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You want your donations to count, so it’s important to do some research before giving to a charity.

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It Doesn't Take Talent to Find Your Talent | Jared Osborne | TEDxHowellHighSchool

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CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada

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Children are never too young to learn about the importance of giving back to those in need, and getting them interested in a cause that matters to them is a great first step! Not only does helping others feel great, when kids learn how much fun it can be to support their favourite cause, it will spark an interest in charitable giving that can stay with them for life.

Whether you're looking for team fundraising ideas, fundraising event ideas, or use online fundraising to get kids involved, we've got ideas for you! Launch a fantastic fundraiser, with these easy and quick fundraising ideas to get kids big and small to fundraise for a great cause.

Get kids giving with these unique fundraising ideas.

1. Have spare change? Host a change drive.
Spare change can make great change. Grab an empty jar and set a goal to fill it with spare change. Kids can ask their grandparents, neighbours, dance teacher, or others to contribute their spare change in support of a great cause. Want to up the ante? Ask local businesses to participate by starting their own change drive and watch how quickly it all adds up!

2. Guess for a great cause.
All you need are jelly beans, a jar, and a box to hold the guesses! Kids can buy a ticket for their chance to guess how many jellybeans are in the jar for $2 each, or $20 for 20 guesses. The child who guesses the correct number of jelly beans in the jar gets to win the jar and share the candy with their friends. Plus, the money collected will support a great cause. A perfect idea for the classroom or community groups!

3. Host a pizza party.
Whether it's at school or as part of a community group, arrange a pizza party and sell slices to students to raise funds for a great cause. A local pizza shop may even be willing to donate the pizza to show their support. It's a delicious way to give back!

4. Organize a themed walkathon.
Holding a walk-a-thon is one of the best fundraising ideas and it has immense fundraising potential. Get your kids having fun while giving back, and getting active by organizing a walk-a-thon. Plus, you can use a theme to get kids even more excited! Organize a Halloween or pajama walk-a-thon where kids can show off their costumes or comfy pajamas to their friends while walking the school halls or the neighbourhood park. Each child can ask for pledges from their family and friends to support a great cause.

5. Host a cupcake decorating contest.
Whip up a batch of cupcakes and have your kids invite their friends over for some decorating fun! The cupcakes can then be sold to friends and family who will vote for their favourite sweet treat and all money raised will be donated to a great cause. To reach an even wider audience to raise greater awareness for your chosen charity, take pictures of the decorated desserts and post them on social media to give friends and family far away a chance to judge the competition.

6. Haircuts for charity.
Have long locks ready to be chopped? Organize a hair cutting event for kids to get their long locks lopped or completely shaved off if their family and friends pledge to make a donation. Plus, with an online fundraising page, kids can collect donations easily, donations are sent straight to their selected charity, and supporters receive an instant tax receipt. Once the locks have been chopped, the haircut or shave can be recorded and posted online so everyone will get to see the results of their donation to a great cause!

7. Did someone say BINGO!?
Whether you organize a full day event, or an afternoon activity, kids can have fun while supporting a good cause! Charge a fee per bingo card, and award prizes like a fun snack, small toy, or even a one-day exemption on homework if you organize this at school. No student would be able to resist playing for that prize!

8. Organize a talent show!
Give kids a chance to showcase their talent while raising funds for charity. Whether it's in the school gym, your local community centre, or even your own backyard, kids can sing, dance, and tell jokes all for a good cause. Sell tickets to friends and family, and your kids will love the opportunity to put on a show and support a great cause.

9. Is it a bird? A plane? It's a fundraising superhero!
You don't need it to be Halloween to wear a fun costume. When you organize a Superhero Day, you'll teach kids that anyone can be a hero and make a difference. Students can dress up as their favourite superhero in exchange for a small donation. A great way to engage students, and a SUPER simple way to fundraise!

10. Host a dog wash.
Invite all the neighbourhood dogs over for a bath and a treat! Your kids and their friends can charge a fee per dog, and give them a bath while having fun with their furry friends. Plan for a warm sunny day, and put up posters and use social media to advertise. Everyone will have a PAWsitively great time at this fundraiser, even the dogs! Plus, you can make things event organizing even easier by launching an online fundraiser using CanadaHelps to send the funds directly to the charity of your choice.

11. Go on a scavenger hunt.
A great team fundraising idea is to get kids to team up and pay a fee to participate in a scavenger hunt in support of a great cause. Younger children can look for ordinary objects like an unsharpened pencil or a specific book, while older kids can be given puzzles or brain teasers to complete while they are on the hunt. A scavenger hunt can help kids develop problem solving skills, so everyone wins!

12. Get crafty and host a sale.
Whether it is beaded necklaces, ornaments, or painted rocks for the garden, homemade crafts are always a special touch for any outfit or living space. Kids can assemble crafts during school time or at home, and invite the community to attend the sale in the evening or on a weekend to ensure a big turnout. Your kids will feel good knowing that their hard work is benefiting a good cause.

13. When life gives you lemons, fundraise with a lemonade stand!
Sometimes a good old-fashioned lemonade stand is the easiest way to fundraise! Set up shop on the front lawn, and your kids and their friends can sell lemonade to passersby in the neighbourhood.

14. Host an un-BEE-lievable fundraiser.
Get kids excited about both learning and giving back! Host a spelling bee and charge admission for spectators, giving proceeds to the cause of your choice. Be sure to give the participants enough notice to practice their spelling to strengthen the competition. Remember, there is no "I" in team, and when we work together, we can fundraise even more for a cause we care about!

15. Lend a helping hand.
Do you have elderly neighbours who need help shoveling the driveway or raking leaves? How about getting your kids to help out their neighbours AND raise money for charity! Create flyers to hand out and be sure to mention that they are supporting a good cause. Kids can choose to donate all the proceeds or keep a small percentage as a reward, but either way everyone will benefit.

16. Share the love of reading.
Most people have bookshelves filled with books they've already read, so a used book sale is a great way to buy books and keep kids reading, at a low cost. Hold the sale in your local park or community centre, and have kids bring in their gently used books to donate to the sale. They can then purchase books they haven't yet read, with all proceeds going to charity!

17. Catch some Z's at school.
Imagine how much fun it would be to hang out with your friends, watch movies, and have a sleepover, all while at school!? A school sleepover is a unique fundraising idea that allows kids to bring their pillow and sleeping bag to spend the night on the gym floor making memories that will last all school year. A group of parent and teacher volunteers are essential for this idea, and students can be asked to give a small donation to attend. Plus, the evening could include a popcorn or bake sale table so kids can purchase their movie snacks, and a pancake breakfast can be held in the morning before all the parents coming to pick up their children. No one will want to miss out on this event, and your chosen charity will be the one who benefits the most.

18. Organize a neighbourhood cleanup.
Keeping our communities clean and vibrant starts with each one of us. A neighbourhood clean-up event is the perfect opportunity for kids to collect pledges that they will donate to their favourite charity. Both kids and community members can show they care about the environment and their neighbourhood while supporting a good cause.

19. Showcase Canada's diversity with a multicultural fair.
Canadians come from all different backgrounds, so what better way to fundraise than to share our cultural differences at an event? At school, church, or your local community centre, kids can bring in a dish that represents their cultural background which they can then sell and raise funds for a great cause. For entertainment, kids can gather to perform traditional dances, sing songs, or wear clothing that showcases their cultural diversity. Attendees will be thrilled to experience a myriad of cultures in support of a worthy charity!

20. Have fun with balloons! Organize a balloon raffle.
You'll need balloons, raffle tickets, and prizes, which can be donated from local businesses. Kids can purchase a balloon, pop it, and keep the raffle ticket found inside! Then organizers can draw a winning raffle ticket number, and the winner chooses their favourite prize! Children of all ages can participate, meaning even more tickets can be sold and more money donated to charity. A fun and easy way to give back!

