If you’ve spent years climbing the ladder, chances are you’ve gathered more than just titles. Maybe an old company car sits idle in the garage. Or a stack of outdated laptops is collecting dust in storage. These forgotten assets may seem like clutter—but they hold the power to spark real change.
Executives are in a unique position to give back in ways that go beyond writing a check. And it matters. According to Giving USA, charitable donations topped $499 billion in the U.S. in 2022, with a notable rise in non-cash donations from individuals and companies. That means there’s growing recognition of more innovative ways to give.
Whether you’re in Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island, there are meaningful, tax-smart ways to turn your unused resources into something powerful. Read further for practical ideas that make giving feel less like a transaction—and more like a legacy.
1. Donate Unused Vehicles to Support Health Causes
That extra car in the garage or old fleet vehicle from work? It’s not just taking up space—it’s an opportunity to help someone in need.
There are various organizations, such as Kidney Cars, that accept vehicles in any condition, making it easy to make a difference. Your donation supports kidney disease programs and services. More importantly, it could directly impact lives right in your own community.
If you’re wondering how to start, just look up how to donate your car in Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and more. It is simpler than most people think. Pickup is often free, paperwork is minimal, and the donation is fully tax-deductible.
You’re not just getting rid of a vehicle. You’re giving someone a better shot at health—and that’s a pretty meaningful exchange.
2. Repurpose Office Tech for Digital Equity
It’s easy to forget what a difference one laptop can make. Especially when your team has upgraded to the latest gear, but for schools, shelters, or nonprofits, even older models can open doors to education and opportunity.
Donating old tech, such as laptops, monitors, and even tablets, can help close the digital divide. It gives underserved communities access to the tools they need for learning, job training, and connection.
Of course, be sure to wipe all data securely. Many refurbishing programs handle this step for you. What matters is you’re putting good technology back into the world, instead of letting it age in a storage closet.
3. Lease Out Vacant Office Space to Nonprofits
Unused real estate is expensive. But it’s also full of potential.
If your office has extra space—maybe a wing that went quiet after your team went hybrid—consider offering it to a nonprofit. Short-term leases or even shared workspace arrangements can be a lifeline for small organizations.
You’re supporting their mission without writing a check. Plus, this kind of partnership often sparks community connections and adds life to your space. Think of it as using square footage to fuel social good.
4. Gift Stock Shares for Maximum Tax Efficiency
You’ve worked hard to build equity. But you don’t always need to cash it out to make an impact.
Donating appreciated stock directly to a nonprofit lets you avoid capital gains tax while giving the full market value of your shares. It’s a win-win: the organization gets a meaningful gift, and you get a smart tax break.
Talk to your financial advisor about how to structure this type of giving. It’s especially useful at year-end or after a strong performance quarter. Strategic generosity feels good—and it’s smart too.
5. Offer Skill-Based Volunteering Instead of Traditional Giving
Time can be just as valuable as money—especially when it comes with expertise.
Think about the skills you’ve developed over the years. Legal advice. Branding strategy. Financial forecasting. These are things many nonprofits desperately need, but often can’t afford.
Offer your services pro bono, even for just a few hours a month. Help a founder structure their budget or mentor a rising nonprofit leader. Your guidance could change their trajectory.
It’s direct, personal, and deeply rewarding.
6. Donate Luxury Items to Charity Auctions
Got a vintage watch you no longer wear? A piece of art that doesn’t quite fit your space anymore?
High-value items like these can raise major funds when donated to charity auctions. People love bidding on luxury with a cause behind it—and the nonprofit benefits far more than if you sold it outright.
This type of giving is great for executives who want to give meaningfully without drawing from cash reserves. You’re not just donating an item—you’re helping fuel a mission, one bidder at a time.
Conclusion
Giving doesn’t have to be traditional. For many executives, it starts with looking around and asking: What do I already have that could help someone else? Start small. Maybe you can explore how to donate your vehicle or offer your office space to a nonprofit. These steps might feel simple, but the impact is anything but.
Real generosity lives in the choices we make every day—with the resources we already have. When giving is smart, intentional, and rooted in what you value, it’s not just a donation—it’s a legacy.