Who should I donate to?

Answer

With the multitude of charitable giving options available, how can a Christian make a wise decision regarding where to donate? Which causes, missions, organizations, charities, etc., deserve the most consideration? How can money be invested to have the greatest possible eternal impact? Many individuals grapple with these questions. Here are some principles that should help make the decision-making process a bit easier.

Whom to donate to? — Sound Doctrine

“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” «But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: », (Titus 2:1).

Does the cause/mission/organization/charity proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and uphold the authority of God’s Word? Does everything the ministry does ultimately have the goal of fulfilling the Great Commission, that is, evangelizing the lost and equipping believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20;Acts 1:8)? Even if the primary focus of the cause is to be the hands and feet of Jesus and minister to people’s physical needs, is the gospel still at the forefront of everything it does?

Whom to donate to? — Effectiveness and Expertise

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown” «but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. », (Matthew 13:8).

Is the cause having an impact? Is the charity actually achieving its mission, goals, and purposes? Is the organization demonstrating expertise in solving problems? In a crowded field, does one outreach seem to stand out from the rest?The impact of truly making a difference in people’s lives?

Whom to donate to? — Stewardship

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” «Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. », (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Is the ministry using its money wisely? Is the cause investing its resources in the things that truly matter? As in the Parable of the Talents, is the organization burying its treasure or putting it to work in the kingdom of God? Do the charity’s financial priorities appear to be in line with the priorities the Word of God outlines?

Whom to donate to? — Accountability

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” «Without counsel purposes are disappointed: But in the multitude of counsellors they are established. », (Proverbs 15:22).

Is the organization open and honest about its finances and decisions? Does any one individual have too much influence, or is there a good balance of people involved in important decisions? Is the leadership open to “iron sharpening iron” counsel «Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. », (Proverbs 27:17)? Is the charity willing to fully disclose all of its appropriate financial information? Is the cause open to constructive criticism, or is it closed to feedback «Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. », (Proverbs 27:6)?

Whom to donate to? — Prayer

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” « Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall

Find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: », (Matthew 7:7).

Ask God for wisdom regarding how He wants you to invest your money in ministry «If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. », (James 1:5). Ask God to give you a passion for the things He wants you to donate to. Ask God to make it abundantly clear how you can best make financial sacrifices for an eternal impact.

Whom to donate to? — Trust God and Give

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

While the above principles should help, there is no biblical “thou shalt…” on this question. We believe that, while a Christian’s primary giving should be to the local church he/she attends, there is also much freedom with this issue. Should a Christian support a child sponsorship program or donate toward ending human trafficking? Should a Christian donate to a local rescue shelter or a global evangelism outreach? There is no universal right or wrong answer to these questions. It is a matter of discernment, priorities, and passion.

Ask God to give you a passion toward the outreach He wants you to support. Do the research with the above principles in mind. Then, give!