Keeping One Foot On The Ground (Business and Charity)

I've always had a business mind. That being said I found myself always crunching numbers, figuring out the best profit in every situation. When it came time to actually starting my own business, selling instructional dvds on event makeup, I was concerned that if the numbers became real I might loose myself in them. The idea of profit and loss can be coldly black and white and I really didn't want to become self obsessed and only concerned with the business.
I had always told myself that when I had money I would do wonderful things with it, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless... In an effort to ground myself, ditch the idealistic saintlike fantasy and live in the moment, I decided that from day one I would make my values real.
After looking at my budget and crunching the numbers I decided to something slightly radical in the business world. I took away from my existing and projected advertising budget and put it towards charity. Meaning, 15% of each month's profit goes directly to charity.
Beyond that, because I am selling a product, I wanted to let my customers and site users in on the action. For absolutely no extra money I implemented a system in which anyone can nominate a worthy charity to receive future donations from our business.
It took a while to get some attraction to the business, because I had less money for advertising. It still has a ways to go, but just having that charity page on the website and feeling like I'm living my ideals and remembering that others exist makes it worth it.
Once I opened my eyes to the fact that everyone, no matter his/her financial situation, can do something to help others the opportunities just flooded in. We got asked to offer free make overs to an event for children with cancer and their families. The mothers and sisters of these young sufferers were so pleased to have 20 minutes in which they got pampered.
We linked up with a wonderful grassroots organization called Food On Foot where they help tackle hunger in Los Angeles and ease homeless people back into society.
This isn't meant to be a pat on the back for me. It took me a while to realize that anyone anywhere can always find the time to include the concern of others well being into his/her life. No matter where you are there is someone who needs your attention and you have the strength today to do something if you so choose.

I have tried numerous volunteer organizations and researched many more and the main problem that I find is so many of the ones that interest me require payment, mainly out of town groups. Most people that I know that are interested in volunteering either have time or money to donate, but very rarely do they have both. With companies charging administrative costs volunteering becomes a privilege of the rich.
I totally understand the lack of financial aid and therefore the need for participants to pay their way, but there are many groups in which the costs to help seem well over priced.

Here are a couple good sites that don't try to rip people off and in no way to you need to be wealthy to participate.

1. Global Volunteer Network
www.volunteer.org.nz

This is a New Zealand based organization that has volunteer opportunities all over the world. They do charge a one time $350 application fee, but this fee covers future programs you may want to join as well.
They refund all your money if you choose not to join anything. You do as well need to pay your way, but the prices are very reasonable and they give you ideas in which you can raise the money (which isn't too hard because it really isn't much).

2. Network For Good
www.networkforgood.org

This is a great place to find programs to volunteer near you, something you can contribute to on your own schedule.
They also can help guide you in finding places to donate if you so choose.

3. Fly For Good
www.flyforgood.com

This site offers discounted airfare for those trying to volunteer their time. It also has non profits that registered with them so there is a nice selection or opportunities to choose from. Take a look at their list of volunteer programs, and with the possibility of discounted flight expensive airfare isn't a reason not to go anymore.

4. If these don't help try looking up hospitals, schools or soup kitchens in your area. Even if they don't have anything particular that interests you they might know of other opportunities run by other programs.