I truly believe the first step to giving, is finding the causes that are important to you; whether that is habitat conservation, education, betterment of women,children and families or homelessness. I’ve also found that a common misconception is that all donations must be financial. Many charities are in need of volunteers or collect items for donation such as clothing, books, and computers. Most local charities use such donated items to help educational endeavors and youth activities. The process of making a charitable donation really is proving that you care, not only about the well being of your own family, but about the well being of many families or individuals that are in need of assistance.
If you’re not yet part of the community of people who donate to charity, here are a few reasons I have chosen to support numerous causes and why you may want to consider giving back.
You’ll meet like-minded people.
Non-profit organizations need volunteers and donations so that they can continue to help people or causes in need. Money is primarily raised through direct donations and there are all types of events/dinners to support worthy causes and help raise money. When you’re involved with the charity of your choice, you’ll also meet other like-minded people who are working toward a similar goal. There are a lot of organizations out there that need help. When you find one that you truly believe is making a difference and importantly spending their donors money wisely find out what they need and how you can donate. There are charities that specialize in practically anything and that likely parallel your interest as well.
You’ll set an example for your own children.
If you have children, donating to or your involvement with a charity will demonstrate to them what it’s like to care about other people and try to make the world a better place. Involving your children in selecting where to donate will also increase their level of involvement, enthusiasm and future support of those causes.They’ll learn to share with others, a lesson that will last them throughout their entire life and be passed on to future generations.
Motivate Others
When you let your friends, business associates, and family know of your charitable donations, they may find themselves more motivated to undertake their own efforts to give. It takes a broad band of support to address big issues such as homelessness and poverty, environmental conservation, and early childhood education. Stoking passions in the folks around you is a very positive and tangible extension of your own giving.
Increase Your Own Well Being.
You’ll also realize that even if you don’t consider yourself well off its still personally very rewarding to share what you do have with others. Acts of kindness benefit the giver as well as the receiver. Acts of kindness that aren’t overwhelming and that don’t feel obligatory enrich your life and the life of everyone I around you.When you’re generous, you’re able to view others with more compassion than before.
Remember that donations of all types and sizes help. The only thing that doesn’t help is doing nothing at all.