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Explore: MicroGiving’s Featured Donor

Make A Difference. Give Online.

This week MicroGiving will be spotlighting three of our top members on our blog. Thanks to all of you who left encouraging feedback on our previous post where we shed the spotlight on last month’s featured recipient!

Today MicroGiving would like to acknowledge Rayhawk, our featured donor for the month of June! We felt Rayhawk deserved the spotlight for her exemplary charitable contribution last month!

For those of you who follow our blog regularly you may recall our previous post How To Use Micro Charity To Make A Macro Difference. Here we highlighted the importance of micro charity and the tremendous impact a small donation can make. Special thanks to Rayhawk for her compassion to help others, and for being an example in our community!

Why do you give online?

I gave as a child and never knew why. I would get myself into trouble giving away things my mother bought me to those who needed it more, but I felt the risk was worth it. When I was old enough to understand my own feelings I realized giving was simply natural. The entire earth is giving. The earth gives us vegetation, mothers give birth to children, animals bring prey back to share with their communities so all can eat. Even solitary animals leave the rest for scavengers, herds migrate and graze together so all can eat; giving, sharing, helping each other is simply natural. It just makes sense that all living beings should only take what they need and give all else to those who do not have enough. I’m simply doing my part - it’s natural, and if I didn’t do it I would not feel like a part of the earth.

How does it feel to give online and help someone in need?

It feels like I truly belong as a living being on earth. Helping another brings you together with that person and sometimes their family. You walk together for a little while and when they reach their goal you share in that relief, if they don’t reach it you share in that sorrow too. I give as much as I can so I can share in the relief of having met a goal because I know how horrible it feels to stumble and fall…even worse if you fall alone with nobody there to care.

What makes Microgiving unique and special to you?

Identification is a requirement on MicroGiving as well as verification of need. I like screening processes that discourage scamming. I prefer to get to know the recipients who have provided ID verification and will discuss their situation. I prefer to evaluate the evidence myself and MicroGiving has the blog, bookmark and email feature that allows me to learn about the recipient by asking questions. That personal communication allows me to make an informed decision.

I don’t donate to a profile or application, I donate to the person and the tools that MicroGiving provides allows you to know the person behind the profile.

Other sites require no ID verification at all, some have no blog or email feature to allow you to communicate with the recipient and ask questions. MicroGiving has it all and I feel that what I have to share is going to someone who truly does need it and it’s not being used irresponsibly.

Stay tuned this week as we reveal our featured Charity! And don’t forget, online giving is for everyone!

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Explore: MicroGiving’s Featured Recipient

Give Online To A Family In Need!

MicroGiving’s Explore page has now moved to our blog! For those of you who are not aware, every month MicroGiving spotlights one Donor, Recipient and Charity to feature on our site. What makes these members special? They’ve been exceptionally involved in our community and we feel they deserve a little praise and laudation!

This month our shining Recipient spotlight goes to MJ! See what she has to say about MicroGiving…

What is your MicroGiving username?
My username is mechjane@aol.com

How long have you been a member?
I’ve been a member for about 1 year now

How did you learn about MicroGiving? (ie. friend, family, internet, advertisement, etc.)
I learned about MicroGiving through searching the Internet in hope to find help

How often do you visit the MicroGiving site?
I visit MicroGiving almost every day

What makes MicroGiving unique to you?
The members truly care and are willing to help those in need.

What advice would you give to new Recipient members?
Be a part of the communtiy! Reach out and get to know those who are a part of the family. Know that people do care for those who are in need.

Do you participate in MicroGiving’s forum discussions? If so, how often and which ones do you visit?
I usually visit the forums as often as I can, because I like to see what is going on in the lives of other people in the community. I like to hear when someone is anxious to tell of good news, or those who have questions. I just like to peek into peoples lives to see what exciting things are happening.

Do you read MicroGiving’s blog? If so, what topics do you enjoy reading and what would you like to read more about?
This past month I have been sick and not able to read the blogs, but they are great and full of wonderful information to help in every day life. I wouldn’t change anything because I believe that Microgiving is reaching many people and doing a fantastic job!

What MicroGiving feature or service has been the most helpful to you and why?
Having a family to come to and share the good and bad of life. To see that many care! The excitement to read an email that a donation has been given not only to myself, but to others on this site! To feel pain when those here hurt and to share joy when good news is there to share. This is a family of sharing!

Has your life changed since you began visitiing the MicroGiving site? If so, in what way?
I came here truly thinking no one out there cared that I was alone in my struggles. Through MicroGiving I realized that we are all in this together and we each become stronger with the support of one another. I would recommend this site to anyone who is in need or has the ability to share with others. There are many who care and I thank Microgiving for being there for me!

Best regards to MJ, be sure to drop by her profile page this week and leave a few words of encouragement. Don’t forget to stay tuned this week for more featured profiles,  and most importantly give online to a family in need!

Sincerely,

The MicroGiving Team

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… Rank: wait… Traffic: wait… Price: wait… C: wait…

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MicroGiving Memorial Fundraiser - HUGE SUCCESS

I’m proud to announce that MicroGiving’s 1st Annual Fishing Tournament and Beach Party was a huge success. It was a perfect day in South Florida, the weather was great, we had a wonderful turnout, the fishing tournament was a great success, and everyone had a great time at the beach party! 

I would like to take this opportunity to say some well deserved thank yous to the event committee members, the community, our sponsors, and all our tournament and party guests. The event would not have been such a success without each and every one of you. 

