Creating a Natural Disaster Fundraiser

There has been a significant number of natural disasters around the world in the past six months, leaving tens of thousands of people without housing, food, water, clothing and medical care.  The poor state of the current economy has taken a toll on these people as well as the resources they may have counted on to help them in this time of need.

Individuals and communities have stepped forward to help the victims of natural disasters.  In addition to private and public support from existing sources, many people have also chosen to raise money by helping to develop fundraiser events and projects to further support those in need.

Setting up a Fundraiser for Victims

There are many different types of fundraisers that could offer much needed support to these victims of natural disasters.  Many have lost their homes, jobs, and loved ones.  Many are in need of food, shelter, water and clothing.  Community resources are down and there is often not enough to go around.

In addition to direct support from local donors, communities and charitable organizations may consider developing an online fundraiser page to bring awareness to the plight of these victims.  Exposure to the charity event can help to bring in more support and to raise funds faster than if the event was advertised only on a local level.

Check out how to set up a fundraiser page so that money and goods may be sent to those in need.

High End Fundraisers

High end fundraisers are the best way to raise money for any community organization, charity, school or church group.  High profit fundraisers tend to fall into four categories: School, Church, Sports and Charity.  Those four groups tend to hold the most fundraisers and as such, typically raise the most money for their organizations.

School

School fundraisers are the biggest segment in the fundraising industry.  The issue raised by organizing a school fundraiser is that the ages of the children involved tend to vary widely and, therefore, the fundraiser must be structured so that all of the children (and their families) can participate and contribute.

Church Group

The ideas and needs surrounding church fundraisers are many.  Unlike many organizations, churches often depend on fundraisers to meet operating expenses.  There are many websites available that offer fundraising ideas for churches, despite the size and need.

Sports

Sports fundraisers are held for a number of reasons, including covering the expenses of maintaining a sports field, buying programs, uniforms or sending the team on trips and away games.

Non-profit/Charity/Community

Non-Profit/Charity/Community organizations are perhaps the most diverse group as the groups may range from children’s programs to community clean up, animal rescue to erecting a health clinic.  Therefore, the choices for fundraisers must also be as diverse.  High profit fundraisers may include selling advertising in a specific publication, selling candy or magazines, or benefit concerts.

Will Ferrell Always Willing to Give To Charity With Time and Talent

Will Ferrell takes seriously the needs of others and uses his talents to give to charity.  Mr. Ferrell’s reasons to donate are diverse.  He has been known to support the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, has helped the US launch Human Rights Month by filming a PSA raising awareness on the atrocities in Burma, and also supported the Afghanistan Relief Organization, Charlize Theron African Outreach Project, Milk+Bookies, UNICEF and Variety – the Children’s Charity.  One of the cars driven by Ferrell in Talladega Nights was auctioned on eBay for Variety.

Ferrell Gives Through Cancer for College

However, it appears that Ferrell’s favorite cause is Cancer for College.  Cancer for College was created by Ferrell’s good friend, Craig Pollard, after Pollard had become a two-time cancer survivor.  Craig first contracted Hodgkin’s Lymphoma while in high school.  He survived that bout to suffer another while in college. Craig’s bouts of cancer helped him to realize that families are often drained emotionally and financially when fending off cancer, especially a child.  As a result, he founded Cancer for College; dedicated to providing college scholarships to cancer survivors.  While Cancer for College started off slow with awarding a first scholarship of only $500 in 1993, with Will’s celebrity-status added to the cause, the organization has helped to award over $750,000 in scholarships to 700 cancer survivors and amputees.

Microgiving.com applauds Mr. Ferrell’s willingness to donate through his time, talents and personal funds.  Like Mr. Ferrell, Microgiving is dedicated to helping people.  If you would like to donate and give to charity to help Microgiving recipients, please visit our website.

Annie Lennox Uses Technology and Music in Philanthropy Efforts

Before Annie Lennox became a solo act and involved in philanthropy, she was the lead-singer for the Eurythmics in the 1980’s. “Sweet Dreams” then meant climbing higher in the charts, now it means raising awareness of the African HIV/AIDS pandemic. In the words of the renowned singer, “The fight is far from over. We still have a long way to go. We need to continue to strengthen our focus on the needs and rights of young women, who are particularly vulnerable to HIV.”

