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Helping poor people is not accomplished by satisfying their temporary needs monetarily. Providing lasting opportunities is the most powerful and effective way to help the poor.
This post aims to provide insightful ways to help poor people in your community through lasting improvements that will change their life:
Help poor people through building relationships
Impactful changes occur through cultivating a life-enhancing relationship. Before you can help the needs of a poor person you must develop an organic system of trust and support. This starts with listening to the real needs of the poor. From there one can help people in need by giving them what they often need most: encouragement, emotional support, and feedback.
Help the poor through exchange of services
Help poor people help themselves by providing the opportunity to better their situation. It’s not your money donations or your volunteer services that poor people need, it’s the opportunity to do something that will change their life in the long run! One of our member’s reported an incident where a Homeless man denied spare change from a charitable giver, stating he’d rather have the opportunity to wash a car or do yard work! No one likes the feeling of being helpless. Many poor people simply want the opportunity to do something.
If an electrical appliance in your house recently broke and you know of a poor person who has technical skills—ask them to come around instead of outsourcing an electrician. What are some needs in your household that can be satisfied through exchange of services?
Give to poor people by teaching them a skill-set
Are you computer savvy? Teach a poor person computer basics! If sewing is your cup of tea, then teach a poor single mother a few seam-stressing skills. You can help the poor and make a greater impact by providing them with life-enhancing skills they can benefit from in the work field.
Give to the poor by giving encouragement
Sometimes the greatest thing you can do to help a poor person is to uplift them through words of encouragement. If a poor person feels trodden down and discouraged– a simple boost of fresh inspiration can perform miracles! The best way to help the poor is to help them discover their talents and abilities. Caring for the poor means caring for them emotionally. Explain to them that they’re a valuable part of the community and their talents can make a difference. Encourage poor people to get involved specifically in the projects that cater to their very needs! If a poor person is homeless then point them to local soup kitchen but show them how to volunteer and get involved! The only real changes that occur are the one’s that are built on the framework of long-term opportunity.
Care for poor people by using your services to help service others
Think of the possible opportunities within your field of work to reach out to poor people. A great example of creative charity was when FedEX gave free resume printing for the unemployed. What are some opportunities and ways that you could encourage your employer and fellow co-workers to help people in need?
Charity is often mistakenly associated with giving money donations. There are ways you can help the poor which are far more effective than your dollar. The best way to make an impact in the lives of the poor is to start by building organic relationships, providing opportunities, offering life-enhancing skills, and by giving a good dose of needed encouragement.
*We’d love to hear your feedback! What are some ways that you can care for poor people in your community?
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We couldn’t resist another good deed post! Stories of people helping people during rough economic times are becoming more prevalent. And It’s about time! Good Deeders are on fire these days to help others in need in whatever ways they can. We came across some more incredible stories of people helping each other that made us smile, stories we just HAD to share!
- The Salvation Army in Missouri was stunned, as for the fifth year in a row, an anonymous good deed donor has slipped a $50,000 cashier check into their charity collection kettle outside a local Walmart Store. The issuing bank of the check identified the mysterious donor as simply, “Santa Clause”.
- The owners of a local Michigan “mom and pop” pancake house were taken by surprise when 17 goodwill employees decided to work without compensation for a day to help the struggle company during economic hardship!
- A 72 year old man raised $16,000 for charity. How? By shaving his bushy eyebrows! The old man pledged his eyebrows if the public agreed to donate money to people in need. His wife says he looks 20 years younger! The chariy money is to be donated to polio eradication in 3rd world countries.
- A teenage girl, Mikela Mercier, found $1,000 in a Richard Simmons workout video she purchased from the Salvation Army thrift store. Instead of splurging on a new fancy pancy track suit, she donated the money back to the Salvation Army stating:
”I want to help more people in need.”
- Marilyn Mock purchased the home of Tracy Orr at a foreclosure auction this past year. However, after seeing Mrs. Orr in tears at the sale, Mock gave the house right back. Now dubbed the “foreclosure angel” Mrs. Mock stated:
“People need to help each other and thats all there is to it.”
When economic times are rough – there is no more of an opportune time to reach out, make a difference, and help people in need. So what do you think?! Leave us a few thoughts in our feedback section!
And don’t forget, MicroGiving is seeking true life stories and experience of people helping people, random acts of kindness, and good deeds (Track your good deeds at MyGoodDeed.org)
- Has someone done something special for you that made an impact in your life?
- Do you know of someone in your community who has illustrated an act of kindness you’d like to share?
- Or have YOU ever done something kind that made a difference in the life of someone else?
Submit your stories to support@microgiving.com and we will choose one to post as our top featured good deed story!
And if you like this post, share this link with others on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter!
Tags:
random acts of kindness
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There are people helping people everyday, but it’s those surprise moments of “divine” help and goodwill when needed most that leave a lasting impact on our lives.
