A Visual Guide to Giving

It's that time of year again - at least it's the time when nonprofits make one more appeal before the year ends - and before they start appealing again in the new year. Nothing like a deadline - real or self imposed - to make something happen.

Earlier this month, a terrific infographic on giving, Charity: Who Cares?, was released by mint.com and WallStats.com. As a visual kind of guy who thinks in terms of who gives what and why, I love this kind of information.

It puts into perspective the $300B given to charities and the $404B given to WalMart every year. According to mint.com, the charities collect less than a third of what they need to keep the lights on. Nothing like a little context to get your brain spinning about reality.

The data for the infographic comes from three sources:

1. Charity Navigator, one of the most significant, independent, national charity evaluators (Guidestar is another)
2. The National Center for Charitable Statistics, established in 1982, it's the national clearinghouse for nonprofit data
3. The Center for Philanthropy, the nationally renowned center of nonprofit studies at Indiana University

These sources are about as neutral and accurate as can be. However, there is always someone who wants to disagree. Based on the comments at the bottom of the chart, the report does step on a few toes.

Decide who and what you want to believe. While you're thinking about it, I hope you're doing all you can to nurture your individual donors. If you haven't noticed, they're kind of important.

One last note: to keep your brain spinning, take a minute - literally - to check out theYouTube explanation of just how much is a trillion. Some say trillion is the new billion. Think big.

The Santa Claus Myth

Today in history.

Don't read any further if you still believe in Santa Claus.

The Santa Claus myth has its origin in the historical reality of a guy named Nicholas, born in the third century in what is now Turkey. He grew up a devout Christian in a wealthy family, but was orphaned at an early age.

Taking Jesus' words seriously to "sell what you have and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his entire inheritance to assist those who were needy, sick, and suffering. His life of radical discipleship led to him being consecrated Bishop of Myra while he was still a young man.

During the persecution of Christians by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas suffered for his faith and was exiled and imprisoned. He survived prison and was part of the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. He died on this day about 1700 years ago.

He was well known throughout his life for his generosity and love for children. It really doesn't take a 501 c 3 to work for the common good.