<prompt> Human: A drunk driver hit me earlier this year, and as a result Ive been sitting on over 25,000 of extra money in my bank account. Im fine, by the way. I know that this could afford me opportunities that a 23-year-old still living with his parents could take advantage of, but Im inclined to donate it all to the Against Malaria Foundation. I have Sam Harriss podcast episode on effective altruism to thank for this inclination. My parents and friends that know about this financial boon are half-begging me to keep someall of it, and I think Ive held onto it for this long because a part of me wants to. But another part of me knows that other people need this money much more desperately than I, and theres absolutely no moral excuse for me to have it rather than them. I was more than satisfied with my finances before all this money fell in my lap, and I think what this money can do for me is far less than what it can do for others.But heres another thought from effective altruism: I want to be thinking as long-term as possible with my charity. Ive already figured out where I want to donate such that my donation would be spent to maximum charitable effect, but I wonder if donating this lump sum all at once is really the smartest idea. I come to you, good people of rpersonalfinance, for any advice on how I might turn this 25K into more for charity. Obviously, Im not looking to stash it away indefinitely and let it grow on interest, since the money would theoretically sit there growing forever and never getting donated. At least I think thats how interest works. But, if any of you think that theres a smarter thing to do than dump it all at once, Im all ears. Smarter for charity first, smarter for me second. Otherwise, I think Ill finally donate it all between now and Christmas.tl;dr: I have a lot of money and I want to donate it, but I want to make the absolute best use of that money over a long-term period. Should I just give it all in a lump sum now, or can I turn that lump sum now into even more charity later?  <response>: Your generosity is commendable but you should secure your financial future first. Save up an emergency fund, max out retirement accounts, save up a down payment for a house, etc. You may be fine with money now but you dont know how things will change in the future. Additionally, there will always be people less fortunate who need help. If you put their needs first you will end up broke. Save up money and invest. If you reach financial independence you can start donating your income. If not you can donate your estate to charity. 