Adam Lambert Supports Micro Charity

First, Justin Bieber did it.  Now, Adam Lambert has done it as well.  Both performers have asked fans and supporters to send money to a micro charity in honor of their birthdays.  Bieber asked for $17,000 for his 17^th birthday.  Likewise, Adam Lambert has asked for $29,000 for his annual celebration.

Like Bieber, Lambert’s supporters have gone above and beyond – more than the American Idol star could have predicted.  At the last count, Lambert’s call for online donations far exceeded his goal.  The $29,000 mark was broken in two days, leading Lambert to make a bold move and raise the goal to $290,000.  Even Lambert was surprised when the campaign’s total reached $323,255.  The funds raised by Lambert’s fans will be earmarked for helping poor people worldwide via the organization charity: water.

“I am so excited to be a part of charity: water and able to give back to those in need,” said Lambert.

Lambert’s Micro Charity

Lambert’s charity of choice is charity:water, an organization that brings safe, clean water to people living in developing nations.  Thus far the charity has funded more than 3,800 water projects throughout the world.  It is estimated that over 1,742,000 people throughout 17 countries have been helped over the past four years since the organization’s inception.  Additionally, charity:water has raised in excess of $22 million to promote education and awareness, as well to operate the charity and fund new and ongoing water projects.

While Lambert’s campaign may have ended, supporters are encouraged to donate online to enable charity:water to continue helping poor people worldwide.

David Hyde Pierce Calls for Charity Donations

Emmy and Tony award winning actor David Hyde Pierce, best known for his role in the TV sitcom Frasier and his generous charity donations, will serve as the emcee for the 8th annual National Alzheimer’s Gala to be held in Washington D.C. on April 6th^, 2011.

The National Alzheimer’s Gala is an annual black-tie fundraising dinner extravaganza designed to benefit the education, care and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.  The gala’s proceeds will also benefit the charity organization’s support programs.  Each year, the Alzheimer’s Association is supported by some of the most respected and influential people in political, business, entertainment, philanthropic, media and social arenas.  These leaders gather together to help celebrate advances in the ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s disease.  More than 750 people are expected to attend this year’s event.

To date, the annual National Alzheimer’s Gala event has raised over $9 million.  The funds have been used to address the growing number of people reported to have Alzheimer’s disease.  All throughout the year the Alzheimer’s Association supplies funds to support cutting-edge research with the hope of finding a cure for this mysterious illness.  The donations raised via the annual gala and the charity’s website help to increase awareness while addressing the needs of millions of Alzheimer’s sufferers and their caregivers.

Making Charity Donations

For those that cannot attend the gala but would like to still support the Alzheimer’s Association, making charity donations is easy – donors can make online donations at http://www.alz.org.

Micro Donations Website Partners with Stevie Wonder

Micro Donations News: Stevie Wonder has announced a partnership with Ten O’Clock Classics, a non-profit organization that provides outlets, venues and educational services for up and coming classical musicians.  The site hopes to inspire children to follow their dreams of pursuing careers in classical music.  Wonder, a music legend, has made an amazing impact on the music industry since he wrote his first song at the age of ten.

Wonder has agreed to auction off a personalized Steinway Baby Grand Piano, complete with hand and finger prints or a signed fall board.  The piano will go to the highest bidder with the proceeds to benefit Ten O’Clock Classics.  The value of the piano is set at $60,000 and the bidding on the piano is open until March 30^th.  Bids can be placed online at CharityBuzz.com.

Charity Micro Donations

CharityBuzz.com is a site that assists various stars and high-level auctions in sending valuable items under the hammer.  It also encourages micro donations and crowdfunding for worthy causes.  The organization is well known for working with non-profits around the world through online donations, giving bidders the opportunity to win high level auctions while giving to charity.

Micro donations and crowdfunding are becoming increasingly popular, particularly since people have the opportunity to donate online.  Previously, donations would have to be made over the phone or through the mail, which was a hindrance.  People have often been hesitant to donate small amounts because it may have seemed like small amounts could not make a difference.  Micro donations have made it possible for people to help on all levels, further benefiting the charities.

