More Than a Moment: How to Choose a Charity Worth Supporting on Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday invites generosity on a massive scale. But with countless appeals flooding your inbox and social media feeds, it can be hard to know where to direct your donation. How do you make sure your gift truly helps?

Whether you’re giving a few dollars or making a larger commitment, choosing the right charity means asking good questions. Here’s how to give with confidence on Giving Tuesday and beyond.

Trust Begins with Transparency

Reputable nonprofits are open about how they operate. Before donating, take a look at the organization’s website. Can you find recent financials or an annual report? Do they show how donations are used?

Third-party charity rating sites like Charity Navigator and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance can help you verify that the nonprofit is accountable and meets high standards of governance.

At The Salvation Army, we’re committed to transparency and stewardship. More than 80 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs that serve people in need.

Look for Real-World Impact

A charity’s mission may sound inspiring—but does it show results? Look for clear evidence that your support leads to meaningful change. That might include the number of people served, the scope of programs, or outcomes over time. 

The Salvation Army helps millions of people each year with food, shelter, spiritual care, disaster response, and more. Local impact matters too—most donations stay in the community where they’re given.

Make Sure the Mission Aligns

It’s easier to support a cause that resonates. Take a few minutes to learn what the organization actually does. How do they serve people? Who benefits from their work? What are their values?

If you care deeply about housing, hunger, recovery, or disaster relief, find a group with experience and reach in that space. If faith is important to you, look for charities whose programs include spiritual support.

The Salvation Army has been meeting human needs without discrimination since 1865. Our work addresses both urgent needs and the deeper challenges of poverty.

Give in a Way That Matters to You

Your Giving Tuesday gift should feel personal. That might mean giving where you live or supporting a program that once helped you. Giving to charity is also a nice way to honor someone you love. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly commitment, your donation makes a difference.

Even a small gift can help stock a pantry, shelter a family, or offer comfort after disaster. And giving doesn’t always mean money or goods. You can also support charities through advocacy, volunteering, and sometimes even by donating airline miles.

Ready to Give?

The right charity reflects your values and uses your gift wisely. It earns your trust and shows its impact. And most of all, it gives hope to real people facing real challenges.

On Giving Tuesday, we invite you to partner with us in helping your neighbors. Because when you give with care, you give with power.