First, I would like to start with a huge thanks to the event committee members, Jennifer Cantale, Stacey Feldman, Kirsten Smith, Annette Frantz, Chris Sanchez, April Stewart, and last but not least John Ferber. You guys are great, thank you! Also, a huge thank you to Tony Mauro from Services unlimited for helping make the event run as smooth as it did and Jason Savino from Potions In Motion for providing all the Food and drinks. Potions in Motion did such a great job with the food and drinks, then generously donated some of the proceeds back to The Micro Giving Foundation! I would also like to thank Steve Phillips for being our official tournament mc,  and DJ Andrey Weliky and DJ Tommaso Fattovoch for providing great music all day long! 

Thanks to all the sponsors who generously donated to the MicroGiving event. Thank you Red Stripe Beer, Florida Native Bait & Tackle, Boynton Beach Dive Center, Palm Beach Yacht Center, Insane4Fishing.com, SeaTow, Publix, Samuelson’s Diamonds, Peacock Marketing, Reel Smokers Cigar Bar, Food Saver, Makeup By Aileen, Couture Cakes, Tire Kingdom, It Sugar, The Old Key Lime House, Ritas, Jamba Juice, Cell Shield, Florida Native Charters, Boynton Fishermen’s Supply, Ace Hardware, Oceans 234, JB’s On The Beach, III Forks, Cantina Laredo, Banana Boat, Prime Catch, Cigar Connoisseur, Global Fish Mounts, Roffs, Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, Florida Panthers, Services unlimited, Potions In Motion, Teo’s Day Spa, MyMojo.com, USONetworks.com, and DoYouLoveIt.com. 

We were lucky enough to have a great concert on the beach. A huge heartfelt thanks to Patxi Pastor, Daniel East, Julia Kreibich and the rest of the band. Thank you all - you rock! 

A huge thanks to Jason Savino from Potions In Motion for printing the beautiful 30ft banner! 

Thank you Brett Baird for being our official tournament weigh master! You did an amazing job, and we can’t thank you enough for your help! 

I would also like to thank the guys at Nomad Surf Shop in Boynton Beach for helping coordinate the Paddleboarding competition, and Ark Boards in Pompano Beach  for providing dozens of demo paddleboards for event guests to use. A huge thanks to both of you, the paddleboard competition was a huge success and the highlight of the beach party! 

Again, an incredible thank you to Jennifer Cantale, Stacey Feldman and Annette Frantz for all of your help! Couldn’t have done it without you guys! 

And last but definitely not least, a huge thanks to all the lovely volunteers. We appreciate all you! 

Thank you all for supporting MicroGiving. See ‘ya next year! 

On behalf of MicroGiving and our staff,

Thanks!

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Online Giving: Demographics Of An Online Giver

Following up on our initial post A Look @ 21st Century Giving, we addressed how the internet and online giving is making a profound impact on charity. Today we look at just “who” is giving online.

But first, why is insight into the demographics of online givers important? This knowledge has allowed charities to develop successful fundraising campaigns - targeting specific groups, regions, and keywords to aid in donor conversions.

Moreover with the advent of internet technology, it has become increasingly easier for analysts to track the demographics, patterns, and statistics of online givers. The following information highlights the demographics of people who give online, and  has been gathered using the most powerful and effective data collecting agent… the world wide web:

Online givers are young with little disparity between men and women

“Online givers are young, with men and women giving in equal numbers. The median age of donors is 38, with the average between 39 and 40. This is significantly younger than offline donors, who tend to be 60+ according to most studies” (Source: Craver, Mathews, Smith & Company).

Network for Good highlights the gender difference of online givers:

“In terms of gender, 52% of donors are female. By way of comparison, a number of surveys of overall giving find a slightly higher percentage of women report giving to charity than men.” (Network for Good, 2007)

Those who give online are not new to giving, but they tend to be new to giving online

Almost 96% of online givers indicated having consistently donated to charities offline through churches and nonprofit organizations, whereas giving online was a new avenue of exploration.

Online giving varies by region

In one of our previous posts we discussed the Generosity Index. According to Giving USA, 89% of Americans give to charity totaling 248 billion in charitable dollars. However, giving varies widely per state and online giving is an entirely new analysis.

In a report released by Network for Good, the following marginal differences were identified in light of online giving per region:

With insight into just “who” is giving online, charities can better interpret the patterns and behaviors of online donors and cater effective outreach campaigns that will have a stronger global impact. It will be interesting to see how developing future technology will aid in our understanding of online givers.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this post:

• Do you prefer online giving or traditional charitable giving? Share with us why?
• Why do you suppose online giving varies per region?
• Are there any disadvantages to giving online?

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Online Giving: Changing The Way We Give

In our previous post Online Giving: A Look @ 21st Century Giving, we highlighted the fast growing popularity of the internet as a new medium for charity. With this new trend emerging, the charity sector has experienced a significant change in donor online giving patterns and behaviors. For the first time in history, we’re experiencing a global change as giving online is quickly reshaping the way we give to charity. In this post we will address how the internet has impacted our approach to giving:

Online giving has increased charitable donations

One of the most evident impacts of charitable giving via the internet, is the clear increase of donor gifts both in volume and size of donations given:

“Overall, online giving climbed 37 percent in 2006 over 2005″ (Chronicle of Philanthropy, June 2007).

