People are being encouraged to check out how their donations are being put to good use, as charities celebrate National Philanthropy Day today.

According to the Centre on Philanthropy, corporate donors have become increasingly wise about how they contribute in a tougher social and economic climate — and they want members of the public to do the same.

“Corporate donors are some of the biggest donors in our society. They have embraced the aspect of corporate social responsibility in our community with a consistent passion,” said the group in a statement.

“However, they have also become wiser as the social and economic climate has changed. They consider the impact of their giving more carefully and they want to see the impact of their charitable giving. And so should you as an individual.

“Do your homework, go to the Centre on Philanthropy’s website and review the profile of charities. Check in with charities through the year that you have given to. Ask them about how your funds have been used.

“I think you will find that charities are just as passionate about how the funds are being used as you are.”

National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside to recognise and pay tribute to the great contributions that have been made to communities across the world.

In Bermuda, the non-profit sector employed 826 people or 2 per cent of the labour force in 2015, while it generated $66.9 million in value added or 1.1 per cent of GDP.

The Centre on Philanthropy stated: “As we reflect on the history of giving in Bermuda, we must recognise that we are truly a giving society.

“We give as donors, individuals, volunteers, we truly give of our time, talent and treasure as a community. This is evidenced by our responses to disasters, each other’s needs, corporate and individual giving and more.

“As a society, millions of dollars and time has been given over the years. A unique aspect of our philanthropic landscape is our corporate giving sector.

“We dream of a world and our community in Bermuda where, philanthropy is a way of life for everyone. Where families and individuals consider how they can give to the greater cause of a better Bermuda for everyone, especially those who have less than us.

“Wouldn’t it be great if when a family considers Christmas gift giving this year, that they would consider pooling that gift money, and giving to a charity that can utilise the funds to impact the lives of those in their charge?

“And wouldn’t it be meaningful and simply worth it to do this every year, changing the cause according to a charity that pulls on a different family member’s heart string? We challenge you to test the returns on your investment.

“As we celebrate National Philanthropy Day, please consider how much we really need as individuals, and how much of that we can give to others. And it is not always your finances. Giving three mornings a week to a charity to answer their telephone translates to a measurable financial contribution.”

•For more information, visit www.centreonphilanthropy.org or telephone 236-7706.