It’s campaign season again, and the candidates are out for your money — but you might have noticed that, despite the millions they got in 2020, nothing much has changed. This is because the difference between the Democrats and Republicans basically boils down to which color necktie the president wears. They’re all funded by Big Oil, Big Sugar, Big Pharma, Really Big Healthcare, and Enormous Insurance, so that’s not really a surprise; what’s shocking is that you still give them a dime. With all the corporate juice they’re getting, you need the money more.

Corruption and malfeasance aren’t unique to politicians and their parties, mind you. Considering the recent revelations about the misuse of charitable donations, including what one news agency termed a “startling appearance of impropriety” in the administration of Black Lives Matter’s funding, some of you may be so disappointed that you stop giving altogether. This would be a pity, since many worthy causes that actually provide a decent service continue to rely on you for support.

Yes, we here at The Not Fake News are among these worthy institutions. But we do this for coffee and Attaboys; kick us five bucks on occasion and we’re content. There are others that rely on personal donations, actually do good when they get money, and (apparently unlike BLM) don’t just give it to their brother-in-law. Here are a few you might never have heard of:

• Orphan Grain Train — This is one Christian organization that practices what they preach. Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, O.G.T. sends food to the hungry all around the world — including here in the United States. Unlike most similar groups, their advertising and overhead budgets are minimal — just over 1% of total donations.
• Equal Justice Initiative — EJI is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the U.S., challenging racial and economic injustice, and protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. They challenge unreasonable punishment in court, advocate for parole and provide re-entry support, and advance systemic reform through research, education, and narrative work. And yes, sometimes this means they provide top-flight lawyers to people who need them. Charity Navigator gives them a perfect score.
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy — Lots of organizations ask for your money to address disasters. Much of that gets fed straight back into the fundraising machine, to pay for more advertisements, call centers, mass mailings, and so on. The CDP does not. They work with local organizations and individuals to provide direct grants, but more importantly they provide expert consulting to help administer the funds properly. The goal isn’t just to provide immediate relief but also to create permanent solutions while, if possible, reducing the impact of the next disaster.
• Covenant House — This is my personal go-to charity of choice. They need money, volunteers, and donations. With them, they battle homelessness and human trafficking among children in our cities. Tens of thousands of kids vanish into the streets each year as they age out of the foster system or simply run away; Covenant House provides much-needed alternatives.

Turn on the news and you’ll see instantly how horrible things are, all around the world. It’s enough to drive a sane person to despair. Giving back, whether your money or your time, is the best way to fight those feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that I’ve ever found. It’s also the easiest way to change the world for the better.

Donate to party politicians and you know exactly what you’ll get. Give responsibly, on the other hand, and you’ll never regret it.

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