You can give generously during the holidays (and beyond) without spending big bucks. Learn how to effortlessly work philanthropy into your budget and lifestyle with these creative solutions:

  • Food for Thought: Check out the corporate websites of the brands your family uses everyday. Look for programs that allow you to help raise money for charity by simply purchasing those products, or by doing something extra such as sending in box tops, can labels and yogurt lids from your favorite foods. Be sure to get the whole household involved and make it a worthwhile family project!
  • Self Service: Giving your time and skills can be more demanding, but so much more rewarding, than a monetary donation. To maximize volunteer efforts, consider not only organizations with the greatest need, but situations where your abilities, background and personality can make the biggest difference. If you're a good teacher, try tutoring or mentoring. If you enjoy physical activity, get friends, family and local businesses to sponsor you in a charity walk or run. If you're a born leader, take the initiative and organize a drive or benefit to serve a local purpose.
  • Free Publicity: Subtly spread the word and increase awareness for the causes closest to your heart by wearing the organization's shirt, hat or pin, or adopt the charity web address in your personal email signature. Be ready to talk about the organization and your passion — it might inspire others to learn more or get involved.
  • Double Up: If you plan on making a monetary donation to an organization, check to see if your company offers an employee-matching plan. Some simple paperwork can increase or even double your contribution.
  • Trash to Treasure: Need another excuse to de-clutter your home? Cast-off clothing, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, cell phones, computers and ink cartridges are just a few items that can be recycled for parts or re-use. Before you toss anything, check online to see if there is a charity willing to accept it.
  • Daily Do: "Click-a-Day" websites dedicated to a variety of causes let you make a free donation every day by clicking a button to see an advertisement (the sponsors donate money to charity for every click). Visit charityclickdonation.com for a list of sites and causes.
  • Search Savvy: Make GoodSearch.com your primary Internet search engine — 50% of the revenue generated from advertisers is shared with the charity, school or nonprofit of your choice. You can also shop more than 500 of your favorite merchants using the sister site, GoodShop.com. You'll find money-saving deals and coupons, while donating up to 30% of your purchase to your favorite cause.

Need more charitable inspiration? Get the true story of two kids who donated more than one million pounds of turkey at Discover EDGE. While you're there, don't miss expert articles and videos on a variety of financial topics, including budgeting, shopping, credit, savings and more.