How to Become a Community Philanthropist

Last week some of the world's wealthiest people convened in secrecy to discuss how they could use their wealth and influence to help those less fortunate who receive services from charitable resources. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, and Ted Turner were just a few names mentioned as members of this secret billionaires society.

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, as reported by the New York Post, the attendees at this meeting have donated "a collective $70 billion since 1996." That is staggering. After hearing about this meeting, it prompted me to reflect on what I can do for my community in times that can be financially tight and uncertain.

I have always been a strong proponent of philanthropy as it betters our local communities and takes the strain off of tax-imposed wealth distribution. But many people are scared by that word - philanthropy. It sounds complicated and expensive. It doesn't have to be either of those things. Even if your net worth is only $70 dollars, not $70 billion, you can be philanthropic.

Financial Philanthropy: This is many peoples' impressions of being charitable - donating money. People do this all the time without even thinking about it. In the grocery store line, when you buy the paper balloon for the Children's Miracle Network or when you toss a dollar in the Salvation Army bucket at Christmas. You are being charitable and those little amounts that each person gives adds up to thousands every year to help a charity.

But being philanthropic is also about being conscious of were our money is going and making sure a part of ourselves stay connected to that charity. One way to do this is through payroll deduction.

United Way is a nationwide charitable organization that focuses it's time, resources and money on individual charities that improve the welfare of people through education, health and income. Every year, United Way has a campaign that visits places of employment, small businesses and large, to enlist your financial help. By pledging as little as .50 cents to be deducted from you paycheck every week you can easily be your own community's philanthropist. Money deducted from your paycheck always goes to a local charity of your choice.

Contribute Your Time: Let's be honest. Sometimes we just don't have the money to give. And that's okay because philanthropy is about generosity that goes beyond dollar signs. A true humanitarian gives their time and effort.

Do you have a special talent? Donate your knowledge to help improve someone's day. I teach music to preschoolers everyday. It is an optional, enrichment program that parents pay for. But I have a social service background and I know that the ones who can't pay are the children and families that need this service the most.

I have taken my musical knowledge into a local pregnancy shelter where I provide a family-style music class once a month for mothers and their children. The time that they get to spend together sharing something that is worthwhile, educational and bonding is priceless.

Habitat for Humanity is a national charity that enlists the help of talented individuals all the time. Whether you are good at painting walls, hanging drywall or putting in a window, this is a charity that values time as much as money because money doesn't get a house built. Hands, sometimes calloused, build the houses. The money is there to just help the process.

Feeling talentless? That's okay. Contact a local charity in your neighborhood and ask them what kind of help they need. Chances are there is something that you can do. Whether it is copying papers, providing childcare, delivering a meal or just sitting with a person who needs some support is something that will help the mission of that charity.

Of course, we all lead busy lives and charities know this. Many of the projects they need help with are not long-term commitments and can be worked into hectic, awkward schedules.

Run a Race, Take a Walk or Contribute While You Snooze: Participating in a 5K run or walk is a challenging way to be active both charitably and physically. These types of events support many different causes from supporting victims of domestic violence to searching for cures for diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and breast cancer.

Not feeling physically fit enough to join a run or walk? Some charities have Sleep-In marathons. The Susan G. Komen organization that strives to cure breast cancer and has annual Run/Walk races in multiple cities throughout the United States, have found a way to include everyone. They offer a Sleep In for the Cure option where you pledge money to Sleep-In the day of the race and receive a pillowcase, a special edition t-shirt and a feeling of helpfulness that doesn't require you to get up at 5 am.

See being philanthropic does not have to be tiring.

All kidding aside, being charitable is important. It gives the giver a sense of purpose and it improves the local community creating peace, structure and financial prosperity. When those in need are given programs that can boost confidence, education, health and income it makes our community stronger.

You do not need to be a billionaire to be an important influence in your community. You just need to be you.

www.oprah.com
www.philanthropy.com
www.nypost.com
www.cmn.org
www.salvationarmy.org
www.liveunited.org
www.habitat.org
ww5.komen.org