10 Positive Benefits of Being Charitable + 10 Ways That you can Giveback

10 Positive Benefits of Being Charitable + 10 Ways That you can Giveback

We all know that we should be helping those that are less fortunate than us, but what is rarely talked about is not only does giving support others but in fact it is actually hugely beneficial to our own well-being.  In case you were not aware let me list just some of the ways that, you personally, will benefit from being charitable:
 

1. You will get a tax deduction for any financial contribution made to a charity.
2. You will add more meaning into your life knowing that you are making a difference.
3. It is now scientifically proven that when you give you yourself actually experience more pleasure. (Robertson, 2015)
4. It makes you for more grateful for all that you have.
5. You are setting a great example for your kids, family and friends and motivating them to do the same.
6. You feel more connected to the community around you.
7. Giving can actually enhance your resume. Giving activities tend to generate skills & experiences and being a volunteer at an organization is also a great addition to your resume.
8. Being generous can create new relationships with other like minded individuals who are passionate about the same or related cause.
9. You will learn more & expand your horizons.  By becoming interested in a cause you will learn valuable new information regarding the challenges and causes related to the issue you are tackling, potential solutions, the way others are living, etc., that really will change the way that you see the world. 
10. Various studies have now proven that those who consistently give actually live longer that those who don't.  There is nothing more convincing of the benefits of giving that actually adding additional years onto your life.  (Laughland, 2019)

​Most importantly, I hear and see this so much from all of the wealthy and successful people I follow and learn from, what you give, you get and then some, in return.  Everything that you put out into the world comes back to you multiplied. Call it Karma or Newton's Third Law, call it whatever you like, but I know for sure that this true ~ The More You Give, the More you Get in Return.  Take 5 minutes to watch this powerful, emotional video from Tony Robbins on how giving is the secret to success.
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Inherent in all of us, I believe, is the desire to give back to the world around us and make it a better place.  What tends to hold us back is either our financial situation, our busy schedules or indecision on how to spend our time and/or money so we can actually make a difference.  So I thought that I would make it a little easier for you by giving you a list of 10 ideas on how you can be generous so that you can contribute regardless of your current personal situation.  Let's go:
 
1.   Donate to Share The Meal.

• For as little as $0.50 you can give a meal to a child who needs it.  You can choose which campaign you would like to give to and you can do it in seconds and anytime on this convenient app created by the UN.  You can learn more HERE.
  

2.  You can donate your time.

•  There are so many local organizations that could benefit from just a couple of hours of your volunteer work, just google volunteer opportunities in your community where you can lend a helping hand.  Do it with friends or family to make it even more meaningful and fun.

3.   Give Your Stuff.

• We all have things in our homes that we do not use often or at all that can be donated so that someone who really needs it can benefit.  Plus, you get the added benefit of a de-cluttered space.

4.   Create Awareness.

• With social media you can easily spread the word an create awareness for a cause online and it costs you nothing.  Most organizations already have content prepared in their media section of their website that you can just share with your online network.
  

5.   Donate your Birthday.

• Let's face it, most of us have enough and do not need anymore presents.  So when your birthday comes around why not partner with the organization Charity Water and have your guests make a donation to support providing clean water to all that need it in the world in the name of your birthday.  You and friends have a party and the world becomes a better place, now that's a win/win.  Learn more HERE. 

6.   Be Generous with your Words.

• Send a handwritten letter to a friend or a loved one that you haven't spoken to in sometime and tell them what it is you love about them.  Or smile and wish someone on the street a great day or compliment them.  It may not sound like much but words really do have the power to change the day for someone else.

7.   Give a Blessing Bag.

• A blessing bag is a bag of items that you put together and give a way to the homeless people living on the streets.  They usually contain a mix of hygiene items, food items and clothing items to support those in need like - mini travel toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, nuts, water, granola bars, socks, gloves, hats, etc.  It provides the essentials and it's all stuff that we can buy quite cheaply in bulk to make several bags that we can hand out.  There is a ton of inspiration that I put together HERE on Pinterest of different Blessing Bags that you can put together.  This is a great one to do with your kids.
  

8.   Gift some Swag.

• There is always those hard to buy for people within your family and friends that you get stuck on each year for birthday's, Christmas etc. Most charities now have online shops where you can buy hats, t-shirts, sweaters, water bottles, etc., that look great and most of the profits go to the charity itself.  Your loved one still gets a great present and it's a gift that keeps on giving.  One of my favorite online shops that have great products and a lot to choose from is Operation Underground Railroad.  Check out their store HERE.

9.   Start a Fundraiser.

• You can start a fundraiser for a cause that you care about.  There are so many simple ways that you could raise money that can really make a difference in the world.  There are also tools available to make it even easier for you to do so like Fundly.  An online platform dedicated to helping people raise money easily for the causes that they care about.  Plus they have over 100 different fundraising ideas to inspire you, learn more HERE.

10.   Donate Groceries.

• The next time you are out grocery shopping pick up a couple of extra inexpensive goods that you can donate to your local foodbank or other organizations that feed the hungry.  Usually these organizations publish what food stuffs they need online and actually a lot of grocery stores sell pre-bagged items for the hungry that you can buy there and they distribute it directly to the organization making it even easier for you.  This can only cost you a few extra bucks but makes a huge difference for those who are starving.

I know that is sounds cliché but every little bit counts.  And YOU really can make a difference in the world one little step at a time.  You win and the world becomes just a little bit better each time we contribute.  Which one of the 10 contribution ideas will you try?  Let me know down in the comments.
 
Design YOUR Life ~ Be Authentic.  Be You.  Be Sharp.

Giveback

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Sources:

• The Life You Can Save. 9 Positive Effects of Donating Money to Charity. By Jay Roberston.  July 13, 2015. https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/blog/9-positive-effects-of-donating-money-to-charity/
• Lifehack. 10 Ways Helping Others Will Improve Your Life. By Pamela Laughland. August 7, 2019. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-ways-helping-others-will-improve-your-life.html
• Subscribe to Tony Robbins on YouTube ~ https://youtu.be/6iFiWh14_X4