Get Involved: A How-to Guide to Helping Local Charities

Chances are you’re passionate about something, whether it’s animals, children, social issues, the environment, or so many other great causes.

But just like there’s so many different charities and organizations out there, there’s an equal number of ways to get involved. Here are a few different ways you can support what matters to you and give back to the community, and even the world.

Give Money

One of the more obvious and straightforward ways you can help organizations in your community is by making monetary donations to their cause. Nearly all charities and nonprofits have a need for additional funds, and giving your money is a surefire way to support the cause.

To make your money go further, see if your employer offers a donation match, which could potentially double what you give. In some cases, you may even earn tax credits for charitable giving.

If you’d benefit from a dedicated charitable giving fund, you can see our full personal account lineup, and even nickname accounts right from your online or mobile banking.

Did you know? Shopping locally and buying from small businesses can also help support your community.

Typically, local businesses employ people close to home – your neighbors and even your friends. By purchasing from these types of businesses, you’re helping enrich the economy and impact small business owners’ livelihoods.

Local businesses contribute to community tax initiatives, charitable giving, and reinvestments in their community, as well as into their own operation. Furthermore, shopping small in your own neighborhoods can create a sense of community and support.

Give Things

Many organizations are in need of specific items. Some, such as the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri or Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks, have wish lists so you can easily support their item needs by shopping either locally or online.

Some places even make a connected Amazon wish list that allows you to easily shop for requested items straight from Amazon and then ship it to the organization – all without needing to leave your house!

You can also keep an eye out for donation bins and food drives around town, especially during the winter holiday season.

Give Time

If physical and monetary donations aren’t an option, you can still help out by offering something just as valuable: Your time. Many organizations in your area could be positively impacted with the gift of volunteerism, even if it’s just a few hours.

Not only does volunteering your time save organizations money that they would otherwise have to use to pay their employees, it helps maximize efficiencies and accomplish more at once. See if your employer offers Volunteer Time Off as part of your compensation package and you may even be able to get paid to volunteer during the workweek!

Spread the Word

One of the greatest ways to help is by simply spreading the word. Telling your friends, family and even your coworkers or human resources department about organizations you’re involved in – including what they do and what type of help they need – can be hugely impactful.

This can help generate donations, new volunteers and even sponsors. But perhaps most important of all, it generates awareness. The more people aware of the organization and its needs, the more people that can help, and just like compounding interest can continue introducing it to new people.

Seek Out Opportunities

If you want to help out but are unsure where to start, there are several resources at your disposal. A simple Google search will often yield dozens of organizations in need of assistance in your area or even across the globe.

Furthermore, sites such as Charity Navigator offer a breakdown of different organizations, how they spend their funding and even provides a score based on a rating system. This helps give peace of mind that any time or resources you give is going to the cause itself and helping the community.

OMB proudly supports the communities we serve. As a company, we offer paid volunteer time for our employees, and we regularly volunteer and donate to organizations large and small. To learn even more, check out our Community page.

OMB and its affiliates do not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decision.