As the holiday season approaches, calls for donating to charities begin to multiply. Given the current economic climate, it goes without saying that many people are having to make very difficult decisions, cutting back on spending and going without anything not strictly essential. For some, that means some hard choices about charitable donations: if you’re a regular or occasional contributor to good causes, you might be seriously curtailing your gifts.
This can have a negative effect on you. If you value being able to help others and contribute, you may feel upset or even guilty that you’re no longer in a position to do so. Perhaps you’ve rarely or never given to charity in the past, but you’ve been moved by the suffering caused by the financial crisis – yet you yourself have little money to give.
The good news is that there are a number of ways you can make a real difference, without much money. First, decide what type of charity you want to support. The list is almost endless. There are small local charities that benefit a very specific area, and there are gigantic global charities that help around the world. There are charities that try to offer direct help, and those that try to raise awareness.
GlobalGiving connects individual and institutional donors directly to social, economic development, and environmental projects around the world. It can connects you to over 700 pre-screened grassroots charities. It’s an efficient, transparent way to make an impact with your giving.
GlobalGiving begins with the dedicated, tenacious individuals who are driving change in their communities. From running orphanages and schools, to helping survivors of natural disasters, these people are do-gooders to the core. They connect these “good idea people” with the “generous giver people” and help projects of all sizes receive donations of all sizes. Here’s how it works: Project leaders post their causes and details about what they need on GlobalGiving – giving you an inside look at the project’s unique needs and the work being done. You browse the website research causes by topic or location, and pick the one that matches your interests and passions.
You can make a donation in honor of someone else if so desired. Just choose the project you would like to support and the amount you would like to give.
You can also list a project on GlobalGiving and participate in one of their “Open Challenges“. Open Challenges are an opportunity for organizations around the globe to raise funds for their projects and a chance for them to become long-term members of the GlobalGiving Community.
Giving to a charity that you truly believe in should leave you with a good feeling. Contributing to a cause that may be combined with the similar actions of others, can actually bring about many positive changes in the world.
Even if you can’t donate any of your income to a charity right now or don’t see the need, keep your mind and your heart open to the idea. When the right time presents its self, open up your wallet and see what happens. Involve your family; from 5 year-olds to 90 year-olds, the gift of changing is always in-style.
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