Philanthropy and Giving Back: How Teens can Make a Huge Difference through Financial Contributions

For the teen of today living in a world besieged by problems such as climate change, poverty, gender discrimination, racial inequality, can be quite challenging and overwhelming. Bewildered, they even begin to question the value of their lives, the worth of their lives wondering how they can make a difference. However, for those who are wondering thus, the answer is simple- begin by small steps, start now and begin with what you can give back to society. 

So, philanthropy is not just for the rich or the powerful. It is a mindset. A small step. Something that you can proudly associate with. It will define and change you.

Meaning of Philanthropy

You do not need to donate crores to become a philanthropist. The notion defines the financial efforts you make to donate to a cause, to improve the lives of others. It involves help in financial terms, and by giving your time and your skills.

Although activism and volunteering are meaningful, they can also make monetary contributions. Even small amount can go a big way and make vital contributions to the cause. 

Why does monetary gifts or donations matter to the teen?

This question will bother you since most of us are not earning. Also, questions such as the relevance of making a donation with a meagre sum.

• Even small amounts add to the total- NGO rely on the small contributions at the grassroot level. A meagre 100 Rs contribution might help a distressed child to buy his books or stationary or help in his school lunch or even get him clean water for a day.

• Increases your awareness- You become engaged and involved with the issue, learn more about it and spread awareness about the same.

• It builds a charitable habit in you- By starting early, you develop empathy and kindness within you. Further, you learn to be charitable and develop values that will make a responsible citizen and a good human being.

Simple Ways of Giving Back to the Community or the World

Your age or income does not matter, you can always contribute. Here are some significant ways in which you can donate:

1. Donate a part of your Monthly allowance-

You can always fix a small percentage of your monthly allowance, say 5%, for that animal welfare campaign to feed stray dogs, to support underprivileged children with that extra bottle of milk or for that menstrual health campaign. Always set a monthly goal to donate and contribute. It will be a generous investment in humanity.  

Begin with a monthly goal of donation and do not stray away from it.

2. Creating Micro- Fundraisers

       To raise funds, one does not need grand occasion, but be creative. 

• Create and sell hand-painted greeting cards, bookmarks. 

• Host some baking or cooking challenges with a minor entry fee

• Or organize a dance show or music night at school.

                    These activities will help to raise awareness and generate funds for a charitable     

                     cause. 

3. Support Verified and Authentic Online Campaigns 

Multiple websites like Ketto, Milaap and GiveIndia are legitimate platforms that work on various causes. By being part of such campaigns or any other that resonates with you as disaster relief, LGBTQ campaigns or animal welfare committees, you can realize the philanthropist in you. Many of these campaigns have subscription donations and you can fix a comfortable monthly subscription to keep working on your goals.

4. Begin a Group of Generous Teens

Create a group of friends or classmates, who would also work on similar causes and pledge regular monetary support or extend their time for such causes. You can:

• Sponsor books or stationary of a poor student or give voluntary tuition classes to deprived children.

• Adopt a noble cause to work on in future

• Create your own platform for a noble cause.

Giving back to the community gives a purpose to your life. 

Making the Right Choice

Always pick a cause that resonates with your persona, your views and aligns to your experiences. Some popular choices among teens are:

• Child’s Right to Education: Eradicate illiteracy and sponsor learning tools

• Mental Health: Support the cause of mental breakdown in youth online platform

• Environmental Causes: Organize clean river projects, rally against the cause of plastics

• Animal Welfare: Provide food and shelter to stray animals. 

To identify your favored cause, introspect deeply and question yourself what moves you. Be inspired by the stories and experiences of teens such as Greta Thunberg, who single-handedly fights against environmental disasters and climate change. Or Malala Yousefzi, who fought the Taliban for girl child’s education and has been working tirelessly towards the cause. Their youth and their inexperience did not stop them from fighting for the causes they hold dear. They have been motivational figures and you can also become one by championing a cause and raise funds for the same.

Long-Term Benefits of Teen Philanthropy

By working on a cause, you can discover many other benefits:

• Builds your profile and CV: Helps to show the initiative, compassion and leadership qualities you possess. 

• Helps to build your persona: Philanthropic work releases dopamine and gives you a sense of purpose. 

• Teaches you financial responsibility: You learn to manage funds, save money or allocate funds, that makes you responsible and accountable.

Finally, to give is a work of immense value and gives a new meaning to your life. and to give back you need readiness and a compassionate heart. You can do so by donating money or pledge your time and your labor. And whatever philanthropic work you do, remember nothing is too small. 

So, do not think too much or hesitate. Just brace yourself and start a fundraiser, share a kind thought, and inspire others.