Most Americans want to give back in some way, shape or form — we recognize how lucky and blessed we all are to have been born in a country that’s full of opportunity and freedom. But, just because we want to give back doesn’t always mean we can afford to. These are tough times for many individuals and families, but there’s no denying that there are millions of people around the globe who would give just about anything to trade lives with us.

If you have the desire to help others and give back, but can’t seem to find any space in your budget to donate, this message is for you. I want you to know that there are ways you can still have a major, positive impact even when you can’t give big — you just need to get creative.
Here are two of the easiest ways to give back with impact, even with you’re on a tight budget.

Find charitable organizations that stretch your money

Small donations have a big impact when you donate to the right organizations. Many people don’t bother donating because they can’t afford to give anything substantial, but that’s really just a misconception with charitable giving. If you find the right organization, you can give a small amount of money with the assurance that it’s going to have an impact.

For example, if you were to donate just $50 to the LDE Foundation, it would feed all 140 children lunch for two weeks. That’s TWO WEEKS of meals for 140 children that they would otherwise go without. That’s something that really matters, and something you can feel really good about doing. You don’t need to commit to a monthly payment to make a difference in people’s lives.

Stop buying people gifts they don’t want or need

This is such a simple concept, and it’s something I’ve adopted in my own life. Even as a young adult, I always had the desire to give back and helps others who were less fortunate. But, I just didn’t have any extra money at the end of the month. With student loans, rent, and the soaring price of groceries, the money always ran out before month end.

But, come Christmas time, I always planned ahead. I’d start saving my pennies early to ensure I was able to buy something small for the people who mattered most. One year, I was at a total loss at what to buy my family members. What do you buy for people who have everything? The anti-consumerism side of me absolutely hated spending money for the sake of spending money. And then, out of nowhere, I get this email from one of the many charitable organizations out there, suggesting I give donations as gifts. What a novel idea, I thought. I could help a family in need, and present that as a gift to my family members. That year, my mother gave a goat to a young family. This goat was literally going to change their lives, and needless to say, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

So during those times of year when you’re feeling compelled to spend money, whether you want to or not, consider how you can change your spending habits and turn it into something good. Buying people stuff they don’t need (or want) for the sake of having a gift to hand over on Christmas day, or even a birthday, doesn’t help anyone. But transforming that gift into a token of kindness for someone who truly does need it? That’s something really powerful.

Even when money is tight, you just need to find the right organizations and get creative with how you choose to spend your money. Every single citizen in this incredible country has the ability to make a difference.

Here at L’ecole Dinas Mixed, our mission is to provide free education to Haitian children who are eager to learn and gain the skills required to lead healthy, productive lives. Our program shines a light on the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and empowers disadvantaged children to break the cycle of poverty.

Even the small donations have a massive impact.

Blog written by Alex Morrison of Scotch & Ramen Media, Inc.