While charitable organizations always appreciate financial contributions, you can also help worthwhile causes by donating your time and talent. If you're looking for a way to support an important cause, donating money isn't the only way to get involved. There are many opportunities to help with deserving causes in every community. Explore ten important causes you should consider participating in, along with some specific ideas for places to donate your time.
Your liability begins long before you write the check. It all starts with choosing a worthwhile cause and the organization you'll trust to defend it. Read on for five simple steps you can take to sharpen your philanthropic approach and, ultimately, ensure that your donations go to the places where they can benefit the world the most. If possible, consider offering volunteer opportunities online.
This could be especially useful if you're targeting working professionals who would otherwise find it difficult to have time to volunteer, in addition to their full-time jobs and personal obligations. Time is our most precious resource. So, if you're thinking about volunteering, but you're wondering if it's worth your time and effort, it's important to remember that even if you don't earn a salary, the skills you acquire are priceless. Donating your time to support those around you is extremely beneficial, both for you and for your community.
It has been statistically proven that people who volunteer regularly are healthier both physically and mentally. People who have volunteered throughout their lives tend to live longer and have better psychological well-being. In addition to health benefits, volunteering provides people with a sense of purpose. The rewarding feeling of giving back and contributing to society is unparalleled.
Recruiting with hot bodies is more appropriate if you are going to recruit a large number of volunteers for (usually) very short periods of time or for a specific event. Even if you only donate a few hours of time each month, it will make a big difference in the lives of others. There are many reasons to volunteer to share your time and talent with people, causes, or organizations that do good work in your community and on a larger scale. Whether you're passionate about advocacy, animal rights, or helping the homeless, you can find a valuable way to donate your time.
Or perhaps you would like to make changes on a larger scale, supporting efforts to achieve a policy change or review an ineffective system. Once you've decided on a mission that catches your attention, it's time to think about how you want to carry it out. With so many non-profit organizations focused on finding cures for serious illnesses, there is a great need for volunteers who are willing to help raise funds to support their efforts. From data entry and graphic design to fundraising and social media management, this type of volunteering isn't limited to geographical boundaries or time constraints.
If you prefer to help young people develop strong reading skills, consider donating your time to tutoring or reading to children at a local school or community after-school program, such as those offered by Boys and Girls Clubs of America. While most nonprofit organizations are formed with good intentions, it is the responsibility of each donor to ensure that the group or groups you support are productive in advancing their mission. If your giving strategy is mainly about writing a check to a well-known organization and assuming that it will be put to good use, it's time to reevaluate your approach to maximize your efforts for the New Year. Even if some companies encourage their employees to volunteer during working hours (which is already rare), employees are still wasting valuable time going to your non-profit organization.
