Charitable donations are needed to support many worthy causes that reach out to the underprivileged, the sick, victims of disaster or hate, and those working in various research projects. There are many opportunities to give and there are many organizations that need financial support to continue to grow and minister to the objects of their ministries and services. But, with so many charitable donation organizations to give to, donors can become confused, not knowing which charity or ministry is in the most need, or what organization will use funding wisely. There are some guidelines to follow when making a charitable donation, making sure that your charitable donations are utilized by organizations that will make the most of the money you give.

When you want to make a charitable donation, but don't know where to turn first, there are some definite steps that can help you eliminate several charities and narrow your charitable donation target group. Before making charitable donations, first determine that the agency you are considering has a 501(c)(3) non-profit status with the Federal Government. This determination not only offers you a tax deduction for your charitable donations, but also ensure that the government is overseeing bookkeeping records and that the charitable organization in question is operating within the boundaries of the law. You can also ask agencies receiving your charitable donations for a breakdown of where funding is spent and for a copy of the agencies' goals and objectives for the future.

Many charitable organizations market to thousands with daily requests presented to donors. Some of the attempts to receive a charitable donation are fraud, however. Not every need that is presented to the public is a true need, and not all money given on behalf of a need gets directly to that need. Make sure that the charity receiving your charitable donation is legal and make sure that your charitable donation will be used for the purpose stated. Often, giving to large well-known charities is safe, knowing that these charities fall under the scrutiny of the public and the government. But, often the large charities have expensive employment and administrative costs, so portions of charitable donations are spent on labor.

The Bible tells us to give to the poor and to help each other when problems arise. Charities in the United States support many causes that could not accomplish great feats without the charitable donations of the giving spirit of Americans. "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." (Matthew 6:42) Often, a worthy cause that speaks to your own experiences or close to your heart is a gift that will be meaningful. Pray and ask for God's guidance and direction when giving.