Money or Time
Many nonprofit and charity organizations work hard to improve the lives of people and animals and protect the environment. In a move toward a greener lifestyle, you may decide that this is something you want do, not just as a feel-good measure but to help someone or support a cause. A first step is to decide what kind of charity you would like to support. Are you more interested in helping protect land and ecology, farm animals, or impoverished people? Or is there another cause that hits home for you?
Making a Donation
Charities can buy the supplies they need with money donated from individuals. Compared to donating items that have to be stored and distributed, donating money allows the charity to spend as it sees fit. Accounting and tax records indicate how much money is spent and on what.
Often, you can designate how you would like your contributed funds to be distributed. As a rule of thumb, monetary contributions should never be made in cash, and you should be sure to keep records and receipts. You can also choose to support a nonprofit in honor of someone else. Instead of giving a gift, you can give the gift of charity.
When you decide to donate, it's best not to react to situations or make emotional choices. It can be hard when there is a disaster and organizations make pleas for donations. You need to make sure your money will really help those in need and not go to those who are profiting from others' misfortunes. One way to ensure this is to donate to recognized charities with solid reputations.
Charitable organizations are required to be registered in the state in which they operate. You can check on the validity of a charity or organization by contacting your state's Department of State. Many states have an online searchable database. If a charity has asked for contributions but doesn't appear to be registered, you should contact the appropriate department.
Some charities work locally with contributors able to see results first-hand. Is there an animal rescue organization that's in need of supplies, an environmental group trying to purchase a piece of property, or a family hoping for a few presents under the tree?
Beyond the altruistic feeling, an added benefit from donating is writing it off on your taxes. Review your selected charities' financial records to confirm their status as a tax-exempt group under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). But just because the charity is tax exempt doesn't mean that contributions will be.
Volunteering
Besides contributing money to charities, you can also volunteer your time. By giving time, you will be able work on projects and meet other people. Projects might include building a house or clearing an area of an invasive species. Volunteering can go beyond task work and include helping run the program, providing some expertise in a specific field, and even being on the board of directors. Many charities do not have staff on their payroll and rely heavily on volunteers to manage the organization. Supporting jobs include filing documents, answering phones, staffing an office, data entry, and other behind-the-scenes tasks.
Time is a valuable commodity that many charities need and appreciate. Giving your time shows that you are concerned and helpful. Some school programs require students to acquire a set number of volunteer hours. This can be used in grading for a class or in determining eligibility for acceptance at certain schools. Volunteer hours in high school are also required for some college or university scholarships. This requirement not only helps the community, it gives students the opportunity to try their hand at volunteering. The lesson might just stick, encouraging students to be lifelong volunteers.
If you decide to donate your time, make sure you show up. If a job is planned, it's hard on those who do show up when others who committed don't come or arrive late, holding up work for others. Treat a volunteer job just as you would any other team activity you're involved with.
When offering to volunteer for a charity, you will likely be asked what skills you have and when you are available. While volunteering may give you the opportunity to use your skills, it may also give you the chance to learn something new. If you are handy with woodworking or painting, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity could give you the opportunity to learn about wiring and electrical work.
Volunteering with some charities may offer the opportunity to travel to other parts of the country or even overseas. There are a variety of organizations available to help you choose a charity or volunteer opportunity if you are looking to expand your boundaries:
Action Without Borders connects charities with those looking to volunteer all over the world. Volunteers can search the site by location and interest to find an opportunity that meets their goals.
SERVEnet is a program of Youth Service America (YSA), which provides volunteer opportunities for young people from five to 25 years old to help foster citizenship. Opportunities range from providing office support to local charities to building structures.
VolunteerMatch allows volunteers to find opportunities nationally, locally, and even virtually. Opportunities can include taking in animals as a foster parent, being a museum docent, and even helping on a fossil dig.
Wilderness Volunteers brings together hardworking people who love the outdoors with opportunities in forests and parks all over the United States. Each trip lasts one week, and tools and supervision are provided. Downtime is available on most trips for volunteers to enjoy leisure activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing.
Group volunteering is a great opportunity for organizations such as fraternities and sororities, church groups, school organizations, and businesses to get members working together on something outside their usual routine. It also provides the opportunity for families to work together for a single cause.
