6 Weird Things You Can Donate for Money

While many donations are driven by altruism, individuals can also offer biological materials or participate in medical research for financial compensation. These opportunities allow people to earn money while contributing to medical advancements. Each option has distinct processes, requirements, and compensation structures. All compensation received from these donations is considered taxable income.

Donating Plasma

Blood plasma, the liquid component of blood, carries essential proteins, antibodies, and enzymes vital for various medical treatments and the production of life-saving medicines. Donating plasma involves plasmapheresis, where a machine separates plasma from other blood components, which are then returned to the donor. This procedure lasts about 25 minutes, with the entire visit, including screening, taking around 90 minutes.

To be eligible, individuals must be at least 18 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good overall health. Donors undergo a medical examination and extensive health screening, including tests for transmissible viruses such as HIV and hepatitis. Individuals must not have received new tattoos or piercings within the past four months. Donors can donate plasma up to twice within a seven-day period, provided there is at least 48 hours between donations.

Compensation varies by center and location, ranging from $30 to $70 per donation, with some centers offering $100 or more. New donors might receive bonuses, potentially earning $400 to $700 or more during their first month. Consistent donors may earn up to $1,000 monthly. Payments are loaded onto reloadable debit cards. Donors may receive a Form 1099-MISC if payments from a single center exceed $600 in a calendar year.

Donating Reproductive Cells

Donating reproductive cells, specifically sperm and eggs, offers significant compensation due to the personal nature and medical complexity involved. The processes differ considerably.

Sperm Donation

Sperm donation requires men to be between 18 and 44 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and be in good health with high-quality sperm. The process involves multiple visits for sample collection, medical screenings, and genetic testing, followed by a six-month quarantine period before samples are released. Compensation ranges from $100 to $120 per donation, with potential earnings up to $720 per month or around $4,000 over six months, depending on frequency. This compensation is for the donor’s time and effort rather than the genetic material itself.

Egg Donation

Egg donation is a more extensive and invasive process with stricter eligibility criteria, requiring women to be between 21 and 33 years old, have a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) between 19 and 29.9, and be non-smokers. Potential donors undergo comprehensive health, genetic, and psychological screenings, including a detailed review of their family medical history. The donation cycle involves 10 to 12 days of self-administered hormone injections to stimulate egg production, accompanied by frequent monitoring appointments. The final step is a surgical egg retrieval procedure, performed under sedation, taking about 20-30 minutes.

The entire egg donation process, including screening and the medical cycle, can span several weeks to a few months. Compensation for egg donation is substantially higher than for sperm or plasma due to the invasiveness, time commitment, and risks involved, ranging from $8,000 to $20,000 per cycle. In some cases, compensation can be as high as $100,000, influenced by donor characteristics, location, and prior donation success. Donors are permitted to donate eggs up to six times in their lifetime, with a recommended break of two to three months between cycles.

Donating Other Specialized Biological Materials

Beyond plasma and reproductive cells, other specific biological materials can be donated, sometimes with compensation, due to their unique medical applications. These include fecal matter and breast milk, which serve distinct medical needs.

Fecal Microbiota Donation

Fecal microbiota donation, also known as stool donation, is used primarily to treat Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections. Donors undergo rigorous health and lifestyle screenings to ensure the material’s safety and efficacy. The collection process is regular for approved donors, and certain programs offer financial compensation for each sample provided.

Breast Milk Donation

Breast milk donation provides nutrition for premature infants or those with specific health conditions who cannot receive their mother’s milk. Donors are subjected to health screenings and lifestyle assessments, including checks for certain medications and smoking status, to ensure the milk’s safety. While direct monetary compensation for breast milk is rare, some human milk banks may reimburse donors for expenses incurred during collection, storage, and delivery.

Participating in Clinical Research Studies

Participating in clinical research studies provides another avenue for individuals to contribute to medical science while receiving financial compensation. These studies test the safety and effectiveness of new medications, medical devices, or treatment protocols before they become widely available. Potential participants undergo a thorough screening process to determine eligibility, considering their health status, age, and specific study criteria.

Informed consent is a fundamental aspect of clinical research participation. This process ensures that individuals are fully educated about the study’s purpose, the procedures involved, potential risks, and anticipated benefits before they agree to participate. The informed consent document outlines all aspects of the trial, and participants must understand that their involvement is entirely voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any time without penalty. This detailed disclosure is a legal and ethical requirement designed to protect participants.

The nature of participation in clinical trials can vary widely, ranging from a single visit for a blood draw to multi-day stays in a research facility or long-term follow-up appointments over several months or years. Compensation in clinical trials is typically provided for the participant’s time, inconvenience, and expenses, rather than for a direct biological donation. Payment structures often include compensation per visit, completion bonuses, or a total amount for the study duration. The amount can range from a few hundred dollars for simpler studies to several thousand, or even tens of thousands, for more complex or time-intensive trials. Compensation is designed to offset the burden of participation.