Most people have the desire to make the world a better place. But many of us also feel like we lack the time and resources to actually make a difference. So why not support those who do, Money Magnets? Charities and NGOs play a vital role in addressing various social, economic, and environmental issues in South Africa. Here are some easy ways of supporting charity in amplifying their impact and reach:
1. Monetary Donations
Monetary donations are the fastest and easiest way to support an NGO. They provide the flexibility required by the organisation to allocate funds where they are most needed, especially for NGOs that focus on various issues such as Gift of the Givers, a SA organisation best known for disaster relief, but that also focuses on education and health care.
You can opt to give a one-time donation or set up a monthly or annual donation providing a steady stream of income, helping the charity with long-term planning and stability. To make things easy, many NGOs and charities offer multiple ways to make donations on their website using options such as Snapcan, EFT or Payfast.
2. In-kind Donations
In-kind donations are non-monetary gifts that fulfil the specific needs of the organisation. Various organisations such as u|turn, a Cape Town organisation helping individuals overcome homelessness or Hellen – Working in the Community, an animal welfare organisation in Johannesburg, run charity shops, where you can donate goods such as clothes, books and household items that you no longer need to be resold for income.
The Santa Shoebox Project is another example of supporting charity by donating goods. This project ensures that underprivileged children all over South Africa and Namibia have a wonderful Christmas with useful and educational gifts.
3. Support by shopping
Many charities have turned to selling products as a way to generate income. Shopping at charity and hospice shops is just one option to support them, while looking after your wallet (Check out our article 20 Easy Tips to Make Saving More Money Fun).
The Big Issue provides entrepreneurial and vocational training to marginalised and homeless people. By buying their monthly magazine sold at robots in and around Cape Town you can support these street vendors in earning a living.
Ladles of Love runs numerous feeding schemes in Cape Town while supporting local small-scale farmers in growing wholesome food economically and sustainably. They not only sell fresh organic vegetables at various locations but also collect your compost bucket to turn it into rich soil for their farmers. A win-win for everyone!
4. Volunteering
Time and skills can be just as valuable as financial contributions. Volunteering offers a hands-on way to support an NGO by giving a helping hand in soup kitchens such as Fred & Martie’s Soup Kitchen in Claremont, Johannesburg, or by offering your skills to programmes such as JOSH uplifting less fortunate people. This Johannesburg organisation provides shelter and educational programmes to the homeless.
If you are passionate about environmental issues, especially our oceans, beach clean-ups are a great way to connect with like-minded people, get some fresh air and do your part in having cleaner oceans and beautiful beaches. Various organisations have regular meet-ups in Cape Town or Durban.
5. Sponsorships and fundraisers
If you are one of the many South Africans who love to run or cycle, then fundraisers are another fantastic way to raise money for a charity fighting for a cause you are passionate about. The Chaeli Campaign in Cape Town is a social foundation with the aim to change society’s views on children with disability and social inclusion. Each year hundreds of athletes compete in their name and with children with mobile disabilities in tow in races around the world.
Many South Africans are proud of our rich natural diversity, but clashes between wildlife and humans are inevitable. So, why not sponsor or adopt an animal at a reputable animal rehabilitation centre such as CROW in KwaZulu-Natal or SANCCOB in the Western Cape?
6. Advocacy and Awareness
Raising awareness about an NGO’s mission can lead to increased support and funding. So even if you really can’t spare any money or time, sending a shout-out or sharing a charity’s post on social media can have a positive impact on increasing their reach. Organisations such as Food For Life, feeding hungry mouths all over the country, or Educo, providing personal development programmes for disadvantaged youth in the wild, rely heavily on the public’s support online to raise funds for their programmes and make a difference in South Africa.
Dear South Africa is a non-profit platform that enables the public to influence all government policies, amendments and proposals. By participating and sharing their campaigns, you help create a better future for everyone in South Africa, without having to spend a single cent.
In economically difficult times, it is easy to say no to donation requests as we often feel we need to look after ourselves and our families first. But there are many ways to help that do not cost you anything. And especially during these hard times, it is important to look out for the less fortunate. And keep in mind that donating doesn’t only benefit the receiver, but also the giver. If you don’t believe us, check out our article 6 Benefits of Donating to Charity in South Africa.
There are hundreds of charity organisations in South Africa and supporting even just one of them helps others and with that all of us. By giving your money, time, skills, goods, or leveraging your network, you can help these organisations achieve their goals and make a lasting difference for the greater good.
P.S. Check out our July podcast about philanthropy, where we share some of our philosophy on this topic and how we have integrated giving back into our lives.
