Make A Difference Meaning

(idiomatic, intransitive) To be of importance; to matter.

Example:   I was hoping that, by volunteering at this refuge, I could make a difference, however small.
  I don't think it makes a difference whether you come tonight or not.
1919, Scott Nearing, The Debs Decision:
  I refuse to hate a human being because he happens to be born in some other country. Why should I? To me it does not make any difference where he was born or what the color of his skin may be.