Do you have another creative fundraising ideas for Kids? Comment below or share your unique fundraising ideas with CanadaHelps on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Plus, you can launch an online fundraiser in minutes on CanadaHelps, or learn more about fundraising for your favourite cause using these resources:

7 Great Reasons to Start a Fundraiser
Make Your Fundraiser a Success

Want to share your insights and be featured on the Giving Life Blog?

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20 Fundraising Ideas for Kids | CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada

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Children are never too young to learn about the importance of giving back to those in need, and getting them interested in a cause that matters to them is a great first step!

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What type of philanthropist are you?

Identifying the type of giver you are is often the first step in developing a more fulfilling and deeper relationship with your philanthropy. With that in mind, we've put together this short, fun quiz to help you recognise your philanthropic preferences.

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What Type of Philanthropist are You - CAF Survey

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Identifying the type of giver you are is often the first step in developing a more fulfilling and deeper relationship with your philanthropy. With that in mind, we've put together this short, fun quiz to help you recognise your philanthropic preferences.

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Charity Ratings and Donor Resources | Charity Navigator

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Use Charity Navigator’s ratings and resources to find and support highly rated charities that align with your passions and values. Whether you’re looking to give toward international relief, the environment, animal welfare, or something else, we empower you to donate and volunteer with confidence.

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Peter Singer explains how donating money to strangers can actually make you happier.

Singer is the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University and Laureate Professor in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne.

In 2013 he founded The Life You Can Save along with Charlie Bresler. His most recent book is The Most Good You Can Do.

He teaches and lectures about the ways in which we can change the culture of giving in affluent cultures. Following is a transcript of the video.

Peter Singer: I'm Peter Singer. I'm the Ira W. DeCamp professor of bioethics at the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University.

There's very good evidence that if you start from a low base - you don't have very much money - getting more money will make you better off. Up to - in the United States - roughly $70,000, it's pretty clear that getting up to that level will make you happier with your life.

But once you get above around $70,000, this effect starts to drop off very dramatically. The marginal utility of any extra income starts to fall. And the line doesn't go quite flat, but it goes almost flat after that point.

Whereas, on the other hand, there's very good evidence that people who are generous, people who think of others, people who don't just think of themselves are significantly happier in their lives. So that's why I would argue that once you've got past that $70,000 level, giving some of what you have above that is going to actually make you better off not worse off.

There's lots of good research linking happiness and donating to charity at all sorts of different levels. For example, in one experiment people were asked to come in and they were given a modest amount of money. And they were randomly selected and some of them were told, "Go and spend this on yourself; buy something nice for yourself." And others were told, "Go and spend this on someone else; do something that's good for someone else."

And at the end of the day, they were asked to come back and they were asked to rate how well their day had gone. And there was a significant difference. And the people who were asked to the spend money on others and who did that reported much more positively about their day than the others did.

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How donating money can actually make you happier

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Peter Singer explains how donating money to strangers can actually make you happier. Singer is the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University and Laureate Professor in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne.

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In life, there are different things that are better for your health than others. Walking and movement make your brain happy and your body healthy. Eating fruits and veggies gives your insides the kick they need to run smoothly. Talking out your emotions helps you be kinder to yourself. Donating to charity helps you find happiness in your own life. The list could go on! But today, we're going to delve specifically into the health benefits you'll receive by donating to charity. From increased happiness to improved self-worth, when you donate, you'll find health in a variety of ways. Learn more below!

It's a Stress Reducer

There are a lot of things we turn to in life to reduce stress. Some people walk, some people eat, some people craft-it all depends on the person. One of the activities or acts that people have learned help reduce stress is simply by focusing on someone else for a while. People go volunteer to briefly focus their brain on something other than their own struggles. Afterward, there tends to be a renewed energy with which they can face these problems.

The same is with donating in general. This typically comes from the happiness of people who volunteer and make charitable contributions. Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Tennessee even found that those who donated more had lower blood pressure than those who didn't. Here, we can find a direct physiological benefit to charitable giving!

Giving Activates the Reward Center in the Brain

How else does giving affect your body? The next area to examine is your brain. Just like how movement creates endorphins, giving triggers a similar effect. In fact, a study done by a University of Oregon professor found that when one makes a charitable donation, the brain response mimics the one activated by drugs and other stimuli. You'll notice a surge of dopamine and endorphins that seem quite "rewarding."

So, while we turn to some things because we think they provide happiness, giving actually provides happiness. When we spark this reward center in the brain often enough, whether it's by donating money, sending in clothing donations, or volunteering and helping the community, we see increased happiness.

It Improves Self-Esteem

Similarly, when you activate that reward center and reduce stress, you're bound to see some positives in other areas of your life as well. One of those benefits is that charitable giving improves your self-esteem. This is for a variety of reasons, one being that donating is a selfless act at its core. Focusing so fully on helping others in need can actually spur along a greater sense of personal satisfaction and growth, simply because it feels good to help others.

When you donate money to a charity in need or send in donations to support an organization, you're offering much-needed resources to a great cause. Helping others often helps yourself-that's what you feel when you donate.

Brings About a Positive Mood and Low Depression Rate

Speaking of being in a positive mood, the wonderful web of benefits you gain from donating also leads to lessened depression rates. With positive self-esteem comes a more optimistic mood. As the studies we've discussed have shown, donating has a positive impact on both the mind and the body. These effects (endorphins!) are like activities that people tend to associate with joy and happiness.

Think of the walking example we gave earlier. When you walk or workout, it stimulates the brain to create and secrete hormones that spur happiness and joy. That's the same sort of event that occurs when you give or donate. When you focus on making these sorts of activities a part of your daily or weekly schedule, then that can lead to an ongoing pattern of improved mental health. Therein lies the lower depression rates. Now, of course, giving isn't the only solution, but when partnered with other practices, conversations, and medical help, it can help lower depression rates.

Can Lead to a Longer Life Expectancy

To understand this health benefit you'll receive from donating to charity, we want you to think about the winter holidays. These times can come with a great deal of stress. You can learn all about the increase in stress, depression, and anxiety that skyrockets around the holidays. With that come several health issues, from headaches to insomnia, and more. Part of the reason many charitable organizations push for more donations during these times is that they know people need it. They know the communities they're helping are in greater need, but they also know about the power donating can have on the donor.

Giving is good for you no matter the season because it acts to de-stress you and it really doesn't require much effort from you. With one simple act of giving, you get a more relaxed holiday season. When you carry that thought through the rest of the year, you're bound to reduce those rates of headaches, insomnia, and high blood pressure. It helps lead to a healthier life for you and for those you helped by donating!

It Improves the Community

While this health benefit may not necessarily impact you, it sure does make an impact on the community. And that's something important to mention. You may feel urged to give to the world and to your community now more than ever. Whether it's from the pandemic, from the planet's climate, or from other societal events-whatever it is, donating makes an impact. Charitable giving doesn't just improve your health, but it gives other people and organizations a chance to help other people's health and well-being.

Your decision to donate to a particular organization may seem "small," but its effects are much more far-reaching than you can imagine. When you give blood, for example, those 20 minutes could be the make or break for someone in the hospital. These are the sort of things that happen even when you donate money to a chosen organization or donate your clothes to GreenDrop. Charitable acts foster a healthier, more cared-for world. If that's not enough of a reason to donate, we don't know what is!

Hopefully, you recognize how many wonderful health benefits there are from donating to charity. The next time you're looking for a place to donate, head to GreenDrop. We accept home goods and clothing donations in Delaware and other states across the East Coast. When you're looking for a way to boost your spirits and help those in need, look to GreenDrop.

