When you care enough to send cold cash
Do you give money to non-profit organizations?
Do you agree with where the money is spent?
Do you know what percentage of it goes to support…
leaders
programs
teachers
national organization dues
building and maintenance
trips to Aruba
music: instruments, sheet music copyrights, paid musicians
TV and radio time
employee benefits
interior decorations
outreach
mailings and advertising
training
research
stadium and conference reservations
sound, projection and lighting equipment
caring for needy in:
1. body of members
2. extended families
3. local community
4. emergency relief
5. other countries
6. mission projects
Below, check all that apply, and highlight your favorites.
Money would be better spent on:
Food for the poor.
Empowering the poor
Emergency relief agencies
People in temporary despair
Impoverished countries
Sending help to those under corrupt government
Literacy programs
Savings for our families
Education
The Arts
Media not controlled by advertisers
Spreading information that is not readily accessible
Springboarding individuals' talents and ideas
Housing for the poor
Supporting political ideals
Community children's programs
Community recreation centers
City rejuvenation projects
Museums, protection of archives
Landmark restoration
Children's food, clothing, shelter, medical
Supporting disabled and handicapped
Supporting the elderly and immobile
Protecting the abused
Fighting disease
Medical research
Prospecting for future living and farming territories
Protecting the balance of nature
Slowing the corruption of the environment
Professional networks and support
Subsidized training programs
Restoring people to emotional health and functionality
Working toward leveling opportunities for all
Other causes:
Draw a pie chart showing how you would like it to be spent.
Do you have a voice in how the donation is spent?
Can you designate funds that you give?
What do you get out of giving money?
Tax deduction
Secure place in eyes of the higher power
Good feeling
Connection with the cause
Treasures in heaven
Reward in other existence
Nothing
Feeling of satisfaction, accomplishment or worth
Simply to help others
Problem-solving toward a better world
Line pockets of corrupt
Respect from higher power
Sustain teachers, coordinators
Love from higher power
Resources stored up by higher power for your later use
Observance of instructions
Getting the ball rolling
Setting an example for a life of generosity
Leveling out world resources
Working toward justice
Investing in the growth of the organization
Helping others understand what you've gained
Caring for leaders
Invisible, unexplainable principles activated
Caring for the building, members
Mutual give and take
Seed for more to take place
Respect from members
Eternal life
Other ____________________________
Can you think of other organizations which accomplish these purposes more efficiently?
If you were to give to individuals in need, would the contribution have more or less effect?
Would your donations work more powerfully elsewhere?
What other resources could you donate to help accomplish worthwhile purposes?
What do you get out of giving your time?
Making sure others are cared for
Strengthening your organization
Helping others find good things you've found
Agreement with what your God asks of you
Submission in what's expected of you
Watch healing in progress
Act on convictions about society
Try new things
Thrill of new risks
Brings family together more
Personal time away from your family responsibilities
Ensure direction over your family's growth and activities
Influence in growth of others
Enjoyment of the activities
Respect
New knowledge
Other __________________
What are some things that you would like to change in your giving habits?
Psalm 41:1 JB
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Proverbs 23:4, 5 NIV
Listen, dear brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
James 2:5 NIV
He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 17:5 NIV
Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court.
Prov.22:22 NIV
...But their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment....They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them.
I Timothy 6:17-18 LB
Beware of thinking to yourself, "my own strength and the might of my own hand have given me the power to act like this." Remember Yahweh your God; he was the one who gave you the strength to act effectively like this, thus keeping then, as today, the covenant which he swore to your ancestors.
Deuteronomy 8:18 JB
The Israelites will provide [12 wheat loaves] as a permanent covenant. They will belong to Aaron and his sons, who will eat them inside the holy place...
Leviticus 24:8, 9 JB
And if you say, 'What shall we eat in the seventh year, if we may not sow or gather in our crop?' I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, so that it will bring forth fruit for three years.
Leviticus 25:20, 21 RSV
Other readings:
Nehemiah 3. The walls of Jerusalem rebuilt with teamwork
Malachi 3:8-18. Trust in the wisdom and covenant about offerings
Ecclesiastes 5:10-14 JB
Proverbs 22:16 Rich and poor
God, lead more of us into generosity so that no one suffers needlessly. You have a wonderful sense of how a community can operate smoothly. Bring respect for those who offer 24-hour leadership, counseling, teaching and management on a 40-hour salary. Heal us of the pain and mistrust from donations eaten away by greed. You say that you make all things new. Show me where the money will come from when I give it away; help me trust your word. You are my source.
Feel free to print this page out once for yourself and take time to think over these issues on your own. We will not collect information on you, especially on these personal questions. If you have questions, contact us or find a kind and trustworthy person nearby.
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