More interestingly is the increase in the size amount of a single donation given online:

“Online donors are generous. Whether due to income levels, the impulsive nature of online giving or the credit card effect, online donors give significantly more than offline donors” (Network for Good, 2007)

Giving online has made it easier for Donors to connect and donate

With instant accessibility to hundreds of charities worldwide, donors are quickly warming up to the convenience and ease of online giving. In fact:

“The number one reason donors say they give online is convenience. Other top reasons include giving quickly at times of crisis, making multiple gifts in one transaction through a giving portal, and seeing their overall giving history” (Network for Good, 2007)

Online giving has encouraged wise giving

One of the many advantages of the internet is the accessibility to a wealth of information. Giving online has brought donors in arms reach to an unlimited source of information which has encouraged donors to be more selective and wise about the causes they choose to donate. Donors can use tools and resources like Guidestar and charity rating reports to learn more about where their charitable investment go and the specific needs met by their charitable gifts:

“More than 65 percent of donors used information from the Internet before giving, whether online or offline – and 40 percent always go online before giving” (Kintera Luth Nonprofit Trend Report, 2005)

Online giving has drawn community

The single most incredible response to donors giving online are the communities and networks like Microgiving that have surfaced and grown. In our previous post Micro Philanthropy & the Magnitude of the Micro Philanthropist we discussed the impact of “collective energy” when an aggregate sum of people join together and give. It seems that online giving has a propensity to inspire more giving in the presence of a community or network of people.

“In May, a social-action start-up called Project Agape launched a new program on Facebook called “Causes,” in which users can create online communities to advocate for various issues, charities and political candidates. Since then, the program has attracted more than 2.5 million Facebook users, raising some $300,000 for nonprofits and politicians, says Joe Green, 24, the project’s co-founder” (Wall Street Journal, August 2007)

Giving online has bridged the communication gap between donor and recipient

Many people are moving towards giving online as it allows Donors to develop a deeper, more meaningful connection with the people and causes they care most about. Traditional charitable giving can be impersonal in that it hinders donors from developing a more deep rooted relationship, whereas online giving breaks down the impersonal aspect and, in a sense, cuts out the middleman allowing donors to directly access and connect with the lives they impact.

“Some of the newer Web-based nonprofits, such as DonorsChoose and Kiva, are attractive because contributors say they allow them to connect directly with their recipients. Donors or lenders can hand over money directly to, respectively, teachers and students in urban public schools or individual entrepreneurs in developing countries, rather than sending a check that ends up with an abstract recipient” (Wall Street Journal, September 2007)

As online giving continues to grow in popularity, it will only be a matter of time before we begin to see the true radiations of global change.

• How do you feel about giving online?
• Has online giving changed the way you give?
• What are some of the reasons you give using the internet?

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Online Giving

A Look @ 21st Century Giving

Recently we took a look at online giving trends and the impact of the recession on charitable giving. Although giving to charity has slowed,

“Online giving is growing exponentially each year, from $250 million in 2000 to more than $4.5 billion in 2005.” (ePhilanthropy Foundation, 2006)

Donors are now turning to the web to give - finding that online giving is a more effective way to connect to the causes they care most about.

With internet technology and personal computers having been around for just over a decade or so, online giving has only recently gained recognition and popularity among donors.

With that said, online giving is one of the most remarkable pioneers of the 21st century given the infancy of its existence and global impact within such a short period of time.

This post is the first in a series of posts that will explore the shift from conventional giving to online giving. In this series we will address:

• How has online giving changed the way we give?
• Who is giving online?
• When and how often do people give online?
• Where are donors giving their donations online?
• Why do donors use online giving as their portal for charity?

As we explore insight into online giving, we hope to target new ways of harnessing the world wide web as a powerful platform to be used for global change.

Has the internet changed your approach to giving?

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Promise Brand - Doing Social Good!

Are your children’s toys healthy?

We have toys that do just about everything these days, but every year millions of defective toys are taken off the shelf due to lead hazards or other harmful impalements. Forbes Asia indentified the recall of more than 25 million toys in the United States due to toxic lead over the past fiscal year.

Why did toys have to get so complicated? Remember the old days of classic wood-crafted blocks, dollhouses, and airplanes? And how much equal satisfaction and enjoyment were derived from such items in the simplistic imagination as a child?

It seems as though so many manufacturers these days fail to exercise due diligence amongst the mad rush to cut costs and stay on top of the toy industry’s competitive market. We’ve lost much of the quality and innocence of classic toys and what have we got instead? Toxic lead-infused plastic trinkets and a handful of brats!

We thought it would be nice to spotlight some innovative and close friends of MicroGiving who came out with a line of all natural organic toys. Promise Brand Toys are doing there part to practice social good through a special line of safe, environmentally friendly, and certified lead-free toys for children made from 100% wood, all natural linseed oil, and milk paint.

Promise Brand upholds a strong social good principle to provide quality handcrafted and educational toys to be both enjoyed and cherished long-term. It’s nice to see a toy manufacturer making a family-conscience effort to produce quality toys that are safe for children!

And there’s a lesson to take away from this: doing social good - providing quality, value, upholding integrity, and a mission to help others (whether in the form of a business model or your personal practices) is the formula to succeed in life. This means fundamentally changing your outlook: rather than seeking merely “profit”, it means seeking “people, planet, and profit” and eternalizing a social responsibility to everything you do in life and in business.

Check these guys out at www.promisebrand.com, there awesome! And let us know your thoughts on this post…

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Giving Online

Recession’s Impact on Charitable Giving Online

There has been much talk regarding the impact of the credit crunch on the charity sector and giving online. Charities worldwide have suffered to some degree as Donors cutback their online donations.

But how serious is the cutback? Has giving online really taken a plummet? Have Donor dollars really decreased as drastically as we think?

A 2008-2009 charity analysis report was recently released: Rapidata’s Charity Direct Debit Tracking Report 2009 answers these questions and addresses the following key points regarding online giving:

• The monthly cycle of online giving trends: patterns of giving online over a 6 year retrospect
• Impact of recession on online giving: donor cancellation rates (pre and post recession)
• Donor retention: measures to retain donor commitment to giving online

Whether you’re a nonprofit, or a single individual fundraising - insight into such patterns can help both nonprofits and individuals understand donor behavior to be more successful raising donations online (even under grim economic circumstances).

