Philanthropy
How giving to charity can actually make a difference
Giving to charity is a wonderful way to make a positive impact on someone's life and help them to live with dignity and respect. You can support those in need, make a difference, and give back to your community.
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Click on the link below to go straight to what you’re most interested in:
- Bring attention to important issues
- Create a sense of community
- Boost the economy
- Create political change
- Boost your mental health
1. Help bring attention to important issues
Charitable giving helps to address societal issues that would otherwise go unaddressed. Charities, non-profits, and other philanthropic organisations are typically created to tackle a specific problem or set of issues that are not being adequately addressed by the government or private sectors.
For example, The Fred Hollows Foundation was started by Fred Hollows and his wife Gabi Hollows with the goal of ending avoidable blindness. Fred could not see enough being done to help those impacted by blindness - so he decided to take matters into his own hands. Today, The Foundation is continuing the work Fred set out to do – restoring sight, fighting for change and empowering communities.
By giving to charity, you are supporting their efforts to create change and bring attention to the issue.
For example, The Fred Hollows Foundation was started by Fred Hollows and his wife Gabi Hollows with the goal of ending avoidable blindness. Fred could not see enough being done to help those impacted by blindness - so he decided to take matters into his own hands. Today, The Foundation is continuing the work Fred set out to do – restoring sight, fighting for change and empowering communities.
By giving to charity, you are supporting their efforts to create change and bring attention to the issue.
2. Create a sense of community
Donating to charity helps to foster a sense of community and social responsibility. It allows us as individuals to contribute to the common good of society and become part of a larger community.
Community fundraising is a great way to bring people together and create a shared sense of purpose. Making new friends becomes easy when you share similar interests. So, if you’re doing a walk-a-thon to raise money for a not-for-profit organisation, you already have two things in common with the other participants – walking and giving back to the community. It won’t take long to find other shared interests that will allow lasting friendships to flourish.
Check out a community fundraising event here.
Community fundraising is a great way to bring people together and create a shared sense of purpose. Making new friends becomes easy when you share similar interests. So, if you’re doing a walk-a-thon to raise money for a not-for-profit organisation, you already have two things in common with the other participants – walking and giving back to the community. It won’t take long to find other shared interests that will allow lasting friendships to flourish.
Check out a community fundraising event here.
Photographer: The Fred Hollows Foundation
3. Boost the economy
Did you know that your donation can have a significant impact on economic development?
By giving to charity, you can help to support initiatives that can help to create jobs and boost local economies.
Additionally, charitable donations to non-profits that focus on training and education can help to improve the job prospects of individuals, which can lead to increased economic activity and higher living standards.
In the world’s poorest countries, supporting blindness elimination stimulates the broader economy while bringing life changing benefits to individuals and their carers. The investment is cost-effective and will help generations to come.
By giving to charity, you can help to support initiatives that can help to create jobs and boost local economies.
Additionally, charitable donations to non-profits that focus on training and education can help to improve the job prospects of individuals, which can lead to increased economic activity and higher living standards.
In the world’s poorest countries, supporting blindness elimination stimulates the broader economy while bringing life changing benefits to individuals and their carers. The investment is cost-effective and will help generations to come.
4. Create political change
Giving to charity can help to promote social and political change. Charities and non-profits often focus on promoting social justice and equity, advocating for policy changes, and empowering marginalised communities.
Charitable donations can help to support these organisations and their initiatives, which can lead to positive social and political change.
For example, The Fred Hollows Foundation supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart specifically because the reforms set out within it are fair and practical, and long overdue. Fred Hollows was a staunch supporter of fairness, justice, and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and The Foundation is continuing his legacy to make social change.
Charitable donations can help to support these organisations and their initiatives, which can lead to positive social and political change.
For example, The Fred Hollows Foundation supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart specifically because the reforms set out within it are fair and practical, and long overdue. Fred Hollows was a staunch supporter of fairness, justice, and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and The Foundation is continuing his legacy to make social change.
5. Boost your mental health
Charitable giving has been found to have positive effects on personal well-being. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in charitable giving tend to have higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and overall well-being.
Charitable giving can lead to a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which can contribute to positive mental health outcomes. Additionally, charitable giving can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of connection with others.
Charitable giving can lead to a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which can contribute to positive mental health outcomes. Additionally, charitable giving can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of connection with others.
Photographer: Michael Amendolia
COVER PHOTO: The Fred Hollows Foundation
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5 frequently asked questions about philathropy
Philanthropists and major donors play a very important role in helping The Fred Hollows Foundation restore sight. We depend on their generous support to create a more equitable world where no one is needlessly blind.
What's the wider economic impact of your donation?
The benefits of restoring sight create significant economic returns, including increased labour force participation and productivity, and improved education and learning.
Should I be giving monthly or one-off?
Are you thinking about making a life-changing difference by giving to charity? If so, you might be faced with the choice between giving monthly or as a one off. Both regular giving and single giving have their own benefits, but generally a monthly gift will be more impactful and help the organisation be more effective.