Raise Money Online With MicroGiving

The recent success of people using websites to raise money online has caused a dramatic rise in programs and companies that promise extravagant results for any project or cause that wishes to raise funds.  However, one must be careful when choosing how to go about the planning and execution of these fundraisers as some sites charge fees – up front as well as hidden fees – that can take a large percentage out of the hard work put into the fundraiser.

Using MicroGiving to Raise Money Online

With MicroGiving, however, the efforts put forth by the site do not take away from a person’s charity, event, project or cause.  The site exists as a peer-to-peer platform that fosters relationships between those in need and those who are able to contribute.  It is one of the few websites that encourages micro loans as well as crowdfunding to help those in need.

The needs of the fundraisers reach across many fields and can be arranged by groups or individuals.  One does not have to be a non-profit organization to raise money online for a certain charity.  Many post pages are for help with artistic projects while others reach out to receive a helping hand during a time of financial or medical hardship.

Online Fundraising Software

Online fundraising is becoming the number one way in which to raise funds for community projects, school events, charitable causes, churches and individual use.  While some online programs offer the opportunity to create, design and promote fundraising packages and projects, some require the use of additional software for management purposes.  It may be necessary to use additional tools to track the number of donors as well as the amount funded, percentage funded, time frame or amount that is still needed for the project or event to be successful.

No Need for Additional Software

Also available to those involved in online fundraising projects are separate companies that will help to promote and design campaigns to raise funds for the cause.  While this may be wise or even necessary for large projects, organizations or companies, for the majority of the population involved in online gift giving, it is not necessary.  In fact, such companies may or may not be non-profit and might end up taking a significant percentage or charging a large amount to provide the services that can be completed quite easily on MicroGiving for free.  Simply follow the steps provided by the site to get started and design a campaign for a worthy project.  Help may be received through customer service or by using the help function that should easily answer any questions about the process and how it works.

Choosing an Online Fundraiser

There are many reasons for creating an online fundraiser.  Those reasons almost always involve a lack of funds to support a specific charity, event or project.  Many charities rely on individuals or donations, grants from local, state or federal governments or other related public entities or endowments from philanthropic sources such as individuals or foundations.  However, these sources may not always be available to those seeking support.  Grants and endowments, or even micro loans, often have strict criteria to which the fundraising organization must adhere.  Some events or charities may not need a great deal of money, and do not realize that these sources are available or do not choose to go through the process of obtaining outside funds due to a confusing process or tight deadlines.

Creating an Online Fundraising Event

Creating an online fundraiser is much simpler than applying for grants and endowments.  It is easy to create and promote an online page that can be sent to family, friends and potential supporters worldwide.  The online aspect makes it easy for people to donate and also spares the expense of advertising the fundraising event or project.  To create a fundraising page, choose a category that best fits your needs.  Fill out the required information and promote the page through email, word of mouth and social media.  Be sure to explain the event in a compelling way that will make people want to support the fundraising effort.

Raise Money Online by Creating a new Campaign

There are countless reasons people may need to raise money online.  MicroGiving gives each person an opportunity to raise money  through a number of ways, the main one being the creation of a charity page.  Each page describes how much money is needed for the specific charity and also explains the need.  A calculator is included with each page to show the amount that has been raised to date plus the percentage of the charity that has already been funded.

This month alone 119 new charities have been added to the website.  They include fundraising efforts for Education, Art, Animals, Business, Community, Cuisine, Education, Entrepreneurial, Events, Environmental, Fashion, Film, Invention, Music, Non-Profit, Performance, Photography, Technology and Writing.  There are also categories under the heading of Hardship, which include Death in Family, Domestic Violence, Disability, Home Repair, Medical Treatment, Loss of Income, Loss of Housing, Loss of Utilities, Natural Disaster, Vehicle Repairs and Veterinary Care.

Raise Money Through a new Charity

Potential supporters may search specific charities by category, posting date, or amount funded.  There is also a featured category that can help people to raise money even faster.  Perhaps one of the best features that will help charities raise money online is the ability to link to Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites so that people can spread the word about the need.