We’ve taken the meat and potatoes of the report and serving it up for you here:

The monthly cycle of online giving trends: Patterns of giving online over a 6 year retrospect

Giving online seems to fluctuate in annual cycles: rising increasingly throughout the summer and peaking around August. Trend reports indicate that online giving falls around December, picks back up in January, and plummets in February and March until the arrival of the start of the next fiscal year shortly after April.

Here is a graph that illustrates online giving trends and average monthly cancellation rates over the last six years (April 2003 - January 2009):

Impact of recession on online giving: Donor cancellation rates (pre and post recession)

Giving online makes giving to charity easier, however it also makes it easier for donors to withdraw or discontinue online giving. Cancellation rates have consistently decreased from pre/post recession.

Here is a graph illustrating Donor cancellation rates before and after the recession, and what these online giving statistics look like as a percentage:

“Cancellations rates skyrocketed from the summer of 2008″ “For instance, in December 2008, 67 per cent more people cancelled their direct debits than for an average December in the pre-credit crunch/recession period. And a statistical analysis shows that these cancellations rates were so high that they were unlikely to have ever occurred under the conditions that were driving cancellations prior to September 2007.” -Rapidata’s Charity Direct Debit Tracking Report 2009

Donor retention: measures to retain donor commitment to giving online

“The process of reactivating a cancelled donor starts from the very moment they cancel.” -Rapidata’s Charity Direct Debit Tracking Report 2009

Rapidata’s donor cancellation report identifies some very interesting findings regarding donor behavior and giving online trends. What are your thoughts on this report?

• Have you cut back on giving online due to present economic circumstances?
• Nonprofits/ Charities/ Fundraisers - Have you experienced a decrease in donations within the past year?
• What are some additional ways you can encourage people to commit to giving online despite present circumstances?

If you enjoyed this post, check out a few others:

Feeding The Hungry: A bus driver’s tale of good deed
Could You Feed Yourself On $5.83 A Day?

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Giving To Charity

Charitable Giving & The Greatest Paradoxal Misunderstanding

Our posts have spanned many similar topics all pertinent to giving to charity: the importance of giving, reasons to give to others, the positive power of micro philanthropy, and we’ve even suggested ways to give through volunteer opportunities

Regardless however of how much we encourage people to give to charity (even on the easiest of micro-giving levels)… there are plenty of people that still don’t practice charitable giving. 

And furthermore, from within the charity sector it seems as though the biggest challenge charities face is overcoming the communication barrier that stops the masses, or otherwise potential donors, from giving.

The greatest paradoxal misunderstanding that inhibits many people from giving to charity is the mistaken idea that the only way to maintain wealth is to hold on tightly to what you have. This post aims to present a strong argument and clear case for charitable giving.

The Arguments Of Giving To Charity

Those who don’t give to charity, are rarely satisfied in life

Someone once said, “If you eat enough lobster it will eventually taste like soap”. This also stands true in our personal lives and in our habits of giving - you see hoarding wealth is distasteful and you’ll never be satisfied in life if you hold onto what you have.

Albert Schweitzer puts it beautifully:

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know for certain. The ones among you who will be really happy in life are those who have sought and found how to give.”

Those who don’t give to charity, rarely receive

With a closed fist man retains what he has, in as much as he surely thwarts to attain any more. The only way that money can get in is to have an open hand. 

On a side note, it’s rather quite incredible that every tribe, tongue, and nation all seem to understand the universal symbol of anger… a clenched fist. Gold Mier coined the phrase “you can’t shake hands with a clenched fist”.

Those who don’t give to charity, turn stale

What do we mean by “turn stale”? Consider a pond where water flows out of a pipe, but nothing drains out of the pond. The water eventually becomes stagnant and begins to stink. Eventually layers of scum accumulates and cloaks the surface as stuff goes in but nothing comes out. Ever met someone who reflects a stinking pond?! Take a lesson!

“There are men who gain from their wealth only the fear of losing it” -Antoine Riveroli

The Case For Charity: Why Give?

The Transformational Effect

It’s a peculiar phenominality - it’s as though the mechanical act of giving to charity changes us. A transformational occurence takes place and it is only when we let go and help people in need that we truly feel most happy and fulfilled.

Charity Champs address a few rather potent thoughts on their blog regarding the transformational effect and the impact of charitable giving as they address the question, Does micro-philanthropy work?

The Fruits of Charitable Giving

More explicitly, giving to charity naturally encourages you to become less selfish. The interesting aspect of selfless, more charitable individuals is that they tend to prosper in relationships and in wealth. It’s not difficult to understand this, as selfish people are rarely liked and if you’re not liked you’re less likely to succeed in a world where success is largely contingent upon your success with others.

We’d love to hear your additional thoughts on this post…

• Why do you give to charity?
• How would you encourage people to give?
• Do you experience a change when you give?

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Charity Causes

Top 6 Charity Cause Colors

You’ve probably seen them - those colored rubber wrist bands that have become an international fashion statement within the charity sector. Charity advocates worldwide support their favorite charity causes by publicly displaying colored advocacy bands. They come in many colors, each representing a different cause. Ever wondered what each color stands for?
 

 The Support Our Troops Charity Cause

Yellow represents the support of our troops fighting worldwide for freedom! Yellow was originally the color of the United States Cavalry during the 19th century. The yellow ribbon derives its origins from the practice of women wearing yellow ribbons in their hair to display support of their husbands and sweethearts serving in the army.

 The Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Cause

Breast cancer is the #1 most common form of cancer among women. Pink represents international awareness and the support of breast cancer research to put an end to this prevalent epidemic.

 The Anti-Bullying Campaign

Blue represents support of the National Bullying Awareness program. Originally an initiative that surfaced in the United Kingdom has grown in popularity in the U.S. The program targets a parental and administrative call to stop child-bullying in our public school systems by spreading awareness and talking to children about the detrimental impact of child-bullying.

