By Carrie Getty Scheid
They say, “Money can’t buy happiness.” But then there’s B.C. Forbes who once said, “If you think money can’t buy happiness, you’re shopping in the wrong places.” As it turns out, according to a 2014 Harvard Business School study, spending it on others is what makes us happiest.
In the Harvard study, a group of college students was each given between $5 and $20 with the requirement that they spend it on themselves. Most spent it on coffee or personal items like makeup. A second group was each given between $5 and $20 with the requirement that they spend it on someone else. One person bought a stuffed animal for her niece, others gave their money to the homeless or street musicians.
At the end of the day, the individuals who gave the money away rated themselves happier than those who spent it on themselves. Interestingly, how they did their philanthropy wasn’t as important as the simple act of spending it on someone else. They also found that you didn’t have to do something big to feel happier. Even when you give small amounts, like $10 or $15, helping others makes us feel better about ourselves.
Giving small amounts to help others is the concept behind “Idaho Gives,” the fourth annual statewide giving day on May 5. On that day, you can donate as little as $10 to an Idaho cause or charity, via your computer, tablet or smart phone. Starting at midnight and throughout the day, you can go to www.idahogives.org and begin your search by entering a charity name. If you aren’t sure whom you’d like to help, you can search by zip code for nearby groups or by category such as “animals” or “arts” or “children.” Click on the name of the organization(s) that interests you and a webpage will pop up describing interesting projects that need your help. Find something you like, click on the donation button for whatever amount you want to give ($10 is the minimum) and enter your credit card or use Paypal. The site is secure so it’s safe, easy and fun. For many of us, it’s fully tax deductible too.
A number of local organizations and business partners will be hosting special events on May 5 to add more fun and excitement to Idaho Gives. Nonprofits can register online at idahogives.razoo.com and those who would like to may select the nonprofit they wish to donate to at the same site. Cash prizes will be given to participating nonprofits throughout the day. Debit and Credit are accepted. For additional information visit idahogives.razoo.com.
Carrie Getty Scheid is a retired nonprofit executive and represents eastern Idaho on the Idaho Nonprofit Center Board of Directors. She lives in Idaho Falls. (Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the March/April 2015 edition of Idaho Falls magazine.)