By Amber Alarid, JVA Consulting
Giving back to your favorite charities does not have to be a challenge or strain your schedule or budget. In fact, incorporating social change into your everyday life can be a lot of fun. By using some of the simple steps below you can change the world and get others psyched about your favorite causes.
Use Apps to Donate Money
I know, I know—I said that this would be budget friendly, so trust me when I say that donating can cost you nothing. Apps like Charity Miles and Free Rice donate to worthy causes every time you engage in fun activities like biking or playing word games. If your New Year’s resolution was to get in shape, kill two birds with one stone by tracking your mileage while running, walking or biking with Charity Miles. Every mile you log will garner a donation from a corporate sponsor to a charity, and all you have to do is share your progress on Facebook. If you want to expand your vocabulary and de-stress with a computer game, play Free Rice. Get your friends involved and raise even more. For more great apps, check out this article, 5 Ways to Give Back Without Spending a Dime.
Eat Out With Friends
Are you planning a night out on the town with friends anyway? Take away some of the guilt of treating yourself by coordinating your nights out around charity fundraisers. Nationwide events like Dining Out For Life include multiple restaurants and encourage socially conscious diners to eat out on a particular night when proceeds are donated to charity. However, any local fundraiser or festival is a great excuse to get your friends together for drinks, food and fun. Not only does a portion of the proceeds go to a good cause, you are sharing this great cause with a wider audience.
Follow Social Media
Chances are you’ve seen a post on social media asking you to like or vote for something to help an organization raise money. These contests and fundraisers usually cost you nothing but a few seconds of your time. Use opportunities like these to help the organizations you follow raise money, or be creative about your own fundraising/awareness campaigns. Even if the organization is not running its own campaign, you can invite friends to like an organization or share upcoming events on your profile.
How do you use everyday tools and tips to give back to the organizations you love? Share your ideas in the comments section below.
Another great way to learn about and help nonprofits in Colorado is by going on a field trip. Philanthropy Field Trips makes it easy and fun for people to get involved with nonprofits in their communities through educational and service outings. Check us out. Thanks!