Just as there is a difference between working at a job only for the money and working because it ignites a passion, serving because you think “it’s the right thing to do” is not nearly as satisfying as serving because you love it.
There are limitless ways to serve, but only a handful will fit your personality. Identifying your “giving personality” and taking steps to contribute in ways that resonate with your core values can dramatically raise your sense of purpose.
The Seven Giving Personalities
As you read through each personality, think about what resonates with you.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
1. Mentor/Succession Planner
Mentors or succession planners are interested in passing the baton to the next generation or training those who ask for help. They love to spread their knowledge to help others become more successful and competent. Think about people you could mentor in your career or in other areas of your life, such as teaching a skill or helping younger kids through an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
2. Kindness Spreader
The goal of kindness spreaders is to make others feel good. They are always there with a kind word or encouraging comment. If this is you, make sure that you hold roles that are social and allow you to connect with others. Serving on a welcoming committee or in positions that enable you to provide emotional support is a good place to start.
3. Crisis Reliever
Crisis relievers want to help people (or animals) who are going through a rough patch. When something bad happens in the community or a neighbor’s basement floods, they are the first ones there to help. They also may volunteer at the hospital to work with terminally ill patients, take in foster kids or travel to other countries to give medical procedures to those in need. Examples of charities that appeal to them include the American Red Cross or Americares.
4. Cultural Enthusiast
These are people who love the arts: music, fine art, writing, theater and so on. They see the value of contributing to a gallery or modern dance project. It is in connecting with creative people and their visions that they gain understanding. Consider contributing to local arts or theater projects.
5. Infrastructure Enhancer
These are individuals who want to improve the infrastructure within their communities or outside of them (such as Brad Pitt working with the charity Make It Right to build homes in New Orleans). They contribute to schools, universities, libraries, hospitals, building restorations and community projects. John Rockefeller was extremely influential in this area; his family foundation still is. Many public buildings are the result of his contributions and those of others like him.
6. Change Agent
Change agents see a problem and are determined to change it. This can be done as a part of a group or as a vision they pursue on their own. Sometimes, this takes the form of charity work; other times, it takes the form of a business, such as Elon Musk’s vision to transform transportation. If you see a problem that needs changing, consider connecting with organizations with a similar mission.
7. Truth Seeker
This personality comes in two flavors. Flavor 1 includes those who are devoted to their beliefs and want to spread the message or contribute to the success of their religion, group or organization. Flavor 2 includes those who have been on a personal journey of recovery (e.g., overcoming alcoholism, addictions, etc.) and would like to share what they discovered with others who are struggling with the same issues. Either path is a way to spread hope and joy to others.
As you serve, pay attention to what gets you excited. In addition to the above personalities, think about what roles you’re most comfortable fulfilling. Do you feel most comfortable on a board making high-level decisions, in the trenches working side-by-side with other volunteers, or in your living room sewing blankets for kids? When you discover what lights you up, keep doing more of that. Your charity work will blossom into passion.
-
Investors Buy the Nasdaq's Big Dip: Stock Market TodayStocks are up and down again to end an up-and-down week ahead of big earnings announcements and the eventual return of regular economic data flow.
-
What to Know About Portable MortgagesA closer look at how portable mortgages would work, who might benefit and why the concept is gaining attention amid high rates and limited supply.
-
Here's How to Plan This Year's Roth Conversion, From a Wealth ManagerWhile time is running out to make Roth conversions before the end of the taxable year, consider taking your time and developing a long-term strategy.
-
Four Times You Need a Second Opinion on Your Financial PlanIs your financial plan fit for purpose — or is your adviser peddling an outdated strategy? When you see these red flags, it's time for a second opinion.Evan
-
'But It's Not My Fault!': Your Insurance Company Absolutely Will Blame You in These Five ScenariosInsurance companies care about 'fault' in more ways than you think — from payment mishaps to your neighbor's landscaping — so it's on you to manage the risks.
-
How to Calm Your Retirement Nerves When It's Time to Shift from Savings Mode to Spending ModeTransitioning from saving to spending in retirement can be tricky, but devising a strategic plan can help ensure a smooth and worry-free retirement.
-
Why Wills and Trusts Aren't Enough in the Great Wealth Transfer, From an Attorney Who KnowsFamilies need to prepare heirs through communication and financial know-how, or all that money could end up causing confusion, conflict and costly mistakes.
-
Private Markets for Main Street: What Financial Advisers' Clients Need to KnowWith product innovation 'democratizing' private market access for everyday investors, advisers must step up their game to educate clients on the pros and cons.
-
Seven Practical Steps to Kick Off Your 2026 Financial PlanningIt's time to stop chasing net worth and start chasing real worth. Here's how to craft a plan that supports your well-being today and in the future.
-
A Retirement Plan Isn't Just a Number: Strategic Withdrawals Can Make a Huge DifferenceA major reason not to set your retirement plan on autopilot: sequence of returns risk. Here's how to help ensure a bad market won't sink your golden years.