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The Health Benefits You'll Receive by Donating to Charity

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In life, there are different things that are better for your health than others. Walking and movement make your brain happy and your body healthy. Eating fruits and veggies gives your insides the kick they need to run smoothly. Talking out your emotions helps you be kinder to yourself.

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"You must be good at something," said Miss Lucinda. "Everyone has a special talent."

On the first day of school, Miss Lucinda asks the students to share their special talents. Francesca is a star soccer player, Matthew can catch huge fish with his grandpa, and Candace is an excellent artist. It seems that everyone has something to share. But Jack is worried. He doesn't have any talent at all . . . or so he thinks.

Acrylic paintings that pop with energy and charm make this story by veteran author and illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler the perfect boost for any child who questions his or her abilities.

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Jack's Talent [Cocca-Leffler, Maryann, Cocca-Leffler, Maryann] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Jack's Talent

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From the beloved author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven comes his most critically acclaimed novel yet-a stunningly original tale of love: love between a man and a woman, between an artist and his mentor, and between a musician and his God-given talent.

Narrated by the voice of Music itself, the story follows Frankie Presto, a war orphan born in a burning church, through his extraordinary journey around the world. Raised by a blind guitar teacher in Spain and gifted with a talent to change people's lives-using six mysterious blue strings-Frankie navigates the musical landscape of the twentieth century, from the 1950s jazz scene to the Grand Ole Opry to Elvis mania and Woodstock, all the while searching for his childhood love.

As he becomes a famous star, he loses his way, until tragedy steals his ability to play the guitar that had so defined him. Overwhelmed by his loss, Frankie disappears for decades, reemerging late in life for one spectacular yet mystifying farewell.

Part love story, part magical mystery, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is Mitch Albom at his finest, a Forrest Gump-like epic about one man's journey to discover what truly matters and the power of talent to change our lives.

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The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto: A Novel

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The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto: A Novel [Albom, Mitch] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto: A Novel

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Ordinary Superpowers: Unleash the Full Potential of Your Most Natural Talents

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Ordinary Superpowers: Unleash the Full Potential of Your Most Natural Talents [Mark Henson] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Ordinary Superpowers: Unleash the Full Potential of Your Most Natural Talents

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Digging Your Diamonds

"To find out what one is fitted to do, and to secure an opportunity to do it, is the key to happiness." - John Dewey

Diamonds are attractive because of their appearance and the value they carry. If one discovers acres of...

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7 Inspiring Reasons Why You Should Use Your Talents or Gifts

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"We can't take any credit for our talents. It's how we use them that counts." - Madeleine L'Engle Money, yes we all need money. We don't need to feel guilty recognizing that money is one of the purposes why we should use our talents.

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You don't need to be a wealthy philanthropist to give back to your community. There are plenty of ways you can help people in need using the skills and talents you've already developed with no cash involved. Here are seven talents you can use to give back.

1. CONSTRUCTION EXPERTISE

If you can swing a hammer, you can help build or repair homes with an organization that provides housing to needy families. Supervised by an actual construction expert, you can help nail, caulk, paint, and more. You don't necessarily need experience in construction, so if you're skilled at painting or have put together a treehouse before, you can be a huge help to the team.

2. A GREEN THUMB

Community gardens provide great volunteer opportunities with the added bonus of occasionally taking home fresh vegetables. You can help plant flowers or vegetables, germinate seeds, water gardens, or repair tools. A little muscle and a shovel or pitchfork can go a long way when it comes to weeding and composting. And if you happen to be able to spot the different between a weed and a young plant at a glance, well, that might help, too.

3. MUSICAL PROWESS

Not every family can afford to send their child to music lessons, but music education has been shown to improve academic performance and produce significant changes in kids' brains. Your skills as a violin virtuoso or guitar legend could influence a child's life for years to come. Some organizations recruit volunteers to teach music to at-risk youth, while others focus on music therapy for people with disabilities or put on performances for hospital patients. No matter your musical skill level, there's an opportunity to put it to good use.

4. AN EYE FOR DESIGN

Just about any community effort requires advertising and marketing, whether it's drawing up flyers for a fun run to raise funds or updating the organization's website. Not everyone has an eye for graphic design or the image-editing skills necessary to make the job look professional, though, and hiring a designer can quickly get expensive. Spending a few hours working on a nonprofit's logo might not sound like a big commitment to you, but it could be an invaluable resource to the organization.

5. KNITTING KNOW-HOW

Plenty of organizations need warm clothes to support their mission. You can donate your knitting-blankets, hats, socks, stuffed animals-to homeless shelters, hospital nurseries, chemotherapy patients, and more through registered nonprofits. Many organizations that care for animals need knitted items, too, especially rehabilitation centers. One organization fits disabled animals with leggings so that they don't hurt themselves as they drag their hind legs. Another accepts knitted nests for orphaned baby birds. And many animal shelters accept blanket donations to give dogs and cats something soft to snuggle up on in their hard cages.

6. A SYMPATHETIC EAR

Sometimes, people just need someone to listen. Across the world, there are hundreds of suicide crisis centers that operate hotlines for people in distress. Volunteers are trained to take calls, providing a sympathetic ear during mental health crises and helping people develop plans to make changes in their lives. Volunteers also help callers locate support groups, clinics, and doctors in their community. Some organizations also provide online chat services for people in need, so being great on the phone isn't necessarily a requirement.

7. COACHING SKILL

Whether it's through a local athletic association or nonprofits focused on kids with disabilities or mentoring girls, plenty of youth sports leagues need adult coaches who can guide a team through drills, team-building exercises, and competition on a regular basis. Even if you aren't a former college athlete, your ability to hit a home run or blast a killer serve can be put to good use teaching a new generation of sports lovers. The benefits of coaching go beyond the satisfaction of teaching a child to dribble. It's a way to mentor youth in your community and make sure that everyone has a chance to get out on the field. And if you don't have the time to devote to coaching a team, you can also put your sports knowledge to work by refereeing games.

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7 Talents You Can Use to Give Back to Your Community

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You don't need to be a wealthy philanthropist to give back to your community. There are plenty of ways you can help people in need using the skills and talents you've already developed with no cash involved. Here are seven talents you can use to give back. 1.

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Share Your Talents Virtually

Hobbies and talents are great ways to entertain yourself and to connect with other people. Participating in the things you enjoy and sharing your talents helps prevent anger, depression, and loneliness. However, sharing personal talents when you have limited mobility can be tricky but, there are ways to share your talents with others and connect with those that have similar interests. Technology and the Internet have opened up doors for people who otherwise may not have an opportunity to share their writing, to share their voices and music, and to share their artwork. What a gift this is to those that really want to create, share, and inspire others!

Where Can I Share My Talents Online?

There are a number of different types of websites where videos, music, art, and writing are shared.

Online literary journals welcome submissions for publication. Many of these journals accept art, poetry, short stories, biographies, and photography. Some are available in both print and digital, and some even offer contests and payments for publications. Duotripedigest.com is a great place to find literary journals and to learn more about online art journals and publications.

Social media websites allow people to share all kinds of things. Here you can share videos, artwork, photographs, and more. Social media is a good place to connect with others that have similar interests and to share what you have created. There are many groups and pages on Facebook.com that help people connect by interest. Youtube.com allows you to upload videos. If your talent happens to be playing music, singing, creating artwork, acting, comedy, or film - YouTube is a terrific place to showcase what you can do and connect with others.

Blogs like WordPress.com is another great place to share your talents. This platform has a lot to offer and can help anyone create a simple website of your own. This is a great place for writers, journalists, artists, photographers, and many more to share their skills and to get feedback from other people. Blogging is a great place to get involved, get connected, and enjoy the talents of others as well as share your own.

