How to Find a Charity That You are Passionate About

Getting involved with charity can run the risk of seeming like a chore unless you find a cause you are passionate about. Instead of begrudgingly writing out an annual check, here are some tips to find a charity that you are passionate about.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Research
• Time
• Patience

How to Find a Charity That You are Passionate About

1. Think about the causes you feel strongly about. Does someone in your family suffer from breast cancer? Does your son suffer from autism? Do you pass a homeless family everyday on your way to work? By finding a cause that affects you, or someone you love, you will automatically have passionate feelings about it.
2. Research charities in your area. Although you may be inclined to write out a check to the Red Cross or an outreach program overseas, and although these organizations are incredibly beneficial, you may find you are more apt to participate, and donate more if it is an organization you can be directly involved in. Signing up to serve Thanksgiving dinner, or build a house for Habitat for Humanity can be life altering.
3. Tell others about your cause. Although you don’t have to nag people about your charity, invite them to participate in activities. Maybe they can give a small monthly donation, or can help participate in a fundraiser. Invite a co-worker to a walk-a-thon for cancer or to help you at a craft fair at the local women’s shelter.
4. Make it personal. For a lot of people, charities take personal meaning when someone they love is affected by a disease or natural disaster. Throw yourself into a charity as though it was your mother or your best friend suffering. When you stop thinking of the people you are helping as a project, and as people who have friends and family who love them, you will find you automatically become more invested financially and emotionally.
5. Figure out what you think helps the most. Supporting a charity that you have reservations about may leave you feeling uninvolved or as though you aren’t making a difference. If you want to help teach self-reliance look for programs that offer education, work programs, drug rehabilitation, funds for underprivileged women to start businesses, or teach farming methods in third world countries. Instead of satisfying an immediate need, you will feel as though you are providing a lifetime of change.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a cause you feel strongly about.