My column last week focused on year-end tax planning and how December is crunch time to be intentional about your finances before the clock runs out on 2025.

One of the strategies mentioned was charitable giving—both because the tax benefits can be significant and because many Canadians genuinely want their donations to make a meaningful impact. But knowing where to give is often harder than deciding you want to give.

There are more than 86,000 registered charities in Canada. That’s a lot of choice. With more families trying to ensure their money makes a measurable difference, picking the right organization requires more than a quick Google search or a donation made at the checkout terminal.

Here’s a practical, thoughtful guide to help you choose the right charity to support this year:

• Start with your values, not the headlines—Canadians are often prompted to give based on headlines such as wildfires, humanitarian crises, rising food bank usage or the latest viral campaign. Those causes matter but the best long-term giving decisions usually start with your values. What issues matter most to you or your family? Education? Mental health? The environment? Poverty reduction? Animal welfare? Community sports?

If you have children, involving them in this conversation can help model generosity and financial literacy at the same time.

By anchoring your giving in your values, you avoid a........

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