Support a Charity Without Spending a Dime

You probably have a cause you are passionate about; whether it is saving seals, feeding the hungry, or providing employment for those in need, you care deeply about fixing one of the world's problems. Chances are there is a non-profit that supports that same cause. If you don't know which charity shares your cause, visit The United Way's or Internal Revenue Service's website for a list of the U.S.'s more than 100,000 non-profits.

There are many causes I am passionate and many charities I wish I could support but, working for a non-profit myself, I don't make enough money to donate to all of them. As a non-profit employee, I have learned many free ways to support my favorite charities.

Donate Time
There is the obvious way to donate time to a charity, which is volunteering for any volunteer position they have available, if they have any available. There are other ways to offer your time. Attend a charity event, or participate in a walk-a-thon, 5K, or another fundraiser the charity holds. Offer to do simple office work or provide transportation, if necessary. You can even volunteer for your favorite non-profit from home, by editing reports, at night. Many tasks that the non-profit employees don't have time to complete during the workday can be finished by charity angels at night.

Donate your Skill
Many non-profits are small organizations that can not afford skill-specific employees, such as graphic designers or website managers. If you have a skill that could benefit a charity, think about donating that. If you are a photographer or film maker you can document an event, write a script for an awards show, design invitations, or figure out the logistics for a 5K.

If you a little more time and have a skill such as fundraising, your favorite non-profit would probably love to have you as a board member. Many non-profits have advisory boards; serving on an advisory board takes a lot less time than serving on a board of directors.

Publicize
Charities can use almost any kind of support to maintain their current programs or events while expanding, always working towards their mission. Talking about the charity to your friends and family can help more than you realize. Non-profits survive off of community support. If you talk to someone that can attend a fundraising event, volunteer, or serve as board member can help your favorite charity tremendously.

If you have the ability and opportunity to write about your charity in a company newsletter or blog, take it! An article can reach thousands of people and touch thousands of hearts. If you can express how strongly you feel about your charity, that passion can spread and you never know who it will reach.

If there is a cause and charity you are passionate about and would like to support then you should not feel limited by your salary. Think creatively and figure out what you have to offer.