 The Live Free. Smoke Free. Charity Cause

In affiliation with the American Cancer Society - the Live Free, Smoke Free Campaign aims to stop teens from smoking. Orange represents a national effort to raise awareness and keep young people from a lethal dirty habit that takes the lives of millions of people every year!

 The Purple Paws Charity Cause

Purple represents the advocacy of animal rights and the prevention of animal cruelty. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that over 1 million animals are neglected, abused, or killed every year in connection with violence. Support the humane treatment of animals and display the purple ribbon.

Courage: AIDS Awareness Charity Cause

Red has become an iconic international symbol for AIDS awareness. Since 1990, people living with AIDS has increased from 8 million to over 33 million today, reports the United Nations AIDS 2008 Report of the global AIDS epidemic. Global efforts have been made to spread awareness and educate the public regarding preventative measures and the gravity of this increasing pandemic.

We’d love to hear from you…

• What’s your favorite charity cause color?
• What charities do you stand for?

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Make A Difference

How To Use Micro Charity To Make A Macro Difference

We recently posted on the topic of micro-philanthropy and its large impact to make a difference in the life of someone in need. Today, this post will further expand on ways that you can make a difference (even if the “money bucket is dry”)! 

But first let’s get something straight: “Charity” is NOT synonymous with writing a personal check. The greatest misunderstanding is the idea that one must give 10% of his or her income in order to be “charitable”. If you can afford 10%, then by all means whip out your check book!

However, for those who would like to make a difference, but struggle to make their own ends meet, here’s what you can do:

Make an 85 cent difference

The most powerful charity is when one displays a truly heartfelt act of kindness.

Recently one of our Recipient members made an 85 cent donation to another Recipient. This small act of kindness carried more value than its actual monetary worth. Our receiving Recipient said:

“85 cents changed my life because I knew someone cared enough to share with us what little they had. It touched me so deeply that it has left a lasting impression on not only my life, but my whole family.” -Michelle (michie)

The interesting dynamic is not so much the impact of the monetary donation itself, but rather the profundity of realizing that someone else out their recognizes your struggle and cares enough about you to give and make a difference in a little way. 

Thank you Becky! 

Make a more “personal” difference

You can make a difference on a more personal level by taking the time to identify struggling people with specific needs and meeting those needs where possible. For example, one of our members recounted a time when she struggled to buy clothes for her children for the upcoming school year. An observant neighbor identified her need through observation - collected a bag of clothes her own children had outgrown - and dropped them at the doorstep of the struggling mother. 

It brought tears to her eyes to think that someone else paid enough attention to her needs and was kind enough to take initiative and meet those needs. 

It’s easy to quickly dump off our old clothes at the Salvation Army, but let’s slow down our chaotic pace of life and observe the people close to us who we can help and make a difference. 

Make the opportunity to make a difference 

Life can easily fly by if you don’t slow down your pace of life for a moment to consider opportunities to help others. It’s easy to get sucked up in your own world of problems and forget that there are other people out there who are hurting.

One of our team members recounted one of her greatest regrets was not reaching out to an elderly lady during a time of emotional distress. After the passing of her husband, Elaine Kellar’s health quickly deteriorated. 

Our team member wished she had slowed down her busy schedule for a just a moment and offered companionship - a mere few visits to show someone cared would have made a world of difference to an elderly woman who felt alone and forgotten. 

Nothing is more discouraging than the feeling of being alone. The most effective way to make a difference is to be physically there for someone. 

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for people with needs. Slow down your pace for just a moment and consider the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of people in your community.  As our Recipient member MJ beautifully said:

” I will be giving where ever I can” - “this time with more focus on what I can do for others to get my mind off of all the bills that keep coming in. Of course I will still pay them as I can, but in the middle of the storm I forgot to care for others”.

Make a difference by listening

We’ll keep this one short, sweet, and simple. There’s absolutely nothing that compares to having the emotional support of someone to talk to. Make a difference by listening to someone who needs an ear.

We’d love to hear from you…

• Has someone made a difference in your life? 
• Have you ever done something to make a difference in life of someone else?
• What are some other ways that you can make a difference?

Make a difference today!

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The Culture of Charitable Giving

4 Reasons People Give To Charity

Why do people give? What influences one’s charitable inclination? What is the culture of charitable giving?

This post reviews an interesting study introduced by Arthur C. Brooks (social scientist and economic analysist of charitable giving). Through research and observation, Brooks has identified four primary driving forces behind one’s economic incentive to give:

1. Religion as it relates to a moral code and charitable giving
2. Strong charitable principles within the family
3. Level of wealth and prosperity on charitable giving
4. Political views regarding government’s responsibility to meet societal needs

Religion as it relates to a moral code and charitable giving

Although religion alone is not a single deterministic factor of one’s likelihood to give, Brooks notes there is a significant corollary between the exercising of faith as it relates to a value system and moral code. Giving patterns are generally higher among those who avidly practice a faith versus those who do not. Brooks puts it this way:

“religious people just give like crazy”

Strong charitable principles within the family

Among his research, Brooks noted a few key observations regarding the culture of charitable families. He found that families that give to charity have a different quality about them. They tend to have more family integrity, healthier habits, more meaning and purpose, and are generally happier.

Additionally, there is an unusual relationship between charitable giving and one’s likelihood to experience long-term prosperity. There has also been suggestion that charitable giving increases longevity. Brooks noted from his research and observation that families usually experience a 4 out of 1 increase in wealth. The qualities mentioned above could quite possibly be the influential factors of being prosperous in life. Generally speaking, people who are healthier and happier are more likely to be socially accepted and consequently “success” is a likely end by-product.

