Giving Intelligently to Charities

Sheryl WuDunn's charity talk brings to light both the pros and cons that can surround the generous desire to give to charities. While giving is both good for you and those around you, consumers should be aware of the types of organizations they're giving to in order to reduce the chance of being scammed.

According to WuDunn, much of the money collected for the poor by non-profit doesn't actually end up going to help those in need. While this gap isn't necessarily due to an intent to keep the money away from those it was collected for, WuDunn encourages charities and philanthropic organizations to be more efficient in targeting where the money is going. This way consumers will be more encouraged to give and feel good about doing it. "When you give you stimulate a part of the brain," WuDunn says, "...and that part is very so much the same part of the brain that is stimulated when you engage in pleasures."