How to Choose a Local Charity
If you haven't made up your mind yet on your charity, here are a few tips to help you choose a local charity that's important to you. Need more inspiration?
Read about last year's Success Stories here.
What's important to you? Think about the things that matter most to you, like pets, the environment, education, hunger or homelessness. Make a list and look around your town for causes that fit your interests.
Ask your parents, guardian, a teacher or religious leader for ideas.
Do you want to benefit a big organization or a small one? You can donate to the local chapter of a national organization or find a smaller cause where even a small donation will have a big impact.
Check online to make sure the cause you've selected is a 501-3-c. This is the designation given by the federal government to legitimate not-for-profit organizations. Some links for researching charities include:
Contact the organization directly, or ask a trusted adult to do so. Ask politely how much they spend on fundraising and what percentage of a donation goes directly to the cause. Ideally, the cause you choose should spend no more than 25% on fundraising and administration.
Make an appointment to visit the organization with an adult and tell the administrator what you're planning to do. If you end up choosing that charity, you may be able to work with them to drive traffic to your lemonade stand.
Please note: The charities are recommendations only and it does not imply an official endorsement of Sunkist or the Take a Stand program.
