As the holidays approach, we’re reminded of the importance of giving back. Whether you make a monetary donation to a local food bank or participate in a toy drive for children in need, helping others is one way to help make the world a better place.
“There are many ways for people to make a difference and give back other than with financial contributions,” says Alix Lebec, founder and CEO of Lebec, a woman-owned and -led firm in Miami that specializes in innovative finance and philanthropy. “We often refer to these avenues as ‘Time, Talent, Treasure and Ties,’ which encompass a holistic approach to philanthropy — all these things are needed to mobilize social change.”
Lebec says these avenues include volunteering at a local nonprofit’s event or helping spread awareness about causes and organizations you care about. This can include sharing your favorite causes on social media or organizing a fundraiser in your community.
“Choose organizations that resonate with your values and the impact you wish to make in the world,” Lebec advises. “Verify their program models and financial stewardship through platforms like Charity Navigator and GuideStar. Establishing a genuine, meaningful connection with an organization can result in a long-term relationship that drives real change.”
Research shows that doing good in our community can also make us feel good. Studies suggest that performing charitable acts leads to greater self-esteem, life satisfaction and a sense of purpose and can also improve overall health.
If you’re looking for ways to become more charitable and have a meaningful impact, consider the following:
Make Monthly Donations Or Consider Funding Microloans
Whether you give your money or time, there’s no right or wrong way to donate. While some may believe only large donations can make an impact, Lebec says smaller donations can also make a big difference.
“You don’t need a lot of money to create a ripple effect,” she says. “Making a smaller recurring gift to nonprofits and using innovative microlending platforms such as kiva.org can be extremely valuable.”
Kiva is a nonprofit that provides funding to innovators and entrepreneurs across the globe. Experts say microloans can spark a chain reaction by empowering people to support others. By donating $25 or more, you can choose to help entrepreneurs in the U.S. or abroad, refugees, children and climate advocates.
Look Into Impact Investing
Lebec notes there are creative ways to leverage your capital besides simply giving it away. One way is through impact investing, a strategy that involves investing capital in ventures, organizations, funds or projects that aim to address social or environmental issues, while also providing financial return to investors.
“Impact investing is about investing in a way that aligns with your values and allows you to grow your wealth while also making a positive change in the world,” she says.
Lebec advises donors to consider a targeted investment strategy with a portfolio approach to impact, or a diversified strategy that supports key opportunities along the risk, return and impact spectrum, generating strong financial, social and environmental returns.
“This is an investment philosophy I’ve adopted early on with my own resources and have seen firsthand how it can generate so much more value from our capital,” she says.
Make Purchases That Give Back
As you prepare to do your holiday shopping, consider buying from stores and websites that support a good cause.
For example, if you’d like to support shelter animals, Cherie Wachter, VP of marketing for the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, says pet lovers can shop at the shelter’s pet boutique for supplies, gift items and food. The shop’s hours and products are listed on their website (humanebroward.com), and all proceeds benefit the shelter’s programs and services.
On giftsforgood.com you can buy gifts that support the work of 80 nonprofits and social enterprises in 50 states and 72 countries. Every purchase supports causes like saving animals, protecting the environment and caring for children.
Donate Your Time And Skills
While monetary donations are valuable, nonprofits also need skill-based volunteers who can leverage their time and talents.
Lebec, who has worked with Eva Yazhari, a seasoned investor, entrepreneur and CEO of Beyond Capital Ventures in Dallas, Texas, recalls how Yazhari believes authenticity and impact go hand in hand.
“Eva emphasizes the importance of how giving back starts with your strengths,” Lebec says. “We all have something different to contribute, whether that’s a valuable skill set or a unique approach and perspective.”
There are many nonprofits seeking volunteers to provide specialized services such as writing, photography, technology support or mentoring. For example, Girls on the Run Palm Beach County (girlsontherunpbc.org) needs skill-based volunteers to assist with videography, photography and writing content for social media.
Love to cook? The nonprofit lasagnalove.org is always looking for volunteers to cook and deliver lasagnas to families in need.
