repaying my community for that support.
I've never stopped doing this, even when I'm not engaged in my own business. I also donate 10% of my paycheck when working for others, for the same reasons.
I also donate to specific large organizations whose goals are in line with mine (EFF, etc.), but I don't count that as part of the 10%.
I give 10% of my gross income.
I give to small, local organizations that are usually overlooked and are engaged in activities that improve local lives. My donations must be kept confidential (I learned the importance of that the hard way after I did this for the first time!), and I do not give to organizations that ask me for donations. I also take the time to vet organizations, so I can have some confidence that the money will be put to good use.
I started giving when my first business became successful, in recognition of the fact that no business can be successful without substantial support from the community. I consider donating to be a way of repaying my community for that support.
I've never stopped doing this, even when I'm not engaged in my own business. I also donate 10% of my paycheck when working for others, for the same reasons.
I also donate to specific large organizations whose goals are in line with mine (EFF, etc.), but I don't count that as part of the 10%.