Donate your time

Donate your skills

If you have a special skill — such as writing, cooking, or photography — consider offering your services pro bono. Many charities, nonprofits, and advocacy groups have specialized needs but can’t afford dedicated staff.

Give blood

Donating blood to organizations like the Red Cross is free, doesn’t take much time, and might even land you a cookie. More importantly, your donation could help save someone’s life—approximately 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the US.

Donate your stuff

Many charities and nonprofits accept donated goods, including clothes, shoes, furniture, and cars. If you have some stuff to get rid of, consider giving it to a good cause rather than throwing it out.

More: Car donation: When it makes sense to seek a charity tax deduction

More: Small Business Saturday: Big, and getting bigger

More: We’re ditching cash. So how do we teach kids about money?

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13 ways to give to charity without breaking your budget

BRIAN ACTON | CREDIT.COM | 7:00 am EDT October 27, 2017

As the Red Cross seeks donations for relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey, critics are citing a 2016 report on the organization’s track record. Video provided by Newsy

NEWSLOOK

Giving to charity doesn’t require a lot of disposable income. If you want to make the world a better place, you can still contribute without cutting a big check.

THE MOTLEY FOOL

Here are 13 ways to give to charity on a budget.

  1. Donate your time

Many charitable organizations survive through the efforts of volunteers. Volunteering is a worthy way to contribute to your community and can be just as valuable as cash donations.

“Donate your time,” says Karen Hoxmeier, founder of MyBargainBuddy.com. “Homeless shelters, soup kitchens, senior centers, hospice facilities, big brother/big sister programs, and animal rescues all need people to help out by being physically present and volunteering their time.”

Donate your skills

If you have a special skill — such as writing, cooking, or photography — consider offering your services pro bono. Many charities, nonprofits, and advocacy groups have specialized needs but can’t afford dedicated staff.