By Linda Zelig
MnSF director of development

Now that we’re full swing into a new year, do you remember just a few short weeks ago when you felt deluged with requests for donations from every conceivable and not so conceivable charity? The Minnesota Senior Federation sent you an appeal, too. What did you do with all that need? Did you glance at the envelope, realize you weren’t interested and toss it? Did you open a few and mull over what to do with so many urgent requests for funds. And finally, how do you decide for which charities you’ll set aside a few dollars?

The Minnesota Senior Federation states its case for support with our many generous members and friends. We tell the stories about how our work makes a difference in the lives of many older adults. If we tell a really good story, we garner more money. But is that good enough?

I’ve listened to others tell how they make decisions about their giving. One story goes like this: I gather up all the appeals I receive, line them up on the table, decide how much I can afford to donate, and then I give an equal amount to each charity. That way everybody gets something, even if it’s only $5. Another donor waits until she gets a phone call from an organization, senses that this charity is working harder, and pledges a gift. A phone call makes all the difference in this case.

But you’re more discerning than that and looking for a better means of deciding how to share the wealth. Last year at this time, the Minnesota Senior Federation undertook a rigorous accountability review in four critical areas: public disclosure, governance, financial activity and fundraising. The good news is we passed and proudly display the “Meets Standards” seal from the Charities Review Council on many of our publications and communications.

I know you’d enjoy reading more about how Charities Review Council works and looking up other worthwhile charitable organizations. Check their website at www.smartgivers.org or call 651/224-7030, toll-free 800/733-4483. You’ll be reminded that, “Ethical standards and principles are the foundation for maintaining public trust. Adhering to the Charities Review Council’s Accountability Standards is one way charities can demonstrate their trustworthiness to the giving public.” And the next time you’re facing a bewildering stack of requests for your money, check with Charities Review Council and feel good about your goodness.

You can contact Linda Zelig at , 651/783-5006 or  toll-free at 877/645-0261.