My Well-Being

Perhaps the number one reason to give to charity is because you can. Anyone who's able to donate to a charity or a non-profit organization, regardless of the sum involved, has to concede that they're in a relatively fortunate position. For anyone failing to make that connection, then the following reasons might just persuade them that giving to those less fortunate than themselves really is a good thing to do.

You Get to Recycle Unwanted Items

Donating to charity doesn't always have to involve money. Some charities and non-profit organizations want those items that you don't want. For example, the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org) gratefully accepts old cars, trucks, boats, and RVs. The vehicle is collected and all title transfer requirements handled for you. You also get a tax deductible donation receipt at the time of vehicle collection.

You Get to Claim Tax on Your Donation

This is a win-win situation: You get to donate to a charity – either financially or in terms of items – and therefore help to further that charity's cause, while at the same time paying less tax. The amount you're able to write off as a tax deductible figure depends on the size of your donation.

You Get to Help Even if You Have No Money

You don't need a single penny in order to be a philanthropist. Most charities and non-profits will gratefully accept a donation of your time to help out in a number of ways, which could prove to be beneficial to you as well as the recipient. For example, volunteering your time to an organization means you get to make new friends while at the same time developing yourself on a personal and, depending on what you do, professional level, too.

Or how about donating your hair? Locks of Love (locksoflove.org) is a non-profit organization that recycles donated hair into hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children who have lost their own hair as a result of a medical condition, such as alopecia, or cancer-related chemotherapy.

You Get to Celebrate the Life of a Loved One

Many people donate to a charity that has an association with a loved one who's no longer living. For example, you may want to make a donation to the American Institute for Cancer Research (aicr.org) in memory of someone who passed away as a result of cancer.

You Get to Give Something Back

If you analyze your reasons for wanting to donate to charity, then you'll probably come up with the reason of wanting to give something back to society, whether it's society as a whole or your local community. This could stem from a feeling of duty or obligation, especially if you feel that you've had a relatively privileged life to date. Wanting to give something back is one of the top reasons people donate to charity, and they do so in a number of ways from directly donating cash to taking part in a fundraising sporting event such as a marathon. It's a great way to help those less fortunate while at the same time truly satisfying a strong altruistic streak.

You Get to Say Yes

Sometimes all it takes for someone to make a donation is to be asked. So the next time you're asked to help, and you agree to do so, you'll be left with the great feeling of having been able to say yes. One simple, positive word is sometimes all it takes to make a huge difference.

How to Donate Online

If you're undecided which charity to donate to, research a charity's cause using JustGive.org (justgive.org). You can also donate through this site, designating how you wish your gift to be used. You can donate anonymously or make a donation in memory of someone.

It doesn't take a huge gesture to be a philanthropist. And it doesn't have to be a financial one either. All it takes is the desire to help and the will to put that desire into action.