The world can be an incredibly challenging place. No matter where you live, whether it's in an urban city or a small rural village, there are individuals who are struggling to make ends meet and who don't have access to basic human necessities like food, water, and shelter. But no matter how dire the situation may seem, there's always room for charity and philanthropy- the act of giving money, goods, or time to help others-to make life easier and more livable. Whether that's through an Australian donation program or an international organisation, there is always a way to change the lives of those around you. Here are 7 reasons why philanthropy is important.

The Top 7 Reasons Why Philanthropy is Important

1: Charity makes you feel good

When you give to charity, it feels good. That's because you're helping others and making a difference in the world. And when you feel good, you're more likely to be happy and fulfilled. Plus, there are additional benefits such as higher self-esteem and less stress. All of these things lead to feeling good about yourself, which makes giving worthwhile. Charitable giving can help people who can't help themselves. There are many people around the world who need assistance for various reasons - from healthcare expenses to job loss. Many times, people living in poverty face an uphill battle that just seems impossible at times. The problem with this is that these situations often continue on and on without any hope of changing for better or worse. But by giving money or donating items such as food or clothing, those individuals will have some chance of getting back on their feet - even if they don't know it yet. That act of giving back provides a rewarding feeling.

2: Being charitable improves your mental health

It feels good to give back. When you help others, your brain releases dopamine, which has mood-boosting effects. Giving can help reduce stress and anxiety. When you focus on someone other than yourself, it can take the focus off of your own problems and help you see the bigger picture. Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose. If you're struggling to find meaning in your life, giving back can help you feel more fulfilled. It's also a great way to meet new people and make friends. Philanthropy can improve your physical health. Studies have shown that volunteering can lead to better physical health, including a longer life expectancy and lower risk of heart disease.

3: Charitable causes help people

No matter what the cause, philanthropy always has the potential to help people in need. Sometimes it's providing financial assistance to those who couldn't otherwise afford it, other times it's donating time or supplies to a local organisation. But no matter how big or small the act of giving may be, philanthropy always has the power to make a difference in someone's life. That's why it's so important to give generously and often.

4: Volunteering helps you grow personally

When you give your time to a cause you're passionate about, you can't help but grow as a person. You learn new skills, gain valuable experiences, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness. And as you grow, so does your ability to make a difference in the world.

5: Giving makes your community better

Philanthropy doesn't just benefit the recipient of your generosity - it makes the world around you a better place. When you give to causes you care about, you help make your community a better place to live. You can support causes that fight poverty, provide medical care, improve education, or protect the environment. Whatever cause you choose to support, your gift will make a difference in the lives of others and in the world around you.

6: Charity helps the economy

A recent study by the Centre on Philanthropy at Indiana University found that for every dollar donated to charity, $3.75 is generated in economic activity. That means that philanthropy not only helps those in need, but also stimulates the economy and creates jobs.

7: Giving can provide tax benefits

For some people, tax benefits are the primary motivators for giving. And while they shouldn't be the only reason you give, they can be a helpful way to make your charitable gifts go further. If you itemise your deductions, you can deduct the full value of your cash donations and up to 30% of your adjusted gross income for certain types of gifts, like appreciated stocks or real estate.