With crippling student loans, rising rent prices, and the inevitable wage disparities, it can be easy to forget the true purchasing power black millennials have. As a generation hell-bent on changing the world around us, our purchasing power matters especially when it comes to charity donations.

Here’s a trend to consider: “As far back as 2003 it has been documented that African-American households give 25% more of their discretionary income to philanthropic activities than Whites and the 2016 U.S. Trust Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy suggests that those figures increase as community members join the ranks of the wealthy.”

Whether you’re donating $10 or $10,000, here are some questions to keep in mind to help you make a philanthropic investment worthwhile:

1. Do those in decision-making positions for this nonprofit reflect the community they serve? This is especially important if you’re donating to a charity that largely serves any marginalized group including. If those in critical decision-making roles don’t reflect community demographics, even well-meaning plans could go awry.

2. What was the method of solicitation? There are a variety of ways you can be approached by a charity. And how they approached you can shed light into their operation. Was the fundraising letter sent to you on official letterhead or a quality design? Did the phone call seem professional with a verifiable representative? Did their email campaign and online giving sites seem reputable?

3. Where will the money go? Charities raising money for an unrestricted or general fund are common. In fact, they are a vital way nonprofits are able to complete their mission. But the fundraising officer should be able to speak to how their organization uses an unrestricted fund and speak to concrete accomplishments. You should also have access to materials like their annual report to see a breakdown of community impact and their financial situation. If donating to an unrestricted fund is not your desire, you as a donor also have the right to specify exactly how you want your donation used.

4. What outside sources are talking about this charity? If a nonprofit is truly established in their community and doing what they say, you should be able to search for the organization online and find articles, posts, and stories. They should also have a charity rating with an organization like GuideStar to verify their legitimacy.

5. Do you feel valued as a donor? While you may not have a personal contact with the charity in the beginning, you should feel like you know where to go for questions, receive prompt responses, and sense with every interaction they make an effort to get to know you better. You can also look at their website and social media accounts to see how they show gratitude towards donors in general.

6. Beyond a donation, are there opportunities for you to get involved and have a voice? An organization that truly values you and the community will not only value your donation but your opinions and time.

When it comes to donations beyond a quick $20 to your cousin’s GoFundMe, finding the perfect charity that matches your passion and desire for impact takes time. As our philanthropic wealth continues to grow, we shouldn’t be afraid to demand more from local charities asking for money. We should pursue volunteer positions, board positions, and even employment when it means having a voice for our communities.

Because the reality is, the community around us and our money are both far too valuable to go to places that don’t truly value us.

Kelly Jeanine

Writing since May 2017 · 4 stories contributed