Pause before choosing the cause

It seems like this time of year brings charities out in droves asking, most of the time, very nicely for some sort of donation to their cause. This time of year it's also easy for us to leave our guards down due to the fact our desks are inundated with order forms, job applications and bills. We're busy, right? The last thing on our frontal lobes isn't usually who else do I want to give money to. This spring, give your donations a little bit of thought and plan your approach for when the charities come knocking. It's inevitable, they will come. Be prepared.

Research

If you haven't done so in the past, it's worth the extra couple of minutes to check out the organization that's knocking, calling or emailing you requesting a donation. Some smaller special interest groups (SIG's) don't have tax records and have the ability to take money and not be credible for it. It doesn't happen often, but it is possible to get duped by a wolf in charity clothing. Don't be shy about asking for some sort of business card from the foundation and contact the head directly. It can be local or regional, just make sure you money is going where you think it's going. Don't be afraid to hurt feelings.

Be picky

Don't throw money away, either, on charities that may not reciprocate some sort of gratitude. Many charities will ask for donations from anybody and everybody, regardless of if it is assimilated with the foundation itself. Don't donate to charities that may not have an interest like gardening or household goods. If a gift certificate falls into the hands of somebody that doesn't care about flowers, it's a waste. If you're able to put it into the hands of people who have interest but might not know who you are, they'll become repeat customers. Look toward family-oriented charities and horticulture-focused foundations like local gardening organizations or historic preservation foundations. If you show that you have interest in improving the community around you, you'll be shown in a fantastic light of being a "good person."

Give the gift of beauty

Think outside the gift certificate box! If an organization or club is having an event and they need silent raffle objects or gift certificates, suggest that you'll donate some plants instead. If you're able to provide these events with a couple of flowering bushes, hanging baskets or table center pieces, this will mimic having a billboard front and center with your name on it. At social gatherings like fundraisers, there is a lot of time for people to make idle conversation – conversation about the beautiful flowers and baskets the incredibly generous local garden center provided.

Choose wisely: You can make the right decision. And as always, make sure you keep the receipt.

Nikki Weed is a horticulturist and professional adventurer who uses her experiences and knowledge to manage a successful garden center in Greenville, S.C. She can be reached at pepitaweed@gmail.com.