Keanu Reeves: Unlikely to Make an Online Donation, but Charitable Nevertheless

Keanu Reeves – star of the movie Matrix – is unlikely to ever make an online donation, because contrary to his alter ego from the cyber-world that he is known for, in reality he does not even come close to being a computer geek. In fact, he is not even a frequent computer user.  But not being involved in the real life tech world has not kept him from his willingness to give to charity.  Keanu’s philosophy on money is that he prefers to give much of his earnings away, living simply and without attachment to the material aspects of life.

No Online Donation in Life Fits Keanu’s Style

Keanu Reeves is a bit “old school”. This is a man who still believes in hand-written letters, refusing to become personally involved in the tech world of emails and other forms of electronic communication.  Not only has Keanu given millions of dollars of his own money to various charities, one of which provides support to leukemia patients (he has a sister who has fought with the disease for the last ten years), but he has also given much of his own money to help ordinary citizens.  As an appreciation, in 2003 Keanu gave $79 million to the costume and special effects teams of the Matrix movies – a gift that resulted in approximately $2.7 million for each team member.  While filming the movies in Australia, he provided each stuntman with a $12,000 Harley Davidson motorcycle.  His millions to charities have gone to Angelwear, City of Hope, CoachArt, LIFEbeat, Make It Right, PETA, Racing for Kids, Spinal Cord Opportunities for Rehabilitation Endowment, Stand Up To Cancer and Wildlife WayStation.  Ironically, Keanu’s latest contribution did not come from him directly but from fans who were concerned that he looked extremely “sad” in a picture posted on the web.  Once they saw the picture, Keanu’s caring fans put together a Facebook page that allowed followers to make an online donation to Keanu’s preferred charity, Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Make an Online Donation Today

Microgiving applauds Keanu Reeves’ overwhelming generosity.  Like Keanu, Microgiving works to improve the lives of those in need, especially of emergency financial assistance.  If you are able to make an online donation – or are in need of assistance – please continue to explore 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.

Micro Charity Company Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer awareness in Jordan has received a major boost from a micro charity known as The Jordan Micro Credit Company, also known as Tamweelcom. Created from royal roots, the Jordan Breast Cancer Program was designed and implemented by the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center. Early detection in breast cancer is critical to successful treatment of the disease. To that end, Tamweelcom and the Jordan Breast Cancer Program are teaming up to increase Jordanian public awareness of the need for early detection.

Jordan Micro Credit Company – a Micro Charity Increasing Social Responsibility

Along with breast cancer awareness, the Jordan Breast Cancer Program works to educate women on individual health rights and personal responsibilities. This particular agreement also focuses on education and has been designed as a “train the trainer” system. Selected female Tamweelcom clients will be trained on awareness and early detection techniques. Once trained, they will be able to launch annual campaigns, taking the information across women’s groups in their own communities. To further ensure the Breast Cancer Program’s success, Tamweelcom facilities located throughout Jordan will be available for use with the program.

Jordan Micro Charity Profile

A non-profit company, Tamweelcom fills a broad social responsibility agenda; they feel this agreement adds to that mission. Over the 11 years since its inception, Tamweelcom has financed 167,000 projects – over 93% of them have been for women. The organization’s primary mission is eradicating poverty and unemployment.

Microgiving welcomes the efforts of the Jordan Micro Credit Company to increase international breast cancer awareness. Like Tamweelcom, Microgiving’s primary mission is to impact poverty and make a sustainable difference across communities through micro charity. If you would like to work with Microgiving and make an online donation – or benefit from our assistance as a recipient – please visit Microgiving; the micro charity website.

Charitable Resources Take On New Meaning

The concept of charitable resources has taken on a new meaning for Gene Epstein – he believes that if every business would “Hire Just One” new employee who is currently unemployed, joblessness would diminish and our economy would improve. Epstein believes this so strongly, that he is committing $250,000 in order to create a sustainable difference for the unemployed.

Every Jobless Person Hired Will Result in $1,000 of Charitable Resources

Located in Pennsylvania, Epstein is offering to donate $1,000 to charity whenever a business hires a previously unemployed worker. The worker must stay employed with the business for at least six months. Once that criterion is met, Epstein will donate $1,000 to charity in the business’ name. His program is called Hire Just One.

