Doing due diligence

As the year begins, many people are recommitting to the charities they hold dear – whether as donors, volunteers, board members, or a combination of roles.

In Tidewater, and across the nation, hundreds of thousands of charities contribute to meaningful causes every day. Tidewater Jewish Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the community’s charitable efforts, helping individuals align their giving with their passions.

Situations occasionally arise when individuals are approached by unfamiliar charities or newer organizations as potential donors. TJF’s team is ready to assist in gathering essential information, ensuring donors can confidently support any organization—whether it is well-established or just starting out.

While most charities operate ethically and are governed by dedicated board members and experienced professionals, rare instances of mismanagement or impropriety does take place. For this reason, TJF recommends conducting due diligence, particularly for the following reasons:

  • Protecting reputations: Supporting a charity that is later associated with a scandal can have unintended consequences for donors.
  • Assessing risks: It’s important to confirm that an organization is not facing unusual legal or financial challenges.
  • Avoiding scams: With fraudulent schemes on the rise, a careful review of charities is more important than ever.

One of the key benefits of organizing philanthropic efforts through a fund at TJF is having access to the team’s expertise and community knowledge. The TJF team monitors the status of longstanding organizations, investigates emerging ones, and provides insights to maximize the impact of charitable contributions.

Tidewater Jewish Foundation is dedicated to helping donors make informed decisions, ensuring their generosity leads to meaningful change. For those with questions about a potential gift or the standing of a particular charity, the TJF team is eager to assist to ensure that every charitable endeavor is impactful and effective.

For more information, contact Naomi Limor Sedek at 757-965-6109 or nsedek@tjfva.org