Lennox Released Special Single for Philanthropy

Annie Lennox runs several of her charity efforts through internet and has coined the term “Laptop Activism”. She has sold more than 80 millions records and she is well-known for her philanthropic work with organizations such as Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Foundation and Amnesty International. Lennox’s philanthropy focuses largely on raising awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa. But she has worked with other organizations like UNICEF, Women for Women International, Peace One Day and Save the Children.

In March 2008, working with a 23-member choir of women celebrities, Lennox’s released Sing. “Sing” features a diverse range of women celebrities such as Faith Hill, Celene Dion, Bonnie Raitt, and Madonna. Proceeds from the album were donated to Treatment Action Campaign, an organization dedicated to providing support in Africa against HIV/AIDS. Later that year, Lennox received the British Red Cross’ Services to Humanity Award for her work against the virus. This year, Lennox joined The Body Shop Campaign against HIV/AIDS and she performed at the Global Leadership Awards in November.

Microgiving.com applauds Ms. Lennox’s philanthropy work in raising awareness against HIV/AIDS. Like Ms. Lennox, Microgiving works to make others aware of the needs of many. Please visit our website if you would like to work with Microgiving.com as a donor or you might benefit from our assistance as a recipient. You can also get involved further in philanthropy.

Former Bad Boy Penn Uses Time to Help People.

Sean Penn was once best known for tearing up hotel rooms and punching paparazzi; he now uses his time to help people. In fact, last month he received the coveted Hollywood Humanitarian Award from the Hollywood Film Festival and Hollywood Awards organization.

Penn’s Desire to Help People Now Centers on Haiti

Penn has always been a political activist; in 2002 he paid $56,000 to publish an open letter to then President Bush, imploring him to end the violence in Iraq. But Penn has also helped several charities over the years; two of these are Believe in Dreams and LA GOAL. Believe is dedicated to help people who are chronically ill to make their everyday lives easier, while LA GOAL is geared to help people who are developmentally disabled adults; individuals much like Penn’s 2001 character in I am Sam. In 2005, Penn was in Louisiana immediately after Hurricane Katrina; helping to rescue victims and begin rebuilding New Orleans.

These efforts, though, are pale to those Penn has dedicated to Haiti. Immediately following the January earthquake, Penn was in Haiti and established the Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Organization (JP HERO). JP HERO is the camp manager for a tent city with 55,000 Haitian residents. It has since become known as Camp Penn and is viewed as a city of hope. Working with multiple government entities and the US military, 70 volunteers work in the camp. It is run with no administrative overhead so that all donations given to JP HERO go directly to the Haiti effort. So impressive are the camp’s accomplishments, that the Clinton Foundation has donated $1 million to help JP HERO continue its work to help people. Thanks to Penn’s success, schools are opening, health care is available and rubble is being cleared away so that people might return to their homes.

Microgiving congratulates Sean Penn and the success of his humanitarian work. Like Mr. Penn, Microgiving strives to improve the lives of those in need. If you would like to join our recipients list, or would like to help people and learn more about becoming a donor, please visit our website.

George Clooney Committed to Philanthropy and Humanitarianism

The kindness of George Clooney’s heart shines through his eyes and acts of philanthropy.  But more than simply donating money, George Clooney is also a dedicated and caring humanitarian. Mr. Clooney cares about the state of the world and he works actively to improve it.

Beyond philanthropy, Clooney Takes on Poverty and Genocide

He has become known as a “first responder” by answering world catastrophes with immediate charitable acts.  In response to 911, he immediately organized “America: A Tribute to Heroes”; the event was held within two weeks of the tragedy and raised over $150 million dollars for victim relief.  Immediately following the Tsunami, he was responsible for “Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope”; the concert raised over $18 million for disaster relief in Asia.  Mr. Clooney most recently joined “Stand Up to Cancer”; a star studded line-up dedicated to raise funds for innovative cancer research.