Raise Money Online for Every Purpose

Finding new and interesting ways to raise money online can be a challenge as well as an adventure.  There are many resources available to help gather ideas, execute the fundraising effort and to spread the word.  Using an online resource gives the fundraiser the opportunity to reach more people than ever before.  It also means that when the fundraiser is in a position to give back, there are resources to help do that as well.

Everyone Can Raise Money

The concept of “paying it forward” is not a new one.  It is born out of the Golden Rule of “do unto others.”  If someone is able to support your particular request, whether it is for a charity, personal need or other cause, it would be nice to be able to support those people in return should the need arise.

A fundraiser website promotes giving for many different kinds of projects such as artistic pursuits, medical needs, housing assistance and vehicle assistance.  There are no limits to the type of cause a person can promote or to the amount of money that may be raised.

If you have a particular cause or need, be sure to read the terms and conditions on the site to ensure that you are eligible.  It is simple to sign up and get started.  Soon you could be on your way to seeing your dream come true.

Online Fundraising Websites

Individuals and organizations all over the world have turned to online fundraising as a way to benefit their charities, schools, churches and personal needs.  Raising money online is much simpler than holding a traditional event because it takes less work overall, reaches many more people, and actually involves fewer people.  Supporters of the cause can simply log on and go to a specific website to donate to the charity without having to get into their cars, brave inclement weather or disrupt their busy work days or precious days off.

Online Fundraising Tools Make Events Easier

Online fundraising has also become increasingly popular because of the vast number of people that can be reached quickly and easily.  It seems that nearly everyone we know is connected to the internet in one way or another or knows someone who is connected and, therefore, can get access.

The websites promoting online fundraising vary by type of fundraiser, fees charge and services provided.  It is best to research these individual sites for customer satisfaction, retention rate, and to see if the site offers the services your organization needs.

There are dozens of sites to choose from and each will help to design and execute a fundraiser.  However, it is important to know what the website requires from you and what it is willing to provide.  Most will charge a nominal fee for their work.  It may range from 2-10%, depending on specific criteria.

Sinise Launches Micro Charity

Actor Gary Sinise, star of CSI: New York, has announced the launch of The Gary Sinise Foundation, a micro charity dedicated to fund raising for various charity organizations that support members of the military.  The launch is slated to take place at a National Press Club luncheon on June 30th.

Sinise is an Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor in the Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump, in which he portrayed Lieutenant Dan.  Sinise has also appeared in On the Road in Iraq with our Troops and Gary Sinise, a FOX News Documentary and has starred in feature films such as Ransom, Apollo 13, The Forgotten and The Human Stain.

Sinise’s Charity Work

In addition to the charity, Sinise will discuss his participation in an award-winning feature length film titled, Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good.  The film chronicles Sinise and his band while they travel around the world giving performances dedicated to the nation’s military.  The National Press Club has scheduled a free movie screening on June 29th.

Sinise is a Presidential Citizens Medal recipient and is only the second actor to receive the prestigious award.  The other honoree was the late great Elizabeth Taylor.  Sinise also serves as the spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation and is the co-founder of Operation International Children.  Sinise has traveled with the USO many times for the purpose of entertaining U.S. military troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Those wanting to give to this micro charity can make online donations.

Online Donation for Celebrity Experiences

A recent trend in the online donation and celebrity charity world is a chance to meet-and-greet one or more famous celebrities.  The premise is that people will clamor to donate online to meet a celebrity.  The opportunities are given to those who bid the highest amount for a particular event, whether it is a simple meet-and-greet or a special event such as tickets to a popular show, day long experience, lunch or other fantastic opportunity that a fan would most likely never have the chance to receive otherwise.  One such organization that is participating in this recent trend is charitybuzz.com.  The site gives various charity organizations a chance to raise money in a unique way.  By auctioning off the experiences with the celebrities, it is almost guaranteed that the charity organization receives funds that it may not have received from a single donor under other circumstances.

