So you want to give back, but don’t know where to begin? Starting a philanthropic effort can be difficult and time-consuming, but the payoff is worth it. Giving back not only makes you feel good but it can help your community and even your career.
Arguably, the most challenging part of giving back is getting started. Many people are willing to help others in whatever way they can, but they become discouraged when the process seems too complicated. However, with some planning and intentionality, it doesn’t have to be so difficult. Here are some ways you can boost your philanthropic efforts.
Set Up Automatic Giving
One of the easiest ways to start giving is to set up an automatic program that will deduct a portion of each paycheck and donate it to a charity or nonprofit. This method of giving is easy, painless, and can be extremely beneficial to your chosen cause. Additionally, a monthly contribution amount should make it easier to budget and plan for your donations.
Commit To a Cause
When it comes to choosing a cause, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider what type of giving you want to do. Do you want to donate money to charities? Are you interested in volunteering? Do you want to raise awareness for a global issue? Or do you want to use your skills to make a difference? It’s important to be sure that the cause is really important to you. Investor Stefan Soloviev, for example, chose to commit to the Ukrainian crisis because he has family roots in that region. The more you genuinely care about an issue, the more likely it is that you’ll make an impact.
Talk To Professionals
If you’re just starting out, talking to a professional can be really beneficial. You may want to speak with a financial planner, accountant, or even your HR representative at work. For example, if you want to start a charitable foundation, you’ll want to consult with an attorney or accountant to determine what type of organization you should set up and how you should go about it. Similarly, if you want to set up an employee philanthropy program at your workplace, you’ll want to talk to your HR department.
Once you get started with philanthropy, it’s easy to get hooked and want to do more. Whatever amount of philanthropy you decide to do, you can make a big difference in your community and in your own life as well.