However, the question as it relates to charitable inclinations:

• Are those qualities a by-product of charitable giving?
• Or, are families that exhibit those qualities more likely to give?

Level of wealth and prosperity on charitable giving

Contrary to what one might assume, level of wealth does not impact charitable giving. In fact, the most generous of givers are those among the poor and lower working middle class when you consider their percentage of income to what they give to charitable causes. Interestingly, poor and lower middle class do not generally reap any tax benefits for charitable giving - thus striking out any tax incentive as a viable influential factor. Brooks states:

“We Americans can take a charity lesson from people of modest means who work for a living in the United States”. 

Political views regarding government’s responsibility to meet societal needs

Charitable inclinations are also revealed in one’s political stance regarding the government’s responsibility to its people. Comparatively speaking those who feel the government should take the initiative are twelve times less likely to give to charity than those who feel that charitable giving is a societal responsibility.

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Creative Fundraising Ideas

How To Raise Funds & Have Fun: Creative fundraising ideas for creative minds

The idea of fundraising can seem a bit daunting. Where do you find the time? The energy? The support? But fundraising can be a heck of a lot easier than it seems if you get creative with your fundraising ideas. 

Whether it’s to benefit charity, or even support someone battling through a tough time - creative fundraising ideas lurk in every neighborhood nook and cranny. We’ve done a bit of legwork for you and gathered some creative fundraising ideas. We’d love to hear some of yours at the end…

The $10 Fundraiser

Ten dollars can quickly multiply to an easy $1,000 with this creative fundraising idea: Pick ten people (ie. friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, church members, etc) and ask them to find ten other people to donate $10. Cha-ching, easy as pie. 

BBQ Fundraisers

Who doesnt like a good old BBQ? They’re a fun, family-friendly way to fundraise and a great way to draw community around the causes you care most about.

Yard Sale Fundraisers

Yet another great way to fundraise. Clean out your garage and ask your neighbors to donate items to support your cause. Be sure to publisize your yard sale as a fundraiser for charity. Set a fundraising goal to encourage people, maybe they’ll give you more for your junk! =)

The Popcorn Fundraiser

A deliciously creative way to fundraise which calls for a movie night in your very own living room. Scatter pillows on the floor, pop some corn and pop the lights. Live in a cupboard? Not enough room in the house? Nominate your neighbor’s house! 

Birthday Bash Fundraiser

Using your Birthday as an excuse is a great way to fundraise. Host a birthday bash in honor of a cause you care about. 

Bingo & Bowling Fundraisers

Games are always a creative way to fundraise. Everybody loves them, they’re age appropriate for most children, and everybody wins in the game of Charity! 

Wing Fling or Chili Contest Fundraiser

Some of the best creative fundraising ideas involve food. Gather your community around food contests and encourage your community to join in and sample delicious food for the sake of charity.  Who would turn that down??

Creative fundraisers can be a highly effective way to raise money for causes you care about. We learned a story about a few young people who threw a party and raised over $40,000. What started out as a modest appeal to raise donations for a charitable cause evolved and materialized into what is now an annual event; a fine example of the power of creative fundraising and the impact a few people can make when gathered in the name of a cause they care most about. Start small and you never know where your creative fundraising ideas will lead…

Share with us your creative fundraising ideas…

• Have you ever participated in a creative fundraiser?
• What fundraising activities are people doing in your community?  

New to fundraising? Start fundraising now! 
Like this Blog post? Check out a few other creative fundraising ideas

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The Generosity Index

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The Things You Say…

Have you ever experienced a time when someone casually said something that spoke to you profoundly?

Ironically - as the communicator continues to ramble on, you realize that he or she has no idea that during that fraction of a moment they just imparted words that touched your life.

It’s remarkable how a few mere simple words can leave such a branding impact. Yet it’s those little things that people say - those random moments and life encounterances that can leave a lasting impression on your life forever.

We asked for your feedback and we were deeply moved by your responses. Your lives and stories have touched us in extraordinary ways. Here’s a recap of some of the things you said this month that spoke to us profoundly:

“There are many sheep who mindlessly carry on in everyday life” - “people who cannot see what is right in front of them” - “So I guess we have to point things out and give others time to see how they can participate and/or volunteer” - “It’s like the child in a messy room stepping over things, but doesn’t realize it’s messy or that they stepped over anything until you point it out”. - JT, on Volunteer Opportunities

In the regard to: giving what you can - “I know it’s a drop in the bucket, but every bucket is filled with little drops. It’s never filled if people think their droplets are too small” -Becky (Rayhawk), on Micro Philanthropy

“One of my happiest moments was when I officially became a recipient and received my very first donation from Rayhawk - that was a very special day. Thank you again Rayhawk, you put a big smile on my face that day. It was not about the amount of her donation, it was about the sincere gratitude from another recipient. I cherish those moments with great pride. Being a member of the MicroGiving Foundation has made a huge impact in my life today” - Jamel, on Micro Philanthropy

“My girlfriend died last May 23, 2008. Her name was Theresa Renee McVety” - “She died in a car accident”, but “she was an organ donor”. “A person regained her eye sight, and Tess’s liver saved a life. At the wake, we had two balloons representing the organs she donated. They floated in the air with hope and sorrow. It’s a good thing for people to donate their organs. It sad when we lose our loved ones, but it’s nice to know there’s a piece of them still here. As I’m crying, Tess, I want to tell you that I love you and miss you. I’m proud that you donated your organs. This site gave the world a chance to introduce you.” -Christy Lauzon, on Give Life

“Microgiving.com reminds me a lot of my family, a lot of brothers and sisters who want to see others do better in their lives. I would love to see more people on ‘microgiving.com’ to help others - no matter what. I would do the same for anyone who would help me in my life.” - Dave, on Micro Philanthropy