Some people think philanthropy is just about foundations giving away lots of money, but that’s only one part of the picture. Philanthropy is really about people giving their time, care, and help to causes they care about. Beyond philanthropy acts such as these, Clooney is deeply involved with preventing genocide and eradicating extreme poverty.  Along with Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and Jerry Weintraub, Clooney founded “Not On Our Watch”; an organization committed to stop the Sudan genocide. The charity and philanthropy effort has donated millions of dollars to help the UN’s World Food Programme.  He further supports Bono’s One Campaign with the primary mission of eradicating poverty through debt relief and developing trade opportunities for underdeveloped countries, most especially Africa.  Clooney’s movie company has also been used to support “Realizing the Dream”; a philanthropy project dedicated to the work of ML King in wiping out poverty and injustice here in the States.

Microgiving wishes Mr. Clooney all the success in the world with his charitable and humanitarian acts.  As with Mr. Clooney, Microgiving works to help those in poverty.  If you would like to help provide philanthropy relief through online donation – or you would like to join our recipients list – please visit our website.

Celebrities Expected to Give to Charity – Despite Difficult Economic Times

The Carousel of Hope Ball provides Hollywood stars the opportunity to give to charity in aid of juvenile diabetes. The Ball was established in 1978 by Barbara Davis, widow of Marvin Davis, a tycoon in oil and the entertainment industries. Hosted every two years since its inception, it has raised over $75 million dollars across 16 events. The proceeds go to the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes in Aurora, Colo., and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

Charity Ball for Diabetes Expected to be a Success

With an average of $4.5 million dollars raised with each event, the Ball’s formula has been successful since its birth. The formula includes invitations to Hollywood’s “A” list, commitments from Hollywood retailers to create gift packages so large that they have to be declared for taxes, great food and drink such as chateaubriand and Baked Alaska, live entertainment and particularly large pink roses. Last year’s Ball featured the Jonas Brothers and Babyface.

Charity events like the Carousel of Hope are considered rather archaic in the face of the current economy. But this particular event is recognized by those in Hollywood as the most successful and longest running event of its type. The invitees are clearly supportive of Ms. Davis’ consistent commitment to quality, pomp and circumstance. For instance, the event includes a silent auction. This year’s auction included a Mercedes Benz – at a minimum bid of $90,000.

Everyone needs to do more for the world and give to charity. Whether it be celebrities or the common citizen, as Americans, we enjoy the benefits of living in one of the richest countries in the world and owe our duty to humanity by helping those who are not capable of helping themselves.

Microgiving supports the efforts of Ms. Davis to create an opportunity for celebrities to donate money for causes such as juvenile diabetes. Microgiving creates opportunities to give to charity through online donations – if you would like to be on Microgiving’s “A” donor list – or you might benefit from our help as a recipient – please visit us online.

Thanking Those Who Fill Volunteer Opportunities

Want to send your appreciation to individuals who take part in volunteer opportunities? Sweetest Day – October 16^th – is the perfect opportunity to do so. Celebrated primarily in the Northeast United States, Sweetest Day is known as a day to appreciate those who are important in your life. For relief organizations and agencies dedicated to helping others, volunteers are often the most important people in the day-to-day running of their charitable efforts.

Ensuring That Volunteer Opportunities Provide a Positive Experience

Volunteer opportunities often takes great effort and time away from other activities that are important to the volunteer, and very often these individuals sacrifice aspects of their own personal life in order to help others. With this in mind, how do organizations ensure that their volunteers enjoy their experience and come back to help again? If you are an organization requiring the help of volunteers, consider the below suggestions:

Have a Plan. If possible do some pre-planning. Before your volunteers arrive, ensure that you match their skills to the task at hand. When they arrive, have definite tasks in mind for each individual. Ensure that they have the tools necessary to carry out their job effectively.

Communicate Clearly. At WomenOnCall.org, an agency dedicated to helping nonprofits, organizations that require volunteers are encouraged to write to them about the upcoming opportunity. The organization recommends that any description of volunteer opportunities be totally clear, for example – estimate how much time the task may take, and describe the end-goal of the activity. Also ensure that different jobs are available to each volunteer, so that they can step into an alternative role during any “down time”.

