Philanthropy is the intentional use of whatever resources you have, whether that’s money, time, skills, relationships or attention, to make life better for others. Somewhere along the way we decided it meant a gala. A wing with your name on it. An oversized check. It never did. The idea that Galas and “High-End Giving” are the ONLY valuable forms of philanthropy has priced most people out of taking action on becoming philanthropists or knowing that they already are. The truth is you don’t have to be rich to be a philanthropist. Any size donation that matters to you should matter to the organization you are supporting. 

So, let’s reframe philanthropy. What does it actually look like? More often than not, it looks a lot less like a gala and a lot more like everyday generosity.

Often, the most valuable things you can offer an organization aren’t financial. An introduction. A Saturday. A skill they could never afford to hire. Giving feels harder when money’s tight. So diversify how you give. Your time and skills have value too, and sometimes they’re easier to spend than cash. 

And the added bonus? Some companies donate money when their staff volunteer. Show up for a few hours, and your employer writes a check too. Don’t know if yours does? Ask. And if it doesn’t, ask them to start.

But the value of volunteering doesn’t stop there.

In a world becoming more isolated by technology and divisive rhetoric, service is one of the last reliable ways to find your people. If you’re feeling disconnected lately, find a cause you believe in, and you’ll find people who believe in it, too. Community is a side effect of showing up.