Look for Small Ways to Help

Every dollar counts when it comes to giving. As painter Vincent Van Gogh stated, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” If you’ve ever collected your spare change in a jar, you’ve likely been surprised by how quickly it adds up. To find small ways to help, try only using cash as much as possible for purchases. This will not only help you get a better feel for what you’re spending, but can also leave you with some change to toss into a jar. When that jar is full, deposit the coins into a separate bank account. Use that account to make your donations and don’t worry if they’re small. Many others will also make small donations and together, your collective contributions will add up to a big difference.

Ways to Donate Besides Giving Money

Focusing just on being generous with money can put an unnecessary strain on your finances. And contributing to every campaign isn’t possible either. Choose organizations or endeavours which support people or causes you value. Then let your budget be your guide. If you feel that your financial donations aren’t enough, look for other ideas to balance your desire to help with the need to stay out of debt. These might include:

• Donating once a year, such as with part of your tax refund, if that works best with your budget. A lump sum won’t be any less appreciated than donations throughout the year.
• Set up your own fundraiser on Facebook or another social media platform. This can be done as part of your birthday celebrations or in honour of a loved one. It will also help draw awareness along with donations for a cause you support.
• If you have items to donate that a charity could use, check their website or contact them to see if they accept “in kind” donations. Some of these are eligible for tax receipts. Check with the charity and/or CRA to learn more about gifts and income tax.
• Many charities have a wish list. Ask for one and redeem your credit card or loyalty points for an item on the list.
• If you get a raise at work, donate the raise portion and continue budgeting with your pay as if you didn’t get the raise.
• Donate your time and expertise. Whether you know how to build a website, renovate a bathroom, or can mentor volunteers, some organizations need the tangible help more than the money. If you have a truck you might just become a charity’s best friend. Look for opportunities to volunteer with moving things that otherwise would require renting a truck.
• Help with awareness. Every charity needs to get their message out. You never know who will find out about the cause you care about and make a sizable donation.
• We’ve all heard the motto of Canadian Blood Services: “It’s in you to give.” If you’re able to, consider helping others when they need it most by donating blood.

How to Get Help with Your Budget so that You Can Donate Confidently

Every donation, no matter how big or small, financial or otherwise, will help make a difference in someone else’s life. The donations you make shouldn’t put you into debt and end up costing more than you can afford to give. Much like the safety instructions at the start of every flight, you need to put your own mask on before you’re in a position to help someone else. If you need help with reviewing your financial situation so that you can donate confidently, try contacting a non-profit credit counselling organization in your local area. A non-profit counsellor would be happy to assist you with making or improving your budget in a free and confidential appointment. If you are currently behind on payments, a non-profit counsellor can also help you make a plan for how best to take action to get out of debt.