According to a study conducted by UK-based Charities Aid Foundation, America is the most generous country in the world.  World Giving Index 2011, released last week, ranks the USA first among 153 countries in terms of charitable behavior.  Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and United Kingdom rank second through fifth, respectively.  "Giving money, volunteering time and helping a stranger" were the three primary facets measured. 

Americans are beneficent throughout the year of course, but giving matters get added attention at year end for tax and other reasons.  This year the competition for our dwindling disposable or discretionary funds is intensified as political candidates vie for financial support in advance of pivotal federal elections in 2012.  The prospect of the sitting president raising $1 billion for his re-election campaign puts a premium on every dollar raised in the effort to defeat him.

As you assess and finalize your philanthropic affairs and political giving for 2011, don't forget the organizations that are working hard to restore and preserve our first principles, defend our Constitution, and advocate conservative and libertarian causes.  Supporting such entities financially is something tangible we can do to help stem the socialist tide and thwart the radicals' attempt to "fundamentally transform" the country.  In this sense, it is not as much a matter of generosity as it is a noble obligation to do one's part to help pull our country out of its statist nosedive.

Thankfully there are a number of such organizations worthy of support (in addition to praise).  Below is an abbreviated list of my personal favorites, in alphabetical order.  Several of them are currently in the thick of the fray, going toe-to-toe with Obama & Co.  Submit others, if desired, via the comments section.

These organizations and others like them help form a kind of bulwark of individual liberty, free enterprise, American values, and national security.  We need them now more than ever.  In many ways, they and their staffs are doing the work that our elected representatives are failing to do.  In addition to your cherished charitable causes and chosen political candidates, these entities are worthy beneficiaries of your support.