This post spotlights an inspiring story of goodwill and seeks to hear YOUR personal stories of people helping each other in a remarkable way.
An NPR morning special broadcasted an interesting edition: real life stories of people helping people in an unforgettable way. NPR highlighted a particular story of a single mother who received an anonymous random act of kindness her family will never forget. After a rough divorce, Amy Scharman remembers the struggle of trying to raise thirteen children on no child support. She could hardly satisfy the needs of her family at the time, let alone a bleak and disappointing holiday that was shortly to arrive.
On the morning of Christmas Eve, however, a surprise visit from Goodwill came knocking on the back door of their home. She recalls tears of astonishment as she looked down at ten bags full of clothes, food, and toys – the author of the good deed no where to be found.
A single mother’s memories have been forever branded by a mere random act of kindness—a good deed her family will never forget.
Ten years have since passed and to this day her family does not know who helped them during that time of great need.
“It’s that kind of generosity and act of good deed that can really make a difference”.
The story doesn’t end, however, as the story of people helping people continues to play out in the everyday lives of you and me.
We’d like to hear your true life stories and experiences of people helping people, random acts of kindness, and good deeds.
Submit your stories to support@microgiving.com and we will choose one to post as our top featured story!
As for further discussion here:
- Can you think of people in need in your community right now that could use a helping hand?
- What are some random acts of kindness you could do to help someone today?
Tags:
random acts of kindness
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The remarkable thing about giving to others is summed up in a short, sweet statement by Anne Frank:
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world”
The following are 10 reasons why you should give to others in need:
- Because when you give help to someone in need, you facilitate strong encouragement. Showing compassion and giving kindness can really uplift a person when he’s experiencing a rough time. It conveys a sense of “faith” and an “I believe in you” spirit which alone can act as a tremendous source of renewal for someone who is hurting
- Because helping people in need sets an example for your children, family, and friends
- Because when you give to others it sets a positive and powerful tone for the day. Giving induces high levels of fulfillment and happiness that radiates an attractiveness others are drawn to
- Because giving to others is a jumpstart cable to a healthy habit. Once you start giving, you can’t stop giiiivvviiiinnnggg!
- Because helping others and charitable giving has a profound rippling effect. You never know, your single act of kindness could change lives in more ways than you possibly fathomed
- Because generosity and charitable gift giving promotes longevity
- Because monkeys give
- Because lending a helping hand is the single most easiest thing you’ll ever do in life that can make a difference and have a momentous impact
- Because you’re fortunate to have food, shelter, clothes, and water – give to others who don’t
- Because you grow by giving and selflessness changes you in a remarkable way
**And don’t forget to “give” this resource to others on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter:
http://www.microgiving.com/blog/2009/03/24/give-to-others-10-reasons-to-help-people-in-need/
What would you add to this list?? Please share your feedback!
Tags:
act of kindness,
charitable giving
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Every night the hungry, poor, and homeless gather around 44 year old Jorge Munoz’s pick-up truck as he gives out hot meals to feed the hungry, reports a recent CNN news article last Friday.
For four years, Munoz has been feeding the disadvantaged and underprivileged out of the charity of his own heart and pocket. Bus driver by day, angel by night he delivers food to the hungry seven days a week. He estimates having served over 70,000 hot meals to the poor and homeless over the course of the years.
“I thank God for touching that man’s heart” said one of the homeless regulars who claims that Munoz’s hot meal is the only food he gets to eat or he goes hungry that night.
Feeding the hungry inspires many more to join
As news of Munoz’s charity has spread, others too have jumped on the bandwagon. Volunteers from every walk of life have pitched in to feed the hungry and homeless. Munoz is thankful for volunteer support, as crowds of hungry people are increasing due to the economy and food banks are scrambling to keep up with the need and demand for food.
How helping the hungry started
Munoz started his food program Angel in Queens in 2004 after learning of excessive amounts of food being wasted by restaurants every night. By collecting leftovers from local restaurants, Munoz carved way to a food program that would soon touch the lives of thousands of hungry and homeless people.
Now Munoz prepares home cooked meals like chicken and rice right out of his kitchen, relying on the support of food donations he receives from charitable givers. Sadly, however, Munoz reports that support has slowed down a lot recently due to the economy. Munoz is determined, however, to help the homeless regardless. With the support of his family he serves around 140 hot meals a night to feed the hungry.
Munoz funds most of the food operation through his personal savings and his weekly pay check. Food and gas cost him roughly $450 dollars a week, but he continues to give.
“He always comes”, said one of the regulars, whether it’s raining, hot, or cold.
Why feed the hungry?
So why does this charitable giver care so much to help complete strangers? Munoz reminds people:
“I have a stable job, my mom, my family, a house… everything I want, I have. And these guys [don't]. So I just think, ‘OK, I have the food.’ At least for today they’re going to have a meal to eat.”
