The act of charitable giving has been around for centuries, with people donating their time, money, and resources to help those in need. In recent years, however, there has been a shift in how charities operate and donors give.
With the rise of social media and technology, there are now more opportunities than ever to donate your time or money to charity. In this article, Successful entrepreneur Sherief Abu-Moustafa shares some of his favorite innovative ideas for donors, foundation leaders, and philanthropists to get involved.
1. Start a crowdfunding campaign
If you have an excellent idea for a charity project but don’t have the funds to get it off the ground, why not start a crowdfunding campaign? Numerous platforms (such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe) allow you to set up a page and solicit donations from the public.
2. Use social media to raise awareness
Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to raise awareness for your chosen charity or cause. The average person spends around two hours on social media per day, according to GlobalWebIndex, so why not use this time to promote your charitable campaign or project?
Use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram platforms to share your work stories, photos, and videos. You can also use social media to promote fundraising events and campaigns.
3. Donate your skills
Sure, you can always volunteer at the local food bank or soup kitchen, but what about donating your unique skills to a charity? For example, if you’re a web designer, you could help a charity update its website or create an online fundraising campaign. Great at marketing? Use your skills to promote a charity’s work on social media or help them organize a fundraising event.
4. Give blood
One of the simplest (and most lifesaving) ways to give back to your community is by donating blood. Every year, millions of people worldwide need blood transfusions; many would not survive without donations. Right now, there is a global blood shortage, so your donation could make a real difference.
Giving blood is a quick and easy way to help others, and it’s something that anyone can do. To find out more about blood donation, visit your local Red Cross or blood bank.
5. Mentor someone
If you’re looking for a way to give back that is both personally and professionally rewarding, consider mentoring someone. You can mentor someone in your field of work, share your skills and knowledge with them, and help them develop their career.
Sherief Abu-Moustafa says mentoring can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, and it’s a great way to give back to your community and help others reach their potential.
6. Donate in someone else’s name
One of the most thoughtful (and charitable) gifts you can give is a donation in someone’s name. This could be a one-time donation to a specific charity or cause or an ongoing monthly donation.
You can donate in your loved one’s name, in memorial of a passed friend, or even in the name of an employee or team at work as a way to show your appreciation for their hard work
7. Volunteer abroad
If you’re looking to really immerse yourself in charitable work, why not volunteer abroad? Sherief Abu-Moustafa believes volunteering abroad is a great way to see the world and make a difference in the lives of others. Numerous organizations offer opportunities to volunteer in developing countries, where you could teach English, help build homes or provide medical assistance, among other things.
Final Thoughts
There are so many different ways to give back to your community and the world. What matters most is finding an activity or cause you’re passionate about and getting involved. Do you have any unique or innovative ideas for giving back?
