1 MIN READ

OCTOBER 2026

Giving doesn’t have to mean money

Giving back doesn’t have to mean a big donation. When money’s tight, it can feel like generosity is out of reach — but that’s not the whole story.

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A little goes further than you think

A few dollars a month to a cause you care about adds up over a year. Costco’s Workplace Giving Campaign makes it easy. Generosity isn’t measured by the size of the gift — it’s measured by the fact that you showed up.

Costco employees have donated more than $468 million to over 50,000 charities, showing that small acts of generosity can make a big difference. Your location will share more information on how you can participate soon.

Time counts, too

If cash is tight, your time isn’t worth any less. Tutoring a child, sitting with someone in the hospital, sorting donations at a local shelter, or checking in on a friend who’s struggling — that’s generosity, too. Causes need helping hands as much as they need dollars.

Start small, stay consistent

Meaningful giving doesn’t have to be big to make a difference. Pick 1 thing — a few dollars a month, an hour a week, a skill you can offer — and stick with it. Consistency matters more than the amount.

Need help freeing up a little room in your budget?

If you’d like to find some breathing room for giving, SmartDollar’s 7 Baby Steps can help you build a budget that works for your life right now, no matter where you’re starting from.