How can you help feed the hungry?
There are plenty of online resources available to help you locate local food banks or actively volunteer and feed the hungry. We encourage you to fight hunger and poverty in America by supporting local causes and expressing an active voice..
What are your thoughts about hunger in America?
- In your opinion, what are some ways that we can address the problem of hunger in America?
- How can you personally help the hungry?
- Have you ever volunteered at a food bank or soup kitchen? Do you feel there is a great need in America?
- Do you know of people in your local area who are doing something to feed the hungry?
Like this post? Share it with others and help us spread awareness! Email this link, share it in other forums, and tell your friends on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter! Your voice matters!
http://www.microgiving.com/blog/2009/03/23/feeding-the-hungry-a-bus-driver’s-tale-of-good-deed
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One of our fantastic readers voiced an intriguing issue that caught our interest; the issue of children being taken away from poor families who aren’t able to provide sufficient care, support, and adequate housing.
In a previous post our reader commented:
“I’m used to living on an extremely tight budget in houses that you could lose your custody rights for. Poor parents are always at risk of losing their kids because we have to budget on what we have and often there isn’t a way to get more unless someone in the world wants to help you…” –Becky on How To Survive a Financial Emergency
Homeless children and families are on the increase due to economic recession, foreclosures, and loss of jobs. Poor families are finding it harder to provide care for their children and homelessness among families are becoming more prevalent. A report issued by the National Coalition for the Homeless announced that families with children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Moreover, many homeless families are turning away from the provision of state shelters for fear of losing their children.
In this post we address 1) the epidemic problem of poor families and homeless children in America, and 2) the controversial question that arises: should homeless families turn their children over to foster care? Consider the following facts:
Homeless Children in Foster Care
- 750,000 homeless children are released into the foster care system every year [Social Issues Affecting Children & Their Families, The Merck Manuals, 2007]
- 8 out of 10 children in the foster care system experience developmental, emotional, or behavioral problems. Mental health services are the #1 requested healthcare need in the foster care system [Child Welfare League of America, 2007]
- “Removal from family is enormously painful to children”, “Children in foster care leave behind their neighborhoods, communities, schools, and most of their belongings. Many children and adolescents in foster care feel anxious, uncertain, and helpless to control their lives. Many feel angry, rejected, and pained by the separation or they develop a profound sense of loss”. -Moira Szilagyi, MD, PhD
Homeless Families and Children
- 1 out of 50 American children are homeless (that’s 1.5 million disadvantaged children), nearly half of which are under the age of 6
- Reports indicate that Children of homeless families are more likely to go hungry, experience deteriorating health problems and traumatic stress from being street bound, repeat a grade in school, and increased probability of dropping out
- Only 1 child out of 4 children of homeless families will graduate from high school, consequently losing out on $200,000 of income over the course of his or her lifetime compared to children who graduate with a degree
[The National Center on Family Homelessness, 2009]
America Ignores the Homeless
It’s easy to overlook the situation of homelessness in America as we see homeless adults everyday. What we don’t see, however, are their homeless children.
States aren’t doing much to correct this issue, and many have inadequate planning agendas (if one at all) to address the problem of children going homeless. To see how your state ranks on degree of homeless families and lack of state initiative to solve the problem check out this great site homelesschildrenamerica.org.
The issue of homeless children and families poses a controversial question:
What is the best decision for disadvantaged families to do for their children when faced with homelessness (or the inability to provide adequate shelter, food, or support)? Should they turn over their children to the state for quality care? Or should they do whatever it takes to preserve family unity? The trade off is grim on both sides: provision versus preservation? If you had to make this decision in your family what would you do? Please leave us your feedback…!
For additional resources and ways to get involved, check out these fantastic sites:
***Don’t Forget: If you found this post interesting and you’d like to spread more awareness, please help us by telling others. Email this link to your friends, post it in outside forums, share it on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter, and lets tell the world about this problem!***
http://www.microgiving.com/blog/2009/03/20/america’s-forgotten-homeless-children-families-increase
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A recent news article announced an interesting story about true altruistic giving. A real life “Robin Hood” story about a 16 year old boy in Rosemont, Minnesota who gave away thousands of dollars to people in need after stumbling upon an abandoned bag stashed with cash!
The boy, who was identified as being learning disabled, told police that it was his “allowance” after reports were claimed of the boy slipping generous portions into the pockets of other disadvantaged children and local school aid. A bus attendant reported someone slipping $1,200 into her hand bag!
Later the boy revealed that he found the bag ditched on the side of the highway, where police soon located several bags of marijuana and scales apparently abandoned by a drug dealer.
The boy gave $11,000 out of $18,000 to people in need before he was caught and questioned by local police. The boy, however, was not charged. A local police sheriff announced that he was a “good boy simply trying to help people in need”.
