Thank you for supporting our mission and considering a donation to 6:8.  

6:8 Inc. is a public charity exempt from federal income tax as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions to the Organization are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our policy is to apply all gifts given toward a specific program to that program. Occasionally, we receive more contributions than can be wisely used toward a specific project — when that happens, we use these funds to meet other pressing needs that transform communities by making service personal. 

Did you know the word “philanthropy” means “love of mankind”? We appreciate your commitment to willing the good of the other through charity.

As a giver, you likely take time to discern whether your chosen causes steward your donations wisely. This guide can help you do just that.

As specialists in program design, we can tell you that impact is about more than a high number on a fact sheet or a number of stars on a charity ranking.

Let’s look at an example.

Note: These organizations have identical budgets and missions – “to give kids hope and a future.”

Traditional measures of overhead rates and clients served would lead you to support the first program. However, the outcomes strongly suggest that the second and third are more impactful. Suppose you asked the questions on the following page (either in conversation with a staff member or by exploring their published materials). In that case, you’d end up ready to make a confident decision.

Here are a few questions to ask of organizations:

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR THE PEOPLE YOU SERVE?

People need more than money to flourish. We are created in the image of God and have spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. Effective organizations articulate a holistic perspective of the goal and align their efforts toward it.

ARE YOU ASKING PEOPLE CLOSER TO THE PROBLEM TO DO THEIR PARTS IN SEQUENCE?

People closer to the problem should do their part before people and institutions further away step in. That starts with the individual’s responsibility to himself, then extends to family, friends, church, charity, and finally government. This principle also extends to funding — don’t ask for a federal grant to fund a program that a local community can support.

HOW ARE YOU PRIORITIZING RELATIONSHIPS?

Good ministries seek genuine, reciprocal relationships with the poor and connect them to new ones. This will significantly limit the number of clients any single program can serve well.

DO YOUR PROGRAMS HELP CLIENTS NOT NEED YOU IN THE FUTURE?

While one-way giving is an appropriate response to a short-term crisis, a chronic lack requires development. Development cannot be done “to” someone. It must build on the existing strengths of the person in need so that they can support themselves in the future. There are some who may not have the capacity for full financial independence (e.g., the elderly), but they can grow in other ways.

DO YOU MEASURE OUTCOMES IN THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE YOU SERVE?

Look for charities that track meaningful changes in the lives of their clients like improvements in housing, employment, education, and relational health. Don’t confuse these with measures of activity like meals served. Activity doesn’t prove that programs are making a difference.

HOW ARE YOU PARTNERING WITH CHURCHES, NONPROFITS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?

The best ministries are team players. They are quick to refer clients and even donors to ministries better suited to serve them. They specialize and partner rather than spread themselves thin and compete. They collaborate with businesses and government as needed to address barriers to client success.

HOW CAN I HELP?

No ministry has it all figured out. If you’re talking to an organization that’s headed in the right direction, chances are they need you to be a part of the solution. Donating your time, treasure, and talent will help them serve more people more effectively.