Why Giving Back Matters More Than Ever

Charitable giving is down as inflation has gone up

Adjusted for inflation, giving by individuals declined by 2.4% in 2023.² Looking at the bigger financial picture, this makes sense. Consumer debt levels have reached an all time high this year, which tells us that people's wallets are hurting.³

As an organization that prioritizes giving back to the community and financial well-being, we encourage a well-rounded approach to giving back. Non-profit organizations play an important role in providing countless services to our communities, for which we're extremely grateful.

Giving is good for you

Not only are charitable organizations important to our community, but did you know that giving back is actually good for your well being too?

Studies show that donating and volunteering helps lower your blood pressure, leads to a longer life span, leads to decreased stress, and actually causes a chemical response in the brain that makes you feel good.⁴ While most of us don't give back purely for selfish reasons, it's an added bonus to know that we're not just helping others, but our bodies and minds are benefitting as well.

Ways to give back on a budget

If you don't have the means to give back right now, but want to find ways to make a difference in your community, here are a few ways you can get involved:

Volunteer

Volunteers are a crucial part of the success of non-profit organizations. A lot of non-profit organizations try to keep operational costs low by employing fewer people and relying on volunteers. You can make a meaningful difference by volunteering with a non-profit that works in your community.

Small donations make a difference

Even if you have a small amount to give, it will make a difference. For reference, a $5 donation to the Idaho Foodbank can provide up to 15 meals. That's a huge impact! Remember, if you're on the fence about donating because it feels too small, anything makes more of a difference than nothing.

Look into whether your employer matches donations

A lot of employers offer donation matching programs. If that's an option, that can even double your donation!

Don't feel peer pressured to give

While giving is a fantastic thing, sometimes we find ourselves in social situations where it feels awkward not donating. In a study surrounding giving, it was found that individuals were more likely to give more when surrounded by peers, but they were also more likely to feel less happy about the amount they donated.⁵ While your motivation behind giving shouldn't just be to make you feel good, you also shouldn't be motivated to give purely because other people around you are doing it, too.

It's important that your donation is actually one that aligns with your values and one that you can afford. Don't make a donation just because you feel pressured by those around you. That said, we recommend avoiding situations like charity auctions where the expectation would be that you give if you're not able to.