Set a philanthropic goal in 2025
The new year is a natural time for reflection, growth, and setting goals.
If you intend to contribute to something bigger or make an impact in your community this year, consider setting a specific philanthropic goal in 2025.
To get you started, here are some of the most common goals our supporters set for themselves.
Make an annual donation. This is a one-time donation that you can make any time throughout the year. Perhaps it’s tied to an annual milestone, your birthday, or the holiday season. Gifts of any size can make a big difference!
Increase your annual donation. Perhaps you already give, but you’re looking to give more this year. Setting a tangible goal, such as donating 1 to 2 per cent of your annual salary, can be a great motivator. And small actions taken throughout the year can go a long way toward achieving that goal. Start a small change jar that you empty at the end of the year, or ask others to make donations in your name in lieu of gifts for special occasions.
Become a monthly donor. It may be easier to give smaller amounts on a monthly basis vs. a larger one-time donation. You can think of this type of giving like a monthly subscription – easy to set up, with the benefit of knowing you’re always making an impact throughout the year. Our StoryMakers are essential to our work because they provide a reliable base of support for our programs throughout the year. Smaller gifts also add up to make a big difference over time. $25 per month becomes $300 per year – enough to cover the cost of a family’s two-night stay at one of our Homes Away From Home!
Volunteer. There are so many benefits to volunteering your time – from feeling more connected to your community, to making new friends, to building a sense of purpose. Plus, many charities are always looking for volunteers to support their work (ours included!). You can check out our volunteer page to learn more about current opportunities and apply.
Share your philanthropic goals with loved ones. Gather your friends and family together to host a fundraiser. Choose an activity that you all enjoy doing – like a movie night or a potluck – and turn it into a fundraiser. Or start a conversation with your children or grandchildren about philanthropy. Visit our Kids Care page for some ideas and inspiration on how to do this.
Plan ahead to make a significant gift. Speak to your financial advisor about ways you can plan for a significant gift to a charity, either this year, during your lifetime, or in your will/estate plan. By planning ahead, you could experience considerable tax savings through charitable giving. Your advisor can also help you explore other ways of giving, such as gifts of life insurance, securities, or RRSP/RRIFs. Be sure to share your intentions with those you love, as well as with the charity you’ve selected to support, so that everyone involved understands your wishes and can implement them.
Reach out to give@islandkidsfirst.com to share your goals with us – we would love to support you along the way!
