By Kristin Wiggins, Vice President of Philanthropy at The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
This season, giving isn’t just a tradition; it’s a lifeline for families in crisis. Looming federal budget cuts are disrupting safety-net services. Your donation helps fill gaps and ensures families have access to food, shelter, and support during the year’s most vulnerable time.
Here are four tips to help guide your giving.
1. Look for Transparency
Reputable nonprofits share their mission, leadership, and financials. Before donating, review the organization’s website for annual reports, audited statements, and ratings from Charity Navigator or GuideStar. These resources show how donations are used and how well the organization is managed. Transparency signals integrity and reassures you your gift will be used wisely.
2. Prioritize Impact
Focus on results, not just good intentions. Ask questions like:
- What programs does the organization support?
- How does it measure success?
- How many people will benefit from my donation?
Your gift should drive measurable change, whether that’s meals distributed, families housed, or students supported.
3. Align with Your Values
Giving is most meaningful when it reflects your personal values. Think about the issues that matter most to you—hunger relief, education, mental health, or environmental sustainability. When your passions align with a mission, your gift becomes more personal and powerful.
4. Support Local Impact
Local and regional nonprofits often create visible, immediate change in your own community. Visit a nearby community center or attend a nonprofit event to see their work firsthand. Volunteering or speaking with staff can give you a deeper understanding of how your support helps, and where it’s needed most.
Local giving also strengthens the social fabric of your neighborhood. When you support organizations rooted in your community, you help build resilience and connection—two things we all need more of during the holidays.
