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How to choose a cause

March 7, 2023

How to choose a cause

With Givebacks, it’s easy to support the cause of your choice. But what’s the best cause to donate to and how do you pick a good cause to support?

First, we’ll talk about the logistics for selecting your cause when you set up your account on Givebacks. Then, we’ll share some tips and guidance for choosing a nonprofit or other cause that matters to you. Once you’ve set up your account and decided on a cause, you’ll be all set to start giving back at no cost to you!

The types of nonprofits on Givebacks 

You have a lot of options when it comes to selecting a good cause to support on Givebacks! You can choose from over 1 million nonprofit organizations that are registered and in good standing with the IRS. In addition to 501(c)3 organizations, you can also select 501(c)4, 501(c)6 and 501(c)8 organizations. 

How to select a cause with Givebacks

From the Nonprofits page, you can browse featured nonprofits, trending nonprofits, and nonprofit organizations near you. You can also use the Search function to find a cause you’re looking for. Once you’ve selected what you consider the best cause to donate to, it will receive donations automatically when you make qualifying purchases—at no cost to you.

Changing your cause 

You can change your cause at any time! This may be helpful if you are deciding between a few different good causes, or prefer to support a specific cause at a certain time of year, like the holidays.

Tips for choosing a nonprofit to support

When you set up your Givebacks account and get the opportunity to select a good cause to support, you might instantly have one in mind. Perhaps there’s a nonprofit that’s meaningful to your family, or a cause that’s always been near and dear to your heart. In that case, you can search for the nonprofit organization, select it, and it will start receiving donations automatically when you shop and dine at participating locations. 

But maybe you’re stuck and can’t think of a good cause to support, or are torn between a few different options. Here are some tips for discovering the right cause for you. (And remember that every nonprofit organization you’ll find on Givebacks is already registered and in good standing with the IRS!)

  1. Write down your values and passions

Take a few minutes to write down your values and the things you care a lot 

about. That might be foster kittens, or national parks, or supporting veterans. 

Spend a few minutes with your list and see what you're most drawn to. Once 

you’ve focused on a topic you care about, you can search for organizations 

that support it.

  1. Think local (or national or global)

If giving back to your local community is a priority, you can search for an 

organization that is making a meaningful impact close to home. Or perhaps 

you’re focused on making a national or global impact. You may also be drawn 

to a cause that supports an area of the country or world where you have 

family, or a place you’ve visited and loved. Whatever you choose to focus on, 

Givebacks has many relevant nonprofits to select from.

  1. Talk to your family and friends

Open up a dialogue with the people in your life and hear what charities, 

nonprofits, and causes they support and why. You might be surprised by what 

you find and uncover an organization that means a lot to someone you love. This is also a great opportunity for you to spread the word about Givebacks, so they can also support the causes they care about, without doing or spending anything extra. You can find your referral link in your account to make it easy —and power a bonus donation when they sign up.

  1. Support an organization that needs it the most

Determining the best cause to donate to may also depend on what’s 

happening in the world. From natural disaster relief to food banks to refugee 

support, there are many organizations that are in urgent need at any given 

time. When selecting a good cause to support, it may be helpful to do a 

search for nonprofits that are in great need and seeking immediate help. 

  1. Try one out

If you’re feeling stressed about choosing the best cause to donate to, consider this your permission to release that pressure on yourself. It’s ok to pick a cause and change your mind later. Maybe you will, maybe you won’t, but in the meanwhile, you’ll be powering donations to a meaningful cause. Plus, what you consider the best cause to donate to can change over time. Once you’ve gone through this process, you may find yourself more attuned to noticing nonprofits and charities that you’d never heard of before—and that’s a good thing. 

Ultimately, when it comes to selecting a good cause to support, the choice is completely yours. The best cause to donate to is the one that feels right for you. Rather than letting the task be daunting, consider it an opportunity to get connected with your values, passions, and loved ones. 

By signing up with Givebacks and choosing a nonprofit organization to support, you’re able to make a difference without spending extra money, minutes, or mental load when you don’t have it to spare. If you haven’t already signed up, you can create your account and get started here.