There are countless reasons why donating to a charitable cause is worth your time. Donating provides invaluable support and assistance to worthy organizations and people and can bring meaning to our lives. However, one of the many dilemmas individuals face is figuring out how to donate their finances with little extra money. The truth is, every dollar adds up and can make a significant difference in the lives of many. Plus, if you don’t have the spare change, there are plenty of other ways you can donate to a charitable cause. Below we explain several ways to donate on a limited budget.
Donate small amounts each month
One way to donate on a limited budget is to set up automated payments monthly to a charity of your choosing. This benefits the organization who can rely on a consistent source of income, whether that be a few dollars or more. This also helps the individual making the monthly contributions as they can plan ahead and expect when their donations will be made.
Collect spare change
While it may not seem like much, collecting your spare change can add up at the end of the year. Set aside a jar for change that will be collected for a local non-profit or organization that aligns with your values. At the end of the week, empty any change that has collected in purses, cars, or pockets. You’ll be surprised at how much your change can add up to. This is an easy way to donate that requires little effort, yet can yield big results.
Ask for gift donations
Instead of receiving gifts for birthdays or holidays, many people choose to request that their loved ones donate to an organization on their behalf. Often, charities will have an option to set up a birthday or gift campaign, making it easy for people to collect donations. Additionally, newlyweds can consider requesting a donation in place of a wedding gift.
Round up your purchases
Many businesses, especially around the holidays, will have the option to “round up” your purchase to the nearest dollar. When doing so, businesses will round your purchase total to the nearest dollar, providing the extra change to the organization of their choosing. This is a simple and quick way to give that will make you feel even better about your purchase.
Donate time, skills, and belongings
Lastly, there are several ways you can make an impact without donating money. If you have time, consider volunteering with organizations who need help with various projects. You can also donate your skill sets to businesses or children who may need a mentor. Another great option for helping local organizations is to donate belongings such as furniture or clothing.