How to Choose a Cancer Charity to Support
There are many cancer charities across Australia, from national not-for-profit organisations and peak bodies to local charities and support programs, all working toward different aspects of the fight against cancer. With so many important cancer charities and causes, how do you choose which one to support?
Reflect on Your Values
Consider which causes may be close to your heart and that align with your values, and look for cancer charities working in these areas. Cancer charities encompass a wide range of activities, such as cancer research, policy and advocacy, implementation of programs and campaigns, and providing vital information and support to people affected by cancer. By reflecting on your values, you can narrow down your charity options.
Another consideration may be a cancer charity’s geographic focus or reach. Some charities may concentrate their efforts on specific regions or local areas. When choosing a cancer charity to support, you might want to consider whether you want your contributions to have a local, regional, national or even international impact. Understanding the geographic reach of a cancer charity can help you to focus your support in the areas and communities that matter most to you.
The Australian Government, through Cancer Australia, has compiled a list of national consumer organisations and peak community-funded organisations involved in cancer-related work. This list can serve as a starting point for you to explore potential cancer charities that align with your values.
Once you have considered the types of causes or cancer charities you’re interested in, you might want to find out more about the nature of the cancer charity’s work, who it helps and the impact it is having in the community.
Research the Charity
When researching a cancer charity, you might be interested in the charity’s purpose and goals, activities, where it operates, who it helps, and information about its finances and reporting. This information may help you decide if it is clear what the cancer charity is trying to achieve and how its activities contribute to its goals, if you would like to spend your money or time to support these goals, and if the charity is being transparent about its activities.
You can typically find this information on the cancer charity’s official website. You can also find information about registered charities and charity programs through the Australian Government’s Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Charity Register. Searching by charity program means that you do not need to know the name of a specific charity when looking for one to support.
Contact the Charity
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the cancer charity to ask questions and seek more information about their goals and the work that they do. This will help to ensure that their mission aligns with your values.
Lastly, consider volunteering if you want to get more involved with a cancer charity. Volunteering can be a great way to learn about a charity, its mission and its impact firsthand, which can help you decide if the charity is the right fit for your long-term support.
References:
https://www.acnc.gov.au/for-public/helping-charity/donating-and-volunteering
https://www.acnc.gov.au/for-public/helping-charity/donating-legitimate-charities
https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/impacted-cancer/cancer-support-organisations
https://www.cancer.org.au/get-involved/donate-to-cancer-council
