One way to answer this seemingly simple question is to imagine what would happen in the opposite scenario. One where nobody cares to raise funds for charity. What would that world look like? How would that affect the causes you care about? Who would vast numbers of people turn to for even the most basic necessities?
From this grim hypothetical point of view, the impact that charities and NGOs have on the world suddenly becomes a bit more clear. For many, both in the UK and abroad, projects and initiatives funded through private acts of kindness are a lifeline to life’s essentials. Charities also help us find cures for diseases, preserve our heritage, and protect the environment. It’s really hard to name all the good that well-funded charities can achieve.
But what about the givers? What’s in it for those who decide to spend time and money in the name of a good cause? Is this just a one-sided relationship, or is there a truth to Khalil Gibran’s words: “There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.”
Raising money for charities benefits those putting in the work
While the benefits of donations are clear from the charity’s point of view, the rewards of being on the fundraising side are a little less obvious. If you decide to fully commit yourself, either alone or as a group of friends, to a specific fundraising cause, some of the benefits you can expect to enjoy include:
Health benefits of charity work and volunteering
We’re dead serious about this one! A 2023 study by Northumbria University titled ‘Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers’ found that those who volunteer in service of the greater good see positive effects on their mood, with increased life satisfaction, decreased depression, and a generally more positive affect.
Charitable work also provides social health and general well-being benefits. The same study found volunteers to be more content with their quality of life, experience a heightened sense of community and connectedness, and be part of healthier social networks. (Nichol et al.).
It expands your network
Fundraisers are often social events that attract a variety of participants. Those organising the event or fundraiser are often the centre of attention at these events, providing them a chance to forge connections with others who share the same interests. This shared interest could potentially lead to more people getting involved in your fundraiser or introductions to the right person at the right time, which leads to a corporate sponsorship.
Beyond the benefits for networks that contribute to fundraising efforts, it’s also the chance to meet new people who share your beliefs, make new friends, and maybe even advance your career.
You develop new skills
Seriously, we could talk about this all day. Fundraising requires a lot to go just right, and the skills required to ensure this are highly transferable and useful in the workplace and everyday life. Even just taking on a small part of the overall list of fundraising efforts could see you developing skills like event planning, marketing, content creation, public speaking, and even financial management.
Many of these skills, coupled with your selfless acts of raising money for charity, are seen as highly desirable in the workplace, increasing your prospects for career development.
Tangible benefits
We’ll admit that this isn’t the main reason you raise money for charity; however, sometimes your kindness pays off in unexpected ways. Depending on what corporate support or concessions the charity receives, those who support the cause might enjoy a free or deeply discounted meal at a nice restaurant, night at a hotel, or special experience.
Skyline Skydiving specialises in special experiences. They offer individuals and groups the opportunity to skydive for free if they manage to donate £395* (pp) to one of thousands of UK charities. They’ve helped over 200,000 people raise over £150 million for charity.
These are just some of the many unexpected benefits that those who support charities see. As it turns out, there are a lot more reasons why it’s important to raise more for charity than the help it provides. It can be a personally enriching experience with many positive outcomes for all involved.