What Can I Donate to Make Money?

If you’re struggling financially, it’s natural to wonder what weird things you can donate for money. From plasma to hair, there are many ways to turn your body’s natural resources into cash. Some of the opportunities we found are actually quite surprising!

It’s also interesting to note that many of these opportunities are open to almost anyone who is willing to spare the time and effort. Other opportunities may have specific eligibility criteria. Ultimately, the answer to ‘what can I donate to make money’ is going to depend on a few factors: where you’re located, what you’re comfortable parting with, and your personal circumstances.

It’s important to note, however, that donating certain body resources isn’t for everyone. Many of these options require careful consideration of your physical and emotional health, as well as any potential risks involved. Be sure to research thoroughly, consult with a professional if needed, and only proceed with choices that feel right for you.

Remember, we’ve also found plenty of other ways to get financial help that don’t involve donating personal body resources.

Blood Plasma

Plasma donation is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to make extra cash. I have several friends that donate plasma regularly for extra cash.

Plasma is just one part of your blood. It’s the liquid part of your blood, is used to create life-saving therapies for people with serious health conditions. It’s an important part of treatments for many different types of conditions and diseases.

During plasma donation, blood is drawn, plasma is separated, and the rest of the blood is returned to your body. The process takes about 1–2 hours and can be done up to twice a week.

Most centers pay $20–$50 per session to compensate you for your time and effort. Many offer bonuses or incentives for first-time donors, with some centers even advertising earnings of up to $1,000 in your first month with consistent donations. After the initial bonuses, regular plasma donors can typically earn around $400 per month by donating steadily.

Plasma donation is safe for most people, but staying hydrated and eating well can help minimize side effects like fatigue or lightheadedness. Most centers will require you to be at least 18 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and pass a health screening.

If you’re wondering, “What can I donate to make money?”, plasma is an excellent starting point. It’s a straightforward process that lets you earn while helping save lives. For more detailed information on plasma donation, check out our plasma donation guide.

Blood Leukopaks

Donating blood leukopaks is not as well-known as blood plasma donation, but it’s another highly valuable way to contribute to medical research while earning money. Leukopaks are concentrated collections of white blood cells, often used by researchers to study immune function and develop therapies for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions.

Compensation for leukopak donations can range from $350–$750 per donation, with some programs offering even higher payments for repeat donors or special eligibility criteria.

The process is similar to plasma donation but involves a procedure called leukapheresis, which collects white blood cells and returns the rest of your blood to your body. This can take 2–4 hours and is typically done at specialized facilities.

The Red Cross currently pays up to $350 per collection through their Specialized Donor Program. You can register on their website. You’ll earn $50 just for your prescreen appointment!

Poop

Believe it or not, donating stool can help treat patients with severe gastrointestinal issues like C. difficile infections, and it’s also a way to earn extra cash. Healthy stool is in high demand for medical research and fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), making this an unusual but impactful way to help others.

Donors can earn $30–$50 per sample, with frequent donors making up to $1,500 per month. Programs like the one offered by HumanMicrobes.org connect donors with researchers or medical facilities in need.

To qualify, donors must meet strict health criteria. You’ll need to be in excellent overall health, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid chronic conditions. Many programs also require regular stool samples and health screenings to ensure consistency and safety.

The process is straightforward: collect a sample following the program’s guidelines and deliver it to the designated facility. Some organizations even provide reimbursement for shipping if you’re donating remotely. If you’re curious to learn more, check out our detailed guide to stool donation for a closer look at the process and how to get started.

Hair

If you’ve got long, healthy hair, you’ve probably been told about donating it in the past. I’ve always had long hair and I’ve heard for a long time it can be a surprisingly profitable way to make money. Hair buyers often seek untreated, natural hair for wigs, extensions, or other purposes.

Don’t cut your hair until you’ve found a buyer! It’s important to make sure that you’re following any buyer specifications, such as how it should be packaged and shipped. Many people only think about selling their hair after they’ve cut it, and that’s a big mistake.

Buyers typically want hair that is at least 10-12 inches long and completely untreated. Hair in excellent condition can sell for $1,000 or more, but longer and rarer types of hair (like natural reds) tend to earn higher amounts.

There are many different places you can sell your hair, from online platforms to local wigmakers. We have more information about the different platforms in our guide to selling your hair.

Just remember, once it’s gone, it will take time to grow back—so make sure you’re ready for a big chop!

Sperm

Sperm donation can be a lucrative option for eligible men, offering a steady income while helping individuals and couples achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Sperm banks may pay $70–$150 per donation, and consistent donors can earn up quite a bit with regular weekly visits. Cryos International can pay up to $720 a month, and some organizations like the Phoenix Sperm Bank pay up to $1,500 per month. However, it’s not a one-time process—most banks require a commitment to donate over 6–12 months.

Many sperm banks will also pay you to refer friends who are eligible to donate. In Phoenix, you can earn $500 per eligible referral and there’s no limit on the number of people you can refer!

To qualify, donors must usually be 18–39 years old, in excellent health, and free of any significant medical issues in their family’s medical history. Some sperm banks have stricter requirements, such as having a college degree. The screening process may involve genetic testing, infectious disease checks, and a detailed health questionnaire.

Eggs

Egg donation is one of the most lucrative options for donating body resources. By donating eggs, you can help individuals and couples struggling with infertility while earning significant compensation for your time and effort.

