Karan Celebrates Haiti’s Efforts to Helping Poor People

International fashion designer Donna Karan is helping poor people in Haiti rebuild their lives after the latest disaster.  As a token of Karan’s dedication to Haiti, she is offering a weekend trip to the island nation accompanied by actor, humanitarian and comedian Ben Stiller along with other special guests.

Helping To Preserve Culture

Karan shares her vision for helping Haitians in their quest for development via micro charity and crowdfunding efforts.

“For me, Haiti is where all the initiatives I care so passionately about come together; preserving culture, securing the health and well-being for people and the education of the children who represent their tomorrow” said Karan.  She then talked about the island speaking to her heart and embracing everything that people seek to accomplish at Urban Zen.  She said that the vision for Haiti was a simple one: “Help Haiti help itself by utilizing and organizing its artisans, natural resources and production potential to create business models that can be properly marketed and distributed throughout the U.S. and Europe.”

The American designer and businesswoman stated that she had a good sense of what makes products desirable to consumers in the West.  Her trip to Haiti followed a previous visit with the Clinton Foundation that served to focus on some opportunities for creative business development.

This Clinton Foundation trip was about working with the creative Haitian communities and helping them.  Karan added that Haiti brought out every emotion people have: “Despair, compassion, love and hope” – in addition to the excitement of what can be achieved with a heartfelt connection and creative collaboration.

Micro charity donations for helping poor people and other efforts for Haiti can be made online.

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.

FACE Africa Helping Poor People – Whitney Port Visits Stricken Region

On March 26th FACE Africa will be helping poor people of Africa by holding its annual Clean Water Benefit Gala.  The event, which will take place at The Taj Boston, will honor Marcus Samuelsson.  The event will also feature special guests Whitney Port and Dikembe Mutombo.

According to FACE Africa, one of many African humanitarian relief organizations, the charity “connects and collaborates with individuals and organizations doing life-changing work around the world to raise awareness and help transform impoverished communities in Liberia and Sierra Leone.”  Their goal is to “rebuild and improve communities that were impacted during years of civil unrest in Liberia and Sierra Leone by providing access to clean water and sanitation, education and training, health and nutritional programs, and empowering women and girls.”

The evening’s special guest of honor, author and chef Marcus Samuelsson, has been involved in relief organizations for more than a decade, working as a UNICEF Ambassador since 2000.

Celebrity Volunteering Opportunities

Reality TV star and actress Whitney Port recently took a trip to Africa to better understand what volunteers face when they agree to help agencies like FACE Africa and UNICEF.  Last year Ms. Port visited Liberia with a team from FACE Africa to become educated on the issues the people face day to day.  Like Port, Dikembe Mutombo, founder of the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, has put his time and energy to good use by raising awareness about the plight of the people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As these countries are in dire need of help, there are always open opportunities for helping poor people.  Those wishing to help with the individual plight of others can visit Microgiving to contribute with online donations.

Online Charity Donation News: Usher Gives Away Gaddafi Money

Those who regularly get involved in online charity donation will be pleased to hear that multi-platinum singer and musician Usher has donated earnings he previously made from performing for Colonel Gaddafi.

Usher is the latest in a line of celebrities to confirm they have donated money made from performing for the infamous Libyan leader. Singers Beyonce and Nelly Furtado announced last week that they would be donating their gig earnings for performing for Gaddafi.

Usher said of his decision that he was very troubled after learning about recent events in Libya, and as a result decided to donate all of his personal proceeds earned for performing for the Libyan leader’s family to a number of human rights organizations.

Following the statement, Usher promptly donated money to Amnesty International.

Internet Charity Donation Opportunities

Libya has a long history of failing to meet the basic human rights of its citizens, and the recent events in North Africa follow a string of other protests that have erupted in the region. Individuals and groups looking to make charity donations to help those less fortunate who are not afforded basic human rights can do so via a number of organizations, one of the most prevalent of which is Amnesty International.

If you wish to help contribute to those in need, perhaps by getting involved in our own crowd funding efforts, register with Microgiving today and see how you can help with the individual plight of our members, many of whom are in need of emergency financial assistance. Your online charity donation can truly make a difference to someone today.

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.

UB40 Hosts Benefit to Help Poor People

A series of benefit concerts to help poor people this week in Namibia are being headlined by British band UB40. A reggae band who formed in Birmingham, England in the late 1970s, UB40 are best known for hit singles like “Red Red Wine” and “I Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The band is scheduled to perform three shows during three nights throughout the British countryside. Also entertaining will be some of South Africa’s most popular artists. The event, which will begin on February 24, is called “UB40 For Hope.” Funds raised by the concerts will benefit Hope Village Namibia.

Vision to Help Those in Need

Hope Village Namibia is a non-profit organization not affiliated with the South African government. The vision and inspiration for helping poor people came to its founder Marietjie de Klerk in a dream. According to the charity’s website: “Hope Village was started by Marietjie de Klerk in 2004 as a result of a dream that formed her heart after working with Mother Theresa in Calcutta and seeking the multitude of orphaned children in Namibia.

