Thrive Global: Three ways to make philanthropy part of your everyday life

"Let’s face it: we all want to make a difference in the world, but sometimes it can feel like we don’t have the time or resources to do so. However, instead of taking action, as a philanthropy professional, I continue to witness a silent and deadly disease that plagues far too many American households—charity paralysis.

Only half of U.S. households give to charities. In fact, charitable giving continues to decline, and according to the latest “Giving USA” report, financial giving from individuals saw a 3.4 percent drop since 2017.

While there are plenty of valid and robust societal reasons for the decline in charitable giving, philanthropy continues to be an important pillar for many. For example, since the pandemic began, nearly 75 percent of millennials have sent some kind of financial aid to family, friends or a charitable organization. Additionally, Gen Z was a close second, with more than two out of three young Americans giving to help those in need during one of the most challenging times in recent history.

The truth is, the desire to do good is high; however, sometimes we get stuck in one of two places: First, deciding which charitable organization to give time or money to can be overwhelming. Second, it is terrifyingly challenging to choose how much of our financial or time capital to invest.

There are many small ways that we can incorporate giving into our everyday lives. Here are three simple steps to help you do more good that matters:

Know Your Purpose

With over 1.5 million charities in the United States, narrowing down where to give can be daunting. Try starting with what matters most to you. Then, to find clarity, answer the following questions:

1. When you were younger, what interests bought you great joy or concern?
2. Right now, what is one issue you’d like to change that has impacted either you personally or a friend?
3. If there are no barriers to what’s possible, unicorn dreams, what would the lives of those you love and your community look like?

Find Your Niche

Once you have clarity on your purpose, it’s time to find your niche. Thankfully, websites like Charity Navigator, United Way and DoSomething.org provide a searchable cornucopia of charitable organizations to aid in finding one that aligns with the issue or cause that matters most to you.

Do Good Now

That’s right, just like the latest Cascade Platinum commercial, I want you to do it and do it often; however, do good with the caveat of understanding that your investment in philanthropy may look different over time. Like your favorite pair of jeans, your preference (or, let’s keep it real here, your body) may have you swapping your favorite pair of skinny jeans for a relaxed fit depending on your season of life—this is perfectly okay.

So, go ahead and give a little—your wallet, your time, or even just your voice. Sign up for a newsletter, become a monthly donor, host a small fundraiser, or make an investment of time by volunteering with an organization that fills your purpose cup over. And, while you’re at it, add “philanthropist” to your list of titles. Philanthropy is not a fad, it’s a lifestyle – so embrace it!"

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*I really love being able to help others and I am hoping you all do, too! I enjoyed this article, but I wish the author emphasized more that philanthropy doesn't have to include donations! We are all in a situation right now with the pandemic that we may not have the resources to give donations all the time, but we always have our time and voices!! There are so many ways to help others besides money. That's how my journey with 7 Cups started! I wanted to continue volunteering, but the pandemic hit so I decided to become a Listener and connect with others from the comfort of my own home. You can always become a 7 Cups Listener to make someone's day a little brighter😉*

How do you volunteer your time to help others? How does giving back make you feel?

#Philanthropy #Volunteering #GivingBack