Giving with Purpose This Holiday Season

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As the season of giving draws near, many people are searching for meaningful ways to support the causes that matter most. From local food banks to global humanitarian organizations, charitable giving offers an opportunity to make a genuine difference – for the organization and for the donor.

Two Baylor University experts in consumer behavior and philanthropy – James A. Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in the Hankamer School of Business, and Andrew P. Hogue, Ph.D., associate dean in the Office of Engaged Learning and founder of  Philanthropy and the Public Good program – share five practical strategies to help donors give with intention and impact.

Five ways to give more thoughtfully and effectively

1. Choose a cause that resonates with you

Begin by considering the issues that matter most –education, hunger, health care, the environment or another area close to your heart. Once you identify your passion, take time to research organizations working in that space. Look for transparency, measurable results and a strong record of directing funds to mission-focused programs.

“A helpful shortcut is to see whether a nonprofit receives repeat grants from charitable foundations,” Hogue said. “Those grants typically follow a rigorous evaluation process.”

2. Decide what you can comfortably give

Giving should feel fulfilling, not stressful. Roberts and Hogue recommend reviewing your household budget and determining an amount that fits comfortably. Even small donations can accumulate into meaningful support over time.

3. Consider how often you want to give

Think about whether a single contribution or ongoing support works best for you. Regular giving helps nonprofits plan ahead and maintain steady programming.

“Consistent donations allow charities to allocate resources more effectively throughout the year,” Hogue said.

4. Automate your contributions

Setting up recurring gifts through your bank or directly with a nonprofit keeps your generosity on track with minimal effort. Automatic withdrawals ensure reliability for the organization and ease for the donor.

“It’s a simple way to make sure you don’t forget to give,” Roberts said, “and it provides charities with predictable support.”

5. Offer your time and talent if money is tight

Financial support is just one form of generosity. Time, skills and personal networks can be equally valuable.

“Donating your time and skills can be just as impactful,” Roberts said. “Whether you’re mentoring, sorting donations or helping at events, your presence matters.”

Hogue added that giving enriches both the recipient and the giver: “Charitable giving is about making a difference in others’ lives while adding purpose and connection to your own.” His advice: start small, stay consistent and simply take the first step.

“Giving is deeply rewarding,” Hogue said. “And as you grow in your generosity, keep a beginner’s mindset – there is always room to improve how we steward the resources entrusted to us.”

ABOUT JAMES A. ROBERTS AND ANDREW P. HOGUE

James A. Roberts, Ph.D., is The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. A noted consumer behavior expert, he is among the Top 2% Most-Cited Researchers in a database compiled by Stanford University.. In addition to journal citations, Roberts has been called on for his consumer expertise by national media, including the CBS Early Show, ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, TODAY Show and NPR’s Morning Edition, as well as The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, TIME and many others. His research focuses on how individual consumer attitudes and behavior impact personal and collective well-being.

Andrew P. Hogue, Ph.D., is associate dean in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences and directs the Office of Engaged Learning, which facilitates programs for students and faculty in undergraduate research, civic and global learning, internships, leadership and character development, and major fellowships and awards. Hogue teaches courses on a range of public affairs, including philanthropy and civil society, social innovation and politics. His courses on Philanthropy and the Public Good have raised over $1.2 million and awarded those funds to nonprofit organizations locally and around the world.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu. 

ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

The College of Arts & Sciences is Baylor University’s largest academic division, consisting of 25 academic departments in the sciences, humanities, fine arts and social sciences, as well as 11 academic centers and institutes. The more than 5,000 courses taught in the College span topics from art and theatre to religion, philosophy, sociology and the natural sciences. The College’s undergraduate Unified Core Curriculum, which routinely receives top grades in national assessments, emphasizes a liberal education characterized by critical thinking, communication, civic engagement and Christian commitment. Arts & Sciences faculty conduct research around the world, and research on the undergraduate and graduate level is prevalent throughout all disciplines. Visit the College of Arts & Sciences website.

ABOUT THE HANKAMER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business strives to further God’s kingdom through the realm of business, using God-given gifts and academic talents to do so. Faculty and students conduct purposeful research and participate in experiential learning opportunities, all while operating in a Christ-centered mission. Undergraduate students can choose from 13 major areas of study. Graduate students can earn their MBA on their terms, either through the full-time, online or a Dallas-based executive program. The Business School also offers three Ph.D. programs in Information Systems, Entrepreneurship or Health Services Research. The School’s top-ranked programs make up approximately 25% of the University’s total enrollment. Visit the Hankamer School of Business website for more info