Giving as a Goal

The past few weeks the world witnessed the devastation of Haiti. Rocked by an earthquake tens of thousands died, hundreds of thousands suffered injuries, and millions experienced despair. The world rallied with telethons, food, water, and medical help. Donations flow to Haiti through the selfless giving of the world.

You can establish goals of giving, donating, and volunteering without focusing on one specific disaster. You can establish an annual goal to give something. Ted Turner, the media mogul, set a goal to donate $1 million a year to worthy charities. John Huntsman Sr. determined to give away $1 billion a year for as long as his money held out. He's still giving. Bill Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft to work full-time on the charitable foundation he and his wife created. In addition, Gates encouraged others who reaped the benefits of Microsoft's financial harvest to establish charitable foundations of their own. More than 120 did.

Giving extends beyond the wealthy. All people may donate their time, talents, or financial means. A $10 a month donation to the United Way provides a homeless family one night under a warm roof. Two hours a week volunteering for Big Brothers and Sisters changes a child's life. Six hours on a Saturday once a month cleans and restores dignity to a struggling neighborhood. I know of a women's conference that each year assembles 15,000 hygiene kits for survivors of disasters. Each woman spends 1-2 hours a year working with other conference attendees. Little donations build to significant good.

I encourage you to a SMART goal each year to give. Ensure that your goal is

• Specific in terms of what you want to give


• Measurable as to how much time, money, or goods you will give


• Achievable given the financial, time, and other demands on your personal resources


• Relevant to your personal values and to the people in need


• Timely with a deadline to give each week, month, quarter, or year

Your donations multiply when combined with others through well-run charitable organizations. Seek for organizations that pass at least 75-80% of the donated money, goods, or time to those in need. Well-run organizations need less than 25% for administration. I donate my funds to one that passes along 100% of all donations to those in need. Several charity watchdogs can help you explore organizations' financial administration. Try http://www.charitywatch.org/ or Google "charity watchdog groups."

Your joy will increase when giving becomes a goal. You recognize the bounties you possess. Your heart fills with compassion for others. Start small, but let your largess increase each year. You can change the world--at least for the beneficiaries of your donations.