Supporting new charities

Question

There are myriad charities out there.

If a community has multiple Shuls, schools, Mikvaoth, food pantries, and גמ"חs, and new entities open up fulfilling the same role(s), and the new entities' existence challenges the viability of other organizations, even if the new ones purport to target an underserved segment of the community, is there any problem in supporting the new entities? Is there any problem in specifically not supporting the new entities?

Answer 1

You can only support, halachically, those that use your sacred tzedakah shekels with utmost care and efficiency and effectiveness. Otherwise, YOU are 'oveir' on stealing from the poor person ("al tigzol dal kee dal hu" - Mishlei 22:22 and the various commentaries on it).

As for new vs. old — you need a federated model, but better than the current federation model in existence (since they mostly use your tzedakah for keeping their own organization alive...). A true federated model allows for a better community overview as to the needs and who is fulfilling them. If a small organization that works with 80 people in need can't/won't afford a fundraiser, then how can they compete with some large place that wastes your tzedakah money but has more public recognition, etc.? Tough call.