Epstein has set aside money for the first 250 hires; he believes that such a charity can help incentivize employers on the verge of employing additional people – but have not yet taken that step. And that is exactly what happened with Chant Engineering in New Britain, PA.  The discussion of Hire Just One led to actually hiring four new employees about six months ahead of schedule. Epstein is hopeful that other businesses, such as small business owners, will follow suit along with other philanthropists and start participating in charitable resources like Hire Just One. So far, Epstein has chosen which charities will receive the donation, but he is also willing to allow the businesses to decide.

Microgiving applauds innovation in charitable resources and giving, especially when it is designed to make a sustainable difference. Microgiving continues to work with its members in making a sustainable difference to the lives of those in need. Luckily, there is a bright light ahead. Participating in charitable resources has a very strong and progressive presence in the younger generation. The Y generation seems to be more community-focused than previous generations, partly because of their use of technology, social networking websites and exposure to 24-hour media. However, the emphasis so far has been on engaging young people in campaigning for charitable resources. The next stage is monetizing that engagement and seeing trackable results.

If you would like to work with Microgiving as a donor, or you might benefit from assistance by joining our list of recipients, please visit our website and see for yourself how the combined charitable resources of a micro funding community can truly make a difference to those in need.

Helping the Needy Is Caritas Communities’ Mission

Dedicated to helping the needy, Caritas Communities is located in the greater Boston area. With 25 locations across the city, Caritas Communities provides low-income housing to 600 of the working poor.

Caritas Is Helping the Needy With Affordable Housing

Established in 1985 by P. Leo Corcoran, a partner of Boston real estate firm J.M. Corcoran and Company, Caritas’ founder believed that homelessness could be eradicated. Starting with just one building which housed 11 people, Caritas now owns 25 properties that provide single room occupancies (SROs) to over 700 working poor individuals.

Caritas serves single individuals only, rather than couples and families. These individuals may hold low-wage, or perhaps, minimum wage jobs, or they may be retirees with a fixed income. Their rent is based on their own individual income, and ranges from $35 to $135 per week. All rent includes utilities and free laundry. Kitchens and baths are often shared, as the concept goes back to rooming houses with shared community spaces. Caritas is providing safe, affordable housing for those who work, but cannot afford to meet their basic living needs.

The agency enjoys improving neighborhoods through rehabbed housing and providing a safe living option for those who need help. Unfortunately Caritas must also fight the stereotype of the communal house. Too often people assume these homes provide shelter for substance abusers and the recently incarcerated. For Caritas, this is not the case. Each resident undergoes a rigid screening process, and drugs and alcohol are not allowed on site. Every Caritas property has an on-site manager.

Like Caritas Communities, Microgiving is dedicated to helping the needy meet their basic living needs – if you would like to work with Microgiving and join our list of people who donate online, or might benefit from our assistance as a recipient, please visit our website.

Crowdfunding Network Launched Exclusive to China

China now has an exclusive crowdfunding network. Launched by Grow VC in collaboration with local partner C2I Ventures, the network is aimed at entrepreneurs and startup businesses in their early stages. Along with funding options, the network will also provide expertise with startup infrastructure.

China Network Follows India Crowdfunding Network

The China launch follows on the heels of a similar July 2010 launch in India. In only a short time following its launch, the India network has garnered 1,000 members and the support of IndiaCo Ventures and The Indian Angel Network. The Indian network is still growing.

The China venture will follow the same development plan – to hook up with local angel funding networks and other investors. According to C2I Ventures, the funding network is looking for entrepreneurs with initiative and interest in creating a sustainable business. Many startups succeed not only as a result of funding and investment, but in the mentorship and development advice that is provided by the network partners. In some cases, network partners will fill board seats for interested startups.

Over the coming weeks, Grow China VC will be featured at events throughout China, such as the China Mega Forum and the China Mobile Developers Conference. Agreements reached over the next few months with new local network partners will ensure the program’s survival and growth.

