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…
Tags: MicroGiving
4. May 2009 at 7:43 pm :
I had an experience on here that is so worth sharing. Someone gave me .85 cents as a donation this was the most heart felt donation I could have ever received. I knew that it was she had and she was doing what she could and it came from her heart. It made me cry, I showed my son because I wanted him to see what it meant to give from the heart. At first he didn’t understand of course, but then I explained who it was from (and if she wants to say that is up to her) and what that .85 cents represented to not only me but to him. I let him read a pm she had written to me when I first got here not thinking he would really understand what the gift meant but still I wanted him to know. To my surprise he totally understood that someone who gave .85 cents to help him go to school where he was safe was special to him too. He asks about how she is doing and lets me know daily that when we can we need to give back. LOL like I would ever not remember to give back.
This whole story to me is about .85 cents changing my life because I knew someone cared enough to share with us what little they have and it touched me so deeply that it has left a lasting impression on not only my life but my whole families. This person is so awesome to give from the heart without asking anything in return. She has made me want to be a better person and her .85 cents has ensured that I will always do what I can to give back even if its just .85 cents because every cents helps turn into dollars. Thank you for your gift I will remember it till the day I die and you can trust it will be payed forward. I might only have a dollar here and there but I will give it with love.
So yes micro-donations mean so much and they are just as important as huge donations and they touch you like nothing else in the world.
4. May 2009 at 8:17 pm :
what it means that if you can only give a $1 and that is all you have to give , give that. because God knows your heart. When you giving from your heart it the greatest gift you can give to anybody. That $1 to God is just as great and important as someone giving $1,000 and it not coming from the heart. So if you can able to give more do it. You will be blessed!!! God will bless you!!
4. May 2009 at 11:09 pm :
I believe very strongly in micro-giving. I grew up in rural towns where neighbors did help neighbors. Even if it was just one box of pasta from one person, one jar of sauce from another, a pinch of salt, maybe a jug of clean water, and a pound of meat from another to make a meal for one family. No gift was ever too small or unimportant, it all came together to make a whole. Each single part counts. It’s not as easy to get a whole sack of food from one person but each person contributing a small part to that same sack gets it filled faster and often with more.
My ramp came together with folks scrapping pieces of lumber or supply from places in their area. Together everyone managed to salvage a yard full of lumber and supply. We pulled nails from boards to re-use them, one guy came with a box of screws, others brought what supplies they had and in the end little bits from everyone resulted in an awesome deck and two ramps.
Micro-donations in my mind is the same thing. Small change…even if it is only .85 joins other change to make dollars which join other dollars to make more. Everyone giving just a little bit helps.
Michie’s .85 cent donation I am sure included much more than the value of the coins but with it went lots of hope, good wishes and energy to draw more coins into the the pile and make something positive happen. If in the end the whole amount is not raised, at the very least the family will know they were cared about, not pitied….but cared about.
5. May 2009 at 2:56 am :
You would be surprised how much the smaller gifts from the heart can mean to someone. Im taking my need one day and one dollar at a time. Micro giving is a wonderful way to accomplish things.
5. May 2009 at 3:43 am :
Hi Katy, thanks for joining in – indeed smaller heartfelt gifts can be far more meaningful! Michie’s “85 cent donation” story is a perfect example!
5. May 2009 at 6:23 am :
I was thinking about one mother day, I didn’t have any money to buy my mother a gift. So I decided to make her one. I made some pot holders and picked some flowers and tried to make her breakfast. But burnt the food upI i was a child myself. . I was feeling kind of low. My mother told me it wasn’t the gift and money that counts. It what I give from the heart that counts and she was happy!!!! She said giving from the heart is what made her day. that really counts rather it a $1 or $20 dollars. I felt a lot better
5. May 2009 at 6:38 am :
Yes, compassion Is contagious. When you around nice people it does make you feel more inspired when we join together to help someone!!!
5. May 2009 at 7:05 am :
The Magnitude of the Micro Philanthropist is incredibly huge. For someone in my position I stumbled upon it as a last option, and thought it was both perfect and amazing. I cannot get loans, or aid, and because of this I did not have any hope in finishing school. Once I found this amazing site and community it gave me a sense of hope again.
Not only is Microgiving both helpful financially, but also in the support that one an other offer each other. My first day on the page I already had messages and words of encouragement from people who are also struggling. Reading their stories are so inspiring, and knowing that they are there for me makes me want to be there for them even if all I can afford is $1. It’s amazing how much a dollar can add up, if everyone on the site gave just a few people $1 that would just show the power of giving what you can and gaining so much more by doing it.
Just like when you collect change and cash it in after you get a full piggy bank. Spare change adds up. Also, I have wanted to donate when I had the funds to times before but you never know exactly where you’re money is going through large organizations‘. With Microgiving you know this, and in return it’s more personal and heartfelt.
