Beyond Giving: How Your Motivation Drives Change
Authour: Alexis Money | Project Administration Coordinator, GiveWise
When you think about what motivates you to give, what comes to mind?
Is it the desire to volunteer on a project doing meaningful work? Supporting an organization that helps individuals or families in need? Maybe it’s the feeling you get after your donation has left your bank account and gone to a trusted charity, or the updates you receive from a cause you support, showing the impact your gift is making.
Each of these moments carries a specific emotion, tied to a personal value. Whether it’s a deep urge to make a difference, a commitment to support a better world, or a conviction that giving back is simply the right thing to do—your motivation matters. And regardless of what drives you to give, there’s one value we all share: no matter your financial situation or tax bracket, your donation makes a real and meaningful difference.
This motivation is not only reflected in our choice to donate, but it is also deeply tied to who we are at our core, inspiring those around us to join in and come together.
Personally, I’ve always been drawn to environments where shared values are embraced by those around me. When I started as Project Administration Coordinator with GiveWise, I was inspired by our founder Tammy’s deeply rooted vision of creating a single platform to simplify the act of giving.
At the time, I had a "broke university student mindset" which held me captive and constantly loomed over me. When I finally returned to part-time work, I was reminded of the value I grew up with in my family, being generous and tithing a portion of your income. I’ll admit, I hated being reminded of this. I wanted my paycheck to go toward groceries, experiences, and that extra cup of coffee on an exhausting day, not disappear into the unknown abyss of charity where I had no idea how it would be used.
However, during my time in the office, I had the privilege of hearing more impact stories from our partners and donors than from the charities themselves. I was moved by the transformation that took place in donors' lives as they overcame the belief that generosity is a burden. A simple act of choosing to give—whether in times of trial or financial success—became simple and accessible through one platform.
My mindset and motivation shifted when I sat down to do my monthly budgeting. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I found myself excited about where I wanted to donate. If countless donors across Canada are contributing to a greater cause, I realized, I can too.
Having met with many leaders in the charitable sector, I can confidently say that they truly have hearts of gold. Their dedication to making a real change reshaped my view of giving, not just as a social responsibility, but as part of who I am. Despite the negative stories that often dominate the media, the truth is that there is an abundance of good happening every day. Ultimately, you have the opportunity to be motivated by the belief that your act of generosity can create a positive impact—it's up to you to be part of that story.