We’re all familiar with the Myers-Briggs personality test, right? Today’s post about giving back – whether that be donations, micro-loans, or something else – will make a lot of sense if you’re familiar with that test, because I’m an Advocate (INFJ). I’m usually the type to make my efforts quietly behind the scenes, but I’ve got some great resources I really want to share.
Like most entrepreneurs, I had a tiny little budget when I first started and not much room for big donations. So, I’ve looked around for ways to give back, even when money is tight and time is scarce. If that sounds like you, or maybe you’re looking for extra ways to add into what you already do, then read on!
No-Cost Options
Yes, really. Some of my favorites are in this category, not because they are free, but because they are nearly effortless and can be incorporated into things you do daily already. Note that these links are “referral” links, but I don’t receive any money from them! The referral generates bonus donations for my account, so using these links will allow me to donate more.
This is the big one for me. Each time I open a new tab I get a snazzy little dashboard with fun things and I earn “hearts”. Those hearts can be donated to one of several charities.
It works by showing you a couple of ads on your dashboard. Tab for a Cause gets revenue from showing ads, and after you donate your hearts they donate the corresponding money to the charity of your choice!
My personal Tab for a Cause dashboard
My personal Tab for a Cause statistics. 4 years of clean water, and I’ve used it less than a year!
This is similar to Ad Blocker Plus or similar ad blockers, but it’s from the same people as Tab for a Cause, so you can guess how it works. They show you one ad a day, and in exchange you get hearts to donate. Choose your charity and make a difference while speeding up page load times!
I’ve been using this even less time than Tab for a Cause, but it’s so easy to make donations with it!
Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue. Improving our planet can start with something as simple as a search. They’ve already planted over 11 million trees!
An example search result page on Ecosia
This network has several different sites you can click to easily. Click the donate button on each section daily and their advertising partners pay accordingly. You can purchase goods from these sites that help fund the causes, too.
It’s worth noting, in line with my statement above, that this link is not an affiliate link. GreaterGood has a true affiliate program available to compensate referrers when purchases are made, but I am not an affiliate. I don’t want them paying me, I want them funding causes.
The GreaterGood Network home. Notice the 9 other sites you can click to? You can donate on each one daily!
Low-Cost Options
Ready for some more direct influence? Take your impact and investment up a notch!
Kiva connects philanthropic individuals with people in over 80 countries to create micro-loans. You first search for someone in need of funds, find one that resonates with you, and help fund them a small loan – and I’m talking as little as $25 for the whole loan, in some cases! Because it’s a loan you’ll hopefully get that money back – then you can choose to take it back or lend to another cause. And don’t worry, 100% of your loan money goes to the lendee!
Kiva Loans funds everything from clean water to business ventures. Choose to put your money where your heart is!
Volunteering
You can use sites like VolunteerMatch, Moving Worlds, and Give What You’re Good At to find organizations that matter to you and lend a helping hand. Some, like Habitat for Humanity, are more hands on, while others can be done virtually and remotely.