Microgiving supports international efforts that provide help and direction to those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Microgiving is dedicated to helping that same entrepreneurial spirit across our communities. If you can work with Microgiving to support crowdfunding ventures – or the needy – as a donor, or you may benefit from our help as a recipient, please visit our website.

Grandparents in Need of Emergency Financial Assistance

Grandparents are in need of emergency financial assistance, according to the Pew Research Center. Across the US, one in ten children live with a grandparent. Of those children identified, 41% live permanently with a grandparent. Texas is a state that appears to be following the national trend.

Texas in Need of Emergency Financial Assistance for Grandparents

In fact, Texas is leading all other states. Over the past five years, the number of children in Texas living with a grandparent as their primary guardian has risen to 356,410. Of these families, 34% have lived below the poverty level at some point. Patricia Daniels is one such grandparent.

Ms. Daniels home-schools her grandson; she has cared for him since birth. But these are times of intense financial hardship for guardians like Ms. Daniels. Rather than focus on the negative, Ms. Daniels uses these moments to teach her grandchild how to prioritize needs versus wants. Her attitude is obviously infectious to her grandson, who knows how to joke, play and enjoy life.

According to experts at the AARP, situations affecting grandparents like Ms. Daniels are on the increase – a result of the rise in single parent homes, the poor economy, increasing substance abuse and incarceration. For a myriad of reasons, grandparents are facing second parenthoods and experiencing financial hardship as they struggle to both provide for their grandchild and make ends meet.

Grandparents throughout the nation who are currently in this situation should remember that they may qualify for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). If so, they may receive a monthly stipend to help with the care of their grandchild. In addition, the children may be eligible for Medicaid or one of several Children’s Health Insurance Programs. For help with food, grandparents may also visit the local food pantries and apply for food stamps.

Microgiving applauds those grandparents providing primary care for their grandchildren, who are on a fixed budget and very often unable to work. If you can help provide emergency financial assistance as a donor – or you might benefit from our assistance as a recipient, please visit our website.

Philanthropy Seems Hard Hit By Recession, But Giving to Charity Online Looking Up

Philanthropy figures involving America’s top charities appears to be down from 2008 by nearly 10% across 400 top non-profits. In 2009, these charities reported receiving donations of $69 billion, a notable decrease compared to 2008’s figure of $76.2.  Prior to the world economic crisis, wealthy donors appeared to be making considerable commitments. In 2011, these charities are hoping to see a two to three percent gain in donations.

Online Philanthropy Appears Successful

So, is philanthropy on the decline as a result of the recession? Or is giving simply taking on alternative avenues? By and large, it appears that giving is taking on new formats. This is evidenced by the following:

1)      The super wealthy are establishing their own foundations; ala The Gates Foundation and Buffet pact with 38 other world billionaires.

2)      More individuals are giving online and “in” line.

One online social program, The Causes, has just announced another round of funding success. This organization is taking in $40,000 per day in cause-related donations. Footprints, another online program, recently announced the $100 million mark by offering customers the option of donating during the checkout process. Crowd funding and micro charities are also fast becoming popular options on the web.

Individuals are ultimately seeing more and more choice in where and how their donations will be used.

The recipients on Microgiving require donations in order to provide basic needs for their families. Microgiving loves working in the field of philanthropy, and helping those that are most in need – if you believe you would like to donate to a Microgiving recipient – or you might benefit from our assistance – please visit our website.

Financial Assistance for Single Parents Cut in California

Financial assistance for single parents has been “blue-lined” from California’s budget by Governor Schwarzenegger. This means that there will be no more Stage III help for working parents struggling to meet childcare costs. Stage III was developed as a form of subsidy help to cover childcare costs, for parents making a “turnaround”. These are parents who were previously on welfare, but had since stayed off the state assistance for at least two years.

Cutting Single Parents’ Financial Assistance Saves State $1 Billion

Schwarzenegger’s pen may be saving the state $1 billion dollars for the rainy-day fund, but it is causing heartache and financial destruction to former recipients of childcare costs, largely to single parents across the state. According to one such victim, Desirea Lopez, “I’m probably going to have to quit my job.” Ms. Lopez is only one of 60 families in Mendicino County affected by the Governor’s decision. Along with the 60 families, there are 87 childcare providers and centers suffering from the cut.

