One may engage in charitable acts and support various causes close to their heart to help leave a positive impact on society. However, like any endeavor, donating requires careful consideration and a strategic approach to ensure that one’s efforts yield the desired outcomes. Further, mistakes in choosing and engaging with charities can result in improper utilization of hard-earned money and efforts. Here are some of these errors and ways to avoid them: 1. Ignoring volunteering opportunities While volunteering may not always be possible due to time constraints or geographical limitations, hands-on involvement is one of the best ways to determine which charitable organization is worth considering. Volunteering can include participating in local events, offering expertise, or assisting remotely through virtual volunteering opportunities. Volunteering provides invaluable first-hand experience of how a charity operates and gives one an insight into its efficiency in addressing the cause it supports. 2. Making random donations A key mistake to avoid making is engaging in random acts of giving without conducting thorough research. While the desire to help is admirable, it is essential to contribute to well-established, reliable organizations that have a proven track record of taking meaningful steps toward the betterment of people. 3. Not planning ahead Another mistake while supporting charities is making impulsive donations in response to immediate requests.