By Rusty Bradshaw

Independent Newsmedia

It is said that giving is better than receiving. Judging by Giving Tuesday’s rising popularity, that must be true.

The annual philanthropic event — scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 28 — draws attention to the plight of those less fortunate and encourages corporations, community organizations and individuals to give during the holiday season.

Started in 2012 in New York City by the team at the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y, it has been bringing people together around the values of service and giving back, according to the #GivingTuesday website, www.givingtuesday. org. The movement caught on, thanks in some part to social media, according to Eileen Heisman, National Philanthropic Trust CEO.

“People used social media to talk about the things they do philanthropically,” she said. “This has been adopted around the world.”

In addition to movements in nearly every state in the U.S., Giving Tuesday is prominent in 29 other countries.

“That number continues to grow,” Ms. Heisman said.

#GivingTuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations around the world for one common purpose — to celebrate and encourage giving.

The event was scheduled at this time of year to kick off the Christmas giving season, and to take advantage of an already established pattern, according to Ms. Heisman.

“The majority of charitable giving is done in the last eight weeks of the year,” she explained.

It was also timed to follow the business consumer buying days of the year — Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.

“It scheduled after the biggest consumption days to remind people to give back to those who are in need rather than continue the consumption,” Ms. Heisman said.

The event is about more than just giving money. Ms. Heisman said community service and other things can be given. She also said Giving Tuesday acts are not limited to this time of year, they can be done throughout the year.

One example of a community service organization’s efforts is Benevilla’s efforts this year to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.

All donations Benevilla, 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise, receives as a participant of #GivingTuesday will be used directly for the free “Home Services” programs the agency brings to its communities of service, according to Jay Lickus, Benevilla marketing coordinator. These services are intended for homebound individuals lacking the means to provide the essential functions of independent daily living, including grocery shopping, transportation light handyman services, and friendly visitors and phone pals, he explained.

“We hope you will take part in the #GivingTuesday movement and consider Benevilla as your charity of choice,” Mr. Lickus stated in a press release.

Giving Tuesday encourages philanthropy, but National Philanthropy officials urge residents to give carefully, as there are plenty of scams waiting to take trusting people’s money. Ms. Heisman offered four tips for responsible philanthropy and to maximize their donations.

“People spend more time online researching a new restaurant than a new charity they may donate to,” said Ms. Heisman. “Anyone on any budget can give strategically and intelligently and avoid impulsive giving that may not have the results they envision or allow their charitable dollars to fall into the wrong hands.”

She said Americans are the most philanthropic in the world.

“In 2015, we gave more than $373 billion,” she said. “Donors are busier than ever, with one in seven making a charitable gift via a mobile device. It’s critical for donors to follow these easy giving tips, whether giving $50 or $500.”

Search the soul

Ms. Heisman encourages donors to ask themselves what types of causes are important to them and their family.

“Do you want to make a difference on a national, local or international level? Listen to your heart; there are only ‘right’ answers to these critical questions,” she said. “If you have children, try getting them involved in this discussion as early as possible. Ask them to research and present to you why they want to choose a charity.”

Begin with a budget

Donors should decide how much they want to give.

The average American budget for giving can be anywhere from 1 to 12 percent of income, according to Ms. Heisman. She said there is no such thing as a “too small” donation.

“One of the many benefits to a charitable budget is that it empowers you to decline impulsive requests from coworkers and friends,” she said. “You can’t — and shouldn’t — give reflexively to everyone who asks. A newer trend is charities asking to arrange a monthly gift to be automatically withdrawn from a donor’s checking account. This can help the charity and you budget better.”

Giving more to less

Larger gifts to fewer charities creates a bigger impact. Giving to too many will dilute the effect of donors’ hardearned donations.

“I recommend donors give one charity $100 rather than five charities $20,” Ms. Heisman said. “It can cost a lot for a charity to find a donor, so stick with the organization for two or three years. Your gift will go further when a charity knows they can rely on your support. Elect to receive correspondence electronically to save on printing and postage.”

Seek transparency

Ms. Heisman suggests taking five minutes to evaluate a charity’s website and social media presence to learn about the impact it has made.

“Look for goals achieved that align with its mission and solid impact for the short and long-term,” she said. “People spend more time researching a new restaurant online than a charity they may give to. Check out reviews on Google, Facebook, GuideStar or CharityWatch. Avoid scams by donating directly via a charity’s website and confi rming it’s a registered 501c3 at www.IRS.gov.”

Rusty Bradshaw can be reached at 623-445-2725 or rbradshaw@newszap.com.