HOW TO GIVE TO CHARITY

Millions of people enjoy the satisfaction of supporting causes close to their hearts, and you can too. Remember, you don’t need to be on the Rich List to make a difference. Here are some tips to get you started:

1 WHAT CAUSES DO YOU CARE ABOUT?

What inspires you to give to charity? Think about things that have touched you, or made a difference to family or friends? What would you like to change in the world? Who would you like to help?

Make a list of the causes you care about, and think about how much you would like to give. Our charity search can help.

2 WHICH CHARITIES INSPIRE YOU?

There are thousands of charities. Look online for charities working to help the causes you would like to support. Ask yourself:

  • What is their mission? What are their goals? Do they inspire you?
  • What work are they doing? Do they tell you about their projects and where their money goes?
  • How successful have they been? Do they show their successes and their impact?
  • Where do they work? Are they local, national or international?
  • Are they large or small? Both are good
  • Is this a real charity? If you’re worried about the charity, use our charity search to check their charity registration number or check out our tips on how to spot a charitable organisation.

We validate all charities on our charity search so you can rest assured that your donation is going to a legitimate cause.

3 WHAT KIND OF GIVER DO YOU WANT TO BE?

Once you’ve decided which charities to give to, it’s worth thinking about how involved you want to be:

  • Do you want to give occasionally or regularly?
  • Do you want your details passed to the charity so that they can contact you?
  • Do you want to take a hands-on approach by becoming a volunteer?
  • Do you want to get your friends and family involved with your giving or ask your colleagues to lend their time and skills?

Take our quiz to find out what kind of giver you are.

4 HOW CAN YOU GIVE?

The CAF Charity Account allows you to make a one-off donation or give regularly by standing order. It also lets you remain anonymous so that charities don’t contact you after you’ve donated.

If your company has a CAF Give As You Earn scheme you can give direct from your pay packet.

5 MEASURE YOUR IMPACT

Most charities go out their way to explain where donations are being spent and how many people will benefit. Decide how you want to keep updated about the causes you give to; a smaller charity may not be able to send you regular personalised updates, but they may have a website where they keep donors updated with news.

If you’re ready to get started with your giving, we can help.

Get started now