Part of CAAP’s Living It Up While Giving series on millenials and philanthropy
One of the challenges we all face when it comes to charitable giving is finding that bit of extra room in our budgets. Fortunately — with just a few changes to your daily routine — you can find a way to make it happen. Here’s a list of five things you can do to start making the most of your philanthropy on a budget.
1. Join a Student Organization
If you’re a college student, think about joining a charitable organization on campus. Make some new friends and help fundraise for a cause you care about. Even if the group’s focus isn’t necessarily on charity, use your position as a platform to suggest launching some kind of fundraiser. This is a surefire way to give your organization some publicity on campus. If you can’t find the time in your schedule for extracurriculars, just knock a few dollars off your coffee budget every week and donate to a student organization instead.
2. Giving Circles
Never underestimate the power in numbers. Team up with a group of friends, family members, or colleagues. Decide on a cause, pool your resources together and form a giving circle. Make it a tradition you do together once or twice a year. Philanthropic organizations like CAAP house giving circles, and can help you get one started.
3. Give Away Your Old Stuff
The next time you find yourself lost in a bit of spring cleaning, make a pile of everything you know you don’t need anymore. Then, locate your nearest charity and give it all away. Not only will you free up some much-needed space in your house, apartment, or dorm room, your wallet will never know the difference. This is a good one to keep in mind the next time you’re moving out and you find yourself confronted with more boxes of stuff than you know what to do with.
4. Start a Collection Jar
For a more long-term strategy, grab an old jar, name it “The Collection Jar,” and deposit a few dollars every week. This could be a percentage of your weekly income (say, one percent), or a more proactive way to get rid of loose change. Once the jar is full, tally it up and donate to a charity of your choosing.
5. Focus on What Matters to You
The most important thing to remember is that you give to a cause you care about. In the words of Lisa Endlich, author of Be the Change, “People do their best giving when they focus on what matters to them the most.” Know where your money is going, how it will be used, and feel confident that your contribution can make a difference.
Photo courtesy The Bent Tree