Giving and Happiness

Can money buy us happiness? I think most of us would say no. But what about gifts to others? At the Community Foundation, we believe that giving not only strengthens and improves our community but giving to others makes us happy. We see it everyday as we work with donors to make their philanthropic goals a reality. Michael Norton, Associate Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School has researched this phenomenon and agrees. According to Dr Norton, spending on others makes us think differently about our money and ultimately makes us happier. Check out his recent story on the TED Radio Hour on NPR:

So if giving makes us happy, can we take that a step farther and say that local giving has a two-fold benefit for our community: 1) it provides much needed funding for services and other community improvements and 2) community members are happier in general. I don’t know about you but I think a happier community is a better community.

Not sure where to give or how to give? The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham can help. We offer many ways to give back to your community no matter the dollar level. Check out our current Community Needs Listing where we have compiled a list of needs from our local nonprofit organizations. Please give us a call at 432-3863 if you would like more information on fulfilling a need in our community.

IMPACT Harrisonburg, a giving circle for professionals in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, provides a great way to give to others. Each member of the giving circle gives an amount based on age and collectively the group decides which local nonprofits will benefit. Not only do members benefit by giving their money to others but they are part of a collaborative effort that is making a difference in our community. Last year the group gave almost $15,000 to local nonprofit On The Road Collaborative to provide after school education and support for at-risk middle school children. Voting for a grant recipient for 2016 will start at the end of May. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting new group in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Here’s a link to more information on IMPACT.

Contact me at the Community Foundation with questions or if you would like additional information.

Melissa
[email protected]
432-3863