The end of the year is upon us (anyone else really feeling like 2017 flew by?!) and with it comes a sense of reflection and intention setting. One thing I’m always very cognizant of during the holidays is that I am very lucky. I am housed, fed, clothed, and have phenomenal health insurance (thanks, work!). There are a lot of people who are struggling this time of year and, though that may be the case for the rest of the year, too, there’s something about the holidays that make it seem especially difficult if you are not enjoying as fortunate circumstances.
For these reasons, I find it useful to review my donating strategies around this time
Strategies:
- Devise a plan. Research and explore lots of options before settling on a certain nonprofit to donate to. There are many resources out there to assist in finding the right charity for you, and verifying that their 501(c)(3) status is up to date (ProPublica has a great one. And the Frugalwoods have an excellent post on the more nitty gritty financial side of things).
- Set up recurring donations. Just as I’m a huge believer in the “set it and forget it” strategy of investing, similarly I deploy this for my donations as well. If I had to remember every month that I was interested in giving money to certain organizations, undoubtedly it would fall through the cracks at one point or another. Setting up automatic, recurring donations is the easiest way to know you are for sure supporting those causes you believe in! It is also supremely helpful to charities to know they have regular contributions coming in.
- Review the year and your own intentions. Use this time of year to review those automatic donations you’ve set up. Do you still find yourself tied to those charities? And supporting their missions? Has something happened over the year that has made your beliefs shift, or your priorities change? If that’s the case, it’s ok to change up who and how you’re giving!
If money is tight for you but you’d still like to find a way to give back (during the holidays or otherwise!), there are so many other ways to donate. Here are just a few ideas:
- Bring some baked goods to your local library or firehouse
- Spend some time walking dogs at your local shelter
- Clean out your closet and donate gently worn clothing or shoes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army
- Drive a home-cooked meal over to a senior or assisted living home
- Donate blood. I highly recommend setting a calendar reminder for yourself to do this every 8 weeks!
- Volunteer! There are myriad ways to give your time, find what best suits your skill set and available time. You could volunteer to…
- bring the post-service refreshments at your church
- lead a reading circle at a local school
- make fliers or assist with social media marketing for a local nonprofit
- clean trash from around your neighborhood
Do you use the end of the year as a way to up your donation contributions? Any special ways you donate time, goods, or services in non-monetary ways?? Let us know in the comments!
We’ve been donating our time to picking up trash along the beach. We’re soon going to be donating it towards volunteer work at the local schools here in Ayampe, Ecuador. Thanks for spreading the word about donating!
That’s a lovely idea! I love giving back in ways that help the environment 🌱
2017 def flew by! These are great tips, and a great thing to keep in mind this time of year 💖🐣
Thanks! Happy holidays!
Such a noble blog idea. I wrote a blog listing a lot of charities in my region to help people donate too. Hoping for more kindness in the world.
Great job spreading the word about local charities! Every little bit counts 🌷
Oh my god, I actually love this post because I have had a serious desire to donate and help others. Thank you!!
Yay!! I highly recommend setting up recurring donations, it’s such a great way to give back without having to remember it all the time 😉
Such a great post and a reminder to review all the different charitable opportunities we have <3
Thank you for reading! Happy 2018 🥂🎉
Aw, I love this! You’ve basically given anyone in the world an idea on how they can donate in some way regardless of situations. I love the inspiration on your blog and look forward to more posts!
That’s the goal! Giving back doesn’t have to be hard 🙂
This is such a thoughtful post and I love that you’ve encouraged those around you to help those less fortunate or just doing their part to make the community a better place!
I do a lot of volunteer work ( yes, thanks work for me too 🙂 ) and donate through my church and again through work. I live in Vegas so with the recent 1 October event, I had some additional volunteer opportunities that I was more than happy to do!
I love this post! Super meaningful and a brilliant way to enter 2018 x
Thank you! Here’s to a lovely 2018 🥂🎉
Such a lovely post … lots to learn and lots to give
I really loved this article ..
I will try to do most of this
Thanks for such a lovely post
Indeed, 2017 went by too quickly! It’s insane. We usually go through all our closets about every 3 months to give away what doesn’t fit us or simply the things we don’t wear anymore. It feels great to give back!
It is so important to give back to the society in whatever way we can! Besides monetary donations, gestures like the ones you have mentioned are important. Loved your post!
At the end of the year or around the holidays I try to donate my time or clothing.
I too plan to donate each year to the animal shelter and gonna do it this year too
These are all great ways to donate and give back. I love giving to others, more than I actually like receiving. I need to get back into volunteering.
this is such a great post and reminder. thanks for sharing this