The best kind of contribution

There are plenty of initiatives in the world that need our financial contributions in order to move the cause forward. So donating our money is one important way that we can support positive change in the world around us. 

But there is another type of contribution that is equally important, if not more, and that is our in-kind contribution. By in-kind contribution, we mean donating our time, skills, and unique gifts to an initiative that’s making a positive impact in our community. 

Here are just a few examples. 

• donating our physical labor toward conservation projects at a beloved park
• giving our time and attention to youth as part of a mentoring program like Big Brothers/Big Sisters 
• offering our artistic, marketing or social media expertise to a non-profit that needs help with its creative messaging
• donating other skills like accounting, leadership, and legal work to an organization that moves us

The benefits of in-kind contributions

When we donate in-kind, we take our minds off our own worries and concerns and focus instead on an initiative that motivates and inspires us. We enhance our understanding of the world we live in by connecting with people and purpose. And we experience the wonderful gift of teamwork in support of a higher cause.

We are kind to ourselves when we donate in-kind. 

So, what are the causes and initiatives that inspire and move us? How might we donate our time, skills and unique gifts to help each cause with its mission? And how might we benefit personally through our acts of service? These can be exciting questions to think about in world that can never have too much kindness.