Online Donation for the Chance of a Lifetime

Recent offerings at charitybuzz.com include once in a lifetime experiences that may never be available again.  The website shows the event, the current highest bid, the number of bids entered, the estimated value, and the date the auction ends.  The celebrity experiences going on right this minute include a stroll through Strawberry Fields with Yoko Ono, a tour of the U.S. Air and Space Museum with famed Astronaut John Glenn, an invitation and meet-and-greet with former President Bill Clinton, and a tour and meet-and-greet at Howard Stern’s Sirius studio. Those interested in giving to charity organizations that raise money in such a unique way can look at the various online donation opportunities.

Sheen Supports Micro Lending Via Ticket Sales

Actor Charlie Sheen has been in the news a great deal lately, mostly for all the wrong reasons. In fact, Sheen has created quite a buzz with his spontaneous micro lending to charity.  Since the beginning of Sheen’s Violent Torpedo of Truth Tour, the actor has devoted a portion of ticket sales to helping various charity organizations in need of support.

Lending for Charity Organizations at the Forefront

During the Toronto portion of Sheen’s tour, part of the total ticket sales went to support disaster relief organizations in Japan.  Sheen also asked fans to participate in a two kilometer walk to raise funds for the Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorder.  The actor also announced that he would match the donations dollar for dollar.

Last week, Sheen’s publicist announced the actor’s plans to donate funds from merchandise sales to the Bryan Stow Fund.  Bryan Stow is a baseball fan that was viciously attacked and severely beaten at a San Francisco Giants game.  Currently, Stow’s doctors are attempting to revive Stow from a medically induced coma.  Stow, 42, was attacked in the parking lot of the stadium by two men that have not yet been identified.  There is a $100,000 reward to anyone that can identify Stow’s attackers.

Stow’s co-workers have planned a micro charity fund raiser.  Supporters wishing to make online donations may do so through the family’s Facebook page.  Sheen’s micro lending donation to the Bryan Stow Fund is the first from Sheen’s Korner Foundation.

Micro Credit to Support Alzheimer’s Victims

Micro credit is one way in which Leeza’s Place, a program from The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, is helping to raise awareness and gain support for Alzheimer’s research.  The newest project from Leeza’s Place is a documentary to be shown on CNN in May.  The special, Unthinkable: the Alzheimer’s Epidemic will feature Larry King’s crew trailing Leeza as she conducts interviews with caregivers regarding their work and experiences with the “thief of memories”.  In addition to the documentary, centers such as Leeza’s Place help to raise funds and help people through various crowdfunding programs. Leeza will also take viewers into a Leeza’s Place support center where caregivers receive training and activities designed to help them in their journey.

Raising Awareness

Alzheimer’s is a pervasive disease and it is estimated that 5.4 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the condition.  Currently it is number six on the list for leading cause of death, yet much is still unknown about it.

Host Larry King will be joined by many people who have been touched in some way by Alzheimer’s disease and will include interviews with Leeza Gibbons; the former First Lady of California and Alzheimer’s activist Maria Shriver; former First Lady Laura Bush; actors Angie Dickinson; Seth Rogen and David Hyde Pierce; football star Terrell Owens and Ron Reagan, son of former President Ronald Reagan.  Also included in the documentary will be Dr. Sanjay Gupta who is a neurosurgeon and the CNN chief medical correspondent.  Dr. Gupta will explain Alzheimer’s and how it can affect the human brain.

Those who want to help people such as Alzheimer’s suffers can make a donation through crowdfunding and micro credit programs.

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.

Even Celebrities like Nicholas Cage Need Foreclosure Help

Foreclosure Help: The economy has been hard on homeowners across the country and celebrities are no exception.  A new report from FamilyFinancialHelpUSA.com reports that three major stars have struggled with losing one or more of their homes due to the economic downturn.  In some cases the stars were actually evicted after being unable to come up with the necessary funds to pay mortgages, taxes or both.

One of the celebrities hit the hardest was Academy Award winner Nicholas Cage.  Cage lost two homes in New Orleans.  The homes, foreclosed in November 2009, were worth $6.8 million combined.  Regions Banks purchased the houses for $4.5 million.

Erin Moran, Joanie Cunningham in the sitcom Happy Days, was forced to leave her Palmdale, California home this past summer because of a $315,930 debt.

