I realized that I'm numb to buying something for myself that costs $20, but I know I can help if I donate that $20 instead.
There's a dog rescue that also has a casual F&B business in the same place so you can hang out with friends for brunch while surrounded by 20 dogs. Most of these dogs are ready for adoption and you can meet your new family member here, while the rest are recovering from medical conditions that they're being treated from. It's the only ethical "dog cafe" that I've ever seen and they use the proceeds to house the dogs and provide neutering & vaccines drives to underprivileged areas.
https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/954453134
Generally when there's a crisis, you'll see all kinds of charities pop up. IR has been quietly doing their thing regardless of what the media covers.
Quiet is good because
1. They're not spending a lot of money fundraising.
2. They end up focusing on cost effectiveness instead of playing to emotions.
3. They plan ahead instead of funding tons of stuff in one go - if it's for things like disaster relief, it's best to say, have boats ready for floods instead of buying 50 boats in one go at higher prices.
They do a lot of disaster relief, build wells, take care of orphans, the kind of long term work.
Not saying to donate to the same organisation, but it's a framework I follow. Also there's plenty of charity evaluation sites like Charity Navigator that check for how effective these charities are. It's fine to donate to an ineffective cause too, just be aware of how ineffective it is.
Also $20 to feed someone for a week is a great way to feel happy compared to spending $20 on a steak or something. There's a primal instinct to help others; it's more satisfying to give than take. Ideally you do it long term, become a part of the community instead of just 1-click-paying.
If you want both the steak and feeding others, consider those $200 charity dinners and such. They're inefficient, but almost nobody does it so you'll usually get a good deal. Like $200 will get you gold sponsorship seats and stuff and you get to meet some awesome people.
I've done some fun stuff like telling people this fat donation was funded by "JOHN CENA" or "MrBeast". Especially in uni events or medical stuff where they mention top donors. Just sit there wearing a t-shirt and a cap, and enjoy the laughter.
Big brother big sisters. I’m a big brother. I love this organization does.
Animal shelters. Just random local ones. It would be dope if the govt gave a tax break up to $250 a year or something on pet food per year. Everyone who isn’t allergic and open to it should have a pet. They really make my day brighter, in a different way than family or friends.
- My local public television & radio affiliate - The Electronic Frontier Foundation - The Internet Archive - Wikimedia - Our local Women’s shelters.