As an emerging young African philanthropist, I often get asked the question “How can I get involved in this space?” It’s always humbling to see the desire that is there, for people to give back to their communities and make a meaningful impact. I know that giving back to our community is an essential part of creating positive change. Philanthropy and charity work are not only beneficial for the recipients, but they also provide a sense of fulfilment and purpose for the giver. In this article, I will explore the various ways that individuals can get involved in philanthropy or charity work and the pros and cons of doing so.

Where do I start from?

The first step to getting involved in philanthropy or charity work is to IDENTIFY A CAUSE  that you are passionate about. There are countless issues that require support, from education and health care to poverty and environmental conservation. Focusing on a cause that you are passionate about often helps with having the tenacity required to stay the course when pursuing the cause. Once you have identified a cause that resonates with you, you can begin to research and connect with organisations that are working towards that cause. This research is important as it helps you push for collaboration and complementation instead of competing with organisations fighting for the same thing.

Once you have the information from your research the next step is to TAKE ACTION. You need to decide if you want to be a full time philanthropist and open an organisation or you want to partner and give to already existing organisations. One way to get involved in philanthropy or charity work is to donate money to an organisation that is doing impactful work. From as little as $5 you can make a difference by donating through online means and in some cases setting up direct debits so that you are constantly giving to the cause that matters to you. This can be a one-time donation or a recurring donation, depending on your financial capacity. This approach is convenient, as it requires little time or effort, and can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. However, it is essential to research the organisation you plan to donate to thoroughly to ensure that your funds will be used effectively.

 

Another way to get involved in philanthropy or charity work is to volunteer your time and skills. Many organizations rely on volunteers to carry out their programs and initiatives. Volunteering provides a hands-on approach to making a difference and can be a rewarding experience. However, it requires a significant amount of time and effort, and may not be feasible for individuals with busy schedules. The following pages or organisations run good volunteering programs :

  1. Volunteer Abroad In Africa – www.volunteerhq.org  
  2. Grace Life Foundation – www.gracelifefoundation.com
  3. Go overseas – www.gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroad/africa
  4. Volunteer in Zimbabwe – www.volunteerworld.com/en/volunteer-abroad/zimbabwe
  5. Rotary – www.rotary.org 
  6. UN Volunteers – www.unv.org 
  7. African Impact – www.africanimpact.com/volunteer-projects/  

Whats in it for me? Someone might ask. Below we explore some pros and cons of getting involved with this kind of work :

Pros of the  Work

  1. Helping those in need: One of the most rewarding aspects of philanthropy or charity work is the opportunity to help those who are less fortunate. Whether you are donating money, volunteering your time, or providing resources, your efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of others.
  2. Making a positive impact: By getting involved in philanthropy or charity work, you can make a positive impact on your community or the world. Whether you are supporting a local organization or contributing to a global cause, your efforts can help create a better world for everyone.
  3. Personal fulfillment: Engaging in philanthropy or charity work can be personally fulfilling. It can give you a sense of purpose and meaning, and help you feel like you are making a difference in the world.
  4. Networking: Philanthropy and charity work can also provide opportunities for networking and connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion for giving back. This can lead to new friendships, collaborations, and partnerships.

Cons of the Work

  1. Financial costs: Depending on how you choose to get involved in philanthropy or charity work, it can be expensive. Donating money, hosting events, or sponsoring programs can require significant financial resources.
  2. Time commitment: Philanthropy and charity work can also be time-consuming. Volunteering, organizing events, and coordinating with other individuals or organizations can take up a lot of time and energy.
  3. Emotional toll: Engaging in philanthropy or charity work can also be emotionally taxing. Witnessing the suffering of others and working to alleviate it can be overwhelming, and can take a toll on your mental health and well-being.
  4. Burnout: Finally, philanthropy and charity work can lead to burnout if you are not careful. It’s important to find a balance between giving back and taking care of yourself, so that you can continue to make a positive impact over the long term

In summary Tips for Getting Involved in Philanthropy or Charity Work are that :

  1. Identify your passions and interests: Start by identifying causes that are important to you. Whether it’s supporting education, healthcare, or the environment, there are many causes that could benefit from your support.
  2. Research organisations: Once you have identified your areas of interest, research organisations that are working in those areas. Look for organisations that are reputable, well-established, and have a proven track record of success.
  3. Start small: If you’re new to philanthropy or charity work, start small. Consider making a small donation or volunteering for a few hours. This can help you get a sense of what’s involved and whether it’s something you want to pursue further.
  4. Network: Attend events and conferences related to your areas of interest, and connect with other individuals and organizations that share your passion for giving back. This can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
  5. Be strategic: Finally, be strategic in your philanthropic efforts. Consider the impact you want to make and how you can best achieve your goals. Develop a plan for how you will give back, and measure your progress along the way.

Philanthropy and charity work can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to make a positive impact on the world. By understanding the pros and cons of getting involved, and following these tips for getting started, you can find ways to give back that align with your vision and passion.

You can find out more about the kind of work you can get involved in here