Lisa Wu-Hartwell, one of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, filed for foreclosure along with her husband, Edgerton Hartwell, a former linebacker for the Oakland Raiders.  The couple purchased their $2.9 million home in 2009.  Bank of America picked it up for $1.9 million at a foreclosure sale.

How to Get Foreclosure Help

In many cases banks will work with the homeowner or offer some sort of housing assistance while financial issues are resolved. Although it is not an ideal solution, homeowners may also find it necessary to file for bankruptcy. If the issues have not been resolved within a specific time frame, the homeowner may have to look into other type of foreclosure help including emergency financial assistance from family and friends.

Stars Help Charity Organizations Celebrate Birthdays

Charity Organizations News: The American Cancer Society believes that everyone deserves to have his birthday recognized.  In addition to being “the official sponsor of birthdays,” the American Red Cross is also at the forefront of crowdfunding efforts that strive to educate minorities on their risks for cancer.  April is Minority Healthy Month.  In honor of the celebration, Boyz II Men has agreed to reach out to others with their own version of “Happy Birthday.”

The Grammy award-winning R&B group joins the long list of noted African American and Hispanic artists in raising awareness in ethnic minority communities.  The group also feels it is important to inform people about the American Cancer Society and the great strides it has made in battling an often incurable disease.

“We’ve all been touched by cancer through family members, friends and our fans,” said Boyz II Men singer Nathan Morris.  “When we learned that cancer continues to take a greater toll on the black community than on other ethnic groups, we felt compelled to lend our voices to the American Cancer Society to help the organization in its fight to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”

Partnering with Charity Organizations

The “Happy Birthday” campaign went into effect in September of 2010.  Since then, the following people have given their talents to help people through song, helping various charity organizations: Fishbone, Fitz & The Tantrums, Ricky Martin, Jordin Sparks, Aaron Neville and Gloria Gaynor, Rihanna, Darius Rucker, Usher, Sean Kingston, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and actor Craig Robinson.

Humanitarian Relief Organizations Honor Celebs

It seems to be the time of year in which humanitarian relief organizations honor celebrities for their contributions to non-profit charity organizations through time, money and support in alleviating the suffering of those in dire financial need.

One of those organizations is the American Red Cross.  The Red Cross has been in the spotlight a great deal lately due to its efforts to help the victims of the disasters in Japan, Haiti and New Zealand.  On April 9th, the Red Cross will take a moment to honor several people that have made huge contributions to one of the top relief organizations in the country.

Humanitarian Relief Show Appreciation

On April 9th, the Red Cross will hold its Red Tie Affair to honor superstar Betty White, actor Josh Duhamel and the outstanding team of medical specialists and doctors from Saint John’s Health Center.  The event is scheduled to take place at Santa Monica’s Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows.

Legendary comedienne Betty White will receive the 2011 “Crystal Cross Award” for her ongoing contributions to the welfare of animals, an increasingly important part of the Red Cross’ rescue efforts.

Josh Duhamel will also be the recipient of a “Crystal Cross Award” for his humanitarian efforts.  Duhamel organized a Youth Run for Haiti, which raised a significant amount of money to help people affected by the Haitian tragedy.

The extraordinary team of medical experts from Saint John’s Health Center will be presented with The Crocker “Spirit of Volunteerism Award” for giving their time and talents to assisting humanitarian relief organizations on behalf of the victims in Haiti.

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.

Lou Reed Among Music Legends Supporting Charity Crowdfunding Sites

Crowdfunding Sites News: Music legends Yoko Ono and Lou Reed are just two of the celebrities that have stepped up to help the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  On March 27th, Ono and Reed will be joined by the likes of Sean Lennon, Sonic Youth, Mike Patton, Aleph Trio, Cibo Matto, Uri Caine, Mephista, John Zorn and Marc Ribot at the Benefit Concert taking place at Columbia University’s Miller Theatre.

“The tragedy and devastation is really overwhelming,” says John Zorn, the evening’s organizer and host.  “I’ve always felt a strong personal connection to Japan, and I’m just glad to be able to do my part to help.  It should be an amazing night.”

Proceeds from the shows will help in providing emergency financial assistance for the victims and their families, many of whom have lost everything.  Thousands of people remain in shelters and water is extremely scarce.  In fact, the Miller Theatre and the performers are donating their services to earmark 100% of proceeds for the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund.