Video groups are pretty great because they are live. You can find virtual meet up groups to talk about your specific talent, ask questions, receive feedback, and just be part of a group that enjoys the same things you do. This is an amazing opportunity for those that want real-time communication and socialization.

Volunteering virtually can also be a lot of fun. Maybe the particular talent you have is a service. Volunteermatch.com can connect you with online opportunities to volunteer your services. If your talent is writing, maybe you can volunteer to write a newsletter for a non-profit organization. There are a ton of volunteer opportunities online that can connect you with companies and individuals that need help. This is the best way to give back when you have limited mobility or trouble getting around.

These virtual opportunities don't just give people a place to express themselves, it also creates a way for people to socialize, make friends, and network when they may not have had the opportunity before. So, let your talent shine and share them with others.

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Participating in the things you enjoy and sharing your talents helps prevent anger, depression, and loneliness. Participating in the things you enjoy and sharing your talents helps prevent anger, depression, and loneliness. However, sharing personal talents when you have limited mobility can be tricky but, there are ways to share your talents with others and connect with those that have similar interests.

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5 Must-Read Books About the Power of Volunteering

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Each year, many people around the country spend time in January volunteering and helping others. Why not try it with your family this year?

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Adult Books About Giving and Kindness - 365Give

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Check out these adult books about giving and kindness. When you give every day you will increase your wellbeing and find happiness every day.

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How do donations work on POINT?

To give on POINT, find a local nonprofit by clicking on a cause and donate directly to nonprofits by clicking on their profile in the app.
Why should I donate to nonprofits on POINT?

POINT has a nonprofit directory, sorted by cause category. This makes it easy to find awesome local nonprofits and see how they are helping with COVID-19 relief efforts, all in one place. Plus, you can track your donations on your POINT volunteering profile.
Is POINT a nonprofit or a for-profit?

Both! There are two POINT entities. POINT Technologies owns the software provided as "POINT," and a separate entity, POINT Global, is a 501c3 nonprofit that enables us to direct donations to local nonprofits, as well as provide program based support to nonprofits. Through POINT Global, all donations on POINT are 100% tax deductible.

We started out as a nonprofit; read our CEO's letter on why we made the change.

Does POINT keep a percentage of the donations?

Our mission is to make our top-notch tech available for ​free​ to 501c3 nonprofits, yes ​free.​ We believe that great nonprofits deserve great tech and that it shouldn't break the bank. POINT Technologies charges a 2% processing fee from donations to make sure we are able to sustain this crucial part of our mission and keep our tech free.
Why are there fees?

Donations are processed through ​Stripe​, who take a 2.2% + 30c card processing fee. POINT provides our volunteer management platform to nonprofits for free because we believe great charities deserve great tech. In order to sustain this, POINT Technologies take a small 2% fee from every donation.
Does my donation get sent to the charity immediately?

POINT sends nonprofits a check on the first of the month for the total amount donated to them in the previous month if donating through the link on a nonprofit's profile. This helps us keep all of our processing fees to a minimum.
What charities can I donate to on POINT?

If you have a specific nonprofit in mind, you can search for it on our app under the "Causes" tab. Or, you can explore each cause and see a list of POINT charities underneath. Click on a nonprofit to be taken to their profile where you can make a donation.
Can I donate to a nonprofit that's not on POINT?

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Does my $5 really help?

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To give on POINT, find a local nonprofit by clicking on a cause and donate directly to nonprofits by clicking on their profile in the app. Why should I donate to nonprofits on POINT? POINT has a nonprofit directory, sorted by cause category.

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Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Unsplash - Brooke Cagle

Spending time with your partner, family or friends is worth much more than a silly trinket that will end up on the shelf collecting dust. Here are some ideas on how to give gifts of time and how to package them.

Many of us are lucky enough to have everything or more stuff than we need - and for many, time is the most precious thing we have. We can't simply go out and buy more of it. Which is why a gift of time is a great way to show someone that you care.

How Do You Gift Time?

Often, we receive gifts that we neither want nor like. Over the years, we collect massive amounts of things that we would have never purchased. In contrast, a gift of time - spending time with people - is much more valuable.

You are not only saving money and resources; you are giving your partner (or, our course, your friends or family) something unique. How you want to gift your time is up to you, but the following ideas will help you get inspired.

At Home: Ideas for Quality Time Gifts

Giving time instead of things saves money, resources, and makes everyone happy. (Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Unsplash - Lea Böhm )

Babysitting: Friends who are parents will be extremely grateful for a little bit of time together. You can make it happen by making it your gift of time to take care of their kids for an evening.

Doing Chores: We all know how hard it is to fit housework into our busy schedules. Not everyone can afford a hired help. So if you help out with someone's housework, they will appreciate it.

Giving Lessons: Has a friend ever said to you "You have got to show me how to do that!"? Then finally make time for that lesson! As a gift of time, teach your friends something that they always wanted to learn from you - like knitting, sewing, mending, crocheting, fixing a bicycle, building furniture, etc.

Game Night: Does your family love board games? Give them a night of gaming!

Movie Night: Any film lover will be happy if you allow them to show you all their favorites. Or maybe get inspired together by watching a new documentary or series.

Jam Sessions: If you and your partner or friend have a hobby in common like playing music, learn a duet or try out piano pieces for four hands!

Gifts of Time for Nature Lovers

Spend quality time with friends by having a picnic in the park. (Photo: Pixabay/ CC0)

Picnic: A picnic in the park or at your family's favorite spot in the woods could be a lovely gift of time for a nature lover.

Bicycle Tour/ Hiking: Does your friend or partner love hiking or cycling? Then give them a voucher for a hike or a bicycle tour. The memories you'll make together will not be as quickly forgotten as the twentieth scarf or thirtieth pair of socks.

Dog-Sitting: Taking care of your friend's dog for a day is a great way to give them time. Or maybe decide to walk the dog together for a week.

Foraging for Herbs: If you know a lot about herbs or medicinal plants, a foraging trip through the forest is a wonderful way to spend time with someone you care about. Help your friends identify plants and show them how they can be used. End with a tasty liquor or a beautiful dish with edible flowers.

Garden Work: Do you have a garden that you don't have nearly enough time for? A thoughtful gift of time is a day of garden work together.

Spending Quality Time With Your Partner

Time together is the most precious thing we have. (Photo: Pixabay/ CC0)

Cooking Together: If you enjoy cooking or baking, why not surprise your partner with a candlelight dinner or breakfast in bed? These gifts of time are classics for a reason!

Reading Aloud: Even something that seems so simple can be an engaging way to spend time together. Read an old favorite or discover a classic together.

Photos: You could sort through old boxes of photos and put an album together. Or take a drive into the countryside to make new memories and take new photos together!

Renovate/ Decorate: Paint the bedroom or declutter and redecorate! It's more fun together.

Sharing Hobbies: Does your partner have a hobby? A day of sharing your favorite free-time activities can be a nice surprise and a perfect way to spend quality time together.

Massage: Everyone loves a good back massage. Light a few (homemade) candles and play some relaxing music and you've got the perfect romantic gift of time.

Giving Time to Children

Children will enjoy spending some quality time with you. (Photo: Pixabay/ CC0)

Playground Time: Your niece, nephew, godchild, or your own children would love to spend more time with you. Simply spend an afternoon with them at the playground or in the woods.

Do an Activity: Children love it when you spend quality time with them. You could do arts and crafts, make your own playdough or bake oatmeal cookies.

Storytime: Did you enjoy bedtime stories in your childhood? Your own children will remember them just as fondly.

Go Swimming: Going swimming in the summer or building sandcastles on the beach - what could make kids happier than that?

How to Wrap a Gift of Time?

