Giving Compass' Take:

• Philanthropy doesn't have to be hard, expensive, or time-consuming. Put your resources to work efficiently to make an impact.

• What skills and connections do you have at your disposal that nonprofits could benefit from? What is your top priority cause? Is that where your resources are going?

• Consider impact investing to make a difference. 

1. FOCUS YOUR GIVING
While it may feel like you don’t have enough money to donate to the causes that matter most to you, you may be surprised at how much you’re giving to those that aren’t as high a priority.

2. USE YOUR TALENTS
You spend your days developing the skills that make you successful in your career. There are probably nonprofits who could use those skills, too.

3. LOOK AT YOUR TIES
Making connections and helping organizations find the people who can assist with the advice and resources they need is invaluable—and may cost you nothing.

4. CHECK YOUR ORGANIZATION
Many organizations will match employee giving, including 65% of Fortune 500 companies—and as much as $10 billion of matching donations go to waste each year because employees don’t claim them.

5. USE YOUR VOICE
Charitable causes often need advocates who can help them garner support for their causes from legislators, funders, and other influencers.

Read the full list of ways to give back by Gwen Moran at FastCompany.