Teri Sedrick, co-director of Rural Communities Child Care, believes the Governor’s action will result in job losses, not just for the single parent but for small childcare providers as well. Without the subsidy, single parents like Lopez who make an average of $8 to $12 per hour will not be able to pay the $800 to $900 dollars per month necessary for adequate childcare. As mothers drop from the work rolls and are forced to stay at home with their children, this will also have a negative affect on the demand for childcare providers and that sector as a whole.

Microgiving understands the growing need of single parents’ financial assistance, and unfortunately, as more states struggle to balance state budgets, more families will be looking elsewhere for help – if you would like to work with Microgiving as a donor to help those families, or you feel you could benefit from our assistance, please visit our website.

The Underemployed – Help People Affected to Help the Children

The need to help people , such as those that are underemployed, becomes clear when the effect of their financial situation directly affects their children.

To be underemployed generally means one of the following:

1) The individual is working in a job for which they are overqualified,

2) The individual is forced to work part-time because full-time work is not available,

3) The individual is earning less pay for the same amount of work they completed before underemployment.

Children of the underemployed are severely affected not just by the financial situation of their parents, but often by the long working hours that their parents are forced to work. Children whose parents are underemployed suffer in all facets of life, from their schoolwork, health, nutrition and mental status Research also shows that children in these situations emotionalize their parents’ stress and anxiety. Often, the symptoms of family stress include domestic violence and fighting.

Help People, Help the Children

The Executive Director at VOICES for Alabama’s Children says that the actual impact on children varies based on the individual family’s situation. That is, children from families of higher income who are experiencing temporary difficulty might miss out on something considered trivial, such as a summer camp, while children from families of the poor and very poor may lose out on basic nutrition and health care needs. The more financially severe a situation, the more chaotic the situation is to the children. How can you help people in these situations?

Microgiving understands the need to help people who are underemployed or facing unemployment – if you are able to work with Microgiving as donors, or you may benefit from our assistance by signing up as a recipient, please visit our website.

Micro Loan: Not All that Glitters is Gold in India

Women’s empowerment through a business micro loan may be losing its way in India. More and more women in business are accepting individual loans through non-banking micro finance companies (MFCs) operating in India. It should be noted that these lending programs are operating with the approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

A Micro Loan Becomes Difficult to Repay

Since the beginning of micro financing in 1994, approximately 80,000 groups representing one million business members have received micro funding. This lending program has been a success, to the extent that thousands of women have received much needed financial help.  However, with many non-banking MFCs entering the market simply to create profitability through exorbitant interest rates, the increased lending is NOT good.

Micro financing occurring through non-banking MFCs comes at a higher interest rate, often as high as 39%. MFCs lend to multiple individuals within a business group or company, versus lending to the group, or business entity. These individuals often become mired in debt as they borrow from one MFC to pay another. Women applying for these loans may be borrowing from four to six lenders at a time, with an average loan of $200 to $600 per lender. This debt load causes desperation among the borrowers, especially when the loans are being made without real income generation to support the micro loan.

Micro loans were developed to bring the very poor out of poverty. Microgiving encourages borrowers to be aware of MFCs operating to make a fast profit at the expense of the most needy.  Deal only with reputable lenders – or individual programs – that support micro financing for the purpose of helping the needy rather than creating the opportunity for profit.  If you are in need of short-term funds and would be interested in a micro loan, or would like to join our list of donors to help others, please visit our website.

Footprints Network Helps Improve Online Giving Trends

Online giving trends seem to be on the upswing, and one such example can be seen in the success of the Footprints Network, an online donation platform for eBusinesses. Footprints has reached $1million dollars in online charity donations with its e-commerce partners.

eBusinesses working with Footprints have raised more than $1 million for 61 projects world-wide.  The $1,000,000 mark was reached thanks to the donations of 386,000 separate pledges – an average donation of $2.59 per person.

