How to Donate
By: Logan Amos
Recently, there have been many reasons for people to give money to others. From helping hospitals get PPE to posting bail for someone who was wrongfully put in jail, many people are happy to give a few bucks for a cause they care for. But do you really know what your money is being used for or where it goes once you spend it? By writing this, I hope to help you put your money where you want it.
I’ll start by saying that donating money isn’t the only way to show support. Signing petitions, sharing and educating through social media, and staying educated yourself are all great ways to make make the world a better place. But sometimes money is necessary and if your willing to give it, you should. But people might use your good intentions against you to steal your money or not use the money in the way that you want it to be spent. Here are a few ways to make sure your donations make an impact.
Donate at the source. Third-parties like Change.org or GoFundme can be used by anyone, and there really isn’t a way to know if your money is really being used for the specified cause. GoFundme also takes a percentage of the profit so your donation isn’t as much as you might think it is. Of course, there is still a chance of fraud, but by donating directly to the source, you can be more sure that all your money is going where you want it to go.
Donate to organizations you already know or have heard of. If you have heard of them and their work, there is a much higher chance that your money is having an impact. If you have never heard of them there is a chance that it’s a fake organization made to steal money.
Do your own research. Before you put your money anywhere, research where it’s going. That way, you know if you truly want your money there. If you decide to donate through a third-party, read the ENTIRE description because sometimes the way money is used is stated there and might be different then what you thought it was.
Of course, you can never be sure that every penny you donate will be used for a good cause, but by doing these things, you can help ensure that you keep your money safe and put it where it helps.
Below are some links to safe places to donate for black lives and equality. Some of them are directly from the organization’s website. Others are through Paypal or ActBlue. Please do your own research before donating. All of them are either national or for Ohio:
Beloved Community Church Bail Fund (Click amount and click Cincinnati Bail Fund on next screen)