It’s a new year (good riddance 2020!) and everyone is making resolutions, setting goals, or choosing a word to help inspire and motivate for the upcoming year. I’ll admit, I’m one of those people – I’ve set a few goals of my own to try to make 2021 a better year. Mostly the usual things like eat healthier, spend less time on my phone, drink more water, etc.
But I’ve been thinking a lot, and this year I’m going to commit to something new; something bigger than me. I want to do more to help out in our local community.
Growing up, I consistently did charity work – through Girls Scouts, school or our church. But after college, I’ve just been busy with life: working, dating Chris, getting married, buying a house, having kids…. and finding the time to volunteer has ended up on the back-burner.
In the summer of 2019, I started working as an events coordinator at the wonderful non-profit NF Northeast. They provide monetary and emotional support for patients and families of those with Neurofibromatosis as well as advocate for government funds and support scientific research. Although my time there was cut short due to COVID cancelling all events (and really hurting charities as a whole), I learned a great deal about the behind the scenes of non-profits and what makes them successful.
If you’re like me and want to start giving back, below are seven ways that you can help support the causes that mean something to you.
1. DONATE MONEY AND/OR GOODS
This is the most obvious and popular way to help – at the heart of every charity, money and goods are necessary to reach their goals. Money can be donated directly to the non-profit, spent at an event, or given to an individual to help complete their fundraising goals. Goods of all shapes and sizes are always welcome depending on the charity. For the Red Cross, donate blood. For food pantries, donate cans of non-perishables. Fundraising events often make money from raffles, so think about putting together a fun gift basket, tickets to a local show, or if you’re an artist, a piece of your work.
2. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
To make a fundraising event a success, it needs guests to attend. But it also needs people to volunteer to work the event itself. They are always looking for people to help with setup, registration, raffles, hand out water at races, create signs, guide guests, and so on. Maybe you have a unique skill set that could be utilized such a DJ or magician. If you’re interested in contributing, just reach out and ask what you can do to help.
Some non-profits may need your help with every day tasks as well, from phone calls to putting together mailings. If you have the time, maybe you can commit to volunteering a few days a month to serve at a soup kitchen or walk animals at a shelter. It takes a village to keep a non-profit running smoothly and continue making a difference.
3. PROMOTE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
This one is so easy and just takes a minute of your time. Attending a fun non-profit event or seminar? Just share the event on your social media. It immediately helps spread the word about the event to a wider range of people and who knows? Maybe a friend who was contemplating going would now be more likely to join you.
4. HAVE GOODS DONATED FROM YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
I’ve found that people in the local community are more willing to help causes close to home. I was putting together a fundraiser in small town Hollis, NH, and restaurants and stores in town and the surrounding towns were happy to donate gift cards, foods and items to raffle in support the event. You can reach out to your neighbors and ask if they have any cans they’d be willing to give, swing by your favorite nail salon and ask if they would be willing to donate a gift card, or when you’re checking out at the grocery store, see if they would be willing to contribute.
5. START A TEAM
You’ve seen a charity event that you’re super excited about and signed up to participate in. Great! Want to take it a step further? Make a team! Many events, such as golf tournaments, bike races, and road races, can be made up of teams. It’s a great way to encourage more people to participate and teammates can help support each other’s fundraising.
6. ASK YOUR EMPLOYER
More and more these days, employers are offering to match donations to your choice of a non-profit as part of their benefits package. Take a peek at your benefits and see if this is something your company has committed to doing. If it’s not in your benefits, you can still ask if they would be willing to match your donation. Some businesses are even inclined to make a large donation to become a sponsor of an event. Sponsors get great publicity on company websites, pamphlets, event signage, advertising, etc. A win-win for everyone.
Depending on where you work, maybe your employer would be willing to donate goods from their company. If you’re at a yoga studio, they could give a pass for 10 classes, or if you’re working at a jewelry store, maybe a necklace or bracelet. We’ve had delicious bakeries donate pastries and muffins for continental breakfasts, and craft brewers donate cases of limited edition beer.
7. SET AMAZON TO DONATION
Love shopping at Amazon? Perfect! Amazon.com has a fantastic option on their site called the Amazon Smile Foundation. Just head to smile.amazon.com, sign into your Amazon account, and choose what charity you would like to donate to.
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible smile.amazon.com purchases. Tens of millions of products are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages at smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon Shopping app. Smile.amazon.com
Loaves & Fishes is a food pantry that supports our town as well as the surrounding towns. They’re looking for stockers and drive-thru pantry volunteers. Since I’m out of work at the moment (thanks COVID), I think this is where I’ll reach out and see if I can lend a hand. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Is there a charity or nonprofit that you feel passionately about? Maybe it’s a cause that has helped someone close to you, or maybe they supported you in your time of need. Whether it is a small, local charity or large and nationwide, the success of these nonprofits all depends on the generosity of its community and individuals like you.
Want to help out but not sure where to look? See what’s near you at Great Non-Profits and Guide Star.
Happy new year all! Cheers to making 2021 an amazing year!
Jacqueline ♥