You don’t have to be millionaire benefactors of a family foundation to be a family that is committed to philanthropy. You just have to want to make a difference. Here are six ways your family can reach out to make the world a better place.
1. Donate the items you no longer use to Goodwill or the Salvation Army or a similar organization.
Clothing, household items, small appliances and even furniture that is clean and in good condition are welcome items for thrift shoppers. Organizations such as Goodwill use the proceeds from the sale of these items to fund social services programs that improve the lives and communities of the people they serve.
2. Volunteer for a great cause
Even if you can’t give money to help an issue important to your family, you can give time. There are a number of agencies that have ongoing as well as one time needs for volunteers. You might consider serving meals at a soup kitchen, cleaning up a local park, or the whole family, including Fido, can pile into the car and visit a nearby retirement community. Residents will be so happy for the company and your children will benefit from knowing that they have something (themselves) to contribute that creates a lasting impact and makes a difference.
3. Organize a clothing or toiletry drive at your place of worship or employment
If everyone does a little together you can do a lot. Why not ask your coworkers to bring in shampoo, toothpaste, warm coats and other items that are so desperately needed by individuals that are homeless or struggling to make ends meet? You will be surprised by how quickly your donation bin fills and warmed by the thanks and good feeling you get by helping those in need.
4. Accept donations instead of gifts
If you have a birthday or another gift giving occasion approaching why not ask friends and family to make a donation in your name to your favorite charity instead of buying yet another sweater.
5. Round-up
Grocers and utility service providers frequently offer the option of rounding your bill total to the nearest dollar and donating the difference. For example, if your grocery or utility bill totals $72.14, the total would be rounded to $73.00 with the .86 cents going to charity.
6. Write a check
Perhaps you can’t give $1,000.00 to your favorite charity as you wish you could, but you might be able to give $10.00 or $100.00. Non-profits depend on individual donors like you to operate programs and services for those in need. Your gift, combined with the contributions of others, can add up to previously unavailable opportunities to conduct cancer research sponsor Special Olympics programs or end homelessness for a family. If you want to give a larger gift than finances will allow in the moment ask about making a monthly or quarterly pledge to help your cause.
Helping others feels good and is a wonderful way for families to practice philanthropy even when they don’t have a lot of money to donate. Get your kids involved in good causes. There are few things more effective at building self esteem than highlighting and harnessing your power to make a difference in your world.