If you’ve ever wanted to give back, especially during the holiday seasons, but thought, ‘Maybe next year, when I’m not so stretched thin,’ this episode is for you.
Q4 is busy, budgets are tight, and entrepreneurs often pour everything into serving clients and families — but giving back doesn’t have to mean spending money.
There are lots of ways to give back to the community that don’t involve spending your last dollar.
8 Ways to Give Back to the Community That Don’t Involve Money
We love that you still want to give back, even when money is tight. These eight options make such a difference to small businesses and non-profits in your community.
1. Use Your Platform to Spotlight Others
Visibility is a gift. Highlight other businesses on your platforms to give them the attention they deserve. You might just help someone find the service provider or product they’ve been looking for, AND bring a business owner a new client or customer.
Get creative with how you spotlight other businesses. Use your podcast, email, or Instagram to give them a shout-out. And make it cute! Like “Follow Friday” or “Small Biz Sunday.”
Get your audience involved and excited to see who you promote next.
2. Offer Your Expertise for Good
This is how Duo Gives Back was born! We wanted to use our SEO and branding services to give back to non-profits in our community.
We’ve had the privilege of partnering with incredible organizations through the Duo Gives Back program. Here are the inspiring brands we’ve worked with so far:
Know a small business that would be a good fit? Nominate them here!
3. Ask a nonprofit how you can help right now.
A non-profit organization, like a school, church, or community center, could really use your help during the holidays! And you never know the volunteer opportunities available until you ask.
Maybe a local elementary school needs help decorating for a holiday party. Or a church is looking for donations for a holiday market. Or a community center needs volunteers to serve Thanksgiving meals.
Even an hour of your time can make a difference.
4. Host a local coffee chat or co-working session where you can share and give free advice.
We love a good coffee chat! We’ve started hosting get-togethers for local Minnesota small business owners and have loved meeting new people.
If an in-person meetup isn’t possible for you, make it virtual! Open up a Coom Q&A coffee hour. Free advice, no strings attached.
5. Leave a testimonial or review for someone whose business you admire.
Write Google reviews for service providers, Etsy shops, or local restaurants you love. A positive review goes such a long way and really impacts their SEO and overall business growth.
If you’ve worked with a service provider or shopped at a small business this year, leave them a positive review. Actually block out the time on your calendar to make sure this happens!
6. Create a “shop small” gift guide with your community.
We update our small business gift guide every year with new businesses and opportunities to share. Create one of your own with small businesses you love to support and share it with your audience. Again, that exposure to new people could bring more sales to that small business!
7. Volunteer Your Time or Space
Lots of local businesses and non-profits are looking for volunteers at this time of year. How can you support them with your time or space? Offer your studio, office, or event space for a local meeting or charity drive. Host a small volunteer night—crafts, cocoa, and community service, anyone?
Get your kids involved, too! Model how to give back to the community for future generations. It would be super easy to get your kids’ help with making and delivering meals to families in need.
8. Swap the Cookie Exchange for a Connection Exchange
Instead of cookies, host a small gathering (virtual or in-person) where everyone brings one referral, shoutout, or testimonial to share. Not only does this create a positive vibe, but everyone benefits, whether as a consumer or a business owner.
4 Low-Cost Ideas
And if you do have a little extra money to give back to your community this holiday season, here are some ideas for you.
1. Community Donation Drive
Partner with your audience, neighbors, family, church, or friends to sponsor a family or run a toy drive. Use Venmo or a shared donation link and update everyone on the impact.
2. Homeless Care Packs
Collect warm socks, snacks, and toiletries for local shelters (bonus if your kids help pack them). Drive around your community and share them with homeless people.
3. Start a Coffee Tab
Pay it forward at a local café for a few drinks throughout the season… or virtual email surprises.
4. Snack Basket for Delivery Drivers
Leave snacks, drinks, or hand warmers by your door for all the delivery drivers dropping off packages at your house 🙃 This is a small gesture that makes someone’s day during the holiday hustle.
How Will You Give Back?
Giving back doesn’t always come from your wallet — it comes from your heart, your time, and your creativity. You have more to offer than you realize!
And this goes beyond the holiday season. A lot of organizations receive a ton of support during the holidays, but they need it year-round. Think about small ways you can make a difference throughout the year. Maybe this could be your New Year’s resolution?
How are you giving back this season? Tag @duo.collective so we can feature you.
FAQs About How to Give Back to The Community
Giving back strengthens local communities, supports those in need, and fosters a sense of connection and purpose. It can also improve your own mental well-being and inspire others to get involved (hence the purpose of this episode!)
It doesn’t matter how much time you spend helping others. Even an hour goes a long way.
Yes! You can participate in online fundraising campaigns, provide virtual tutoring or mentorship, or help nonprofits with digital marketing, graphic design, or social media support.
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Abbey Oslin and Courtney Petersen are Minnesota-based marketing experts with over 20+ years of combined experience working with big brands. They are educators and co-founders of Duo Collective; a boutique organic marketing agency specializing in SEO, branding, and custom websites for women-led small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
Ready to grow your visibility and become unforgettable?
Learn more or work with our team here.
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