Get creative! Present your gift of time in an envelope, as a coupon or in a picture frame. (Photo: Pixabay/ CC0/ brunoglaetsch)

You can present your gift simply but elegantly in the form of coupons which you can make yourself or buy. (You will find different coupons on Amazon** ). Or you could write your gift down on a piece of paper and put it in a glass bottle.

If you want to give more than one gift of time, you could write your vouchers on little pieces of rolled-up paper and put them in a nicely decorated box (like these ones on Amazon**). Also, write down dates that you have set aside.

A picture frame is also a charming way to pack your gift of time. (You'll find different frames on Amazon**.) Decorate the frame yourself with natural materials, if you like.

How you decide to package your gift, does not matter. The contents are the most important part. Your friends and family will treasure them no matter what. Because these special gifts are ones that only you can make: time spent with you.
Read on:
This article was translated from German into English by Christie Sacco. You can view the original here: Zeit schenken: Tolle Ideen für Zeit-Geschenke

** Links to retailers are partially affiliate links: If you buy here, you actively support Utopia.org because we get a small portion of the proceeds.

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The Gift of Time: Great Ideas for Giving Quality Time - Utopia

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Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Unsplash - Brooke Cagle Spending time with your partner, family or friends is worth much more than a silly trinket that will end up on the shelf collecting dust. Here are some ideas on how to give gifts of time and how to package them.

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Helping others makes us happier -- but it matters how we do it | Elizabeth Dunn

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Volunteer your time. Give in to giving - Best inspiring Animated short film

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Galaxy Digital Volunteer Management Software

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Why is volunteering important? Volunteerism is ingrained in American society. 77.3 million adults volunteered through an organization last year, and their time is worth a staggering $163 billion in economic value. More than half of adults engage in "informal volunteering" in the United States, supporting friends, family, and neighbors. Without volunteers, communities would face devastating gaps in necessary services. In other words, let's volunteer; we're all better for it!

The Importance of Volunteering for Volunteers

There's no question that volunteering helps improve the lives of others. But how important is volunteering to the ? Simply put, acts of good can also improve their lives too. Did you know that altruism is good for your health? In fact, BMC Public Health conducted a study advising public health, education, and policy practitioners to encourage volunteering to help support a healthy lifestyle. The study also urges social service professionals to promote a "culture of volunteerism among underprivileged social groups." In other words, volunteering can promote well-being for

The Importance of Volunteer Work For Adults

Many studies have stated the importance of community service to the well-being of the volunteers themselves. The benefits of volunteerism are especially evident in adults:

Improvements in Emotional Well-Being: The human brain is wired to help others. Or emotional health is rewarded when we participate in altruistic behavior. According to a report by the Corporation for National & Community Service , research has uncovered a strong relationship between volunteering and improved functional ability, as well as lower rates of depression later in life. A study of adults over age 65 found that the social interaction and sense of accomplishment that volunteering activities can provide have been linked to the overall improvement in mental health and general life satisfaction in older adults.

Improvements in Physical Health: The same study also reported that volunteering can lead to improvements in physical health in older adults, as many service activities involve light to moderate physical activity. Furthermore, found that volunteers were more likely to use preventive health care services than non-volunteers. And volunteers spent fewer nights in hospitals. If you're already volunteering regularly, you may be healthier than you realize!

Improvements in Pro-Social Behavior: It's not uncommon for older adults to feel out of touch with changing communities. Volunteering encourages people of all ages to interact with-and work to understand-each other, strengthening social ties and inspiring feelings of empathy.

Longer, Happier Lives: Adults over 50 who volunteered at least 200 hours per year were less stressed, more social, and had a lower risk of hypertension. In fact, the effects of altruism are so powerful that researchers have found a link between volunteerism and lower mortality rates in older adults.

Develop Transferable Skills: Children and young adults who volunteer regularly practices skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership that are vital to succeed in academics, the workplace, and their personal lives.

Support Academic Success: 82% of students who participated in service-learning opportunities reported increased positive feelings about attending school. Children who volunteer are also found to be more engaged in academics by helping them apply classroom-based learning to real-world situations.

Practice Empathy: Empathy and citizenship are developed during childhood and adolescence. Participating in volunteer activities from an early age can help foster empathy and inclusivity, qualities necessary for building safe, unified communities.

Help Children Value Themselves: As children grow, they develop an increased self-awareness. Children and teens who consistently participate in acts of good through activities like community service not only learn to value others, they learn to respect themselves, which is critical to sustaining emotional well-being.

Reinforce Social Capital: Participating in community service is especially important for low-income youth. Research shows that volunteering can serve as an "effective conduit to positive educational and career outcomes for low-income youth" ( Opportunity Nation ).

Create Volunteers for Life: Children and teens who volunteer are more likely to become more civically-engaged adults . Young people who volunteer regularly are more likely to volunteer and donate to community causes as adults.

The Importance of Youth Volunteerism

Support families through daycare and eldercare

Improve schools by tutoring and teaching literacy

Support youth in mentoring and after-school programs

Beautify local areas through beach and park cleanups

Build homes for the homeless

Provide meals for the hungry

Fundraise for nonprofit museums, libraries, and the arts

Help with environmental conservation efforts

Care for abandoned animals

And much, much more.

Volunteerism isn't just good for adults. It can help children, , and college students develop important habits for life. Here are a few significant reasons volunteering is important for young people:

There are plenty of ways organizations and communities can engage young volunteers. Check out this article for best practices in engaging teen volunteers .

The Importance of Volunteers in Nonprofit Organizations

Why is volunteering important to our nation's nonprofits? There are currently 1.3 million active charitable nonprofits in the United States, and many of them rely on the work of volunteers to carry out the necessary activities that meet critical community needs. What's more, nonprofits are the "building blocks of democracy," according to the National Council of Nonprofits . 88% of the United States' nonprofit organizations have an operating budget of $500,000 and offer "more personal, easier access points for connecting people in all kinds of areas." Nonprofits know why volunteers are important : volunteers help them to address pressing social challenges when resources are scarce. Without their services, our nation would be without some of the most important social advancements like modern welfare and the Voting Rights Act.

1. Show prospective volunteers they matter: One of the most common hurdles to engagement is . People don't have a lot of it, so they want to know that their time spent your organization matters, and that will be used in a meaningful way. They also want to see the tangible impact of their efforts. Use your volunteer hours tracking and tools to demonstrate their impact and recognize their efforts.

2. Figure out what matters to your community: What inspires to volunteer? Organizations are more likely to engage volunteers when they understand what inspires them and the causes that resonate with them. There are many ways you can gather this kind of information, like hosting community-wide forums and discussions, conducting surveys, and matching volunteer skills to the appropriate opportunities. Nonprofit Quarterly recommends creating multi-stakeholder buy-in-from schools, residents, and community organizations-to understand a range of diverse perspectives and community needs.

3. Keep asking: Many people don't volunteer simply because they were never asked. Use different methods of communication to ask once, and then ask again! Nonprofits are getting more creative about the ways in which they recruit volunteers. However you decide to reach out, include a call to action and make registration as simple as possible.

The Importance of Volunteers to Communities

We've discussed the importance of volunteering to the volunteers themselves and to the charitable organizations that manage them. But we mustn't forget the true aim of volunteering in the local community : to improve the lives of community members! The importance of community service is considerable, and there are countless benefits that communities glean from nonprofits and their volunteers. Every day, volunteers:

Generally, volunteerism saves resources, especially where social programs and affordable services are limited. Volunteering helps to fill these gaps in critical services. Every hour that we give to our community through volunteerism is an hour that the community gains back in real dollars. Those dollars (deemed $25.43 hour by the Independent Sector ) can then be spent in other ways that serve and better the community.

