Giving Compass' Take:

• Alexandra Mondalek writing for Forbes says the best way to making your philanthropic efforts count is to identify your passions, do the research, seek out expert financial advice and make your donations count.

• Philanthropy is a word that has a lot of weight behind it, but really, it’s something we can all be a part of. What other advice is there to make the most out of your philanthropy?

• Here's an article on strategic philanthropy for a complex world. 

Individual Americans donated $292 billion to charity in 2018, according to the National Philanthropic Trust. That accounted for 68%—the largest source—of charitable giving in the country, reflecting an uptick from the year prior.

While many people have likely participated in group charity events, like a corporate fundraiser, the trend shows that Americans are choosing to get more involved in giving back.

Even after you decide you want to begin volunteering or donating money, it can be tough to know where to start. Budding philanthropists often have trouble knowing how to choose an organization to work with. Understanding the financial implications of giving and where donations will be used can be difficult to navigate.

Luckily, there are plenty of reputable and accessible resources—from watchdog groups to academic research—that can help answer those questions. As you get started on your philanthropic journey, here’s a handy guide.

Read the full article about making philanthropy count by Alexandra Mondalek at Forbes.