Give to charity

Charitable giving produces measurable psychological and physiological benefits for the giver. Research by Dunn, Aknin, and Norton (2008), published in Science, found that spending money on others produces greater happiness than spending on oneself — a finding replicated across cultures and income levels. Post's review of altruism and health outcomes (2005) shows that generous individuals experience lower stress, better cardiovascular health, and greater longevity. Putnam's social capital research demonstrates that communities with higher rates of charitable giving exhibit greater social trust, civic engagement, and collective resilience. The amount given matters less than the regularity and intentionality of giving. Even modest, consistent contributions — whether financial or material — strengthen the giver's sense of agency and connection to something larger than themselves.

• 1
  You cannot name a cause or organization you have financially supported in the past year
• 2
  You intend to give but consistently defer it, waiting for a more convenient time
• 3
  You feel guilty about your financial comfort but take no action to share resources
• 4
  You have no budget line item or recurring donation set up for charitable giving

Consider these questions to understand where you stand: