When it comes to changing lives, there are many ways to give. Some people choose micro payments—small, consistent contributions. Others prefer larger donations, whether one-off, annual, or tied to a particular event or legacy.
The truth is: every donation matters, no matter the size, timing, or structure. What unites them all is the heart behind the giving—the desire to make a difference.
At the core of every donation lies a motivation. For some, it's about legacy—leaving behind something that will live on beyond them. For others, it's about passion—supporting a cause they deeply care about, whether that's education, healthcare, or the arts. Some give out of gratitude, wanting to give back after receiving help themselves. Others are motivated by impact, drawn to measurable results they can see and celebrate.
There is no right or wrong reason to give. What matters is that the act of donating turns intention into action. Whether you choose to support a child's education, fund medical research, or preserve the environment, your donation becomes part of a ripple effect of change.
Throughout history, renowned philanthropists have shared their wisdom about the power and importance of giving. Here are some inspiring words from those who have made giving their life's mission.
"As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others. The most meaningful way to differentiate your company is to do outstanding work in your community."— Bill Gates
Co-founder Microsoft, donated over $50 billion through the Gates Foundation
"If you're in the luckiest 1% of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99%. The giving pledge is about enabling the wealthy to give more money away, and to give it away more effectively."— Warren Buffett
Pledged to give away 99% of his wealth, co-founded The Giving Pledge
"The greatest gift you can give somebody is your own personal development. When you're working on yourself, everyone benefits. Everyone that comes in contact with you benefits."— Oprah Winfrey
Donated over $400 million to education initiatives worldwide
"Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment. The secret to living is giving."— Tony Robbins
Has provided over 675 million meals to people in need through his foundation
"No man can become rich without himself enriching others. The man who dies rich dies disgraced."— Andrew Carnegie
Gave away over $350 million, founded over 2,500 libraries worldwide
"A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult. When we amplify women and girls, we amplify prosperity and peace for all."— Melinda French Gates
Co-chair of the Gates Foundation, advocate for women and children worldwide
As an author for 20 years, one of the ways I've chosen to contribute is by donating all of my book royalties to organizations that already have the infrastructure in place to make an impact. My chosen charities have included Plan International and Pencils of Promise, because their mission resonates deeply with my own: empowering people through education.
For me, this is personal. Education is the foundation of opportunity. By directing my royalties to these organizations, I know that every book purchased helps build someone's education. It's not just about writing books—it's about creating futures. Leaving a legacy for future generations.
Other artists, musicians, and writers often do the same, linking their royalties or annual income streams to causes close to their hearts. Donations don't always have to come from disposable income; they can be built into the fabric of your work, creating a beautiful cycle where your creativity fuels someone else's opportunity.
One well-known UK example is J.K. Rowling, who established Lumos and her charitable trust, Volant, to support vulnerable children and fight social inequality. Rowling has donated millions from her royalties and speaking engagements, and in 2019 was removed from Forbes' billionaires list because of the extent of her giving. While her wealth is extraordinary, her model—directing royalties from her creative work—is something other writers and artists can relate to on their own scale.
But there are also everyday UK donors. A growing trend is legacy giving through wills. In 2022, Remember A Charity reported that more than £3 billion was left to charities in wills across the UK, supporting everything from Age UK to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Many of these bequests came from ordinary people who wanted their final act to reflect their values.
In the US, the Gates Foundation is the largest philanthropic force, with Bill and Melinda Gates committing over $50 billion to health, education, and poverty relief. But again, smaller-scale donors are equally inspiring. The late Prince, for example, donated millions anonymously to charities during his career, often funding schools and arts programs in US inner cities. More recently, artists like Chance the Rapper have pledged annual portions of their income to support public schools in Chicago, proving that creativity and philanthropy can go hand in hand.
Even outside the celebrity world, many Americans use annual bonuses or tax refunds as opportunities to donate in lump sums. A 2021 Fidelity Charitable report found that 55% of donors plan their giving around these cycles, proving that structured, recurring donations aren't only for the wealthy.
In Asia, one of the largest examples is the Jack Ma Foundation, which has donated millions toward education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare across China and beyond. However, smaller examples abound too. In India, for instance, author Sudha Murty has dedicated much of her royalties and speaking income to the Infosys Foundation, which funds libraries, schools, and healthcare initiatives across rural India.
Japan also has a long tradition of bonus-based giving, where employees often donate part of their twice-yearly company bonuses to charities. It's seen not only as an act of generosity but as a way to strengthen community ties.
Donations come in many forms. Here are some of the most common—and impactful—approaches:
Ideal when people want to make an immediate, significant impact. These often go to capital projects (building schools, hospitals, or community centers) or urgent appeals such as disaster relief.
Recurring donations provide organizations with predictable income, helping them plan long-term projects. Many charities now offer flexible options: monthly, quarterly, or annual giving.
Some donors tie their giving to milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, or book launches. Instead of gifts, they encourage friends and family to donate to a chosen cause.
Increasingly, people include donations in their wills. Known as bequests, these allow individuals to continue supporting a cause they love, even after they are gone. Legacy giving is especially powerful for charities tackling long-term challenges such as cancer research, dementia care, or education.
Authors, musicians, or creators often dedicate a percentage of their royalties or annual earnings to charity. This aligns creativity with contribution, making giving a natural extension of their work.
Beyond Pencils of Promise, here are five other impactful organizations where donations create tangible results:
Funds pioneering research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Leading organizations supporting dementia research, care, and advocacy.
Provides education, healthcare, and emergency relief for children in crisis zones across the globe.
Supports older people through services, companionship, and policy advocacy.
A mental health charity providing resources, campaigns, and direct support to those struggling with mental illness.
Now it's your turn. Take a moment to reflect on how you want to give. Ask yourself:
Write down your answers. This will form your donation blueprint—a clear intention for how you want to contribute.
Your donation matters. Whether it's a lump sum, a monthly contribution, or a legacy in your will, your generosity fuels futures. And when giving is tied to your passion—your work, your milestones, your creativity—it becomes more than a donation. It becomes a legacy.
Explore more ways to give and create positive impact through our Giving initiatives.
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