If that’s not a Random Act of Kindness…!
This raises an interesting debate: The drug money was collected by police and now could very well be sitting somewhere idol in a vault. So what would you do if you found a bag loaded with hundreds of Jacksons?
Would you help people in need and play Robin Hood? Pay off some bills and relieve yourself of debt? Or turn it in because that’s your civic duty?
***If you find this post interesting, encourage others to leave their opinions too. Please share this link on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter!***
http://www.microgiving.com/blog/2009/03/18/teen-gives-away-thousands-to-people-in-need/
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MicroGiving offers a number of opportunities to support charities for children. In addition to providing charitable resources we encourage most importantly that children themselves take action and volunteer in the field of charity.
This post aims to encourage you as a parent to teach your children the importance of charity and volunteer service as an enriching part of everyday life. Childhood years are the most formative and what we teach our children now will have a tremendous impact on their future. Just as we eat, sleep, and breathe—charity for children should be an everyday part of our function, focus, and fervor.
The following tips are ways that you can prepare, shape, program, and wire your child for charity!
Encourage Charity for Children by being an example
Teach your children that there are many ways they can give to charity. Volunteering and giving of one’s time to help others in need is often one of the most effective ways to pay it forward to charities. The most impactful people are the one’s that volunteer their ‘time’. Volunteer work is a more personal and expressive way to show you care about helping children, families, communities, and the world. Illustrate to your kids that they can make a big difference in the world, that they can do something to help others, and their little hands can make change!
There are countless online resources that provide great volunteer ideas for kids and charity opportunities for children to get involved. You might also be interested in locating local places to volunteer in your community.
Encourage your kids to ‘give a little bit’ to Children’s Charity
Explain to your children that they are extremely fortunate to have food, shelter, and clothes when millions of children across the world are homeless, dying, and in great need. Encourage your children to set aside a small amount of money, even if it’s a few coins, to support charities for children. Explain to them that one doesn’t need much to help others in need. They can still make a big difference in a small way.
And don’t forget to give a little bit too!
Don’t allow your financial situation to ever hold you back from supporting charities for children, or any charitable cause for that matter. Apologies for sounding cliché but, “monkey see monkey do” holds much truth!! Teach by example and support charities by whatever means your unique situation permits. If you can’t donate much, at least afford a few dollars to support a worthy charitable cause. If you’re stingy, your children could very well turn out to be stingy too—and nobody likes a Scrooooooge!
Be charismatic about Charity for Children!
Attitude is contagious. Your enthusiasm will influence your child’s perception about giving to charity. Explain to your kids that giving feels good! The more we bombard our kids with positive messages about charitable giving: the more likely they will adopt an altruistic attitude. In doing this, you plant a seed at a very early stage in a child’s youth which will encourage them to grow into the kind of adults that will someday make a difference in the world.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Lets train our children to be strong and impactful human beings, with good character, and with a powerful altruistic spirit to live in pursuit of changing the lives of others. The best way to truly pay it forward is through your children. Let’s not forget they are the future…
How do you give back?
- What are some ways that you encourage your children to get involved in charity?
- If you don’t have children, what are some ways that you can get involved with charities for children, or inspire young people to take action?
We truly love your tips and feedback! Your comments give us all encouragement and insight into the diverse ways we can help and better the community. Please do not hesitate to drop us a few of your thoughts…
**And if you like this post, please share this link with others on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter:
http://www.microgiving.com/blog/2009/03/17/the-best-charity-for-children/
Tags:
charitable resources
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What is the importance of building better community relationships, and how can building these relationships help promote your fundraising cause?
In this post we share worthwhile tips that will help you fundraise through the power of building better community relationships. Afterall, We want to help you find the support you came to MicroGiving for!
- Build a Better Community through Relationships in the MicroGiving Forum – Remember that you are the best volunteer in your fundraising campaign! Improve your chance of successfully fundraising by taking action and by getting involved! MicroGiving’s forum is a great place to start. Volunteer a little of your time each day to meet and network with other members in our community forum. If you claim to be the ‘giving -type’, then show us! Give verbal encouragement and support to other members in our forum! When we see your involvement in the forum- it shows your commitment and dedication to making a difference in the little ways that you can. Members who don’t make much community effort are rarely successful in raising donations.
- Build Better Community Relationships through our Blog - One of the best ways to draw donor interest is by getting involved right here on our blog! Volunteer some time each day in engaging other members in the comment section. Ask questions and give answers! We have learned a lot about you through your feedback and involvement on our blog. Your tips, stories, and support have inspired us tremendously! When you share your feedback with us you become more human and you make a difference by providing insight that help out other recipients which conveys to donor’s that you care!