The importance of volunteering in the community cannot be overstated. Volunteers help meet critical, local needs. But community service also offers symbolic importance. Barbara Steward, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service , reminds us, "The fabric of our nation is strengthened by the service of its volunteers. When we stand side-by-side to help others, our differences fade away and we learn that Americans have more in common than we realize." In summary, volunteerism not only saves resources for the community; it's what brings us together.

Three Ways to Engage Volunteers

We understand the importance of volunteerism but in order to meet the needs of communities, nonprofits must work to engage long-term volunteers and create a culture of volunteerism. Nonprofit Quarterly lays out three essential tips for engaging committed volunteers:

Volunteerism is contagious. When community members work together to address local needs, they increase social capital and strengthen the networks with other civically-engaged individuals. Communities with robust social capital tend to foster more pro-social citizens. Creating a positive experience for your volunteers, and listening to the diverse perspectives of your community members will help to bolster the attitudes, like trust and empathy, that make charitable organizations successful.

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Why is Volunteering Important? - Galaxy Digital Volunteer Management Software

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Why is volunteering important? Volunteerism is ingrained in American society. 77.3 million adults volunteered through an organization last year, and their time is worth a staggering $163 billion in economic value. More than half of adults engage in "informal volunteering" in the United States, supporting friends, family, and neighbors.

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This is the fifth in our special "12 Days of Giving" series running for the holiday season. It's a little different from what you might think of as traditional presents or giving. We aren't really talking about stuff you buy or a gift list. Rather, on these 12 days, we will be talking about different gifts that you can give to yourself, or others - those that have a deeper meaning, that can help you live with intention, be happier, be healthier. Soul gifts, you might even call them. Join us on the journey.

It's relatively easy for most of us to purchase a gift for someone. But giving them your time is another thing entirely. Whether it's our children, spouses or friends, it's all too easy in our busy schedules to not really look when your kid is showing you a picture they drew at school while you're cooking dinner; or tune out and mentally go over tomorrow's to-do list while your partner recounts their day.

Trust me, I know. We're all busy, and with so much constantly going on we can't always be there in the way we'd like for others. But to give of yourself with your time is perhaps the most meaningful and important thing you can do to show another person how much you love and value them. Time, after all, is the only thing that none of us can regenerate more of. We all have only a finite amount of it - what, and who, you choose to spend it on says a lot.

So when you sit down to do a craft project with your kid instead of handing them a toy, or you go to the park together instead of looking at your separate screens, you are telling them that they matter in a way that few other things or actions can do. When you set aside a date night to do nothing other than focus on each other with your partner; when you carve out time for lunch with that friend you haven't seen in too long; these things remind you both of what really matters.
Here are a few ideas and fun ways to give someone else - and yourself! - the gift of time:
Make and send handmade holiday cards

A couple of years ago I wrote a story for Modern Woman magazine about the art of handmade greeting cards. When it comes to sending holiday cards, many simply sign a name, stamp the envelope and ship it off. But the holidays are all about connecting, and one way to do that is by taking a bit of time to create a personal card.

Not only will the recipient love it, but the project is a fun way to get in touch with your creative side and disconnect from technology for some good old-fashioned tactile stuff. If you have a big holiday card list, you don't have to make cards for everyone; maybe just make them for those closest to you.

Listen to someone who needs it

I mean, really listen. It might be a family member, friend or co-worker, but we all likely know someone who is going through a tough time and could use someone to talk to. So many times when we talk with people on a regular basis, we are distracted with our phones, our own thoughts, or just listening so that we can respond with what we want to say.

But to be with someone 100%, give that person your total attention and listen to them attentively, without interrupting or interjecting your own stories, is a truly special gift. You will be amazed at what you learn and this may be the first time anyone has listened to them in such a profound and respectful way.

Practice a random act of kindness

If you've ever been the recipient of one of these acts, you know how they can completely change the course of your day, or even your week. The most simple, small acts can have a ripple effect of positive repercussions - so much so that there's even a Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, whose mission it is to "make kindness the norm." I love this idea. It's a great place to get ideas, and they also have some cool things like a Kindness Calendar you can download for free (just did!).

Bonus benefit? Being kind is actually scientifically proven to be good for you. It has health benefits and produces oxytocin, the "love hormone" that lowers blood pressure and improves overall heart health. Kindness is also contagious - and is a pretty awesome thing to spread around. In fact, pretty much all of the things on this list are both good for our own mental, emotional and physical health, and contagious.

The RAK site has lots of inspiring and feel-good videos; here's one about a "Week of Kindness" that the St. Matthews School in Cambridge, England held. I can't think of many more important things to teach kids.

Give yourself to others through volunteering

Anyone who knows me, knows that I've been highly involved with a number of nonprofits, and an active volunteer, for all of my life. And speaking of great things to teach kids, altruism is something that can't be started too early.

I have a grandson who just turned 7. On my birthday this year, my daughter sent me this paper he brought home from school. The first-grade class assignment was to write about what they wanted to be when they grew up. Jude wrote that he wants to help people. My heart was totally melted, it was the best birthday present!

Jude has been talking a lot more lately about this, wanting to do things to help people. We are going to buy gifts for a child on the Giving Tree, and when we pass homeless people on the street he wants us to stop and give them water and granola bars. He already has a kind heart, and I want to foster that, so I plan on searching for volunteer opportunities that we can do together. Here in Austin, there's a great organization called Generation Serve that is developing generations of community-minded leaders by engaging children in volunteerism. Volunteer Match also is a fantastic nationwide database of all kinds of volunteer opportunities, and you can search by type of organization, type of work, location, and even for volunteering as a family.

Share time and experiences instead of stuff

There's a whole host of different research that shows us that experiences bring far more happiness than things. Try incorporating this idea into your gift giving. For example, my partner Keith and I generally give each other experience gifts rather than stuff; because we love to travel, this is most often what we spend our gift resources on. But we'll also buy each other things like tickets to a concert, or a massage - things that are experiences, rather than something other thing that we don't need.

I've also suggested to my family that instead of doing gifts for the kids, we take them to do something fun, together as a family, instead. We've long opted out of much gift-giving among the family except for the kids; but to be honest, none of these kids needs more stuff, either. And the fun times, laughter and memories we will make by going skating together, or to a festival, or taking an art class, will outshine any gift-wrapped present. I'm betting that 10 years down the road, not one person will remember a present that was given to them a certain year; but we'll all remember that great time we had together.

Give yourself the gift of time

Slow down. Breathe. Be present. Do something for yourself that helps you recharge and rejuvenate. That might be a walk, a bubble bath, curling up in a chair with a good book....whatever it is, give yourself permission to just be. Rinse. Repeat.

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12 Days of Giving: The Gift of Time - MapQuest Travel

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This is the fifth in our special "12 Days of Giving" series running for the holiday season. It's a little different from what you might think of as traditional presents or giving. We aren't really talking about stuff you buy or a gift list. Rather, on these 12 days, we will be talking about different [...]

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"I wondered why somebody didn't do something. Then I realized, I am somebody."

- Author Unknown

To many people, giving time is simply volunteering. You do it because it's the "right thing to do." Or, you do it because you were asked.

Yet, giving time is much more fundamental to our well-being than just volunteering or doing good things. It's a foundation on which we can build a better life for ourselves while we build better neighborhoods and communities. It's a safe and solid way to become more integrated into our communities, to build networks and friendships, and learn to act with intention. It's a foundation to build meaningful purpose into our lives.

Plus, it's free.

Giving times works in these important ways:

Perception. Giving time changes our perception of time so we become more open to new opportunities. That gives us more time. Read this study to see how some Ivy League professors put that to the test.

Intent. The more intent you have to help someone in our community, the more giving time will come back to you. Serving ourselves is limiting. Serving others is empowering.

