(BPT) - Traditions, tidings and tinsel - the holidays are a time for celebration. While you are planning parties and checking off gift lists, you also know that the holiday season is much more than that. It's also the time to give thanks and give back to the communities. In fact, December is the most popular time of year for charitable giving, according to the National Philanthropic Trust, and Americans get more generous every year. In 2021, Americans gave around $485 billion, a 4% increase from the previous year.
Whether it's donating to a community fundraiser, making a donation at checkout, donating unused credit card rewards points, or supporting a cause you care about, it's a great time to get into the holiday spirit and give back. Here are some ideas for fitting charitable giving in to your budget this year.
1. Take your purchases further with micro-donations
Make every purchase count this holiday season. With PayPal's Give at Checkout, you can easily give $1 to support your favorite charity when you check out using PayPal. Every donation makes a difference, especially during the busiest shopping time of the year.
How it works:
Visit your PayPal app or PayPal.com and search for the charity you wish to support. Click into the charity profile then the heart icon. Once you choose your favorite charity, simply click the donation checkbox each time you check out with PayPal at eligible businesses.
2. Donate to support your favorite charities
PayPal Giving Fund helps you support your favorite charities online. With over a million vetted organizations that focus on the environment, animals, disaster relief, mental health, gender equality, hunger and more, you can support local and global charities that are close to your heart with an easy online donation.
How it works:
Charities enroll with PayPal Giving Fund and you can donate on PayPal. PayPal Giving Fund receives the donations and provides you with a receipt. PayPal covers your donation fees when you give in the app or on the PayPal website, so your donation can go further. PayPal Giving Fund grants the donated funds to the charity in accordance with their policies.
3. Start your own fundraiser
PayPal Fundraisers help you create your own fundraiser to lend a hand or find more support for friends, family, groups, charities and local businesses you care about. You can also search for and support existing fundraisers on the PayPal app based on your location, interest and what's popular.
How it works:
Start by downloading the PayPal app. Then, go to Pay > Giving > Start a fundraiser. Name your fundraiser and set your goal amount and end date. Add details for your fundraiser and upload an image. Finally, publish the fundraiser and share it via text or on social media to help spread the word. You can also discover or create a PayPal Fundraiser on PayPal.com.
PayPal is one of the largest digital donation platforms in the world, with over a million charities on its platform. You can easily PayPal it forward this holiday and support the causes you care about or discover a new one to give to this holiday season. Learn more about the ways you can give back at PayPal.com.
