Should I Invest My Time or My Money?
Why not both?
A United Charitable DAF allows you to streamline your giving and simplifies financially supporting the nonprofit organizations you value, but it is not the only way to make an impact! Keep reading to learn more.
Many donors feel as though there is a ‘right’ way to do philanthropy. Frankly, that is not the case! Each charitable journey is unique, and your impact is not limited by your bank account or schedule. Our community of inspired change-makers donate time, money, and more to the organizations they support.
While a Donor Advised Fund allows you to streamline your giving and confidently support organizations that have been independently vetted by United Charitable, it is not the only way to make an impact! We recently joined two DAF clients, who choose to remain anonymous, on a Zoom call to discuss their charitable journey and how they allocate their time and money when supporting charitable organizations.
These clients were incredibly passionate about environmental conservation and wildlife –giving to the National Audubon Society, Sierra Club, and The Nature Conservancy. As children, appreciation for the outdoors was instilled in them, and they instill this appreciation in their families today. They believe in giving to impactful organizations with reliable results that are transparent about their operations and finances, especially for national and global issues such as environmental and wildlife conservation. Due to their geographic location, it would be difficult for them to volunteer for these organizations, although that is something they would enjoy.
Luckily, they have found multiple local organizations whose missions they are passionate about and can volunteer with. While not supporting through financial avenues, these donors can significantly impact the operations of the charitable organizations they support by donating their time, knowledge, and expertise.
Regardless of whether the support is through money or time, the impact an organization gains from such support is immeasurable. Want to explore more ways to have an impact outside of your financial giving? Check out the list below!
Ways To Support a Charitable Organization (for free!)
1. Talk to your friends about it.
Awareness is key! The more you share the causes you care about, the more traction they will be able to gain with potential volunteers and donors. Keep sharing what you are passionate about – it can be priceless for a nonprofit organization.
2. Volunteer your time.
Many charitable organizations need volunteer help. Check out organizations’ websites for volunteer sign-ups. Some organizations even allow for remote volunteering to be done online to help complete administrative tasks or online learning instruction!
3. Use your birthday.
Ask friends and families to offer donations instead of gifts for your birthday! If you are a United Charitable DAF client, we can provide a live link so that contributions can be made directly to your DAF account to be used for recommended grants!
4. Use social media.
Following and interacting with organizations that you value can increase their digital footprint and allow them to have further reach online. Repost engaging campaigns, moving stories, and posts you find interesting.
5. Clean out your closet.
Used clothing, household goods, sporting equipment, and more are often in demand for many charitable organizations. Some items you may normally toss, like used comforters, sheets, and towels, can be used by animal shelters as bedding. Before tossing something you no longer use, see if any non-profits in your area may need it!