5 Reasons Why Charitable Giving is Smart Spending
Many businesses and individuals view charitable giving only as a tax write off to help offset income at the end of the year. Others may see it as the cost of doing business or a bothersome decision they have to make a few times a year. The truth is that finding a charity to focus on and build a relationship with is not only good for those the organization serves, but it is also beneficial to the growth and reputation of the companies and community members who give.
Great examples of this philosophy can be seen through the works of business owners like Neill Sullivan, and as you read these five reasons to consider charitable giving, it should be easy to see why you would adopt this mindset as well.
1. Reciprocal Relationships
Building and maintaining healthy relationships is essential to our success, both personally and professionally. By thoughtfully selecting a charity to align yourself with, you are creating an affiliation that delivers prosperity to both you and the organization you are working with. Though there are many charities that would love to benefit from your money, time and knowledge, take time to consider your interests, passions and talents so that you are not only giving to a cause you believe in, but you are also receiving meaningful recognition.
2. Making a Difference
We all have abilities, talents and strengths that make us stand out from the rest of the crowd. These skills may be practiced in your professional life, or they might be utilized only during your time off. Regardless, by sharing yourself with a charity that can directly benefit from your skill set, unique change and improvements can be generated. Making a real difference in the lives and community that a charity serves, promotes authentic networking and ignites inspiration to all who are involved.
3. Establishing a Legacy
Our efforts at impacting lives and guiding those around us to be motivational forces in the world may not extend much further than our immediate family. There is nothing wrong with this, but it is not that complicated to further our reach and encourage a wider population of people. Through charitable giving, you have the opportunity to meet people who would normally be inaccessible, learn about issues previously unknown to you and broaden your scope of influence. Over time, this experience helps to build a personal legacy of sharing that can continue for years to come.
4. A Better Quality of Life
You may not think of yourself as a charitable cause or even someone in need. However, we could all benefit from cleaner air, safer streets, healthier food choices and quality education. Donating our money, time or experience can make you feel good about being helpful and doing a kind deed, but these efforts can benefit you more than you might realize. By supporting the organization of your choice, you are enabling them to create a better world for all of us, including yourself. Opening up new possibilities to underprivileged youth might be a personal passion of yours, but it also makes the area in which you live a better place to work and play.
5. Return the Favor
For some people, finding a charity to commit to has a lot to do with their personal history. People from all walks of life have received aid from charities that focus on particular illnesses, diseases or life situations, and it is reasonable that they or their loved ones would want to return the support. The beauty of such charitable giving is that you are not only showing gratitude, your involvement can also increase awareness and boost further research.
In the end, it is clear to see that smart spending can be an investment of your income, time and energy that gives back tenfold when spent in the spirit of charity.