The Four T's of Giving

So many times we think of giving as being associated with just our check book or charge cards...but it can be far more than that. There are actually four T's to giving. At The Center for Wealth & Legacy Studies we refer to the four T's as being "time - talent - touch - treasure."

A gift of time in donating your hands and your feet - being a driver - helping people move - taking someone to the doctor - going to a senior center and reading or talking - these things make a huge difference in

Many charitable organizations are so grateful for donations of professional, business and individual's talent. The lessons learned in the for profit world are immensely valuable in the not for profit world to helping direct the non-profit organizations. Collective wisdom is a powerful thing.

Often under estimated, touch is providing the connection and networking so routine in the for profit world that is often under estimated or forgotten. Your contacts - the people and businesses and services that you know or can recommend, can potentially be a life saver for a struggling non-profit.

Last but not least is giving of our treasure. Money still is the "mother's milk" for non-profits and its in even shortly supply than usual during these challenging economic times.  Gifts of even $25.00 a month - given consistently - can make a difference.  Consider setting up a monthly pledge to your favorite charity(ies) so they receive your money in a systematic way.  Not only is it easier for you, but consistency of giving - or the lack of - is often one of the most frustrating for a charity to deal with. 

On Friday June 26th, 2009 our team will be volunteering at the San Diego Food Bank from 1:30 PMto 4:00 PM. We believe that one day (or even half a day) can make a difference in a needy family or individual's life.