When it comes to giving back, there are plenty of ways to show you care for others. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, get involved in the community, or even commit time to strengthening your relationships, giving back provides many ways to impact others around you. 

One way you can emphasize altruism within your life is by committing to donate to nonprofit organizations like Daily Work. Our goal is to create access and opportunity in the workforce by providing holistic, relationship-based employment services for people experiencing barriers to work. 

For most of us, employment is the means to financial stability... which provides a foundation for a healthy, thriving life. Without financial stability, everything in our lives is in jeopardy...our food, housing, health, safety, and more. Without these basic needs satisfied, it's impossible to pursue the elements of life that truly help us feel healthy, happy and whole, such as meaningful relationships with others or giving of our time and talents to something that brings us deeper joy or fulfillment.

A job is often foundational to that pursuit. When someone gets a job, everything in their life is impacted; and while it may create new stressors, too, it also opens the door to opportunities for increased hope, self-esteem, and accomplishment. Last year, 70 percent of the people who came to at least three appointments with Daily Work obtained new employment! In fact, 95 percent of our job seekers report feeling more confident about finding and keeping a job after coming to Daily Work. 

When you give to Daily Work, your gift changes someone's life in meaningful ways, but it also makes a big impact in your own life. Read about some of the surprising benefits of making a donation below. 

Find more pleasure.

Studies across the board have consistently shown donating financial gifts can actually increase your pleasure and joy in life. One research study conducted by the National Institute of Health gave participants $100 each. When participants chose to donate a portion of their money, they experienced heightened and activated pleasure centers in the brain than those who did not. This means more often than not, donating money actually makes you feel better.

Protect your community.

Giving to local community organizations also provides important safety nets, which guarantee assistance for those in need around you. Many community organizations receive most of their funding from smaller, private donations. These groups can have the most significant impact on building up your community members and fostering a better environment for the future.

Improve your health.

Speaking of benefits, donating to a cause has actually been shown to improve your physical health, as well. People who volunteer and give consistently score better in measurements of overall health than those who do not. Additionally, knowing you make an impact can also improve your self-esteem and self-worth, helping to lower depression rates.

Reduce your stress.

With depression often comes stress, which can also be reduced through the simple act of giving. Researchers at John Hopkins University and the University of Tennessee found charitable givers often experience lower rates of stress and reduced blood pressure levels compared to their counterparts who do not give. By improving your happiness and health through giving and serving others, you can also reduce your stress levels.

Learn money management.

If you struggle to maintain a budget, giving can help you learn important money management skills. By setting up a recurring donation every month, you can feel even more motivated to attend to your finances and ensure you don’t fall behind. By paying attention to giving, you also pay attention to your bank account, and help learn better money management.

Get a tax deduction.

Finally, one of the most popular reasons to give: getting a tax deduction. If you give to an IRS-approved charity, you can write off any donations you make on your tax return. While it might not be the most important reason to give, it certainly doesn’t hurt to save a little extra money in the long run—and help others at the same time.

Giving back is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your money and time. Not only can you make a difference to others in your community, but you can also enjoy the many benefits which come from giving. Check out these ideas for giving to Daily Work!