- Build a Better Community through Relationships on other Profiles – Another great way to promote yourself is by supporting other Recipient members on their profiles. Leaving kind, caring, and supportive comments speaks loudly of your sincerity and they improve the community here on MicroGiving. Building a consistent relationship with other Recipients (not just Donors!) shows the human, sympathetic side of you. Donors won’t donate to you just because you have a desperate need and because you drop by their page everyday to say hi. You need to show care, support, and interest in other Recipients. How do you expect for Donors to have sympathy for you, if you neglect to show sympathy and support to others who are in the same boat as you?
- Build Better Community Relationships outside of MicroGiving – Get involved in your local public community is a FANTASTIC way of reaching out and networking with other like-minded volunteers who share a “giving heart”. Don’t know how to get involved? Check out, Tips To Help You Get Started Volunteering. Once you find your niche, tell them about the MicroGiving community and the many opportunities to make a difference here in our online community! Establish a ‘Network for Good’ in your local town and neighborhood! There are oodles of online resources that will help you locate places in your community where you can volunteer and network with other like-minded “do-gooders”:
- www.volunteermatch.org
- www.servenet.org
- www.idealist.org
The more you get out there and build a better community through relationships within the MicroGiving and outside networks for good, the more you essentially “promote” yourself. Building community relationships strengthens your credibility as a sincere and compassionate being, who is equally worthy of a little support and compassion!
Give us your thoughts…
- What are some ways that you build a better community & get involved here on the MicroGiving site?
- What are you doing to make a difference outside of MicroGiving?
*Like this post? Share this link on your Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter profile so that others can benefit from it too!
Tags:
network for good
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In this post, MicroGiving raises shocking alert to child poverty, hunger, education, and how to help children in need around the world.
Despite the state of the economy, we still manage to live a repulsively cushioned and comfortable life in the United States.
“26,000 – 30,000 children die everyday around the world”
UNICEF – Progress of Nations
The culprits of these preventable deaths are hunger, poverty, and disease & illness. It’s appalling that these tragedies hardly demand headline news! If the headlines won’t draw attention to these children in need, MicroGiving will. The following are alarming comprehensive statistics about disadvantaged children, followed by simple yet impactful ways that you can change these figures and help a child in need.
The Ugly Facts & Stats:
There are 2.2 billion children in the world, 1 billion live below poverty.
State of the World’s Children, UNICEF
Child Health:
1.9 billion out of 2.2 billion children live in 3rd world developing countries, and of these children:
- 1 in 3 children in need are homeless, living in filth ridden environments
- 1 in 5 children don’t have safe drinking water
- 1 in 7 disadvantaged children don’t have access to any sort of health provision
- 1.4 million children in need die every year from lack of sanitation, safe drinking water, and clean resources. State of the World’s Children, UNICEF
Child Hunger:
- Over 3 billion children in need barely survive on less than $1.00 a day. World Bank Development Indicators, 2008
- 3 out of 10 children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted. The bulk deficit of these poor children live in India. 2007 Human Development Report (HDR)
- In 2003 alone, 10.6 million children in need died before reaching their 5th birthday. (That’s the equivalent to the population of children in France, Italy, Germany, and Greece) State of the World’s Children, UNICEF
Child Labor:
- 218 million children are exploited in the child labor force, 132 million of these children in need are between the ages of 5 and 14
- 180 to 200 million disadvantaged children work in unsafe, hazardous conditions
- An estimated 3.5 hundred thousand children are soldiers (both girls and boys) Countries & Regions (The World Bank) – Data, projects, and research.
- Due to poverty, roughly 200,000 girls under the age of 14, are slaves in India. ECPAT International.
Child Education:
- “Less than 1% of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn’t happen.” State of the World, Issue 287, New Internationalist
MicroGiving is embarking on a campaign to stop this, but we need your donations and support to help these children in need!
What your donation support will achieve:
- $1 will feed a hungry child
- $5 will feed his family, brothers, and sisters
- $10 will give a child access to clean drinking water
- $15 will give a child in need access to health provision
- $20 will give a disadvantaged child a quality education for 1 year
- Your impact will change a child’s world.
“They die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.” State of the World’s Children, UNICEF
Lets not forget. Lets help children. And together lets end poverty.
Visit MicroGiving’s India Fundraising page and let’s start changing the lives of needy children in India. Give on your own accord, or give as a gift in honor or in memory of someone. Let us never forget the forgotten!
Tags:
MicroGiving
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MicroGiving is embarking on a new venture to fundraise for international nonprofits and charities around the world. First stop… India!
MicroGiving will be going to India on the 14th of March to verify a number of India-based non profits and charity organizations. There MicroGiving will monitor and personally oversee their facilities and operations.
The fun part is the fund part!
MicroGiving is managing an online donation fund, whereas all of the money donated will be distributed among these qualified non-profits and charities (MicroGiving’s India Fund fundraising page).
