How can you become a philanthropist if you don't have the financial means?

You might think that to make the world a better place you need to write fat checks for millions of dollars. The truth is that anyone can become a philanthropist without having such opportunities, even without any financial ability!

Regardless of your income level, there are many ways to make a lasting impact on the world, society, or an individual. In this article, I'll share six ideas on how to become a philanthropist and be the cause for positive change. I hope you will be inspired and rediscover philanthropy!

Why become a philanthropist?

There are countless benefits to practicing philanthropy, whether that means helping just one hour a week or every day. Science also proves that philanthropic works can have beneficial benefits and effects for you as well.

A study published in the International Journal of Medicine found that being altruistic actually makes us feel better - both mentally and physically. Another study, highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article, reveals that the same centers in the brain associated with food cravings and physical touch also light up when we help others.

Specific benefits of helping others

• Better social contacts
• Stress reduction
• Increased levels of oxytocin, which plays a role in social relationships
• Increased feelings of gratitude
• New relationships with others
• Greater perspective on the society around you
• Satisfaction from having helped other people

Learn to think like a philanthropist

Once you start thinking like a philanthropist, you'll understand that true philanthropy is more than just giving money away. It requires getting to the heart of an issue to effect fundamental change.

What all good philanthropists have in common is their ability to think critically and creatively about an issue. Scott Harrison of charity:watter did just that when he felt called to help solve the dirty water crisis he witnessed in developing countries.

Instead of delivering gallons of clean water to those in need - a quick but temporary solution - he came up with sustainable water plans and helped teach people good sanitation and hygiene habits. With unlimited access to clean water, communities are happier and healthier.

Ways you can hone your own philanthropy skills

Spend some time researching the issue or community you want to help.

• Talk to as many people as possible who are directly affected by the problem.
• Ask for feedback on your ideas from someone who has more knowledge on the topic.
• Connect and collaborate with others who want to make a difference. The more philanthropists you gather, the greater the impact will be!

Seven ideas to implement without spending money

Making these ideas happen can be as simple as helping a sick friend or creating a short-term fundraising campaign. If you're still not sure how to become a philanthropist without going broke, here are some of the best ideas:

1. Give of your time, charitably and pro bono

Volunteering is a great way to contribute your knowledge and skills to a cause you care about. From gardening to coaching a youth basketball team or even volunteering abroad, there are all sorts of ways you can volunteer. If you're not sure where to start, contact me and get involved in some of my causes.

2. Do random acts of kindness

The best part of doing a random act of kindness is that it usually takes very little time or money, but can really make someone very happy. Here are a few ideas:

• Pay the blue/green zone of a random car
• Write a Facebook message to someone and compliment them
• Clean up a beach or some part of a park
• Give up your morning coffee and buy someone on the street one instead
• Write a thank you note to someone you admire
• Pay for someone's bus/subway or train ticket.

3. Give away your old stuff

Your used household items or appliances can mean a lot to low-income families. Nonprofits and second-hand stores can accept your used clothing, books, electronics and furniture.

4. Donate blood

Donating your own blood is easy and free, but the impact is huge - through your blood, you can literally save someone's life. To get started, read about eligibility requirements and look for Red Cross blood donation centers.

5. Take advantage of workplace benefits

It's becoming increasingly popular among companies to match their employees' charitable donations or offer them paid volunteer days. If your workplace lacks these benefits, you can be the initiator of the new rules. Look for examples of other companies that offer similar programs so you can highlight their success. Be sure to give specific reasons why the new policy would also benefit the company and be worth your time.

6. Consider crowdfunding for humanitarian efforts

It's more than possible to change someone's life without spending any money at all, but if your goals are bigger than your wallet, then crowdfunding can help.

Starting a fundraiser through PavelAndreev.ORG only takes a few minutes and our platform has a 0% fee, meaning 100% of your donations can be used for your campaign needs!

Fundraising for humanitarian causes

Human nature is such that it wants to help people who are less fortunate and this can be contagious. If you need that financial boost to make your cause a reality, PavelAndreev.ORG can help. Start fundraising today!