Donations at Checkout Help to Improve Online Giving Trends

The achievement demonstrates Footprints’ success in working with e-commerce companies to pull together individual donors and charity needs. While customers are “checking out”, they may choose to make a small donation, which goes directly to the charity of the e-business’ choice.  The majority of the participating businesses target projects that involve community development and helping to end poverty.

Thanks to this success, Footprints is moving even further by reaching out to new businesses to join the alliance so that greater numbers can be achieved. Founder Simon Monk says, “For most people, a donation is less than a cup of coffee.” Monk believes that the success to-date demonstrates the power of its web technology, and that fund-raising of amounts as high as on billion dollars and higher can even be reached.

How People Across the World Can Engage in Online Giving

Online charitable donations will continue to see an increase as more and more innovative technology is put to use from organizations like Footprints. A revolutionary and intuitive new platform to help connect people across the nation, Microgiving is another example of some of the many exciting online giving trends, and donates money to individual causes, thanks to the efforts of our donors that register on our website. We encourage you to browse over our website and online community. If you decide you would like to help Microgiving meet the needs of those in poverty, or you might benefit from our assistance by registering as a recipient, please visit our website today.

Micro Lending Successful in Haiti

A Haitian micro lending program known as Zafèn has seen wild success since its inception six months ago. An online financing effort, Zafèn’s success has awarded lending to 300 projects for the Haiti effort. Businesses ranging from small to medium-size have received up to $140,000.

Zafèn’s Micro Lending Results in Quick Repayment

To qualify for funding from Zafèn, the business project must demonstrate a positive impact throughout the community by going green, hiring additional employees or creating work efficiencies. Four organizations came together to found Zafèn: the International Vincentian Family, DePaul University in Chicago, Fonkoze (a bank in Haiti set up to help the poor), and the Haitian Hometown Associations Resource Group. These four agencies have collaborated to create access to funds that would result in a sustainable difference, rather than simply providing financial aid. The agencies credit the idea behind establishing Zafèn to micro financing leaders such as Kiva and the Grameen Foundation.

Zafèn’s micro lending efforts are particularly well-placed. Program funds have allowed 1,500 children to receive scholarships and 51 entrepreneurs have been supplied with micro-loans. Already, entrepreneurs that have been awarded loans have already started repayments. In fact, two of the businesses have fulfilled their loan repayment completely, while another seven are in the repayment process.  Some of the projects that have been awarded range from milk distribution to a solar water pump for a plant nursery, to farmer training on crop diversification – all efforts that can make a huge difference.

Microgiving is excited to hear of the success of Zafèn. When agencies and people collaborate, the results can be astounding. Like Zafèn, Microgiving works with donors and recipients to create sustainable differences across all communities. If you would like to join Microgiving and take part in micro lending, please visit our website – and prepare to be astounded!

Tyson Works with Organizations to Help People Receive Food

Tyson Foods, in order to help people in the US that are struggling to pay for their own food, have been closely working with charitable organizations for the past ten years. Tyson has committed food across the States to the equivalent of 76 million pounds in weight.

Tyson Partnership with Hunger Relief Organizations to Help People

Tyson’s partnership with the leading three hunger relief organizations, Share Our Strength; Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest); and Lift Up America, is actively supported by its employees. In the past five years, staff of the food company have raised over $350,000 in various fundraising activities. Share Our Strength receives 25% of all funds raised, while Tyson’s own Powering the Spirit receives 75% of funds.

But Tyson and its employees have not limited their efforts to help people simply to fundraising. In 2007 Tyson jumped on the proverbial internet bandwagon and created a pervasive on-line presence with Tyson Hunger Relief. The website not only provides a blog to update its readership, but also provides people across the country with the opportunity to highlight community activists dedicated to hunger relief. Tyson also uses Facebook to connect with its members, which allows the company to direct hunger relief efforts through voting and crowd funding.

Microgiving applauds Tyson’s ongoing commitment to providing hunger relief for the poor people of the US. Like Tyson, Microgiving works with individuals across the States to help those with unmet basic needs such as food. If you would like to help people and make an online donation, or would like to register as a charity recipient, please visit our website today and explore the many options available.

