Do you wish there was something you could do to help a charity you’re passionate about? If your budget is limited and contributing financially isn’t a feasible option, there are still many ways you could help. Here’s a few of my favorite creative ways to contribute 🙂
1. Donate your birthday
I never would have thought of this! I read this suggestion on Urunji’s website and have been sharing it with friends. I’m sure you, or people you know, have said “I don’t need anything for my birthday” yet grandma or a friend buys something you have no need for and it sits in your closet until you no longer feel guilty donating it to good will. If that sounds about right, this is the perfect option for you! August is my birthday that I share with my twin sister. This year we’re donating our birthday money to buying chickens for a family supported by Urunji.
2. Give to charity for someone’s birthday
On the flip side of this, if you know of someone (like your grandma) that says every year they don’t need anything for their birthday, yet you still want to honor them, donate to a charity in their name. This way a gift is still being given, except instead of sitting in a closet, it goes to a good cause and sends the positive energy forward.
3. Host an event
Hosting events is one of my favorite things to do. And if you’re like me and do these anyways, why not bring in a charity element? This fall I’m hoping to host a “ReDress” event where women donate dresses at the back of their closet they bought for that one wedding 6 years ago and have yet to wear again. Or just any other dress that no longer sees the outside of their closet. These dresses will then be priced and displayed at a venue where other women can come, try them on, and give them a new home. Dress donors get more room in their closets, buyers get new dresses, and the charity gets the proceeds – it’s a win/win for everyone.
4. Write for their blog
Do you like to write? Charities are constantly looking for new, fresh content for their blog. If you’ve got a post stirring in the back of your mind, write it! It’ll help the charity with their content and help you build your authorship online.
5. Spread the word on social media
Hearing about charity initiatives through someone you know is the best possible marketing. It’s credible. People trust information much faster when it’s given by someone they know than hearing about it from a stranger. Maybe someone in your network comes across the organization you’ve been advocating for and is inspired to help them. A huge win for a simple share!
6. Volunteer your time
If the charity you’re interested in is close by, see if you can volunteer in person. You’ll get new experience, new skills and meet new people. If the charity isn’t close by, see if you can volunteer online – such as social media sharing and blog writing.
7. Get your employer involved
Many employers are eager to give back but taking the initiative to do so may not be top of mind. When I helped launch World Elephant Day, a global awareness day for elephant conservation, we needed website expertise, paid advertising help, and graphic design work. I leaned on past colleagues who work full time in these areas and they were all so eager to help and donate their time and skills to the project. We got professional help for no cost all because we asked.
If you’re on a budget and eager to help, get creative! What ways do you like to support charities?
About the Author
Ashley Dueck graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in International Business. She has a passion for event planning, fundraising, and online marketing strategy. Her experience allowed her the opportunity to be the Marketing Coordinator for the first ever World Elephant Day that gained worldwide support from elephant organizations and advocates around the globe.