What exactly do your micro-donations help support?
Why the children of course! MicroGiving will be working side by side with these organizations to rescue children and families from the slums and red light districts.
Here’s a little background information you should know about the poverty in India and why MicroGiving is doing what we’re doing!
The FACTS
- 260 million children and families live below the poverty line
- 300 million poor families live on less than a $1 per day
- The number of poor families in India equates to a quarter of the world’s population
- India hosts the largest slums in the whole world
- 63 out of 1,000 children will die before the age of 5
The children who live in the slums often come from poor families and migrant farmers. They flee to the cities in search of opportunity: to find work and secure a better life. However, having no education or skills… they find themselves vulnerable in a threatening city far from the familiarity and safety of home.
In many cases, these children are forced to put food in their mouth by whatever means possible such as begging, petty theft, and prostitution.
Disadvantaged families, too, seek hope for a better life in the cities. Having no shelter, however, these families result to housing themselves in make-shift tents and shacks that dot the city streets. More fortunate families are able to find refuge in abandoned buildings, however they are often displaced by government officials.
MICROGIVING to the rescue!
MicroGiving aims to help fund nonprofit organizations and charities based in India that facilitate care centers for vulnerable children and families. These 24 hour facilities provide a clean and healthy environment, along with a quality education program for children to secure a better future.
Help us, help them!
You don’t need to be a philanthropist with oodles of money to make a difference in the lives of these families. All you need is a heart and a dollar!
Visit MicroGiving’s fundraising page and support our efforts: www.microgiving.com/profile/indiafund/
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to give.”
- Albert Schweitzer
What do you think of our mission?
What kind of nonprofits and charities would you like to see MicroGiving support in the near future?
Tags:
Fundraising,
MicroGiving
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We got clued into an interesting tidbit of information worth sharing:
Apparently FedEX (formerly Kinkos), is allowing job seekers to print 25 free copies of their resume this coming Tuesday, March 10th. Customers are allowed to print free black and white copies, and are encouraged to get out there!
The company president of FedEX wants to help all of those who have been laid off and are struggling to find work in a troubled economy.
Thats good news worth spreading!
Lets support each other by sharing news and resources that can help us during these economic times…
What encouragements and/or tips would you give people who are unemployed and struggling?
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We’ve all had surprise expenses creep up at the most inopportune time!
The mini van starts to make a weird clunking noise. You’re air conditioning unit self-combusts. You thought Junior’s birthday wasn’t until March… and then you realize it’s March.
Planning ahead of time for those unexpected surprises can save you a tremendous amount of hassle.
Here’s an easy tip that will help you tackle those bloody budget busters. Plus, stash away some extra for charity, or personal gift giving (you know: those people you wish you could do something nice for but you’re too darn broke)!
Step #1
Make a list of all those budget busters that creep up yearly and estimate how much you think they’ll cost.
- Christmas = $400
- Charity & gift giving = $300
- Car Repairs = $1,000
- Home Repairs = $1,800
Step #2
Now that you have annualized the cost of these expenses, divide each sum amount by 12 months to create a monthly savings plan that will ensure your budget is never again busted!
Charity & gift giving = $150 / 12 months = $12.50 (to put aside monthly)
That’s not very hard is it? That’s 12 Great Gift-Giving Opportunities!
It’s easy to swallow big expenses when you take them in small bites. When you plan ahead of time, you wisely protect yourself against those surprises that will break your bank!
Have you ever been unprepared for a big expense? What are some other ways that you could save money for unexpected surprises, annual expenses, and personal gift giving?
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Been there (it sucks). That’s when you need help creating a Cash Flow Plan. What exactly is a Cash Flow Plan? A Cash Flow Plan is the greatest plan you’ll ever make and it will save your derriere from losing electricity.
Have you ever worried that swiping your card at the grocery store would make your check bounce for the monthly utility bills? 10.3 billion dollars are paid out every year in overdraft fees. Ouch! Let’s learn a little lesson from these over-drafters. Here are 2 things you can do if you need help overcoming your worries:
1) Keep track of your money
Know how much money you’ve got… and don’t spend more than you have! The best way to do this is to record the amount of your monthly income, then record all of your expenses:
Here’s a very basic example of recording your Monthly Income:
Cash Flow Diagram - Income
Here’s a very basic example of recording your Monthly Expenses:
Cash Flow Diagram - Expenses
2) Create a Cash Flow Plan
Now that you know you have $1,050 every month, you can distribute your income across the items you’ve listed as your monthly expenses.