Connection. Isolation is one of the under-reported scourges of humanity. When we're connected within our communities, we're happier and more productive. Giving time helps connect you with like-minded people.

Immediacy. Helping others doesn't have to wait until you can quit your job, take a life-changing trip, or wait until you're retired. It can start now by helping someone in your family in a small way - do the dishes, pick up after them, give them a ride, be extra kind.

Happiness. Being open to doing more, having the intent to help others, being connected, and doing it now gives more than just a sense of satisfaction. It makes a real difference in every aspect of our lives.

If you start giving your time with intention, everyday, you'll find that you will start to make a real difference in your life. Slowly at first, but it will change. People will start to treat you differently because you treat them differently. You'll start to ask "how" can I do this, rather than "why." You'll start to see opportunities rather than problems.

Eventually, you will lay your head down on your pillow some night and you'll realize that "Yes, I made a difference."

We *do* have time to make a difference.

Start by giving time today.

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"I wondered why somebody didn't do something. Then I realized, I am somebody." -- Author Unknown To many people, giving time is simply volunteering. You do it because it's the "right thing to do." Or, you do it because you were asked. Yet, giving time is much more fundamental to our well-being than just volunteering...

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Imagine you're really selfish. How should you spend your resources to maximize your happiness?

Instead of buying more stuff for yourself, research suggests that giving to people or causes you care about is more likely to do the trick. Giving not only helps others, but it also rewards yourself in measurable ways, so much so that it may even increase your lifespan. People seem to understand this intuitively.

"When we tell people, 'Hey, did you know that giving to other people can make you happy?' most people are not blown away," Michael Norton, professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, told Big Think. "They understand. They've had [charitable] experiences that make them happy."

However, it's harder to understand why giving makes us happy. That's partly because receiving money feels rewarding, too, and also because certain approaches to giving seem to be more effective than others - both in terms of making us feel good and helping us to make giving a habit.

The benefits of giving

A growing body of research has revealed numerous psychological and physiological benefits of giving, challenging common conceptions about the relationship between money and happiness. In 2008, for example, Norton and his colleagues conducted a study where they gave $5 or $20 to people and then instructed them to spend it either on themselves or someone else.

Later that evening, the researchers checked in with the participants to see how they felt emotionally. The group that gave money to others reported feeling happier over the course of the day. What's more, the results showed no emotional difference between people who received $5 and those who got $20.

In another part of the study, the researchers described this experiment to a separate group of participants and asked them to predict which group would feel happier. They got it wrong, suggesting that "people's daily spending choices may be guided by flawed intuitions about the relationship between money and happiness," wrote Norton and colleagues in a paper describing the study.

Other research has shown:

Volunteering boosts health. Elderly people who volunteer are 44 percent less likely to die over a 5-year period than those who don't. Volunteering seems to be intrinsically rewarding: other research has explored whether its benefits could be explained by other factors, such as the possibility that people who volunteer are naturally happier or healthier. The results found that volunteering boosts well-being no matter one's baseline.

Giving produces a "warm glow." Literally. Research has shown that prosocial behavior can cause body temperature to rise. More broadly, warm-glow giving describes a phenomenon where people feel pleasure when they spend money on others. Originally introduced as an economic model that framed giving as a good but selfish act, the phenomenon has since been studied by scientists, who generally agree that giving releases feel-good neurochemicals like oxytocin and endorphins. The " helper's high " is a similar concept.

The exact neural processes that underlie the benefits of giving remain unclear. But a 2006 fMRI study provided some of the first hard evidence showing that giving involves a complex interplay between several brain regions, including the mesolimbic reward system and the decision-making prefrontal cortex. The researchers wrote that "human altruism draws on general mammalian neural systems of reward, social attachment, and aversion."

Giving may alleviate depression. It's hard, if not counterproductive, to ease depression by focusing on the self, research suggests. Giving shifts focus toward the needs of others. Studies have found that volunteers are less likely to be depressed and that engaging in compassionate acts can have long-lasting protective effects against depression.

The benefits of giving seem to be universal. A 2013 study found a positive relationship between giving and happiness in 120 out of 136 countries, after controlling for income and other variables. The relationship was strong in a majority of those nations. What's more, the benefits were observed even among people who struggle financially.

Why do we give?

Our predisposition to giving seems rooted in evolution. Compared to other animals, humans spend a long time developing from babies to toddlers to kids who can, more or less, fend for themselves. During these vulnerable developmental stages, we only survive because of help from our family and sometimes our community. In general, we're hardwired to care for the vulnerable.

But does that conflict with Charles Darwin's idea of "survival of the fittest"? Not necessarily. In The Descent of Man, Darwin wrote that humans are highly social creatures with an "almost ever-present instinct of sympathy" that we acquired over time "for the good of the community."

More recently, scientists have proposed the idea that natural selection occurs on the individual and group level. Under the group-selection framework, a group probably wouldn't be very fit - and therefore probably wouldn't survive long - if its members weren't willing to sacrifice for each other once in a while.

Within evolutionary science, a large body of research has proposed various mechanisms hypothesizing how and why humans evolved to be altruistic. But no matter the exact reasons, what's clear is that scientists are able to see the positive effects that giving has on the brain. Those results also help give clues as to which giving strategies are most effective.

How to make giving a habit

Much of our spending habits are rooted in the pursuit of happiness. But while spending on yourself can produce a bit of happiness, research suggests it pales in comparison to the psychological and physiological benefits of spending on others. So, how can you change your spending habits to help yourself and others?

First, it doesn't seem to matter much where you are spending your resources or whether you are donating time or money. Norton told Big Think he suspects giving time is probably more beneficial to yourself. The problem: time is often harder to give than money.

"If you can't give time, the idea is that at least you can give money so that you're being generous with at least one of your resources," Norton said.

No matter what you're donating, it's probably a good idea to give toward things that align with your values. After all, research suggests that one of the reasons giving is psychologically beneficial is because it provides us a sense of meaning and purpose. So, should you set up automatic donations to a particular cause and then forget about it?

Not exactly. Norton noted that you're more likely to reap the benefits of giving - and to make it habitual - when you are conscious of the act. One way to do that is by conducting a self-audit of your spending habits. For example, you could look at your monthly credit card statements and categorize your spending into categories such as money spent on yourself, yourself and others, and others.

"We do see that when people stick to auditing themselves, they do in fact change their spending in line with their goals," Norton told Big Think. "In one sense, we want it to become automatic and mindless, you know, setting up recurring payments so that your credit card audit looks better. Sometimes, what that does take out is the thinking and the feeling of it."

Ultimately, one of the easiest ways to change your spending habits could be to use a selfish framework. The next time you feel an urge to buy, say, a new pair of shoes you don't really need, consider why you want to buy them. If it's to make yourself happier, your money would be better spent elsewhere. Perhaps on someone else.

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Imagine you're really selfish. How should you spend your resources to maximize your happiness? Instead of buying more stuff for yourself, research suggests that giving to people or causes you care about is more likely to do the trick.

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A longer life. A happier life. A healthier life. Above all, a life that matters-so that when you leave this world, you'll have changed it for the better. If science said you could have all this just by altering one behavior, would you?

Dr. Stephen Post has been making headlines by funding studies at the nation's top universities to prove once and for all the life-enhancing benefits of caring, kindness, and compassion. The exciting new research shows that when we give of ourselves, especially if we start young, everything from life-satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly affected. Mortality is delayed. Depression is reduced. Well-being and good fortune are increased. In their life-changing new book, Why Good Things Happen to Good People, Dr. Post and journalist Jill Neimark weave the growing new science of love and giving with profoundly moving real-life stories to show exactly how giving unlocks the doors to health, happiness, and a longer life.