“Do I believe and support Micro Philanthropy? Yes. The ideology and action of philanthropy speaks to the deep trait of caring for others in this world, otherwise we would live in world laced with greater challenges than we witness today. Just imagine what that world look like.” Randy, on Micro Philanthropy

“I will be giving whenever I can. I am re-doing my budget and this time I’m focusing more on what I can do for others to get my mind off of all the bills that keep coming in. Of course I will still pay them as I can, but in the middle of the storm I forgot to care for others.” -MJ, on Community Service Ideas

“It’s amazing how much a dollar can add up. If everyone on this site gave just a few people $1 that would show the power of giving what you can and gaining so much more by doing it.” -Tania Osborn, on Micro Philanthropy

“Yes, compassion is contagious. When you’re around nice people it does make you feel more inspired when we join together to help someone!” - Elaine Wellington, on Micro Philanthropy

“I am deeply moved by the compassion of this community. I never expected to find this, not online, not on the internet where all you hear and read about are the predators and scammers that constantly feed on people exactly like you all - with loving and giving hearts. I came across Microgiving by accident really. However I no longer believe that, because whether I’m ever given a dime in support of my mission I am inspired and encouraged daily by the outpouring of support and gratitude – and the  encouraging words from those who leave comments and blogs here.” Keryl, on People Helping People

May your lives be truly blessed,
as you have truly blessed us…

Sincerely,
MicroGiving

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Micro Philanthropy

Micro Philanthropy & the Magnitude of the Micro Philanthropist

Just what is micro philanthropy?

Micro philanthropy is a form of philanthropy that uses the power of “micro” donations to enable anyone to give any amount within his means—directly to someone in need. The power of micro donations comes into play when millions (dare we hope?) all join together and give a little:

$1  x  1,000,000 (you’s & me’s)  = $1,000,000

But what is the difference between micro-donations versus one large donation? Which is better? Isn’t the end impact both the same? Both cases impact the lives of people in need. However, micro philanthropy is changing the entire face of philanthropy in ways that people have yet to even realize.  The profundity of micro giving is extraordinary and the differences are worth consideration:

Micro-philanthropy is for ALL social & economic backgrounds

The beauty of micro philanthropy is that one need not be wealthy to give and help someone in need. Anyone, regardless of financial circumstance, can experience the sensation and transformation of philanthropy. A single dollar donation is a single statement that speaks loudly of where your hearts at.

Micro philanthropy is more personal and intimate

The cool thing about Microgiving.com is that our site is a philanthropic platform allowing you to give directly to an individual in need—right to the heart of the cause. Traditional philanthropic donations are passed through a “middle-man”, or a charity organization that allocates your donations where they see fit. Micro philanthropy cuts out that middle man and allows you to develop a special relationship with the individual you help. Micro giving is breaking down those impersonal walls and cultivating organic relationships that traditional philanthropy will never achieve.

Micro philanthropy changes your perspective

Consider your $1 donation which went to the purchase of medicine– saving the life of a dying girl in Cambodia. Suddenly one’s perspective changes as now the value of a discarded soda can translates into the difference between life and death for a child in a third world country.

Micro-philanthropy stimulates a collective energy

Micro philanthropy generates something that a single large sum donation could never possibly accomplish.  The aggregated total of a multitude of $1 donations creates a philanthropic energy around the act of giving that is unmatched against the single donation of one million dollars. In fact, no single monetary amount of money will ever compare to the charitable energy that comes from a multitude of micro givers. MicroGiving is a place that aims to harness the energy that amasses when a body of people come together to give.  In sum, worldwide change can in fact be made by people like you through the power of micro donations.

So how does the network effect impact us as a group whole; does collective philanthropic action influence us?  Do we feel more inspired when we join together to make change? Is compassion contagious? If so, we must consider…

What then is the true value of micro philanthropy?

Could it quite possibly be worth more than one large single philanthropic donation..?

Please share your thoughts with us. We’d love to hear your feedback on this topic…

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Give Life

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Fundraising Tips

Tips to Start Your Fundraising Event

This post provides a few fundraising tips that will help you get started on holding your first fundraiser. Starting a fundraising event is a highly effective way to raise public awareness about the causes you care most about. Moreover, fundraisers are a great way to draw more traffic to your fundraising profile online, increase your visibility on a much larger scale, and have a greater overall impact on your mission. But fundraisers can be a lot of work to manage and there are many “ins and outs” to running a successful campaign. So where do you start? Here are a few fundraising tips to kick start your campaign: 

Create a fundraising profile

Creating a fundraising profile can be extremely advantageous as it’s a great place to direct supporters who want to learn more about your cause. Additionally, it’s a  fantastic way to raise donations using the power of the web. Many of our Recipients have been very successful raising support for their fundraisers using MicroGiving as a tool to reach a large volume of supporters.

Find local fundraisers

Explore fundraising events in your area and learn what other people are doing in your community. Contact community service organizations, volunteer groups, and local schools to partner with. The greater the body of partners you team up with, the stronger your fundraising event will function. 

Arrange a meeting to discuss your fundraising ideas. Brainstorm, collaborate, and bounce ideas among one another. Consider the greatest needs of your community and how you can successfully meet those needs through your fundraiser. 

Develop an organizational structure

Planning a fundraiser can be an extensively tedious process. Divide tasks and responsibilities among other volunteers on your fundraising team - don’t take on more than you can handle. The success of any large undertaking is almost always attributed to teamwork. The strengths and talents of other volunteers will carry your event successfully through. 

Fundraiser event planning

• Delegate a volunteer to manage the event; and arrange a location and ensure the right facilities are available to the public. 
   

Fundraising

• In addition to setting up a fundraising profile, find someone with good networking and PR skills to actively promote your event and raise support for your campaign.
   