To create a cash flow plan get out a lined sheet of paper, a #2 pencil, and create two columns. In the first column list the Item. In the second column create two blanks separated by a slash mark ( / ). To the left of the slash mark, put the Item expense, and to the right of the slash mark put the remaining amount of your income. Work down the column—your total income should decrease as your expenses are subtracted. If you need help, here’s an example:
Item, $ Expense – $ Amount Remaining
Income = $1,050
Rent, $500 – $550
Utilities, $75 – $475
Groceries, $250 – $225
Gas, $150 – $75
Misc., $75 – $0
Total = $0
*Tip: Specifically put a name and a purpose to every dollar that you make!
Creating a cash flow plan will help you tremendously tackle your money problems! You’ll never worry if you’re going to have enough money to live, eat, and keep a roof over your head.
PLEASE NOTE: Cash Flow Plans don’t work if:
- You over complicate your budget plan
- You don’t apply your budget plan
- You only THINK about creating a Cash Flow Plan
Creating a cash flow plan (and sticking to it), takes some discipline. However, We can’t stress how much it frees you from your financial burdens!
“He who is faithful and diligent in the little things will be given more to manage.”
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If you could improve your chances of living a longer, healthier life… would you? Studies in the field of medical research reveal that a longer life expectancy can be linked to altruism and charitable giving.
“So if I give, I’ll increase my chances of living longer?” – Yup!
Research has revealed that gift giving produces both emotional and physiological changes in the body that positively effect our health.
‘Altruism and giving’ as a potential area of medicine was first explored in the 1950’s by a team of Cornell University researchers who found that doing good and charitable giving improved longer life-expectancy rates. The Cornell researchers examined and compared a controlled study of non-volunteers versus charitable volunteers. Their findings revealed that 52% of those who did not volunteer experienced a major illness, compared to only 36% of people who were involved in volunteer and charitable services.
Further medical studies have explored altruism and charitable gift giving as it relates to the areas of genetics, human development, social science, and positive psychology.
Here’s what these smarty-pant scientists found out about giving…
Comprehensive medical research has linked the physical and emotional side-effects of giving as a combative instrument against premature death. How? The emotional effects of gift giving promote physiological changes in the body that significantly reduce stress and promote health:
- The emotional side effects of charitable giving decrease the production of cortiso (a hormone linked to stress which reduces the body’s immune system). Lower levels of cortiso allow the body’s protective antibodies to combat antigens linked to many terminal illnesses – including cancer, heart disease, and aging.
- The emotional side-effects of giving to charity preserve genetic sustainability. Stress cuts down the body’s telomeres, which are your genetic end-caps. These end-caps, when cut down are linked to premature death. Research shows that the positive emotional effects of pro-social engagement combats the destruction of these end-caps and promotes longer life.
- The emotional side-effects of gift giving produce high levels of the hormone oxytocin. When an individual volunteers his services, gives, or pledges his charity this hormone is produced and is linked to your emphatic emotions that reduces your body’s response to stress, improving your immune system.
- The emotional side-effects of charitable giving produce brain chemical changes. Researchers have identified a region in the brain that they call the “compassion-altruism axis”. Using MRI scans, scientists have found that your brain is very active in this region of the brain when your emphatic emotions are high. This activity stimulates stress-relieving agents that in turn improve your body’s immunity.
A healthy immune system as a result of altruism and gift giving means:
- Prevention of pre-mature aging (so you can give your pricey wrinkle cream away!)
- Healthier physical and emotional wellbeing
- And let’s not forget: better health insurance rates!
We may never find the fountain of youth, but the lesson we’ve learned today is that we can certainly improve our chances of living a longer, healthier life by incorporating charitable giving into our daily lives.
Questions For Our Lovely Readers…
- What are some ways you give back to your community?
- What are your brilliant gift giving ideas & tips?
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Tags: charitable giving
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We’re in an economic schhhlummp, remember?! That means you need to work your heiny extra hard if you want to promote yourself or your charitable cause. Donors are more selective these days and they’re not going to give away their frugal dollar to just any old needy Joe (there’s lots and lots of those around)!
Here are 4 tips to help you gain exposure and raise more online donations:
- Use the Power of Technology: Technology is a Recipient’s and Charity’s best friend when it comes to online donations. It’s one of the most effective ways to fundraise in the field of micro charity. Think about the infinite ways that you can use internet fundraising to promote yourself, non-profit, or charity all from the seat of your computer! Here are a few online fundraising ideas:
- Use Social Networking Sites: Social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are a few fantastic platforms to promote your cause by reaching a large global audience. Get your name out there! Promote your fundraiser by directing traffic to your MicroGiving profile.
- Start a Blog: Talk about MicroGiving and your online fundraising in a blog (or online journal). Actively seek out other people who are blogging about similar interests and leave thoughtful comments on their page. Other people will see your comment which will promote more traffic to your fundraising profile page.
