15 Great Ways You Can Support Charities

Giving back is always a rewarding feeling, whether it’s helping someone in need, getting involved in a fundraiser, or supporting a favourite charity through donations. There are countless ways to support great causes, so if you’ve been wanting a little inspiration on how you can get involved, we’ve put together 15 ideas on the best ways you can help charities to keep doing the important work they do.

Get out in the community

1. Spread the message about a great cause

The power of sharing information, events or the work of a charity can never be underestimated. With so many ways to get the message out there these days – often with just the click of a button – this is an easy (and free!) way for people to show their support. Whether it’s retweeting, liking or sharing social posts, putting up posters in your window, or doing it the old-fashioned way and chatting to someone about it, spreading the word is crucial.

2. Educate others on a charity’s work

Whether it’s about reuse services, the location of shops and premises, or simply about the work a charity does, the education piece is so important for awareness and understanding. What may seem obvious to some, may not be understood by those who are new to a charity, so it can be a big help to showcase the work of a charity you’re passionate about.

3. Arrange a community event – no matter how small

Part of a book club? Maybe you’re a member of a running group, or perhaps you live in a small village whose residents love a reason to get together? If there’s an opportunity to host a community event, whether virtually or in-person, then what are you waiting for?! Don’t forget to let your chosen charity know of your event – they love to hear about people coming together to support their cause!

Get other people involved

4. Get your colleagues to take part

There are plenty of ways to get your colleagues involved with fundraising ideas. Arrange a fancy dress or a themed day at work – even if it’s on Zoom – and take proceeds for your favourite charity. Get creative and have fun with it – perhaps asking the office to decide on a theme and award a prize for the winning outfit.

5. Reach out to other organisations

Making people aware of a charity’s work can be the trickiest part in gaining new support. If you’re keen to get the news out there about a fundraiser or event, why not reach out to organisations or businesses who could potentially raise awareness and/or offer any additional funding?

6. Team up with other charities

If there are two charities you’re wanting to support, why not team up with others? When it comes to raising money, not everyone will be aware of every cause, so why not share the passion for the fundraiser by inviting others to take part in aid of their chosen charity. You’ll not only help other causes, but the awareness piece will spread further and reach even more potential supporters.

Spend your pennies with purpose

7. Gift Aid where you can

Whether it’s donating pre-loved goods or making a monetary gift, you can make your money go further by giving Gift Aid which adds an extra 25p on to every pound made. If you’re a UK taxpayer, you can add Gift Aid to your donation at no extra cost to you; there’s just a few details we’ll need when taking your donation.

8. Match fund donations

Many non-profits run a ‘double your donation’ campaign which is supported by an anonymous trust or beneficiary which will double donations up to a certain amount. This is a great way to stretch your pennies even further and know that your support is making double the impact.

9. Leave a gift in your will

Nobody ever really wants to think about writing a will, but it’s an important legal document that ensures that your wishes are honoured and carried out after you’ve moved on. Most people will be prompted to write a will when they reach certain times in their life, such as getting married, buying a home or having children.
Charities benefit hugely from gifts left in wills, so if there’s a cause close to your heart, then leaving a gift, no matter how big or small, can make the world of difference – and is also a wonderful way to leave a lasting impact in your memory.

Show support through shopping

10. Shop in store

Support a charity and reduce your environmental impact at the same time by shopping in charity shops. Buying second-hand means you’re helping raise funds for vital causes, as well as getting something back in return. Browsing charity shops often feels like treasure hunting – you’ll come away with some amazing finds, and by shopping in-store, you’re keeping their presence on the high street and allowing places for donation drop-offs, generating awareness and building a community.

11. Browse online for great deals

In recent years, particularly since the start of the pandemic, there’s been a sharp rise in the number of people shopping online, which has urged many charities to focus on their ecommerce offering. Whether it’s eBay or their very own web shop, you can find great deals online that all contribute to the services that charities are needing vital funds for.

12. Share your bargains on social

If you’ve found yourself a gem in a local charity shop, then spreading the message of your bargains is a sure-fire way to get footfall into stores, as well as encourage visits to a web shop. Share the items you’ve managed to bag from your favourite charity shop on social media (check out our friend Charity Shop Girl for inspo!) to encourage others to take the leap into second-hand buying. Remember to tag the charity you’ve purchased from to help spread awareness, too.

Send your items to a new home

13. Give your items a new life by donating them

Donate your pre-loved items the old fashioned way by dropping them off at donation stations, charity shops, or by leaving them in prepaid bags for collection from your home. If you’re having a clear-out anytime soon, this could be a brilliant opportunity to give your items a new lease of life, while raising funds for important causes in the process.

14. Donate your old phones and laptops

Are you a business with unwanted but functional electronics? Whether it’s laptops, computers or phones, don’t send them to landfill or let them take up space – get in touch with a charity who can collect, wipe the data and resell them for life-saving funds. A charity may not be the first place you think of for secure asset IT removal, but these services are incredibly reputable and completely free of charge, so you know you’re doing your bit for charity, the environment and your business.

15. Sell items and donate profits to charity

From car boots to garage sales and Vinted to Facebook Marketplace – there are countless ways to sell your old items these days, so why not get involved and donate some of your profits to charity? Many people have items that they may not want to donate, but rather sell and give a percentage of funds to their chosen charity. Any funds help with making a difference and you get to help spread the awareness of the cause at the same time.

It’s no secret that many people are struggling right now; particularly with the recent impact of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. While it’s hard to know that there are so many people in need, you can take comfort in knowing that there are countless charities out there doing life-changing work to support those who are struggling, and that we can all do our part to help. Just remember that no gesture is ‘too small’, and you really can make a difference to someone with just one of the ideas on this list.

If you’re involved in any fundraisers or want advice on how you can support our charity further, we would love to hear from you.