Why is giving to charity so fulfilling and transformational for all those involved?
Here are five reasons that you may not have considered giving or donating to your charity of choice.
Giving to charity makes you feel good
Giving to a charity such as a special needs college can lift your mood significantly. The feeling that you’re making a difference in the lives of others is empowering and can increase your sense of happiness and fulfillment. Studies have revealed that there is a link between acts of generosity and heightened activity in the part of the brain that processes pleasure. This scientific evidence confirms the age-old adage that it is more rewarding to give than to receive.
Studies show that 20% of individuals donate to charity because it makes them feel good about themselves.
Giving to charity strengthens personal values
For many individuals, being able to positively impact the lives of others is a privilege that brings a sense of obligation. Taking action on these strong emotions of responsibility is an effective way to strengthen our personal values and live in a manner that aligns with our beliefs.
Giving is more impactful than ever
Concerns about charitable donations being reduced by taxes or administrative expenses are common among people who give. This is because it could limit the amount of help or resources that actually reach the intended recipients or causes. However, there are ways to optimize the impact of every charitable contribution made.
Making tax-effective charitable donations can be achieved through various means. One way is to donate directly from your salary before tax deduction through a payroll giving scheme, while another is to donate shares to a chosen charity or leave a charitable legacy in your will. For UK taxpayers, giving through Gift Aid can also increase the value of every donation. By utilizing these options, you can ensure that your chosen charities receive the most benefit from your support.
Giving can reintroduce family and friends to the importance of charity
Having a friend or family member who donates to charity can inspire you to do the same. When you make a charitable contribution, you can also motivate those close to you to contribute to causes that they are passionate about.
Additionally, your donations could lead to a collective effort within your family to support a charity that holds significant meaning for you as a group.
Donating as a family can foster stronger bonds among members by establishing a common goal, resulting in a shared sense of achievement. Collaborating for a charitable cause could also result in raising more funds than if individuals donated alone. As it is likely that some of your family members are already making charitable contributions, joining forces can help you make a bigger positive impact.
It’s simple to initiate a culture of donating to charity with your kids. You can establish a family donation box and encourage everyone to contribute while nominating a family charity every year. Additionally, involving children in selecting the causes they wish to support can help them develop a sense of responsibility, empathy, and generosity from a young age.
Giving to charity builds and strengthens communities
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred people to take a closer look at their local communities and identify ways to make a positive impact. One way to achieve this is through donating to charity, especially in the local area, as it can be a potent means of investing in the people and places that make up our day-to-day existence.
Being a part of a community puts you in a good position to spot areas in your community that could use help from charitable giving. Moreover, you may have some ideas on how to best utilize your money or time in a way that can have a larger positive impact and reinforce your community.
