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21 · Thursday, November 24, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com son... ` `T Ti Ti is s the s sea eason for giv ivi vi in ng! ng fo The Five "Ps" of Wise Giving Wise giving is about more than just the amount you give. It's more than just the check you write occasionally. Wise giving is thinking about how philanthropy and giving can be a part of your life. Thinking ahead to what you want to achieve with your giving and what's most important. Moving from a reactive donor to a pro-active philanthropist. Follow the five "Ps" of wise giving to get you started. 1. Passionate. Before you even think about which charities to support, spend some time identifying what causes are most important to you. Nearly every fundraising solicitation you receive will be appealing, and there are thousands of worthy organizations out there that could use your support. But you can't give to them all. So take some time to consider what issues move you the most: The environment? Healthcare? Housing? Education? Children? A particular country? Try to get as specific as possible and identify two or three. 2. Proactive. You've identified the causes about which you're most passionate. But don't wait to be asked by organizations that work on those causes. Go out and find appropriate charities that can connect you to those causes. 3. Prepare. Once you have a list of organizations, it's time to learn more about them. You p probably y have a g good sense of them simply p y by y being pro-active and identifying them. But you have to be sure you're fully prepared and have the right information. Get an overview of the organization, its mission and its programs. Financial data is also helpful; donors should look at a charity's cost of fundraising, its overall budget and whether or not it is running a deficit. Ideally, donors should look for signs of f consistent management and costs over several years. 4. Plan. Many donors take their time when making a purchase. Yet when it comes to giving their money away, they often do so quickly or on a whim. So once you have prepared a list of f charities with which you are comfortable, spend a few minutes deciding HOW and HOW MUCH you want to give. It doesn't have to be too detailed or have exact amount, just enough to give yourself a general idea. And don't feel locked into it if you want to give more. Deciding on when to give is also important. Nearly half of f all charitable giving occurs in the last three months of the year. But giving during the rest of the year is critical too, as some charities often struggle for funds in spring and summer. 5. Powerful. Give for the maximum impact possible, which means knowing all of your giving options. www.afpnet.org p g At your YMCA, children are finding the courage to believe in themselves. To reach for their dreams to have a second chance, to form new friendships and gain the confidence they need to change their lives. Everyone deserves this chance. And you can help. Charitable Registration # 11906 4400 RR0001 YMCA of Oakville 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville T: 905-845-3471 E: info@oakville.ymca.ca YMCA of Oakville YMCA Strong Kids Campaign ymcaofoakville.com Main Street Relationships, Bay Street Results. CORPORATE A & COMMERCIAL FAMILY LAW CIVIL LITIGATION A CRIMINAL LAW LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT REAL ESTATE ESTAT T ES & TRUSTS ENVIRONMENTAL & MUNICIPAL Halton's Largest Law Firm (905) www.omh.ca 842-8030 Owen Duguid Melanie Peters Paul D. Stunt Marian G. Gage Robert Krizman Andrew C. Knox Kenneth W. Watts Blair S. Taylor Jarvis G. Sheridan Brian J. Hanna Tanya A. Leedale Harold R. Watson Thomas C. Hays Larry S. Gangbar James McAskill Megan M. Brown Robert A. Watson Danny Chou Chantel Goldsmith Carolyn McCarney 700 Kerr Street, Oakville, Ontario L6K 3W5