Curiosity 56: Giving

It is the time of giving, and so I'm thinking about causes—because when I say giving, I don't mean presents; I mean support, sustenance, possible healing. Not through my small effort alone, but through community uplift. But that all means giving—money, volunteer hours.

I am so fortunate to be able to give, and not be wanting. I do not take that for granted. 

I already support several organizations via monthly enrollments: our public radio station, Doctors without Borders, the ACLU, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Nature Conservancy. 

But each year (though sometimes I forget) I like to sit and think a bit about causes I consider important, and concoct a giving schedule: 12 causes, one a month. 

The question, though: what organizations are doing the best work, and using the donations as wisely as possible? One useful tool is Charity Navigator. Forbes also offers some advice. But first, I need to decide what causes are most meaningful to me. 

I know that sounds narcissistic. But there are so many causes. They all need help. I am not wealthy beyond belief (though we often joke that we are, ignoring the fact that end-of-life care may well bankrupt us, and pretty quickly, no doubt).

I've already decided that January will be something safe water–related. 

Here is a list of nonprofits that support the arts: one of those might feel right for February. 

I love Africa, and have found a couple of lists of charities: one for Africa generally, one specifically for Madagascar. Maybe I'll choose one each for March and April. (Saying "I'll choose one" feels so paltry. But... every little bit helps?)

Climate change, check—for May. Though realistically, I should choose one climate change warrior every month. 

For June, Feeding America. I wish we could end hunger in this country. (I am finding myself thinking resentfully of the billionaires as I make this list.)

As I consider all this, I am struck and saddened by how much need there is in the world. (My February orientation feels frivolous, but it's already been typed in. I'm not changing it now. And yes, we need art.)

July: Rainforest Trust, because lord knows, we have to protect what rainforest we have left. And one of its focuses is saving frogs. Nuff said.

August: World Central Kitchen—which I should also just add to my monthly outlay. They do such good work. But for now, August.

September: closer to home, SPCA Monterey County. Because they save and care for the animals.

October: the Against Malaria Foundation or Malaria Consortium, which are rated well on GiveWell.

November: wolves

December: International Rescue Committee

And that's just me sitting for half an hour thinking about causes. But there are hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands—and more—organizations out there that I have no inkling of. There is so much need in this world. It doesn't have to be that way. Does it?

Anyway, I'll do my best to stick to this schedule next year, and give at least a little something to a dozen worthy causes.

Including, right now, before the year ticks to a close, the Youth in Wilderness program of my own Ventana Wilderness Alliance, which I volunteer with doing trailwork and visitor outreach. Volunteering is another (free) way to give, after all.