How to Decide Where to Give

Image by Ben White

This article was originally published here.
Check out Ronald Blue Trust for other quality content!

by Mary Tomlinson

There are so many needs in the world and so many requests that tug at my heart. On the surface, they all seem to be the “right” thing to do. But they can also be overwhelming, bringing on what feels like a lose–lose scenario: If I give, I feel pressured and off purpose, but if I don’t give, I feel badly. How much will really make a difference? Will my husband Bill and I be on the same page? How can I say no without feeling terrible?

The ongoing dread and uncertainty when giving requests came my way indicated my “joyful heart in giving” was waning.

We are not alone in this struggle. During the time I worked at Disney, the company was constantly bombarded by giving requests. As a result, they initiated a process to determine how much they were giving collectively and to whom. Then they developed a strategy for what types of organizations they should give to in order to make a significant difference. Ultimately and not surprisingly, they determined that children’s charities were their number one priority. Suddenly it was easier to say no when necessary and to give more to a fewer group of organizations to make a bigger impact.

Read more about how Mary and Bill used this model to prioritize which needs and causes they would give to.