Charity work can be extremely rewarding and faith-lifting. It can also be a little expensive. Many people are surprised to learn that overseas charities require you to pay for your own flights and lodging, as well as some administrative costs, to participate in short term mission work.
Building homes in Appalachia or helping run a medical clinic on an Indian reservation sounds great. But you have to get yourself there. Even if you just like handing out meals to homeless people, you still need to come up with the food and transport it to where the homeless people are.
Sometimes our hearts are bigger than our wallets and we can use a little assistance. If you are fortunate enough to have relatives or friends that are willing to finance you, you are indeed fortunate. But if you want to repeat your charitable adventure, it may become harder to tap those same resources again and again.
So what is your situation? Do you need money for charity work? Here are a few alternative methods of acquiring financing for your charitable work.
Today’s most popular fundraising venue is crowd-sourcing. Crowd-sourcing sites allow you to tell the world why you need money and how much. It then places ads on social media sites or can be emailed to specific people. Philanthropists can also scan the ads and pick anyone to donate to.
Lately, these are becoming a victim of their own popularity. Donors and friends are getting a little tired of these requests for money showing up on their computers every day. Still, a catchy ad for the right cause can be effective for certain charitable ventures. Be sure to use pictures and large print.
Another resource you have to talk to is your employer. You may be surprised at the response. Corporations may have donor matching programs you can take advantage of. Many companies have funds budgeted specifically for charitable donations. Smaller companies might help with a personal donation, letting you solicit donations at the job, or even giving you the time off with pay.
Besides your own employer, contact any large corporations in the area. Most corporations are very conscious about being good neighbors. Send letters to every corporation in your state. Be sure to mention that you will tell everyone about their generosity. If they can’t give you money directly, they may help you with advertising, mailing, supplies and other logistics.
Your church may also be able to assist. Church leaders know people they go to when they have a critical need. There are willing donors out there literally asking others, “Do you need money for charity work?” Your pastor or elders can put in a word for you or introduce you to the potential donor. Some churches may also have a fund to help you directly or be willing to set up a special table outside of a service for you.
Of course, the more people who understand your plans, the more likely that someone will come forward with a donation or referral. Tell everyone you see. Post it on your social media. Ask for prayers for success. Do whatever it takes to get the word out.
The best tip we can offer is to not spend a lot of time selling the need. Donors are already aware that poor and undernourished children, orphans, refugees and illnesses exists. To get donations from them, you need to sell you. Tell people about what you plan to do. Show how excited you are to take on this challenge. Tell them you want to make a difference.
Do you need money for charity work? In the end, people will more likely donate to you, not the charity. Please contact us if you would like to join us.