Egg donors typically earn $5,000–$10,000 per donation, with some programs offering even more for donors with unique traits or backgrounds. The process requires a significant time commitment and multiple medical appointments over several weeks.

To qualify, donors usually need to be 21–34 years old, in excellent health, and free of genetic or medical conditions. The process is very time consuming and invasive, as it can take several weeks to months. This process involves receiving hormone injections to stimulate egg production and undergoing a minor procedure to retrieve the eggs.

While egg donation is safe for most women, it does come with potential risks, including side effects from hormone treatments and minor discomfort from the retrieval process. It’s essential to fully understand the commitment before proceeding.

Breast Milk

Breast milk is in high demand, especially for premature babies or mothers who can’t produce enough milk themselves.

Mothers who sell breast milk can earn $1–$3 per ounce, with many earning $100 or more per month depending on supply and demand. Some buyers may pay more for milk that meets specific dietary or health requirements.

To sell breast milk, you’ll need to maintain a consistent pumping schedule. You’ll also need to make sure to follow best practices for pumping, storing, and shipping milk to ensure it remains safe for consumption. Many milk banks and private buyers require a health screening to ensure the milk is safe for consumption.

If you’re interested in selling breast milk, you can connect with buyers through online marketplaces like Only The Breast, which allows you to create listings and find parents in need. There are other online communities that do similar things.

Uterus

Surrogacy is not exactly donating your uterus, but you’re definitely donating your time to renting it out for a while. Becoming a surrogate is one of the most impactful and financially rewarding ways to use your body to help others.

Surrogates carry and deliver a baby for individuals or couples who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy on their own. This deeply personal act provides immense emotional and financial rewards, though it requires a substantial time and physical commitment.

Compensation for surrogacy varies widely but typically ranges from $30,000–$50,000 for first-time surrogates, with experienced surrogates earning even more. Additional allowances for medical expenses, travel, and maternity-related needs may also be included.

To become a surrogate, you’ll need to meet strict qualifications. Agencies typically require surrogates to be between 21 and 40 years old, be in good physical and mental health, and have previously had at least one healthy pregnancy. Many have lifestyle requirements as well.

The surrogacy process involves extensive medical and psychological screenings, fertility treatments, and a legal agreement between you and the intended parents. The pregnancy itself lasts nine months, and the total commitment may extend over a year.

While surrogacy is not for everyone, it’s an extraordinary way to make money while giving the gift of life to a family in need. If you’re wondering, “What can I donate to make money?”, surrogacy is a meaningful option for those willing to make the commitment.

Bone Marrow

Donating bone marrow can save lives, particularly for patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, or other life-threatening blood disorders. While it’s a more involved process than other types of donations, it’s a meaningful way to make a difference and earn some compensation.

Donors are typically compensated $250–$800 per donation, depending on the organization and the type of procedure. In the past, I have seen reports indicating that you can get paid up to $3,000 for bone marrow donations in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Guam, Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Unlike plasma or hair, bone marrow donation is less frequent and usually happens only when you’re matched with a patient in need. You’ll need to join a donor registry like NMDP (formerly known as Be The Match or National Marrow Donor Program). You’ll start by providing a cheek swab. If you’re identified as a match, you’ll undergo additional testing and then proceed with the donation. The process may involve a surgical procedure under anesthesia or a non-surgical method that draws blood to extract stem cells.

While the procedure is generally safe, it can cause temporary discomfort, fatigue, or soreness. Donors are usually reimbursed for travel and recovery expenses, in addition to the compensation offered for their time and effort.

Clinical Trials

Participating in clinical trials is a way to contribute to medical research while earning extra cash. Clinical trials often test new medications, treatments, or devices to ensure they are safe and effective. By joining a trial, you’re donating your time and sometimes biological samples to advance science and help others.

Compensation for clinical trials varies widely depending on the type of study and its duration. Short-term trials can pay $50–$300, while longer or more intensive studies may offer $1,000 or more. Payment typically depends on the level of involvement, such as regular health monitoring, medication intake, or hospital stays.

To find opportunities, search databases like ClinicalTrials.gov or contact local research hospitals and universities. Before enrolling, you’ll go through a screening process to ensure you meet the study’s requirements. Researchers will explain all potential risks, benefits, and obligations so you can make an informed decision.

Clinical trials are safe for most participants, but they can involve potential risks, such as side effects from experimental treatments. Be sure to fully understand the trial’s terms and only participate if you’re comfortable with the level of risk involved.

Time

If you’re looking for ways to make extra money without donating parts of your body, consider donating your time instead. Many platforms, like Free Cash and Swagbucks, allow you to earn money by completing simple tasks, surveys, or offers.

While it might not be as lucrative as plasma or egg donation, it’s an easy and flexible option for earning cash in your spare time.

Relief Recap

If you’ve been asking, “What can I donate to make money?”, the opportunities are diverse and rewarding. From plasma to breast milk, each option allows you to earn extra cash while contributing to important causes.

However, it’s essential to choose what feels right for you. Whether it’s a quick, low-commitment option like plasma donation or a more involved process like egg or bone marrow donation, make sure to research thoroughly and understand the requirements.

Remember, if you’re looking for easy ways to make cash, there may be better options than these. Check out our Get Cash Guide for ways that you can get financial assistance today!

FAQs about Weird Things You Can Donate for Money