This holiday season, you can spread some cheer by giving back to charities and causes that are near and dear to you. Making your donation using a festive holiday check is a simple, secure, and effective approach, which you can do by following these simple steps:
1. Choose Your Cause
Maybe you already have a charitable organization in mind that you donate to each year. But, if you’re not sure who the recipient will be, start by reflecting on the specific causes that are most important to you. Maybe it’s animal welfare, education, or hunger relief. Whatever the cause may be, search for local, national, or international organizations whose missions align with your interests. During the holiday season, you might be particularly interested in donating to local charities so you can make an impact in your community.
Either way, before making your donation, use platforms like Charity Navigator to ensure it’s a legitimate organization and verify that they are a qualified 501(c)(3). This way, you can donate confidently, knowing that your money will be put to good use.
2. Decide the Donation Amount
Any donation you make during the holiday season is a generous offer. But it’s important to choose a donation amount that you’re comfortable with. If applicable, recall how much you donated the previous year to use as a benchmark and adjust the amount accordingly based on any changes in your circumstances.
3. Write the Check
While there are many different payment methods available to make your donation, checks help simplify charitable giving. Among other benefits, checks allow you to avoid the processing fees associated with online or credit card payments. Plus, it can feel much more satisfying for the recipient to see your donation amount written on a physical check.
You will fill out the check as you would for any other payment. This includes the current date in the upper right-hand corner, the donation amount, the payee, and your signature. In this case, the payee will typically be the name of the charity you’ve decided to donate to, though you may want to double-check with the organization beforehand. To avoid any issues with the payment, make sure to spell the name of the charity correctly.
If you’d like, you can leave a short message or well wishes on the memo line, adding a personal touch to your donation that the recipient is sure to appreciate.
4. Send or Deliver the Check
Depending on where the official charity office is located, you may hand deliver your check donation or send it in the mail. If the office is located conveniently near you, you can save some postage by dropping it off in person. This can also make the donation feel more meaningful and allow you to connect with those directly involved in the charity’s mission.
If you’re donating to a national or international charity, then you can insert the completed check in an envelope and mail it to the charity’s official address.
5. Request a Receipt
Donations made to 501(c)(3) organizations are typically tax-deductible. So, if the charity doesn’t automatically offer one, request a receipt for your check donation. Keep a copy of it in your records alongside other important tax documents so you’ll have it ready when preparing your tax return the following year.