How you can become a philanthropist without spending loads of money
If you want to change the world and are interested in doing things in order to improve the welfare of humanity, philanthropy is definitely something you should look into. People are often intimidated by the term “philanthropy”, because it’s more often than not used in connection to someone very wealthy, who is able to donate large sums of money in order to improve the state of the world. However, you don’t need large amounts of money in order to call yourself a philanthropist. In fact, you don’t need to spend any money at all. Any contribution you make that helps society can be seen as a philanthropic endeavor. That includes offering up your time or skills, or donating items that aren’t necessarily money. Keep in mind that, while they are very similar, philanthropy and charity are not the exact same thing.
Use your skills
If you have a valuable skill, use it to the benefit of others. For example, teachers can spend their free time teaching children who aren’t able to go to school. Doctors and lawyers can also offer their services to the less fortunate at a discounted rate, or no fee at all. Any skill will be able to help in some way, if you know how to use it. If you’re a very motivational person, you can use that to the world’s benefit by motivating other philanthropists and offering up your support. For example, Sherry P. Witter is able to run a successful business while still supporting her husband’s philanthropy.
Volunteer
It is often said that time is more valuable than money, and when it comes to philanthropy, that can very well be true. Many organizations have more than enough monetary donations coming in, but not enough hands on deck to keep things afloat. Money is definitely the easiest way to be a philanthropist – a click of a button and your job is done. However, volunteering may help you see the more intimate aspects of organizations you want to support. You’ll be able to learn much more and truly see the difference that various charities can make in a community. Aside from that, there are various other reasons to volunteer. Offering up even a single day per month can be enough to make a difference.
Donate
We know, we know. You’re reading this because you can’t necessarily donate money. But that’s the thing – you don’t need to spend a cent in order to donate. People often link the word “donate” with the word “money”, when in fact you can donate many things that aren’t money. For example, old clothes or toys will be able to make children’s lives better. You can also donate towels and blankets to animal shelters. Go through your house every now and then and put everything you don’t use, or that you have too much of, aside. This can include nearly anything, even toiletries or food. Just make sure it is in usable condition and that it is a safe object to donate (for example, used toothbrushes should be disposed of instead of donated). You can find places to donate most things.
*This is a collaborative post.
