How to Start Giving to Charity (and Why It’s Worth It)
Vincent Heys
Life is busy, and budgets are tight. So giving money away might feel like a luxury – something for “someday,” when you have a little more room to breathe. But here’s the truth: generosity isn’t a financial burden. It’s a powerful habit that improves your emotional wellbeing, strengthens relationships, and yes – even supports your long-term financial plan. Let’s take a closer look at why giving matters, how to start giving to charity, and what happens when generosity becomes part of how you live.
We’re Wired to Be Generous
Generosity isn’t a modern idea. And it’s not something that only shows up once you’ve “made it.” It’s a deeply human instinct – one we start showing as toddlers.
In one study, researchers found that children under the age of two were more emotionally satisfied when they gave away treats than when they received them. That means generosity runs deeper than culture or conditioning – it’s part of our design.
As we grow up, we might forget that. Especially in a world that pushes us toward accumulation, performance, and independence. But empathy, compassion, and relational connection – all key traits of generous people – are also at the heart of what we call true wealth.
Not All Happiness Is Equal
The ancient Greeks defined two kinds of happiness:
- Hedonic happiness is short-term pleasure – like a great meal, a holiday, or buying something new.
- Eudaimonic happiness is deeper. It’s the satisfaction that comes from doing something meaningful and connecting with others.
Giving – especially when it reflects your values – is one of the clearest paths to eudaimonic happiness.
Studies back this up: people who spend money on others experience greater happiness than those who spend it on themselves (source). And interestingly, when we shift from accumulation to contribution, it can also help us escape the endless loop of comparison, fear, or greed.
Anne Frank put it simply:
“No one has ever become poor from giving.”
Why Giving Is Good for You
When you start giving to charity in a way that’s consistent and meaningful, the impact goes far beyond the donation:
1. Emotional and Physical Health
- Giving is associated with lower stress, better mood, and greater life satisfaction
- One study found that giving social support (as opposed to just receiving it) was linked to lower mortality rates over time
- Acts of generosity activate areas of the brain tied to pleasure, social bonding, and trust (source)
2. Financial Rewards (via Tax Credits)
In Canada, when you donate to a registered charity, you receive a non-refundable tax credit on your tax return. Both the federal and provincial governments reward generosity through tax incentives.
You won’t get 100% of your donation back – but the formula can significantly reduce your tax bill.
Contrary to popular belief, giving can be both meaningful and financially wise – the kind of alignment we aim for when helping clients set goals with clarity and peace of mind.
How to Start Giving to Charity in a Way That Feels Right
If you’re wondering how to start giving to charity, here’s a simple framework that works whether you’re just beginning or looking to be more intentional:
Give where your values are.
That might mean:
- Supporting a local shelter
- Giving to your church
- Donating to environmental or healthcare causes
- Helping a neighbor or family in need
You don’t need to give everything all at once. Many people aim for 10% of pre-tax income as a guideline, but if that’s not doable right now, start smaller. What matters is building the habit – and doing it with intention.
And if you’re teaching your kids about money, giving can be a powerful way to pass on values beyond just saving and spending. This guide on financial wellness for your child offers a helpful place to start.
What Stops People From Giving?
Even though generosity feels good and does good, there are real reasons people hesitate to give:
- Fear of not having enough – the idea that giving means “less” for you
- Skepticism or mistrust – unsure whether your money will be used well
- No giving habit – it’s just never been part of your budget or plan
At Wealthstack, we often help clients explore how to start giving to charity as part of their financial strategy. Sometimes it’s through a recurring monthly gift, and sometimes it’s part of a broader estate or legacy plan. Either way, it’s worth building in.
Make Generosity Part of Your Financial Plan
Giving isn’t just for people with extra. It’s for people who want to live with purpose and peace – and who want their finances to reflect what matters most.
Whether you’re just learning how to start giving to charity or you’ve been giving for years but want a more intentional approach, we’re here to help.
A Wealthstack Expert can help you map out a generosity plan that works for your budget, values, and future goals.
