The Surprising Benefits of Philanthropy on Your Well-being
The phrase “philanthropy” is often associated with selfless acts of kindness, but what if we told you that doing good can benefit you too?
At Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation), we believe that philanthropy is a powerful force for good. Our mission is to empower individuals and families to make a difference in their communities by providing resources, expertise, and support to help them achieve their philanthropic goals. Whether you’re looking to give back to your community, support a specific cause, or make a lasting impact on the lives of others, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
Benefits of “Doing Good”
So, how does philanthropy impact our well-being? The answer is simple: giving back to others can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health. Research has shown that people who engage in acts of kindness experience a surge in endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Additionally, giving can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve our sleep quality, and boost our self-esteem. And, as a community foundation, we’re committed to helping individuals and families experience these benefits for themselves.
Contrary to the common notion that giving should come at a personal cost, studies have shown that philanthropy can have numerous benefits for both the giver and the receiver.
Here are just a few examples:
- Volunteering for just four hours a week can reduce the risk of high blood pressure by 40% in adults over 50.
- Giving can lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Unselfishness has been linked to a lower risk of early death due to stress-related mortality.
- Engaging in altruistic activities releases endorphins, boosting our mood and overall well-being.
- A positive work culture that encourages philanthropy can increase productivity and job satisfaction.
- Practicing gratitude for the good we’ve done can improve our sleep quality and overall sense of happiness.
- Even doing just one good deed a week can lead to increased happiness over time.
The Power of Reflection
But what about the benefits of reflecting on our own philanthropic activities? A staggering 92% of people who take the time to reflect on their good deeds report feeling better about themselves. This is because thinking about what we’ve given to others can be a powerful motivator, driving us to continue doing good things for others.
How We’re Making a Difference
At the Foundation, we believe that philanthropy is not only about giving back to the community but also experiencing the positive impact it can have on our own lives. That’s why we’re committed to helping individuals and families, businesses, and private foundations make a difference in the causes they care about, while also improving their own well-being.
Whether you’ve already established a donor advised fund or are just starting, we invite you to join us in exploring the many ways that philanthropy can benefit both you and those you care about. Together, let’s make a difference in our community and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with doing good.
More Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation:
- The Future is Now: What is Next-Gen Philanthropy?
- Advancing Impact Donor Breakfast: Cradle-to-Career Systems
- Celebrating Community Resiliency: Our Disaster Response Journey
- Giving Circles: Bringing like-minded donors together for the greater good.
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