Show Your Volunteers Your Appreciation. Everyone likes to be thanked. Remember that your volunteers also like hearing the words “thank you”. Maybe take advantage of Sweetest Day, and send them some candy to show the organization’s appreciation of their efforts.

Microgiving appreciates the hard work of those that take part in volunteer opportunities – If you would like to join our donors in our efforts to help others, please sign up today, or if you might benefit from our assistance by signing up as a recipient, please visit our website.

Good Samaritan Helps to Advance Minnesota Volunteer Opportunities

Aiming to increase volunteer opportunities throughout the area, “Volunteers in Action” is an innovative program taking place in St. Croix. The program was partially funded by a grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Foundation.

Program and Expo Focus on Group Volunteer Aid

The program is a partnership between the region’s United Way and the Good Samaritan Foundation, and is starting with an Expo designed to bring 25 non-profit groups together for an evening exposition. The evening will allow the non-profits to highlight their group volunteer opportunities for Expo attendees.

Overall, the program is exciting because it is intended to advance “group” volunteer activities.  According to Marna Canterbury, director of United Way in St. Croix, the region is currently experiencing a lack of group volunteers. Volunteers in Action will provide small stipends to the area’s non-profit organizations, in order for them to expand upon current resources. As a result, the program will provide families, co-workers, friends and other groups with the opportunity to volunteer together and support their favorite cause.

Just as the United Way and Good Samaritan partnership works to create greater group volunteer efforts, Microgiving provides the opportunity for groups to donate online for various causes.  If you have been thinking of joining a volunteer group but simply do not have the time, or work with colleagues that want to donate financial resources but cannot take time away from their work, Microgiving can help you to donate online for volunteer opportunities that relate to your favorite cause.

AP Investigation Shows SBA Failed in Disaster Response

An investigation into the Small Business Association’s (SBA) disaster response for hurricane Katrina was recently carried out by the Associated Press (AP). Investigation results show that the SBA failed miserably in its response to overwhelming loan applications after Katrina.

Flood Response Was Income and Race Biased

Faced with over 300,000 SBA loan applications due to the ravages of Katrina, 55 percent of applicants were subsequently denied disaster response. The AP results show that not only did the agency falsely deny thousands of loan applications, but those that were approved showed evidence of bias based on income and race. Former SBA loan officers admitted that applicants with a higher income and better credit scores were processed first because their applications could be closed more quickly.

On the other end, applicants with lower income and less desirable credit scores were automatically denied to avoid the complexity of the loan process. Those in greater need of disaster response were ignored, forced to submit unnecessary documentation, subjected to shorter deadlines and ultimately declined so that loan officers could clear the queues of pending applications. Of the billions in loans approved, only 65% of loans were actually disbursed, often because by the time the SBA offered a final approval, the applicant had already given up with the process.

The SBA is the federal agency charged with helping small business and individuals recover from disaster events. The demand for organizations such as Microgiving begins to grow when SBA-like organizations fail to provide much-needed relief to victims.  Many victims of Katrina still require suitable disaster response, and many more are seeking financial aid due to the recent BP oil spill – donate online today and see what a difference you can make.

Health Insurance – Help With Medical Bills

Health insurance is designed to help with medical bills – members on an insurance plan pay premiums into an insurance pool, which subsequently pays towards the overall cost of their medical requirements.

When the concept of insurance became more widespread, employers began taking on the cost of these premiums so that employees could enjoy the benefits of health care without the financial burden. However, the current state of the economy and rising health care costs are forcing employers to step away from this commitment, making for an even harsher living climate for the common blue collar worker looking to simply provide for their families.

Employers Providing Less Aid With Medical Bills

For the first time in ten years, 2010 has seen employees having to bear the complete cost of their premium increase — a tragedy to be sure, particularly during a time when the economy is less than accommodating for American families. Employers are stepping back from the cost of providing for employee heath care, and are not only shifting premium cost to the employee, but are also reducing the package of benefits offered.