In a similar effort, Lou Reed will act as the headliner at a 12-hour show to be held on April 9th at New York’s Japan Society headquarters.  Also appearing with Reed are Philip Glass and Laurie Anderson.

Crowdfunding Sites

Organizations such as Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund, the Salvation Army, Red Cross and similar relief organizations are acting as crowdfunding sites to help support those that have been affected by the tragedy; people may choose to donate online to any of the organizations and their donations will be joined with others to make a substantial difference. Help crowdfunding sites make a difference today.

Online Charity Donation Requested by UK Royals

Online Charity Donation News: It is no secret that the UK’s Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing to wed. The event, which will surely be touted as the wedding of the century, has added a new twist to aiding in various charitable organizations. The couple has asked that people will consider donating to one of twenty-six charities, including various disaster relief organizations, instead of honoring them with a wedding gift. The funds donated will be disbursed through a charity created by Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry.

Making an Online Donation

“Having been touched by the goodwill shown them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund,” said a royal spokesman. “The couple have chosen to take the chance to benefit some causes that have less exposure or which are undertaking valuable work in areas of the community which the couple feel would benefit from this support.”

One of the charities featured in the program is the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, an organization offering emergency financial assistance. William toured some of the areas that incurred the most damage, commenting that the destruction has been “unbelievable.” William also recognized the Urban Search and Rescue teams for their hard work: “You guys have been doing a sterling job. You really have. You have done fantastically well.”

Those wishing to make an online charity donation may do so through the website for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, the Salvation Army or Red Cross NZ.

George Michael: Emergency Financial Assistance Through Comic Relief

It is fortunate that charitable organizations and donors provide emergency financial assistance to those in need in times of crisis. For example, the earthquakes victims in Christchurch will need a great deal of assistance to get through the devastation and put their lives right again. Comic Relief, a UK-based charity, has been helping poor people throughout the world since the 1980s.

Like many disaster relief organizations, Comic Relief is one of many charities that offer emergency financial aid to those in need, particularly in impoverished and developing areas. One long time supporter of Comic Relief, George Michael, has found a new way to contribute to Comic Relief by donating the proceeds of his new single ‘True Faith’. The song was originally released in 1987 by New Order.

How Will Emergency Financial Aid Be Received?

The song is bound to be a smash hit among Michael’s many fans and those who support the global efforts of Comic Relief. The more singles that are sold or downloaded means more profit and more proceeds for the cause.

“Over the years, George has been the most tremendous supporter of Comic Relief,” said Richard Curtis, Co-founder of Comic Relief. “Out of the blue one year he gave us all the cash from the release of ‘As’, his single with Mary J. Blige.”

Those interested in donating to Comic Relief can do so via the charity’s website, or by purchasing George Michael’s new single. For other emergency financial assistance opportunities, visit Microgiving and donate online today.

Celebrities Get Involved in Charity Donations

Charity Donations: Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and other special guests will be performing at an upcoming charity event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Bunbury Celebrity Cricket Team. Funds raised at the event will benefit the AF Foundation as well as the English School’s Cricket Association and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Centre for alcohol and drug dependency. The AF Foundation raises monies to develop and maintain child rehabilitation and physiotherapy facilities throughout the UK, helping poor people that may not be eligible for care otherwise.

The event will be hosted by British impressionist Rory Bremner and will take place in London at the Grosvenor House Hotel’s Great Room on May 7, 2011. Special guests include ex British politician Jeffrey Archer and journalist Jonny Gould.

Donations Needed

Drawing in charity donations, including online donations, is vital to the success of the event. This year’s event, entitled Bunbury’s Big 25th Birthday Ball, has the chance of being more successful than in previous years. The organization consists of a conglomeration of groups, allowing for more donations as it negates the need for supporters of each charity to be approached individually. The event also allows people to take part in micro credit giving.

Other famous guests include the victorious England cricket Ashes squad of 2010/11. The charity was founded by Sir David English 35 years ago. To date, the Bunbury Celebrity Cricket club has raised more than £12 million ($19.45 million) from various charity donations over the last 25 years.