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“Checkout charity”: Cause for concern? 


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Though you may not recognize the term, you’re likely familiar with “checkout charity.” That’s the name given to a relatively new and fast-growing way for making charitable contributions. 
 
Different than the more strategic or planned giving that occurs through the Peninsula Community Foundation, checkout charity donations are often the result of spur-of-the-moment, periodic or one-time asks triggered by a tragedy (Hurricane Ian), holiday (feeding the food-insecure at Thanksgiving) or cause (health and safety products during the pandemic). Solicitations can occur in person or online, and by either a familiar face or automated means like text messaging.  
And while these donations may appear small on an individual level—say a dollar or more added to a grocery store visit—they quickly add up! In fact, Engage for Good reported that $605 million was collected in 2020 by 76 campaigns that each exceeded one million dollars, a 24% increase from 2018 when 79 campaigns exceeding one million dollars brought in more than $486 million.   
 
However, concerns about such efforts have included feelings of anxiety, uncertainty or lack of knowledge about such causes; whether the gifts would reach their proper destinations or be used as intended; or if there could be elements of fraud or misrepresentation. Nearly 50% of survey respondents described such campaigns in negative terms or feelings like “annoyed,” “pressured,” or “being judged.” Of the remainder, 30% had neutral feelings; only 20% were positive. 
 
The community foundation encourages support of all legitimate organizations and causes. But given the rising number of opportunities to give, their frequency and spontaneity—at a checkout line, initiated by a social media post or a stranger’s ask—we also encourage proper vetting of the requester and obtaining an appropriate confirmation for tax purposes when applicable. 
 
The Peninsula Community Foundation works for you as a one-stop shop for impactful giving specific to the organizations you hold dear. We have and will continue to offer: 
 
–A welcoming attitude and relationship of trust built over time. 
–Discretion in receiving and distributing your gifts, providing anonymity when that is a priority. 
–Appropriate recordkeeping for tax deductibility or other legalities. 
–Professional management of your donor-advised fund or other account.
 
We welcome your questions regarding any organization or cause seeking your financial support. ​

For more information about establishing a fund, please contact Michael Monteith, Email/757.327.0862 ​​​​
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  • Homepage - Peninsula Community Foundation
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Connect
    • Financials
    • News
    • Partners
  • Impact
    • Brink Impact Fund
    • Children's Holiday Fund
    • COVID 19
    • Give Local 757
    • Grants
    • Impact 100
    • Leadership Society
    • Legacy Society
    • PCF Initiatives >
      • Early Childhood
      • Homelessness
      • Neighborhoods
  • Scholarships
  • Funds
    • Agency
    • Corporate
    • Designated
    • Donor Advised
    • Employee Assistance
    • Legacy >
      • Types of Funds
    • Aug 2022 Advisor Newsletter
    • Sept 2022 Advisor Newsletter
    • Oct 2022 Advisor Newsletter
    • Nov 2022 Advisor Newsletter
    • Dec 2022 Advisor Newsletter
    • Jan 2023 Advisor Newsletter
    • FEB 2023 Advisor Newsletter
    • MAR 2023 Advisor Newsletter
    • Sept 2022 Donor Newsletter >
      • KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR CHARITABLE DONATIONS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
      • HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE GIVING MONEY TO A NEW NONPROFIT
      • HOW TO GROW YOUR CHARITABLE GIVING BY BUNDLING TAX SAVINGS
    • Oct 2022 Donor Newsletter
    • Nov 2022 Donor Newsletter
    • Dec 2022 Donor Newsletter
    • Jan 2023 Donor Newsletter
    • Feb 2023 Donor Newsletter
    • Mar 2023 Donor Newsletter
  • DONATE
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