The astounding new research includes a fifty-year study showing that people who are giving during their high school years have better physical and mental health throughout their lives. Other studies show that older people who give live longer than those who don't. Helping others has been shown to bring health benefits to those with chronic illness, including HIV, multiple sclerosis, and heart problems. And studies show that people of all ages who help others on a regular basis, even in small ways, feel happiest.

Why Good Things Happen to Good People offers ten ways to give of yourself, in four areas of life, all proven by science to improve your health and even add to your life expectancy. (And not one requires you to write a check.) The one-of-a-kind "Love and Longevity Scale" scores you on all ten ways, from volunteering to listening, loyalty to forgiveness, celebration to standing up for what you believe in. Using the lessons and guidelines in each chapter, you can create a personalized plan for a more generous life, finding the style of giving that suits you best.

The astonishing connection between generosity and health is so convincing that it will inspire readers to change their lives in ways big and small. Get started today. A longer, healthier, happier life awaits you.

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Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by the Simple Act of Giving

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Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by the Simple Act of Giving [Post, Stephen, Neimark, Jill, Moss Jr., Otis] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers.

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10 Multicultural Children’s Books about Generosity

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Open hearts with these beautiful tales of generosity and giving. All ten of these children’s books feature culturally diverse characters.

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How Does Generosity Impact Our Mental Health? // Generosity #2

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Generosity and Giving: The Secret Ingredient to Happiness and Longevity

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How Generosity Affects the Brain - Exploring your mind

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In general, being generous makes you feel good. Recent research has taken a closer look at how generosity affects the brain and your health.

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Helping others can boost your heart and mind

We all know that giving helps others. You can make a big difference in this world of ours by offering time and support to friends and family, volunteering for organizations or donating to charities.

But did you know that the warm and fuzzy feeling you get from helping others is actually good for you, too?

That's not just some "good vibe" theory, either. There's science behind it. Research shows that giving can boost your physical and mental health in numerous ways. Let's find out more with psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD.

Health benefits of giving

A smile isn't the only reaction that comes from gift-giving. There's also a chemical response that takes place in your body in response to ... well, just doing something nice.

As you help someone or give a gift, your brain secretes "feel good" chemicals such as:

Serotonin (which regulates your mood).

Dopamine (which gives you a sense of pleasure).

Oxytocin (which creates a sense of connection with others).

"When we do things for other people, it makes us feel much more engaged and joyful," says Dr. Albers. "That's good for our health and our happiness."

Physical and mental health benefits associated with giving or serving can include:

Lower blood pressure

Generosity truly is good for your heart, says Dr. Albers. Researchers found that giving to others can lower your blood pressure and protect your ticker. (The effect, by the way, is similar to the positive results brought by a healthy diet and exercise.)

A longer lifespan

The secret to living longer may be giving more of yourself. Studies show that people who volunteer tend to live longer than those who don't.

Less stress

Want to melt away stress? The best solution may be to help someone else. Gift-giving or volunteering can reduce your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that can make you feel overwhelmed or anxious.

A 'helper's high'

Giving can stimulate your brain's mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a "helper's high" that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combats feelings of depression.

How to give on a budget

Let's start with this fact: It's not about money. "Some of the best gifts don't cost anything," notes Dr. Albers. "In fact, acts of service often reflect the most thought and care and can be more meaningful than anything you purchase."

"Act of service" gifts include anything that helps someone out and makes their life just a bit easier. Examples include:

Walking a neighbor's dog.

Doing a housemate's chores.

Offering free babysitting for a family friend.

Helping a tech-challenged relative set up a computer or TV.

Think about tapping into your creative talents for meaningful gifts, too. Maybe that means drawing a portrait for someone or putting together a journal or album highlighting special memories.

Another bonus of a homemade gift? They're usually budget-friendly, a big plus given the stress that can come with personal finances.

"Using your natural skills can lead to gifts that are heartfelt, memorable and much more meaningful than anything you find in a store," says Dr. Albers. "It'll make the recipient feel very special."

And odds are you'll feel pretty good, too.

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Giving to others can be a gift to yourself, too. Research shows that generosity can boost your health and happiness and even help you live longer.

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The Benefits of Generosity

The Dalai Lama famously said, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." The same is certainly true for generosity! Generosity - the quality of being kind and understanding, the willingness to give others things that have value - is often defined as an act of selflessness; however, are now showing that generosity is actually (selfishly) in your best interest. Practicing generosity is a mental health principle, and it could be the very key to a happy and healthy life.

Year after year, more and more studies are highlighting the benefits of generosity on both our physical and mental health. Not only does generosity , support one's , enhance one's , and naturally, it is also shown to increase one's lifespan .

If a longer, less stressful and more meaningful life is not enough to inspire you to rev up your practice of generosity, consider that generosity also promotes a social connection and improves relationships . According to Jason Marsh and Jill Suttie of the Greater Good Science Center , "When we give to others, we don't only make them feel closer to us; we also feel closer to them." This is because being generous and kind encourages us to perceive others in a more positive light and fosters a sense of community, a feeling of interconnectedness.

Being generous also makes us feel better about ourselves . Generosity is both a natural confidence builder and a natural repellant of self-hatred. By focusing on what we are giving rather than on what we are receiving, we create a more outward orientation toward the world, which shifts our focus away from ourselves. While maintaining a healthy level of self-awareness and sensitivity to oneself is important, too often we narrow in on ourselves with a negative lens. We spend too much time listening to the "" in our heads, which scrutinizes our every move and nags at us with negative thoughts towards ourselves and others. These negative thoughts undermine our confidence and can lead to. Being generous distracts us from the critical inner voice's barrage of nasty thoughts and creates a strong argument against it as well. When we see someone else benefiting from our kind actions, for instance, it is hard for the inner voice to argue that we are worthless.
Four Steps to Fully Practicing Generosity Give something that is sensitive to the other person.
Generosity is most effective when the gift you offer is sensitive. Think about what the other person wants or needs. It's not always about material things; it's about being giving of yourself. Sometimes just being present and available to a loved one who is having a hard time is the greatest gift you could possibly give.
Accept appreciation.
It is important to be open to the people who express appreciation toward you. Generosity is a two-way street, allowing someone to express their gratitude is an important aspect of generosity and part of what makes you feel closer to them. As in the Department of Psychology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered, "The emotion of gratitude uniquely functions to build a high-quality relationship between a grateful person and the target of his or her gratitude, that is, the person who performed a kind action." So it is important to not brush off a "thank you" with comments like "Oh, it was nothing."
Accept the generosity of others.
Some people have a much easier time being giving than receiving. However, it is important to let others do things for you. I call this the generosity of acceptance. Being pseudo-independent or self-denying robs your loved ones of the opportunity to feel the joy of giving. Accepting the generosity of others may make you uncomfortable if you felt unlovable or unworthy in your early life. Generosity is often an act of love, and, though it may seem counterintuitive, many people respond negatively to being loved .
Show appreciation.
Remember that gratitude is an important part of the equation. Show your appreciation for the generosity that is directed toward you, even if you feel shy or uncomfortable. Resist the temptation to say things like "This is too much," or "You shouldn't have." Instead just say "Thank you!" Or, better yet, let the person know what their generosity meant to you.

Generosity is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Each day life presents us with hundreds of opportunities to be generous; by making a lifestyle out of generosity, we can do ourselves and others a world of good.

About the Author

Tags: friendship, generosity, self-esteem, self-improvement, self-worth

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The Dalai Lama famously said, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." The same is certainly true for generosity! Generosity - the quality of being kind and understanding, the willingness to give others things that have value - is often defined as an act of selflessness; however, are now showing that generosity is actually (selfishly) in your best interest.