Recommended Charitable Giving 2012
5December 5, 2012 by Baltimore Slumlord Watch
As you’re contemplating the many deserving charities for your end of the year giving, here are some of our favorites — they’re all local, and they all work hard to make Baltimore a better city, despite the odds. Give often, and give generously!
A few new additions to the list for 2012, some of the same great groups from 2011:
- Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
- Baltimore Heritage
- Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake
- Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
- Community Law Center
- Public Justice Center
- 1000 Friends of Maryland
- Homeless Persons Representation Project
- Healthcare for the Homeless
- Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc.
- Lauren’s Luggage (This one is not yet a 501(c)(3) but they have applied. Consider donating anyway — there’s a compelling story behind this one.)
- Maryland Legal Aid
Why these charities and not others that might be equally as deserving? I have experience with all of them in some way. I know the executive directors, or I’ve watched them carefully over the years. These organizations have a few qualities in common:
- They spend more on programs and/or direct services than they do on swank office space or fundraising/admin costs.
- They’re organizations that work on the ground, directly making a difference — they “do” more than they “talk”.
So please — be generous. Without these organizations, Baltimore would surely suffer even more than it already suffers now. We can’t build a better city without them.
Not citywide but I like to support the Hampden Family Center ( http://hampdenfamilycenter.org/ )
Also consider instead of making a lump sum donation to a charity setting up a recurring donation that will add up to that amount throughout the year. Having an expected revenue stream makes budgeting easier for non-profits and makes you’re live easier not having to think about where to donate at the end of the year.
Agreed. Recurring donations are not only good for the charity for budgeting purposes, it allows the giver to give a larger amount over time.
Thanks for the support. We love the work you do as well!
Great list-THANKS!
You’re both very welcome!