Fundraiser Outreach

• Create promotional materials to distribute (ie. fliers, stickers, newsletters). Outreach materials raise awareness and encourage people to support your cause. They keep the public updated about your event and are also a great way to attract media attention. 
   
• Consider local businesses that might be willing to support your fundraiser by distributing your promotional materials to their clients and customers. 

Build capacity through effective communications

An imperative part of your fundraising campaign boils down to how effectively you communicate with the public. 

• Create a contact list of names, phone numbers, and email addresses of all the volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses involved. Remembering every new contact in your phone book can sometimes be difficult so organize your contact list by an individual’s involvement in the campaign. Organizing your contact list will allow you to quickly match contacts with their specific role or affiliation in the your fundraising campaign. 
   
• Cater your fundraising profile to appeal to the public. Create a profile that not only provides people with information and updates, but also engages the public with fun and interactive pictures, blogs, trivia, opinion polls, and opportunities to be vocal on your page. 
   
• Encourage people to return to your profile by promising exciting updates, news, and information regarding the event.
   
• Use social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter to stay in contact with supporters and reach a larger audience of new prospects. Networking sites are an increasingly powerful way to drive hundreds, if not thousands, of traffic to your fundraising profile.

For more fundraising tips you might also be interested in How To Get More Online Donations.

What are your fundraising tips?

• We’d love to hear from you so please share some of your fundraising tips and advice.
• If you’ve never participated in a fundraiser, what are some causes you care most about?

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Change the World

Happy Earth Day, today we change the world!

For those of you who are not aware – April 22nd is Earth Day so we’ve decided to highlight a few things people have done (and are doing) around the globe to change the earth. 

Calling world change: dial 0 for Climate Control

The Call for Climate campaign has drawn over 100,000 eco-activists from across the world to call upon governments and legislators to stop using coal, invest in the development of renewable energy resources, develop more efficient and sustainable environmental practices, and protect the poor from being effected by the costs incurred from the global warming crisis. Hopefully the voices of 100,000 activists speak loud enough to change the world!

Changing the classroom to change the world

Last year, a primary school in Bulgaria created an eco-friendly classroom outdoors as an educational tool and to encourage communities to incorporate environmental practices into their “habitat”. A class of fourth graders planted trees and a fence made of shrubs bordering the new eco-classroom. The school has inspired many to find greener ways to live and function.

Committing to world change: Nigeria launches awareness

The Waste Management Society of Nigeria launched a campaign to educate people worldwide about the importance of committing to world change. The effort gathered hundreds of people to encourage communities to stop littering, start recycling, and exercise eco-friendly practices in day to day living. The campaign has equipped disadvantaged communities across the world with the education and resources to change their behavior to better impact the world. 

Greening the Earth Walk

Hundreds gather in China for the Greening the Earth Walk campaign. Starting in the Northern Fujian Province, volunteers and eco-activists march through China planting trees along the way to landmark their eco-footprint. 

But you don’t have to go to China to change the world. You can change the world simply by making changes in your everyday practices. It’s the little eco-conscience decisions that we all make as a whole that effectually make a tremendous impact on the world. Whether it’s riding your bike whenever possible, refusing to use plastic bags, or educating others. It’s time to rekindle our commitment to change the earth. 

Are you celebrating Earth Day?

Tonight, the MicroGiving Team will be turning off our electricity from 8:30 to 9:30 to save energy along with millions of other Earth Day celebrators. Join us as we light some candles to celebrate…

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Earth Day

What is Earth Day?  

What’s all this jab and who-ha about saving the environment? And are we experiencing a global environmental crisis? 

Earth Day is a global environmental call to action!

Earth Day is celebrated every year on the 22nd of April and aims to raise awareness about the earth and the importance of taking action to save our environment. Thousands of events and environmental campaigns are held world wide throughout Earth Week to develop sustainable climate change solutions, promote environmental education, and encourage civic participation.

This year, Earth Day 2009 will kick start the Green Generation Campaign which aims to encourage civic action and participation in global green efforts. Green Generation hopes to achieve carbon free solutions that will change our impact on the environment by targeting renewable energy resources and ending our reliance on fossil fuel and coal consumption.

Why is Earth Day important?

The importance of Earth Day (learn more here) is to counteract the threatening effects of global warming. 

What is global warming? 

Global warming is bad. Global warming occurs when excessive CO2 gasses (produced from vehicle emissions, deforestation, and the burning of coal, oil, and gas) get trapped in the earth’s atmosphere and cause a greenhouse effect which heats up the earth to not so cozy temps. 

The National Resource Defense Council reports that the earth’s temperatures have drastically risen at a record breaking rate ever to be marked in history. They estimate that every year 2.5 billion tons of C02 are produced and released into the earth’s atmosphere by coal burning power plants and over 1.5 billion tons annually in automobile pollutants. Yikes. 

The NRDC warns that if we don’t stop global warming and change our negative consumer impact on the earth, we should expect the effects of global warming to be devastating in as early as over the next century:

Sea levels will rise, flooding coastal areas. Heat waves will be more frequent and more intense. Droughts and wildfires will occur more often. Disease-carrying mosquitoes will expand their range. And species will be pushed to extinction. -NRDC

Now that we’ve probably scared your pants off it’s time to celebrate the earth on April 22nd and get out there and do something on Earth Day to save the environment. Together we can stop global warming and better the environment, but doing so requires colloborative action and initiative! We encourage you to get involved during Earth Week, as we’ve only got one Earth and she deserves to be treated with a little TLC. 

Tell us what you think about Earth Day?

• Have you ever participated in any previous Earth Day events or activities? If so, tell us what you did…
• Do you feel that global warming is as serious as environmentalists hype it up to be?
• What are some ways that you leave your carbon footprint on the earth?