Everyone should know about this site. It is truly life changing.
5. May 2009 at 1:22 pm :
I am so happy that everyone is readying and getting the .85 cent story because it is such a percious gift. Compassion is contagious as Elaine has said and I am so happy that I have come here and caught the fever. The fever of giving. I think people come here and forget about the pennies and the dollars, but they are so important its what the site was made for so people can give the .85 cents and those amounts of change can build and make someones life change for the better. I hope this reminds us all that every single penny can change someones life forever.
5. May 2009 at 2:39 pm :
Life is so strange as I think about. After putting myself through University and working in a professional capacity, I always gave either monetarily or of my time to family. friends, neighbors and various charities.
Then I got sick, wow..and found myself on the other-end of life, in need. In fact, applying to MicroGiving was and remains a personal challenge for me, as receiving has always been an issue for me.
Do I believe and support Micro Philanthropy? yes. The ideaology 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.
So, the old saying “what goes around comes around” is so true, as I am living it today, as others too benefit from the basic, but wounderful acts of others who are true Philanthropists.
5. May 2009 at 5:59 pm :
I feel that this site is a blessing because, there are so many people in the world that need these type of people around who care. The world is so full of evil and people who could care less about anyone, and anything. Keep doing what you do.
5. May 2009 at 9:20 pm :
I grew up with eight older brothers and sisters, ten nieces and nephews. My mom knew what i wanted to do with my life, and she supported me in all my endevors. My dad has helped me out also by giving me money for whatever i needed. Microgiving.com reminds me alot of my family, alot 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.
5. May 2009 at 10:36 pm :
michie, i read what you was saying about the .85 cent . It made me think about alots of things. And most of things to graceful for!!!!! Thank God for that. and thank you!!!
6. May 2009 at 12:43 am :
Michie i am delighted with what you wrote.
One of my happiest moment was when i officially became a recipient and received my very first donation from Rahawk that was a very special day. Thank you again Rahawk you put a big smile on my face that day.
It was not about the amount of his donation. It was all about the sincere gratitude from another recipient. I cherish those moments with great pride.
Being a member of MicroGiving Foundation made a huge impact in my life today i have learnt a lot to appreciate all my donors. (Not for their $$$$ amount, But for their blessed and courageous commitment to make these donation to my cause all other reciepents and all the other foundation that they may involved in.) god bless them all.
6. May 2009 at 3:57 am :
Bottom Line:
“Something is better than nothing” Most of all, every little bit helps. Together as a whole, it looks good.
6. May 2009 at 4:30 am :
[quote="Jamel"]Jamel wrote:
6. May 2009 at 12:43 am :
Michie i am delighted with what you wrote.
One of my happiest moment was when i officially became a recipient and received my very first donation from Rahawk that was a very special day. Thank you again Rahawk you put a big smile on my face that day[/quote]
Jamel, you make me blush
I’m very happy that I could bring a smile to your face. My coins are not much, but with them always goes the deepest most sincere thoughts and wishes that those coins will attract more and good things will happen and at the very least you will know someone cares. I never feel sorry for anyone or pity them…I care and when I see someone really trying to put that one foot in front of the other I want to see them succeed and will try however I can to help that happen.
6. May 2009 at 4:41 am :
Michie, I’m glad my 85 cents held the special blessing I had hoped it would. I was going to remain behind the scenes, but I think Jamel kinda figured out I was the donor
Now I wish to explain it. I only had some 67 cents in my donor account but MicroGiving wouldn’t let me donate the change, it had to be a full dollar amount. I had $1.18 in my paypal account and I couldn’t deposit that to add to my 67 cents because the minimum deposit is $10 and I never had that kind of money until my SSI check comes in on the first or if I pick up some spare computer work. So…I tried to send Michie the $1.18 that I did have but Paypal took out fees and it wound up only 85 cents. I had so hoped that my donation would bring the special blessing and wish that our family held for hers. 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 that they never bother to deposit what they can.
6. May 2009 at 7:49 am :
NOTE OF OPINION
We should always appreciate every donation a 100%. small or large.
But most important to appreciate the (Thought of the donor,That what counts more) no matter how serious your situation or circumstances are.
I have faith and patience that it will work out for me and the family some day in the near future.
6. May 2009 at 11:01 am :
Jamel,
I do know what you mean with Rayhawk’s & Yanik’s donation. It brighten my day,too. It really brighten my day, when I saw the blog reconized me. Yeah
I love to do this blogs. I think they are a lot of fun.
6. May 2009 at 2:18 pm :
Thanks Jamel, indeed you’re absolutely right – showing appreciation to Donors is imperative! There’s no feeling that compares to that of feeling as though your kindness didn’t mean much to the Recipient! Showing genuine appreciation is the greatest way to reciprocate kindness!