Leaders of Charity Organizations Recognized

In dedication to recognizing leaders of charity organizations who show vision, passion and talent, a nonprofit independent organization, the Meyer Foundation, has just announced the five 2010 recipients of the Meyer Exponent Award.

Exponent Award Expands Leadership of Charity Organizations

The Exponent Award rewards the vision and passion of nonprofit leaders in the Washington DC community by providing a grant of $100,000 to the successful nominee. The award allows charities to provide much-needed leadership training and fulfill other needs that a nonprofit agency may find difficulty in funding during times of economic uncertainty.

One of the recipients, Jean-Michel Giraud, Executive Director of the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place, managed to significantly increase his organization’s budget in 2010. In fact, successful appeals to donors have allowed the Community Council to increase its budget by 34% over 2009 so that it can continue to meet the greater needs of the community.

The other four Exponent recipients have seen successes across the areas of HIV/Aids education for teens, the rights of women who have suffered human trafficking and domestic violence, and advocating for children with special needs. Each of these leaders have pushed through difficult times and accomplished much for their organization this year.

Much like the charity organizations mentioned in this article, Microgiving strives in difficult economic times to meet the needs of individuals and families seeking financial assistance – if you are able to donate online, or might benefit from our assistance, please search our website and discover how charitable micro credit can help today.

Online Donations Become Easier with Mobile Applications

Online donations just keep getting easier thanks to Artez Interactive. A leading North American provider of fundraising platforms, Artez has launched a new mobile iPhone application that supports online fundraising. Working with its charitable partners, Artez has raised over 500 million dollars over the past 10 years through the digital revolution. The new app will soon be offered to various organization, allowing them to customize it for their own fundraising efforts.

Online Donations Will Happen “Anywhere and Everywhere”

According to Artez’s Chairman, James Appleyard, “The move to mobile will now allow consumers to make online donations anywhere and everywhere.  It takes the entire web fundraising experience and puts it in your hand.”

Such freedom for donors can be crucial when disaster organizations require individuals to respond to worldwide disasters such as the recent floods in Pakistan or the Haiti earthquake.

Working with their charitable partners, Artez will provide tailor-make apps for various websites and organizations, allowing partners to benefit from customized branding, and for donors to donate online while on the go. In addition, Appleyard believes that its new app will allow organizations to respond more effectively and efficiently to disasters, even within 72 hours – the most effective time to successfully solicit community members for donations.

The application will be unveiled at a digital conference this week and should be available to charitable organizations within the next few weeks. PayPal has also worked closely with Artez in the development of the application and to ensure personal security.

Creating mobile applications to make helping poor people easier is a natural evolution of the smartphone and converging technologies. Online donations are the life-blood charitable organizations such as Microgiving, and we invite you to search our website and consider making a donation yourself to one of our community members in need.

Crowd Funding Important to Projects of Worth

Crowd funding through IndieGoGo has made several important film projects possible.  Tapestries of Hope, by filmmaker Michealene Cristine Risley, is one such project that benefited from much-needed funding. Using IndieGoGo as a financing source to help reach her social network, Risley was able to raise $20,000 for her film within a short time.

Crowd Funding Success Allows Risley to tell Story of Hope

Tapestries of Hope tells the real-life story of the Girl Child Network of Zimbabwe. The film introduces Betty Makoni, a woman who is committed to the liberation of young women in Zimbabwe from the dark world of rape and assault. The movie details a myth that is prevalent among Zimbabwe men: that sex with a virgin will cure their disease. Instead, by carrying out their criminal actions, they continue the spread of HIV.

But Tapestries also tells the story of the filmmaker herself. While filming on location, Ms. Risley was imprisoned because of her determination in telling the world of the real life efforts of Betty Makoni. Riley’s imprisonment was torturous, as she was denied food and water, urinated on and even made to walk on human excrement.  Thankfully, human rights attorneys helped to secure her return to the States, where she completed the film.

With its debut in 100 theaters today, Ms. Risley looks forward to expanding Tapestries’ distribution. She believes the film will increase awareness of the Zimbabwe horrors and encourage US legislation to help combat international violence against women and inspire further crowd funding efforts.

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