The most basic of human instincts is one of survival. If we don’t take good care of ourselves, we are in no position to be helping others. No argument there. But the longer we live the more we see in the world that disturbs us—poverty, famine, illness, natural and manmade disasters, man’s inhumanity to man—and more. For many of us untouched by such tragedy, we may simply count our own blessings and move on. Others feel a moral obligation to reach out and do whatever it is in their power to make a difference.

Philanthropy 101 

Sometimes it takes no more than early parental training to teach you the golden rules of charity that carry you through the rest of your life. Sometimes it takes your place of worship. As children, many Jews are supplied with blue charity (tzedakah) boxes by their parents, with instructions to fill them with extra coins and dollars in order to help others who are less fortunate than they. These children are taught that such acts of kindness bring greater light into the world and benefit everyone. As adults they are generally motivated to continue the tradition because it would seem unthinkable to do otherwise.

Charity is at the root of most religions, as is the Golden Rule that supports it. From a spiritual perspective, it is believed that whenever you give something away to others you are creating a space to receive that which you seek for yourself. No question that charity is a win-win situation, and it feels so good, besides. 

In many traditions, 10% of your income is earmarked specifically for charitable donation. But not all philanthropy has a monetary component. Some acts of charity involve caring for elderly parents, volunteering at a hospital, rescuing someone from a burning building—or even sharing your food with a hungry stranger.

At this stage of your life, your experience and wisdom has no doubt already taught you that happiness is not all about money. It’s about making the world however much better by your mere existence. So, don’t let a chance go by to do something meaningful for others whenever you can. Look for the opportunities and they will reward you ten-fold. 

As you read this, thousands of nonprofit organizations and individuals are in need of your help. Go out and make a difference however you can.