How To Be A Philanthropist Without Financial Backing?

You might be familiar with the film 3 Idiots. It distinguishes between “education” and “learning”  in a practical and outside-the-box manner. Now, in the film, Phunsuk Wangdu (Rancho’s real identity) essayed by Aamir Khan was a mystery for the longest time, until the end of the film no one knew that he was a scientist with 400 patents under his name. However, just by looking at the school in Leh which has students performing experiments and tricks, the three friends - R.Madhvan as Farhan, Sharman Joshi as Raju and Kareena Kapoor as Pia - understand that Rancho is somewhere nearby. 

Did you know that real-life Phunsuk Wangdu aka Sonam Wangchuk was no different? 

Philanthropy from within

Until 1995, 95% of students in Ladakh, India, failed their matric exams. It was not until Sonam Wangchuk, the engineer turned educator ‘de-schooled’ the education system of Ladakh. He managed to bring up the passing rate of students to 75% by the end of 2015. Many might call it a rare instance where his teaching methods and ways worked for the betterment of the students. But, actually, it was the altruistic nature of Mr Wangchuk, that in the first place helped him identify the problem and then, to take things a step forward and actively solve it. Today, there are thousands of students from the Sonam Wangchuk School who graduated with honours, have careers in sports, science, medicine and education. 

Sonam Wangchuk with COS Gen Kaushik. The two discussed solar heated shelters for the Indian Army and also exchanged memoirs of late CDS Gen Bipin Rawat.

Taking notes from Azim Premji 

Azim Premji of Wipro sits on the top spot amongst philanthropist billionaires in the sub-continent. The Azim Premji Foundation is the best example of philanthropic activities by a business giant. At the heart of all good work is the empowerment of the most vulnerable in society. The foundation makes annual contributions towards people who are at a disadvantage and are marginalised in society. It also has programmes that work towards providing essential services and training the people who are left out of the system for a stable future.

Source - YouTube

According to the official website of The Azim Premji Foundation, 

“We work in a range of thematic areas. Illustratively, this includes urban homeless, persons with a disability, women survivors of violence, adolescent girls at risk, street children, elderly poor, manual scavengers, rag pickers, migrant workers, transgenders and other gender minorities, Farmers with marginal landholding, particularly vulnerable tribal groups, and water-deficient communities.”

One thing common between the two, Sonam Wangchuk and Azim Premji, is the sheer willingness to drive the change that they believe in. We have learned at a very young age that sharing is caring and that is where the roots of philanthropy lie. Doing something positive for someone else is a virtue in all, however, how we express it to create mindful change, varies. 

The greater good and positive outcome is the result of a philanthropist’s efforts towards consistent and positive change. But most importantly, learning and understanding philanthropy has made us, at ImpactGuru, realise that philanthropy really is for all. A person’s financial status cannot stop him or her from making that social impact. 

Philanthropy without money 

There might be a common misconception that philanthropy is only for people with money or material resources. Giving and doing good does not come with a price tag. See how, here: below. 

10 ways through which you can be a philanthropist without spending money -  

1. The power of social media

With the advent of technology and the fast internet, one is not too far away from the citizens of the world. Sharing and caring about causes you resonate with increases awareness around them and helps the cause reach other well-wishers who have the means and inclination to support them. You can make use of Facebook, Telegram, Mails, Twitter and Instagram and many more platforms to amplify a cause you believe in. 

For instance, if you come across someone who wishes to donate, you can share crowdfunding platforms’ features of donating one time or monthly with them. Furthermore, you can also raise the awareness about consistent change and saving lives every month. 

2. Birthday Fundraisers

Give back to your community or your cause on your birthday by starting a birthday fundraiser. Your peers, friends and family can donate to the cause through your fundraiser. Alternatively, you can also make your birthday an occasion of joy for others by creating a birthday list of causes and fundraisers that are close to your heart. This helps your dear ones to donate to them as gifts to you.

Also Read: Birthday Fundraisers: How Your Special Day Can Be A Cause Of Celebration To Entire Communities

3. Stay Aware 

Do not turn the other way when someone needs your help in general situations. For example, helping a person cross the street. Staying aware of the society you live in. Simple acts like, feeding leftover food to the stray dogs and so on. One must be willing to learn what is going on in their area, state and country. 

4. Donate in kind 

Find nearby organisations that need donations in kind. Look for gently used items in the house and donate them. For example, books, clothes, first aid kits and during special occasions, one can also send out food packets or rations. 

5. Volunteer when you can 

Go out and find causes that are recruiting volunteers for their organisation. For example, show up for local clean-up drives. Help in cleaning animal shelters or NGOs. You can also take shifts at the nearby old age home and share fun stories with the elderly. 

Also Read: They Took Care Of Us, Now Our Turn: Help India's Senior Citizens

6. Advocate change 

If you see a social nuisance, for instance, a pothole or a broken lamp or even an overturned dustbin, report it to the officials. You can write in your ideas for change and the betterment of your local community at first by making your voice heard and writing to the in-charge bureaucrats. 

7. Shop from charitable places

On the internet, there are hundreds of organisations that sell items and give a part of the profit to a charity or run their own charity. While you buy essentials you shop smart and also be a donor yourself at this point. 

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