“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington

When we donate our time, money, and energy to something bigger than ourselves, we harness the power to change our lives and the lives of others. The more of ourselves we pour into our communities, the better the world becomes. This timeless philosophy is often embodied by work of nonprofit organizations, like Reality Changers. You can make a lasting impact on your community by getting involved.

Many people believe help for nonprofit organizations must come in the form of monetary donations. While financial support is great, that’s far from the only way you can help out! Whether you’re an individual or part of a larger organization, you have the power to significantly contribute to the goals and progress of your favorite nonprofit.

The Impact of Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations provide ways for people to come together for the common good. There are more than a million nonprofits in the United States, all working to feed, shelter, educate, and inspire people of all backgrounds. Every day, these groups foster civic engagement and strengthen communities. Reality Changers, for example, prepares youth to become first generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities.

Nonprofit organizations are doing the essential work of creating a more equitable world for everyone, but this is often done behind the scenes.. Without continuous, sustained help for nonprofit organizations, these groups can’t continue working on their missions. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

Donate Money and Time

One of the best, most effective ways to help nonprofit organizations is to make a financial contribution to their cause. Operating expenses can be steep, and every penny helps further the goals of the organization. Groups often use monetary donations to purchase specific supplies,, fund technology needs, cover costs associated with volunteering, and pay staff.

Financial contributions aren’t the only way to donate to a nonprofit, though. If you’re short on cash or just prefer a more hands-on approach to donating, you can also volunteer your time. Volunteer work is essential in keeping many nonprofits operating. At Reality Changers, volunteers help tutor students, run events, mentor college grads, and much more.

Whether you choose to donate money or time –or both!– your support is essential.

Follow, Like and Share

Help for nonprofit organizations doesn’t always come in the form of donations. In fact, many groups are eager to share their work with the world. That’s why it’s so important to follow your favorite nonprofits on social media.. A few simple clicks can do wonders to raise awareness.

Working as an advocate for causes you care about helps spread the nonprofit’s mission and potentially earn them more donations. By sharing inspiring, uplifting posts about your favorite organization, you’ll help motivate others to get involved, too.

Start a Personal Fundraiser

Anyone eager to learn how to support a nonprofit organization must understand the importance of peer-to-peer fundraising. By sharing donation opportunities with your friend group, you’ll increase your own impact.

Starting a personal fundraiser is a great way to get your social network involved in your favorite cause and many organizations now use online donation platforms that allow you to set up your own fundraising page. This trend of peer-to-peer fundraising multiplies the impact of small $5 and $10 contributions instantaneously.

People are much more likely to engage with a cause if someone they trust is advocating on its behalf. Even if they’re unfamiliar with the organization before you post about it, your friends are eager to support you and the nonprofits you’re passionate about. By giving to an organization you care about, your friends and family will come to know and understand the cause on a personal level, further motivating them to commit to real social change.

Get Involved with Reality Changers

Help for nonprofit organizations starts on a personal level. If you’re eager to get involved, find a cause you’re passionate about. College readiness programs like Reality Changers are a great option.

At Reality Changers, we’re committed to preparing youth to become first-generation college students. We offer academic tutoring, mentorship, leadership programing, professional development, and more for students hoping to earn the first college degrees in their families. It’s a cause we’re passionate about, and if you feel the same, we’d love to tell you more.

You can get involved with Reality Changers or any nonprofit of your choice by donating your time and money. Liking, sharing, and following us on social media is also a great way to support students on their college journeys. No matter your preference for helping out, we welcome your support!