This time of year, when we reflect on all we have, is a popular time to think about giving to others as well. When your budget is tight, you may not feel like you have the means to help others without putting your own finances at risk. Fortunately, there are ways to be generous without breaking your budget.
Identify your causes
There are many worthy causes—so many that choosing where to donate can be overwhelming. Pick one or two to focus on for now. You can always add more or switch it up down the road.
Replace a subscription with a recurring donation
If you don’t have room in your budget to add a recurring donation, you can create space by canceling a subscription you have and replacing it with a donation in that exact amount. Maybe for you, that is a $6 Hulu subscription, or it could be a $100 gym membership you aren’t using often.
Volunteer your time
Some organizations need your time just as much as your dollars. VolunteerMatch is a great resource for finding organizations that need your help now. You can also search for organizations within your local community and see what needs they have that match your interests.
Use apps or websites that donate for you
If you don’t have the time or money to donate directly, there are ways you can help your favorite organizations by doing things you already do. For example, if you shop on Amazon, through your favorite charity’s Amazon Smile link, they will donate 0.5% of your purchase. Ecosia donates ad revenue from your internet searches to plant trees around the world. With Charity Miles, you earn sponsorship money for your favorite charity based on the miles you walk, run, or bike. ResQwalk and WoofTrax work in a similar way but specifically support animal shelters.
Donate what you already have
In-kind donations (donating things rather than time or money) can benefit both yourself (by clearing out things you no longer need) and a charity that is looking for those items. To have the biggest impact, get as specific as possible. For example, donate a couch that’s in great shape to an organization supporting refugees in your area or give old towels to an animal shelter. Always verify that the organization is accepting the items you want to donate!
Donating blood is also a great way to make an impact with a resource you already have. Find a blood drive near you through the American Red Cross.