- Step It Up A Notch: Another way to increase traffic to the MicroGiving site and increase your profile visibility is through our own blog. If you like this post, share it! Simply click on the ‘Add This’ link at the bottom of this post and share it on Delicious, Digg, Technorati, and StumbleUpon. Other people will find us and you! You’ll be doing yourself and MicroGiving a BIG favor!
- Use Social News & Bookmarking Sites: Digg, Delicious, and StumbleUpon are great resources to target the kind of people who will help you raise micro donations. Search for popular articles relevant to micro charity, online micro donations, and online fundraising—and identify the audiences bookmarking them. This will allow you to find the right network of people. Plus you might gather some great fundraising ideas that you never thought about!
- REMEMBER! Technology is a tool, and like all tools, they need to be ‘used’ in order to be effective. So get out there and take advantage of the world wide web!
- Be Active: The biggest mistake that “fundraisers” make is not dedicating enough time to cultivating organic relationships with potential Donors. Fundraising takes time and generating online donations rarely happens over night! Be patient, and be active. Participate in the forums, engage other members of the community, encourage others, and show the world that you’re serious about your cause by caring enough to participate and be active.Too often, Recipients and Charities create a profile and do nothing with it! Don’t let your fundraising page rot away in profile purgatory…get out there and do something!
- Be Vocal: Promote your profile or charity fundraiser by word of mouth. Tell your friends, family, neighbors, cats, and dogs. Share links to your fundraising page through email, SMS, social networks, twitter, etc and spread the word around like a wild-fire. The only way you’ll ever raise online micro donations is to communicate and tell people about your fundraising cause.
- Use MicroGiving! MicroGiving is a great resource to raise online micro donations because our platform doesn’t cost a nickel to use! Nor do we take a percentage of the donation money. Recipients and Charities can be assured they receive 100% of the micro donations that they raise. However, the internet offers a number of other great similar resources like YourCause.com and FirstGiving.com (check them out)!
What are some of your fundraising tips? Have you experienced more online donations by doing any of these suggestions? Leave your feedback!
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Tags:
Fundraising
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During rough times, coping with life can seem a lot harder. Stress can enhance feelings of being helpless, while slowing down your performance and productivity.
Maybe you’ve lost your job, behind on your monthly payments, experienced a large recent medical expense, or 101 problems happened to hit you all at once…
During hard times you need peak performance and work stamina to bring in the household flow of milk and honey! There are several things you can do to combat your worries that will help you get back on your feet again.
7 Tips to Overcome Your Stress
1. Identify the problem. Brainstorm a solution.
Target the problem that is causing you to feel worried, and then brainstorm as many possible solutions (be open minded).
-Problem: Your car broke down so you can’t get to work.
-Solution #1: Start your day an hour early and ride your bike. Perks: 1) It’s a long way, but the fresh air will blow away some stress. 2) Exercise (and you complained you never had time)! Those endorphins will make you feel great. 3) Your being green!
-Solution #2: Learn the buss system, save gas, and make better use of travel time by reading a self-enhancement book like Generation Debt by Carmen Ulrich (a great book about basic money management).
-Solution #3: Learn where your fellow co-workers live. Maybe your home crosses route. I’m sure they’d be more than willing to help you out and give you a lift for a few gas bucks.
2. Breathe
Breathing really does make a big difference. Studies indicate that proper breathing reduces stress and stress related medical conditions—like anxiety, asthma, chronic pain, and high blood pressure. Breathing soothes the autonomic nervous system. So if you feel stressed, take in several deep breaths and exhale slowly.
4. Step back
Turn away from the problem momentarily to think about things that make you happy – maybe an upcoming vacation trip, or plan a beach day with your family.
5. Laugh
The best stress remedy ever! In fact, laughter has been clinically proven to reduce stress levels. Laughter relaxes tense muscles, lowers your blood pressure, and sends oxygen to the organs in your system. Get your mind off of stressful things by watching a comedy, or calling up that old friend that makes you cackle so hard your neck snaps.
*Read up on the story of Norman Cousins – a man who did a medical experiment and successfully overcame cancer by laughing.
6. Change your outlook
Your perception of a situation or problem can have a tremendous impact on your ability to handle stress. Look at it several ways: 1) Your problem will eventually pass, 2) Maybe its not such a big deal? 3) Some people have it a lot worse! 4) There’s nothing I can do about it so why fret?
Example: Your stressed out because your stuck in traffic and running late for work. Shucks, there’s nothing you can do about it. So change your outlook. Tell yourself out loud: “Shucks, there’s nothing I can do about it”. In the interim, turn up your radio and sing like an imbecile.
7. Give!
There’s nothing in the world that will make you feel better (and blow some steam), than giving! Give someone flowers just for the heck of it, give a little of your time to help someone with a project, give your kids lots and lots of kisses, give lots and lots of smiles, give a few bucks on Microgiving!
At the end of the day, remember that stressing about your worries comes to no avail. Try these tips and please share a few of your own…