I believe many people have a giving heart and the desire to contribute to causes but believe that they aren't part of that elite group of prosperous philanthropists. Webster's Dictionary defines philanthropy as: "goodwill to fellow members of the human race; especially active effort to promote human welfare;" there are many ways this can be done.
I work for a non-profit which seeks to find quality homes for children who have been abused and abandoned in the foster care system, our ultimate goal being to eliminate the foster care crisis and find forever families for all the children who have been displaced in foster care. Although our goal is to find foster families, not everyone is suited to be a foster/adoptive parent, and it is a job that should not be taken lightly. However, everyone can contribute to this cause. For many people they see two paths: 1. I can give money; 2. I can adopt a child. But there are many paths to eliminating this crisis. We have an incredibly generous woman in our office who donates her time monthly assisting with our accounting. She has a powerful skill and a passion for our cause and because she is willing to donate her time and talents, we don't have to pay for this expense. I have a friend who works for a company who gives him free merchandise (books and toys for children). As a recent graduate he may not be able to donate his time or money but he is able to give these new toys to our organization who then gives them to children once they are placed in homes. We have many generous supporters who would like to be able to give more to our organization but don't have the means, so they are running in the Pasadena Marathon this Sunday (as am I), raising funds from their friends, family and colleagues who may not have known about our organization but are now tied into our cause through the voice of their friend.
These are just a few examples of ways you can give but there are many more. My point is, don't limit yourself--we always have something more to give. Look at what you have (skills, gifts, time, support, relationships) and therein lies something to share.
I work for a non-profit which seeks to find quality homes for children who have been abused and abandoned in the foster care system, our ultimate goal being to eliminate the foster care crisis and find forever families for all the children who have been displaced in foster care. Although our goal is to find foster families, not everyone is suited to be a foster/adoptive parent, and it is a job that should not be taken lightly. However, everyone can contribute to this cause. For many people they see two paths: 1. I can give money; 2. I can adopt a child. But there are many paths to eliminating this crisis. We have an incredibly generous woman in our office who donates her time monthly assisting with our accounting. She has a powerful skill and a passion for our cause and because she is willing to donate her time and talents, we don't have to pay for this expense. I have a friend who works for a company who gives him free merchandise (books and toys for children). As a recent graduate he may not be able to donate his time or money but he is able to give these new toys to our organization who then gives them to children once they are placed in homes. We have many generous supporters who would like to be able to give more to our organization but don't have the means, so they are running in the Pasadena Marathon this Sunday (as am I), raising funds from their friends, family and colleagues who may not have known about our organization but are now tied into our cause through the voice of their friend.
These are just a few examples of ways you can give but there are many more. My point is, don't limit yourself--we always have something more to give. Look at what you have (skills, gifts, time, support, relationships) and therein lies something to share.
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