11 Ways to Support Your Favorite Nonprofits for Free

As an organization built on a profound sense of purpose and the United Way spirit, it’s no question UW NEXT is made up of generous members who care deeply about making a difference.

But even the most committed changemakers can find themselves wondering, “What else can I do?” And the truth is, supporting a nonprofit doesn’t end with a donation. In fact, nonprofits often need more than your dollars. We need your voice, your time, and your presence. Because some of the most impactful contributions don’t cost more than your attention and intention. ​​

So whether you’re looking to support UW NEXT or another nonprofit you love, here are 11 ways you can lift them up without spending a dime!

11 Ways to Support Your Favorite Nonprofits for Free

1. Engage with their content
Whether it’s reading their blog, opening their newsletter, or simply liking and sharing their social media posts, these simple actions can help boost visibility and reach. The more you engage, the farther their message spreads. In turn, that ripple effect can lead to new supporters, partnerships, and even donations!

2. Show up online
If your favorite nonprofit has an online community, get engaged! Comment, post, and share your thoughts with them. Because virtual groups, on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, thrive when people participate. Plus, your involvement helps others feel more connected too.

3. Nominate them for recognition
Contests, community awards, and corporate giving programs often rely on public input. When you see a post asking who should receive support, take a minute to lift up the causes you care about. A single nomination can lead to thousands of dollars in donations or meaningful visibility!

4. Pass along grant opportunities
You don’t have to be a grant writer to make a difference. If you come across a grant, fellowship, or in-kind donation that seems like a good fit, forward it along. For a busy nonprofit, just being made aware of a new opportunity can be a huge help!

5. Extend an invitation
You never know who in your network might be looking for something meaningful to get involved with. Invite them to a webinar, a fundraiser, or a volunteer event. Encourage them to become a member, join a committee, or simply learn more. Personal invites matter more than you think!

6. Make connections at events
It’s easy to attend an event and quietly absorb the experience, but your presence becomes even more powerful when you use it to build relationships. Start conversations, ask questions, and share why you got involved. Every new connection strengthens the community!

7. Recommend them to others
Whether you’re talking to a colleague, a friend, or even a stranger online, recommending a nonprofit you love helps build credibility and curiosity! Tag them in relevant posts, refer people to their website, or share stories about the impact they’ve made in your life and community.

8. Endorse them to potential partners or sponsors
Your network might include businesses or decision makers actively looking for ways to give back. Recommending a nonprofit to a potential sponsor, community partner, or funder is one of the most valuable things you can do. Plus, it’s completely free!

9. Volunteer your expertise
Your time and talent can go a long way! Whether you’re offering pro bono services, joining a planning committee, speaking at an event, or mentoring someone in the network, there’s always a way to make a difference!

10. Celebrate your involvement
Be proud of your connection! Post a photo, share a memory, or highlight your nonprofit work on LinkedIn or in your professional bio. Showing your support helps normalize nonprofit engagement as a key part of leadership and community building!

11. Participate in campaigns
Campaigns aren’t just about fundraising, they are about momentum. When you join a nonprofit’s challenge, awareness week, or giving day, even just by sharing, you add energy and encouragement that others can feel. Every share counts!

Just remember, every nonprofit needs champions. The kind of advocates who don’t just care about the organization, but the people it serves too. The types of individuals that will spread the word about their mission, share what they’re doing, and invite others to join them. So this is your official invitation to become a United Way NEXT ambassador! 

Will you accept the challenge?

We encourage you to try at least one idea from this list today. Whether you’re on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube, take a moment to check out our profiles and engage with our content. With just a few minutes of your time, you can make a lasting impact 💙

PS. We’ve got a LinkedIn group & a Facebook group too!