In any sense, giving is always a good thing to have on your conscience, no matter what the outcome of the receiver's payoff is. Almost any possible cause or charity you might imagine likely has a nonprofit organization associated with it to facilitate charitable giving and to help the nonprofit raise money for its cause; nonprofits are everywhere. You might think “I worked hard for my money. Why should I just give it away to a no-profit organization?” or "Why would I give to an organization who could do anything with my money but use it for good?"

On the surface these seem like valid concerns, but there are a number of benefits of donating to a nonprofit organization. And if you are questioning an organization, remember that research is everything. Simply Google searching an organization you've heard about or one you're interested in supporting but aren't quite sure what they do with your donation, can clear up so many questions! Many sites even have reviews on several organizations, addressing your once unanswered questions before you have a chance to ask them. After reading this article, I'm hoping you'll do your own kind of searching and find it in your heart to give.

Support Causes That Are Important to You

First and foremost, by giving to a nonprofit organization, you will be able to support causes which you feel are important directly, without having to become physically involved (but that's also an option!). You might not be a doctor, but you can help to search for a cure for childhood leukemia by donating to a nonprofit organization, or help feed a hungry animal without going to the store and buying the food yourself. You might not be able to take time off work to save animals soaked in oil in the Gulf, but you can help support someone else who is able to do so. Whatever the cause, by donating to a nonprofit organization, you are directly helping to remedy the problem at hand, and how could that not make you feel good?

Tax Deduction

One benefit of donating to a non-profit organization, and the one which you will most likely find to be tangible and “real,” is the tax deduction associated with donating. If you donate for no other reason, at least you will see a slight reduction in your own income taxes, and possibly more money in your own pocket because you were able to deduct the amount you donated to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approved charity.

That "I Did Good" Feeling

Another benefit of donating to a nonprofit organization, and one of the most important in my own heart, is that it provides you with a good feeling. You will feel better about yourself and the world (or your own community) after helping to support a children’s charity or a blood drive, an animal in need or simply buying a meal for someone less-fortunate because you will know that you have done something that may save lives and will definitely help others in the long-run. You don’t have to have a Mr. Scrooge revelation to realize that helping others gives you a good feeling, whether you do it by donating your time, your hair or your money.

Generous Businesses

Another great thing about donating to a nonprofit is the fact that you can get so many others involved as well! Every day, small business owners share their success by giving money, products, volunteer hours and charitable outreach efforts to good causes in their communities. Nonprofits and charities are constantly looking for funding to help accomplish their goals, and giving to these organizations is not only a good thing to do – it can also deliver big benefits to your business. The tax deductions are included, it can bring much to your employees by having fun, charitable, "no work-work" days, and gives your business free publicity. If this jumps out to you, reach out to your small business owner and start giving!

Nonprofits are such a beneficial organization to support and giving your time, money, hair or product donation is something you can be proud of doing. I encourage anyone to give whenever possible because it really does make a difference is so many lives; human or animal. I know I'll always be a supporter of what I'm passionate about and continue to give whenever I can. To start getting involved, here are some of my favorite organization that I am (or have) actively supported:

The Lucy Pet Foundation: http://www.lucypetfoundation.org

Yakima Humane Society: http://www.yakimahumane.org

Ivory Ella (supporter of savetheelephants.org through clothing products): https://www.ivoryella.com

Children with Hair Loss: http://www.childrenwithhairloss.us

The Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org

Habitat for Humanity: www.habitat.org

Planned Parenthood: www.plannedparenthood.org

Love Your Melon (supports children with cancer through clothing & events): https://www.loveyourmelon.com

BONUS: There's an app called Woof Trax that lets you help support any shelter or rescue facility of your choice (anywhere in the country) just by walking! This is a goldmine find for those of you who are avid walkers, runners, or Pokémon GO players.

If you haven't gotten anything out of this read, I hope you've at least realized how easy it is to support something you're passionate about or interested in on the nonprofit scale of things. Whether you're giving your time, your money, or any other simple necessity, remember that giving is a gift that can be life changing, not just for the recipient, but for you as well.