Being generous doesn't have to break the bank. If you're on a tight budget, there are still some great ways to give to individuals or organizations. Here are some creative ways to give on a budget:
Purge for a cause
When you're purging your home of excess stuff, consider donating it to a local second hand store that uses the profits to give back to the community or an organization that you would love to support. We recently donated one of our couches to Gleaners who will then use the profits to help support their food and medical aid operations.
Give your time
Time is one thing most of us can find (at least a little bit of spare time) in our lives. Maybe you know of a family that is struggling. If they'll have it, spend a couple of hours cleaning their home so they have one less thing to worry about. Often the gift of time is more appreciated than monetary gifts.
Gather your friends
Don't have $100 to donate to that cause you'd love to support? Why not donate $10 then round up nine of your friends to donate $10 as well?
Donate stockpile items
I think I can safely assume that if you're a regular reader at Simply Frugal, you most likely have a stockpile that you've been building with coupons. Food banks and women's/men's shelters will gladly take your excess food and toiletries! Normally I only recommend taking advantage of the coupon deals that you will personally use (so you don't go over budget), but you may want to consider purchasing items with coupons with the intent of donating them. For example, you may not have any pets, but you know your local animal shelter would love the pet food you got for pennies using coupons.
Say Yes at the checkout
I'm sure you've run into this before. The cashier is scanning your groceries, then asks if you'd like to donate $1 to such and such charity. Next time you're asked, say yes! (If you feel as though you can support that particular charity.) You could make a point of doing so once a month. Local charities or fundraisers often place donation jars at the check out. Throw in your spare change, if may only be $0.50, but all that spare change can really add up.
What are your favorite ways to give on a limited budget?
I agree with many of those – except the last one. When you donate your $1, it is added to the many dollars that others donate. On behalf of the company that just took your donation. They then end up making large donations – and get many many tax savings from those.
I would rather save my $1, and each of those $1’s and choose one charity to make a donation to on behalf of my family directly. Even if I don’t get a ‘tax benefit’ as its not quite enough, I still feel better knowing that a multi-million dollar corporation won’t benefit from my generosity.
I never thought of that Tamika! I appreciate you pointing this out to me (us)!