The first thing I do, is my due diligence. Is it a worthy cause? If so, I do what I can.

When deciding whether to donate to a friend's cause, several factors come into play. These include the individual making the request, conducting research on the cause, and determining the appropriate donation amount. Typically, I donate around $100 or the recommended amount.

If I believe in the cause, I try to give what I can. There are just so many worthy causes, it can get difficult when you have to set limits, when times may be tight. So it varies.Give what you can is my motto.

As with most things in life, it depends ...

Yeah, what Shelley, Dan, Ray, and Paul said.... There are soooo many asks, and so many causes, that it becomes very much an ad hoc decision, because each situation can vary greatly from the next.

Regardless of the request and where it is coming from, the underlying cause must be worthy in the eyes of the donor.

When a friend sends information about a cause or other charity for which they hope to solicit donations, I typically do not respond directly to them. I make the donation (or I don't depending on the cause - e.g., I may have already donated or donate to a similar charity already). That's usually how it goes. If they notice the donation, they usually graciously thank me after the fact. It's a very personal issue. I don't know that there's any right or wrong way to handle the situation.

So many reasons to Donate and to show appreciation for the Asker. It takes something for them to do it, and sometimes I will take the time to thank them for doing their part. Thanks to all that donate…and a Thanks to those that do the asking too.

I'm motivated by the cause. For sure there are studies. Historically, non profit fundraising is grassroots dominant and generates more revenue from individuals than corporations. America leads the world in per capita and aggregate non-profit contributions. Such non-profit or charity or family foundation associations and research companies can easily be identified.

Although I hope friends will donate to causes important to me, I never have or would send a direct solicitation. I post on social media, and if someone is moved to donate, that's terrific. I'm only surprised by those who don't where I've donated to their pet causes year after year.

There are many factors that have been discussed thoughtfully.
I think the most important factor is to feel that your donation is going to a worthwhile cause!