Make In-kind Donations
When budgets are tight, it’s not always possible to make a cash donation to a nonprofit, but in-kind donations of goods and services can also make a big impact.
“The Humane Society of Broward County has large wish lists on Amazon and Chewy with things we always need, and donors can find links to these lists on our website,” Wachter says. “While pet toys and treats are always necessary, other items such as card stock to print our kennel cards on, paper towels and clinic items are included.”
Wachter says new and gently used towels, dog and cat treats, new durable dog toys and canned kitten food are also welcome donations.
Donating gently-used clothing and household items to thrift stores is another way to help. Vets Thrift (vetsthrift.org) in Margate supports veterans in need, while Dress for Success Palm Beaches (dressforsuccesspb.org) accepts nearly new clothing and accessories like handbags, jewelry, shoes and new makeup. These items help its clients break the cycle of poverty and launch or reignite their careers.
Organize A Fundraiser
Consider hosting a small birthday fundraiser and asking friends and family to donate to the charity of your choice in lieu of presents. Or organize a food drive for a nonprofit such as Boca Helping Hands (bocahelpinghands.org) with family members and solicit donations from friends, neighbors and coworkers.
Become A Board Member
Consider serving on an organization’s board of directors. Nonprofits seek volunteer board members who have specific skills that can help them achieve their goals. For example, if you have a background in marketing, you can lend your expertise to developing marketing strategies for the nonprofit and enhancing its visibility.
“If you are deeply committed and want to dedicate more of your time to a nonprofit organization, serving on a board and offering your professional skills, network and insights can be an invaluable way to support and strengthen the organization,” Lebec, who serves on several boards, says.
Harness The Power Of Your Shopping Dollars
When you’re shopping online, register to make the charity of your choice a recipient on shopraise.com or the ShopRaise app. Every time you shop for products on the site, up to 10% of your purchase will go to the charity of your choice at no additional cost to you.
The site features over 1,000 retailers ranging from Walmart to Macy’s, where you can purchase home goods, office supplies, pet essentials and more. Support charities including the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, World Central Kitchen and the March of Dimes, or choose to donate to your favorite school or nonprofit.
Open Your Home And Your Heart
If you’ve ever considered adding a pet, Wachter recommends adopting or fostering.
“There are thousands of pets in shelters and rescues across the country waiting for the chance to be part of a family,” she says.
If you’re not quite ready to adopt, Wachter says you can help pets find their forever home by serving as a foster. Shelters such as the Humane Society of Broward County provide foster families with food and supplies and have veterinarians on staff to address any of the pet’s medical needs.
Give At The Checkout
Whether you’re buying groceries at the store or shopping online, you’ve probably been asked if you’d like to round up your total or donate to a charitable organization at checkout. This practice, known as embedded giving, brought in nearly $750 million to various charitable organizations in 2022. In fact, a recent study found more than half of Americans make donations at the checkout.
Maximize Your Donations Through Your Employer
Lebec recommends taking advantage of employer-matching gift programs to maximize your charitable efforts.
“Check if your company matches financial donations or volunteer hours and also consider nominating your preferred charity for internal company awards,” she says.
For those integrating charitable giving into long-term financial planning, Lebec says a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) can be an excellent option, offering tax benefits. One way to enhance the impact of a DAF is by investing the fund’s assets in impact investments, which can generate additional impact alongside charitable distributions.
Practice Small Acts Of Kindness
Lebec emphasizes that living a life that aligns with your values begins at home and through relationships with family, friends, neighbors and the community.
“Generosity comes in so many ways: reminding people you love and support them, showing up for friends or your family and community in a time of need, being present and listening and celebrating people you admire,” Lebec says. “Check in with your elderly neighbors, make an extra serving of dinner for a friend who is ill or bring a blanket or food to a homeless person.”
And remember, the goal of becoming more charitable is to create a better world.
“Each of us is presented with these small moments every day where we can create positive momentum towards a brighter future,” Lebec says.