Ways to help when you’re short on cash

Not all needs are financial, and donating money isn’t the only way to help others. The fact is, times are hard and there are many people who would love to donate money to charity but just aren’t in a position to do so. Not acting on every fundraising solicitation doesn’t make you a Scrooge, but you can be charitable by giving other things which are equally priceless.

Volunteer your time
Your time can be just as valuable as cash donations and it’s one of the easiest ways you can contribute. Non-profits often need people with skills just as much as they need money. For instance, charitable organisations can always use professional services to help with things like accounting, graphic design or creating content for blogs, websites and social media. Whether it’s mentoring a kid through their education, offering free tuition or simply spreading the word by liking and sharing a Facebook post, everybody can do something.

Clean out your closet
Turn the drudgery of your next spring cleaning mission into something positive by remembering that whatever unwanted or unused items you have lying about your house, there is probably a genuine need for them elsewhere. From books you’ve already read (or, let’s be honest, never will), to clothing and shoes, toys and games or old computers. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Donate your birthday
Friends and family are often at a loss for ideas about what to get for your birthday. Here’s a neat idea; next time they’re stuck, ask them if they’d be willing to make a donation to your chosen charity instead. How many times have you received something that only later ends up in a thrift shop or even the trash? It’s heartbreaking to see money poorly spent on unwanted gifts, so make every penny count by sending cash exactly where it’s needed.

Raise funds
You can raise funds for charity in many ways: by organising a collection, sharing your favourite causes on social media or with work colleagues or, as many people do, by taking part in a sponsored walk or run and getting fit at the same time. A network of kind-hearted and generous people, complemented by a dash of chutzpah, can go a long way towards raising a hefty donation.