When people think of impactful gifts to nonprofits, they often assume large, one-time donations are the only way to make a noticeable impact. In reality, small, regular donations can be just as powerful, for both the donor and communities in need of a helping hand.
In the same way huge rivers like the Colorado are formed by trickles of melting snow, small, regular giving can make a powerful difference.
Small But Mighty: The Power of Everyday Giving
One of the simplest ways to start giving regularly is by integrating donations into your daily or weekly routine. For example, if you add an extra pair of children’s socks or underwear while online shopping each month, you can easily have them delivered directly to The Foster Alliance. It may seem small, but getting a new pack of socks or having their own underwear is often a significant moment for children in foster care. We have learned that if a child is worrying about having a safe place to sleep or if they will have shoes that fit they cannot focus on healing from the trauma they have faced.
When organizations like The Foster Alliance know they can count on a steady stream of donations—even small ones—they can provide stability that children and the greater community can count on.
Together We Can Do Great Things
A small donation might feel like a drop in the bucket, but when combined with hundreds or thousands of others it becomes a tidal wave of support. Nonprofits rely on the cumulative power of regular donations to fund their day-to-day operations, provide services, and meet the needs of the community.
Consider this: many nonprofits need a steady supply of basic goods, such as toiletries for families in crisis or food for a soup kitchen. Imagine the difference that could be made if 800 Arizonans simply threw a package of socks into their cart to donate every week. Small, regular donations can ensure that these essential supplies are always available.
In contrast, large, one-time donations provide a temporary boost but, due to their infrequence, they may not help the nonprofit meet its long-term needs. Regular giving ensures the charities closest to your heart can plan for the future and keep helping those in need, long after the initial wave of support from a large campaign subsides.
The “Easy Button” for Donors
Consistency in giving isn’t just beneficial for the nonprofits and the communities they serve—it’s also easier for those who want to lend a hand. By giving a small amount regularly, you can budget your donations without feeling the financial pressure that may come with making larger, less frequent contributions.
For example, this year in Arizona you can donate up to $1,173 to a qualifying foster care organization. That might be too much to donate at one time for Arizona families, even knowing they will get it all back when they file their taxes. However, giving $97.58 per month is much more palatable. A recurring gift at this level could provide a week’s work of socks and underwear for seven foster children each month. Automatic monthly giving options are offered by many charities, making it even more convenient. Once you set up your donation, it’s deducted seamlessly without the need for you to remember each month.
Additionally, giving small amounts regularly fits more naturally into your life. Whether you’re picking up a few extra items at the store or setting aside a small portion of your paycheck each month, regular donations allow you to contribute to causes you care about without disrupting your daily routine.
Tax Benefits
As mentioned earlier, another often overlooked advantage of regular giving is the potential tax deductions. While many think that only large donations qualify for tax deductions, small donations can add up over time and still offer significant tax benefits.
Be sure to keep a record of your regular contributions—many nonprofits provide annual donation summaries to make the process easier when tax season rolls around. These deductions not only reduce your taxable income but also reward you for supporting charitable causes throughout the year.
While large, one-time donations have their place, small, regular giving is often more sustainable and impactful in the long run. By incorporating charitable acts into your routine, you can support the causes you care about consistently and effectively. Remember, every contribution—no matter how small—helps build a better world. So, the next time you’re at the store or considering your budget, think about how a small, regular donation can make a big difference for a cause that is close to your heart.
Bethany Eggleston is the VP of Development & Marketing at The Foster Alliance.
