3 Powerful Ways to Support Nonprofits
Blog Post: 3 Powerful Ways to Support Nonprofits
Nonprofits are the heartbeat of social impact - working tirelessly to address everything from being unhoused and education to mental health and environmental justice. But supporting them doesn’t always mean pulling out your credit card.
If you’re looking to make a difference, here are three meaningful ways to support nonprofits and amplify their mission.
1. Give Your Time
One of the most valuable things you can offer a nonprofit is your time. Many organizations are running lean teams and are incredibly grateful for dedicated volunteers. Whether it’s stuffing envelopes, organizing an event, mentoring someone in their program, or just showing up to support - they need people who care.
Pro Tip: Reach out and ask how your availability could fit into their current needs. Even a few hours a month can make a big impact.
2. Offer Your Talent
Do you have a specific skill set that could help a nonprofit thrive? Think beyond basic volunteering. Could you help with accounting, marketing, IT, or HR? Many organizations need pro bono professional services but can't afford to hire experts.
You might also consider joining a Board or Committee, where your insight and experience can help shape strategic decisions.
Ask yourself: What do I do professionally, and how could I use that to support a mission I believe in?
Or take another spin on this: What is something you want to learn or grow in professionally, that you could use volunteering to learn or expand upon a skill? Maybe it’s running AV equipment or fine tuning your strategic planning skills. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills as well!
3. Share Your Treasure
Of course, financial support is critical. And there are more ways to give than you might think:
Donate via cash, check, credit card, or other online services like PayPal, Venmo, GoFundMe, or ApplePay
Contribute appreciated assets like stocks, mutual funds, or cryptocurrency
Give property such as cars, real estate, collectibles, or art
Make gifts through Donor Advised Funds, Charitable Trusts, or Foundations
Donate qualified IRA distributions directly to nonprofits (a tax-savvy option for those over 70½)
Include a nonprofit in your will, trust, or as a retirement account beneficiary
Pro Tip: Talk with your financial advisor about planned giving options that fit your philanthropic and financial goals.
Final Thought: Supporting nonprofits isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you give time, talent, treasure—or a mix of all three—you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself. And that kind of support is what fuels lasting change.
BONUS TIP: Who can you introduce to your nonprofit that could give of their time, talents, or treasures? That helps them more than you can imagine!
(Written by Erin Arnheim while at Legacy Collective)
