Everybody knows that giving to charity is generally a good thing, however it’s all too easy to overlook just how many benefits you get from it. Charitable giving of your time or money is not a one-way street. While the charity benefits from your efforts, there’s plenty that you gain from the experience as well
Donations Are Tax Deductable
When you give your money to a charitable cause, that donation becomes tax-deductible, meaning there are financial incentives to giving to others. By failing to take full advantage of your charitable deduction opportunities you may be missing out on the chance to make a difference at a discount.
Giving Makes You Feel Good
While giving to charity may take something out of your bank account, it puts something into your spirit. There’s a special feeling that comes from giving to a charitable cause, either financially or through service, and then seeing that pay off in the form of the betterment of the lives of those the charity is helping.Â
It Improves Your Community
When you give to local charities and organizations, not only do you get the satisfaction of helping, but you also get to see firsthand how those donations help your community. When those around you have access to more good and activities it raises the quality of life for everybody and results in a community which is happier and more fulfilled.
You’ll Meet New People
Participating in charitable activities is also a great way to meet like-minded individuals. It doesn’t matter if you’re giving financially and attending events put on by the organization where others who care about their goals also attend, or you’re participating in an organization’s charitable work alongside other volunteers. When you expand your giving you expand your sphere of potential new friends. You can’t put a price on finding friendship with others who are passionate and care about the same things you do.
Giving Makes You Healthier
Helping charities can actually be good for your health and help you to live a longer, better life. Studies have found that individuals who volunteer their time to local charities and organizations tend to score higher on assessments of key health indicators such as blood pressure and physical stamina. This makes sense because often charitable work has you on your feet helping out others. This means that when you donate your time to a charity, not only are you helping the charity meet its goals, you’re raising the quality of your life and making it longer at the same time!
Charity is a Bonding Experience
One of the best benefits of taking part in a volunteer activity is that it is something you can do with your entire family. Putting in a day of work with your family brings you all together, and you all get the benefits of knowing that you’ve done a good thing at the end of the day. Anytime you can help those in your community while also coming together as a family, that’s a can’t miss opportunity.
Charity Helps Those in Need
When Neill Sullivan donated a building he owned to become the Sullivan Community Center he did so knowing that he was providing a building that could be used to provide valuable services for people who needed them. It now is used to host free classes that local residents may not have otherwise been able to afford. Helping your community like this is a great way to give everyone around you a leg up.
Whether you’re already giving and considering expanding your charitable work or looking to get into charity for the first time, helping others is always a good decision. Find a charity or organization you’re passionate about and get started supporting them today!