6. May 2009 at 2:55 pm :
When i was first offer to join the blogs. I didn’t know what to think!!! I didn’t realize how much it meant to hear people tell how good things happen to them. Yes, you learn a lot about stuff you never thought of .The group make you think!! And the microgiving groups are very supported. They make you feel right at home and needed. Thank microgiving and all in the microgiving family!!! . It is fun like Jamel said!!!!
6. May 2009 at 3:23 pm :
Micro Philanthropy is, all social and economic backgrounds which is more peronal and intimate in makeing it easy to give directly from the heart. By them cutting out the middle man to make it easy and better friendships with the people you helped!!! Still learning!!!
6. May 2009 at 3:25 pm :
Jamel said,
Jamel, Becky – you make us teary eyed! We love ALL of you – and the remarkable support you show one another and the MicroGiving community!
6. May 2009 at 3:42 pm :
Dave said,
Thank you Dave! You guys bring us so much fulfillment!
6. May 2009 at 3:52 pm :
Mary Ann Franks said,
“I feel that this site is a blessing because, there are so many people in the world that need these type of people around who care. ”
6. May 2009 at 11:12 pm :
[...] 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 [...]
7. May 2009 at 3:00 am :
After reading about 50% of the replies I had an idea. Everybody can join in since you all have access to internet.
We all have needs that need to be met and at any given time you can be in need of money. Since I started participating in MG I kept hearing about giving even the smallest of amounts just to give. I began thinking, “People WITH – give, people WITHOUT – receive.” I pondered reflecting on the concept. In my times of trial and hardship I couldn’t grasp it because we would just be giving in circles. Now that my trials are slowing, I have come to conclude the following:
I know that those who have legit requests are in need. I also know that those needs are based on timing. My timing was February and April. Though I am still in need, those time frames were crucial. By crucial, I mean I could not give a penny. I needed to devote all my efforts to my own request and purpose.
Now that the worst is over my clear mind is proposing a plan…
I mentioned above about internet access BECAUSE I use internet banking. I’m pretty sure everyone requesting has a paypal account; therefore, uses online banking. Not sure it works any other way. Back to point, when I check my bank account online it’s always close to nothing, but there’s always that decimal point regardless of what dollar amount I have. I SAY…
WE GIVE OUR CHANGE TO MG EACH AND EVERY WEEK. PICK A PERSON AND GIVE IT ALL!!! GIVE ALL YOUR CHANGE TO THE PERSON OF CHOICE. I will start NOW!!!!!~
7. May 2009 at 3:13 pm :
OH BECKY!!!! I am crying again. You drop in the bucket gave me the inspiration and incouragement to keep going on. Your words of kindness about my situation have given me so much hope and help me realize that I am right in my quest to keep my son safe no matter what. You are the blessing not the .85 cents, not 100 dollars or even 1 million dollars its your love and kindness that are my blessing everyday. Its that I know if I am down and out your always there. You are such a good and kind person and friend. I hope all will get to see you as I do. HUGS
7. May 2009 at 9:39 pm :
I’m with you!! We have many more recipients than we do dedicated donors. It’s just a fact those who can give freely without worry of food, shelter, medicine, transportation, repairs etc are pretty rare. The few donors we have give so much, but they can’t do it all there are too many in need compared to those who can give freely. We all need to MicroGive donors and recipients alike, give freely of our small change so that many more recipients can move forward. Each time we give to a peer, we are helping that peer walk beside us in this struggle…not fall behind and be left in the dust. Together we as a community can move forward. When we let others fall behind in the dust we lose numbers and eventually we will all we walking alone in a cloud of dust concentrating on our own struggles….alone because we let our friends fall away.
8. May 2009 at 1:44 pm :
Becky -
Beautifully said!
16. May 2009 at 7:22 pm :
[...] 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 [...]
20. May 2009 at 3:27 am :
I definitely believe in the transformational effects of microphilanthropy – allowing people to give in a fun and easy ways increases overall engagement. There’s something to be said about increased interaction; you learn more, you meet others, you share ideas. You can’t put a dollar amount on that.
More thoughts on Charity CHAMPS blog at http://tiny.cc/QUGYy and http://tiny.cc/Owqzr
14. July 2009 at 7:47 pm :
What then is the true value of micro philanthropy? The true value of micro philanthropy in my opinion, it allows people to give on a much larger scale. For instance, if one person makes on huge donation to a particular person or cause, then it does not allow for other people to help in that cause. I think for most of the people who give, they do so from their heart, and it fulfills them spiritually. I’m a spiritual giver. I love to give and nothing makes me happy. When you have a collection of people aiding in one cause, that cause and the people related to it, and see how much people respect that cause and how so many people want to help. To me, that makes the biggest difference in the world. It shows a true unity of giving.
Could it quite possibly be worth more than one large single philanthropic donation..?I actually think so, because it offers more people the chance to help someone in need. There are times when support on a larger scale can make all the difference in the world.
Hugs, Lois