According to a study, funded in part by the Health Research and Education Trust, average employee family insurance plan premiums rose by 14% this past year. Employees have bore this increase, and as yet there has been no form of financial relief to cover the excess cost. Family deductible and out-of-pocket expenses have risen to at least $1,000, while the average employee is contributing over $4,000 per year in premium payments – for far fewer benefits.

As employers begin stepping back, no longer able to provide aid with medical bills for their employees, organizations like Microgiving have become ever more important to those who are unable to cover the cost of their insurance. As employees in the lower income echelons are faced with these increased costs, many will have to make one of the following choices: pay the utility bill or continue with the medical insurance. You can help relieve this choice and donate online, specifically to help with medical bills for those less fortunate.

Stories of Good Deeds on National Public Radio

Stories of good deeds was the topic of today’s show on the regular National Public Radio piece known as Morning Edition. The point of today’s segment was to reinforce that very often one small gesture, no matter how miniscule it may seem at the time, can often have a significant impact on someone’s life.

Good Deeds Remembered

Several stories were relayed, and one particular tale touched on a daughter’s memories of watching her mother stop to feed a homeless man while their family enjoyed a park picnic years ago. That small deed set the daughter’s ongoing penchant for helping others and contributing to charitable efforts at every opportunity. If there’s one thing to be learned from those who give, it’s the associated air of positivity surrounding the act can spread far and wide, influencing others to do the same and make a difference.

In another story, co-workers helped out a fellow colleague at Christmas, who had been off work due to illness. His co-workers helped to give their fellow employee a Christmas for his family by donating their remaining vacation days to him, so that he could receive a full pay check. Other stories of good deeds highlighted children helping out other children – one simple but heart warming story focussed on a child befriending the new kid in class, and another story touched on a child who takes books to younger children and reads to them.

The people in receipt of these random acts of kindness were obviously touched by the actions of these inspiring individuals, prompting them to recount these stories on national radio. People are often reticent to give their hard-earned money to those in need, but the world would obviously benefit from more charitable acts across the globe. Ditch the trend of cynicism and start spreading hope in your neck of the woods. You never know, your actions may snowball into something huge and infectiously positive!

If you wish to give to charity, you too can have a lasting impact on the lives of people – visit Microgiving.com and see what good deeds are available for you to contribute today.

Volunteer Opportunities Can Lead To Permanent Change

A tragedy that resulted in thousands of volunteer opportunities, this past week marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. As devastation slammed the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas, but most particularly Louisiana, a nation of volunteers responded to the emergency. Some of those volunteers had their lives changed permanently as a result of what they witnessed.

Relief Aid in New Orleans

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, in the first year after Katrina struck, over 550,000 volunteers headed to the Gulf Coast to fulfill volunteer opportunities and help victims and the area to recover from the massive devastation. John Burnap left his day job to serve as a Red Cross volunteer during the acute emergency of New Orleans in response to Katrina.

John’s role was to help prepare, coordinate and serve over 50,000 meals a day during the weeks immediately following Katrina. John was so inspired by his experience that he is now committed to disaster recovery. As an independent consultant, he often works for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to John, he was amazed at how many people came forward to work together and fulfill the volunteer opportunities that were created.

Perhaps you would like to contribute to volunteer efforts but are currently unable to give up your time to do so. Fortunately, the first crowdfunding website on the internet is here to help you make it happen. If you would like to contribute financial relief to individuals or families that may be suffering from the result of a personal and/or community disaster, please donate online; we can help you contribute to other individuals or families if you are unable to take part in volunteer opportunities.

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!

Give to Others: 10 reasons to help people in need

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:

1. 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
2. Because helping people in need sets an example for your children, family, and friends
3. 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
4. Because giving to others is a jumpstart cable to a healthy habit. Once you start giving, you can’t stop giiiivvviiiinnnggg!
5. 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
6. Because generosity and charitable gift giving promotes longevity
   
7. Because monkeys give
8. 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
9. Because you’re fortunate to have food, shelter, clothes, and water – give to others who don’t
10. 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!