Charity & Goodwill

Islam requires adults to give what they have in abundance to others. One way is via Zakat, the mandatory yearly donation of one's wealth. But in 2020 it seems most Muslim Americans went way beyond what Zakat requires.

By Shariq Siddiqui & Rafeel Wasif

Do you yarn to help others with your crafty skills? If so check out some great charities looking for some knitting assistance.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Ever lost a bag when traveling? This story might just warm your heart and help to ease your pain.

By Laurie L. Dove

How can you tell if a charity is actually effective? Is it better to give one big donation or several small ones? We look at five of the most-asked questions about charity giving.

By Dave Roos

Would you like to round up your purchase for charity? Those small donations are big money for nonprofits and the businesses that do the soliciting.

By Dave Roos

The tiny house movement is providing homes for people who need shelter.

By Carrie Tatro

Fifty vacuum-packed frogs, a wedding gown and an actual human skull. These are just a few of the world's best lost-and-found items.

By Laurie L. Dove

Is it better to give cash or goods? And which organizations should you support? Find out the best ways to really help people in times of disaster.

By Dave Roos

New research posits a simple way to get rid of household clutter and keep your precious memories: Snap a picture.

By Kate Kershner

Fewer people carry cash, preferring to pay with cards or smartphone apps. What impact does that have on those who rely on pocket change?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Nonprofits have started pushing Giving Tuesday to get more donations. But does it work?

By Alia Hoyt

It's time to replace your jalopy. You know it isn't worth much, but should you sell it anyway and maybe make a few bucks, or should you donate it to charity to get a tax break?

By Cherise Threewitt

It's impossible to keep a straight face when you see a grown man in a fez driving an itty-bitty car. But the Shriners actually do some pretty serious work.

By Debra Ronca

Giving Tuesday is a day for giving back. Learn more about Giving Tuesday in this video from HowStuffWorks.

News about a hurricane or tornado far away impels us to want to help the survivors. But is there a right way and a wrong way to do this? Can a donation be worse than doing nothing at all?

By Dave Roos

The Women, Infants and Children program helps ensure that needy families are getting the nutrition they need. How do people qualify for the program and what does it provide?

By Amber Pittman

Earthquakes, floods, mudslides and other events inspire people to help those affected by the disasters. Which monumental happenings truly spurred others into action?

By Brion O'Connor

You'd like to start a youth center, but don't know where to begin. Learn about how to start a youth center in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You'd like to start a food pantry, but don't know where to begin. Learn about how to start a food pantry in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

There's always a need for someone to start a homeless shelter, especially in large cities. Learn about how to start a homeless shelter in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You'd like to start a food drive to help the needy in your area, but you're not sure how to go about this. Read here how to start a food drive.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Your friend inherited a large sum of money and would like to create a scholarship fund. This article will try to explain how to create that scholarship fund.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

The best way for a person or organization to get funding for a program or project is by writing a grant proposal. Read this article to learn how to write a grant proposal.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Starting a foundation enables you to make grants and distribute funding to charities, people and organizations. This article shows you how to start your own foundation.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

For many years, there's been a bit of a stigma attached to food stamps. But with recent economic turmoil, views have changed and participation in the program has increased. After improvements and a significant overhaul, the program doesn't just have a new face -- it has a "snappy" new name, too.

By Colleen Cancio