“About 200,000 children are orphaned by HIV/AIDS and the number is growing daily. This is the biggest tragedy in the history of Namibia. But we refuse to be stunned into passivity by this silent killer.”

The program can be seen as one of the most effective disaster relief organizations in South Africa, offering help, love and support to people in need in the poverty stricken country. This type of care also provides much needed funding for emergency financial assistance such as medical care.

If you would like to help poor people, consider registering with Microgiving.com today and give financial assistance to someone in need.

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.

Africa’s Humanitarian Relief Organizations

It is not uncommon for humanitarian relief organizations to band together to raise awareness about particular situations worldwide. That is just what happened when Girls Aloud vocalist Sarah Harding visited Africa to support Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day. Comic Relief is a well known for being one of the top celebrity disaster relief organizations in the world. The charity was founded in 1986 and is represented by such famous comedians as Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal and Robin Williams. The charity is dedicated to helping poor people around the world, mostly in the form of disaster relief and helping to make the world a more livable place.

Helping Africa’s Humanitarian Relief Organizations

There are many worthwhile relief organizations throughout Africa. Harding, who had previously dropped out of a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro due to back problems, visited mothers2mothers located in Cape Town. Mothers2mothers is an organization that offers a sustainable model of care targeted toward providing education and support for new mothers and pregnant women living with HIV.

“I’ve supported Comic Relief for many years, so when the opportunity came up to visit a project with British Airways I was keen to go. But having never visited Cape Town, or a township, I didn’t know what to expect. I was told about the poverty here but to be truly passionate about it I had to see it with my own eyes and talk to the people about it.”

Harding, eager to serve humanitarian relief organizations, also says that despite the difficult conditions, she left the country feeling uplifted and hopeful.

Microlending Becomes World Trend, Thanks To Richard Branson

Tough economic times have helped to make microlending one of the world’s leading trends. Microlending is a system in which specific lenders extend credit with the aim of allowing people to start businesses and help to end the vicious circle of poverty. The lenders give credit to help poor people get back on their feet, despite the obvious risk.

Microlending Organizations

Some of the world’s most well-known microlending organizations and celebrities have joined the movement, including the United Colors of Benetton and entrepreneur Richard Branson.

The global movement started by Benetton supports people in Senegal via Birima, a microlending program. Branson expanded his own efforts to help when he acquired Circle Lending, a Massachusetts lender which has since been renamed Virgin Money. Branson will continue to expand his programs in the future.

Virgin Money works as a third-party broker, developing agreements between borrowers and their sources, which are typically friends and family members. It is common for people to borrow funds from friends and family when starting a business. Virgin Money hopes to make the loans formal contracts to relieve the stress in the relationships. The contract between the borrower and the funding sources will entail specific terms and also establish a repayment plan. Branson will also match the funds to ensure that the business has ample capital to start up and to help it succeed.

The microlending process relies on established credit and will also help the business establish credit as it grows making the process self perpetuating.

Celebrities Show How to Help People

Leading the way in how to help people around the world, on February 11, UNICEF honored two people for their outstanding service and efforts. UNICEF Representative Carrie Auer and Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini were honored for their contributions in helping toward UNICEF’s mission to save the lives of children worldwide.

The awards were held at the inaugural Women of Compassion Luncheon. Jennifer Lopez, actress, singer and UNICEF advocate, presented Giannini with the special award.

The event was held at the home of Bradley and Colleen Bell. Also in attendance at the celebrity charity event were Honorary Chair Mary J. Blige, Camilla Belle, Marc Anthony, and Paz Vega. Honorary Chairs also included Rihanna and Madonna.

Helping People The UNICEF Way

UNICEF is well known for being one of the world’s most active, non-profit relief organizations. The organization shows supporters the best way of helping poor people, particularly girls and women, and to improve the lives of children. These children typically live in underdeveloped countries where there is little or no food, clean water, or medical care. UNICEF believes that women and girls tend to be the best advocates for children, regardless of their location.

Because women have stepped forward to become the leading philanthropists in support of UNICEF’s work, the US Fund for UNICEF created the Women of Compassion Award. The award is designed to celebrate the accomplishments that have been made toward improving children’s lives. All of the proceeds collected at the UNICEF Women of Compassion luncheon will be directed toward the US Fund for UNICEF.

Jon Bon Jovi: A Soulful Man Who Believes in Helping Poor People

Jon Bon Jovi’s Band was playing sell out concerts in 1986. Now, Jon Bon Jovi spends much of his time helping poor people.  The founder of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, Bon Jovi has been dedicated to combating issues that push people into “economic despair.”  The mission of the Foundation is to “rebuild pride in one’s self and one’s community – one soul at a time.”

Bon Jovi Helping Poor People Through Habitat and Providing Housing Solutions

Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Foundation began in 2003 as the Philadelphia Charitable Soul Foundation.  The Philly Soul Foundation was the outreach of the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football team, co-owned by Jon Bon Jovi and his partner Craig Spencer.  During its formation, the owners announced that this would be a different team – that the Philadelphia Soul and everyone involved would be involved in reaching out to the Philadelphia community, positively affecting the lives of the under-privileged, including children and adults alike.  From its inception in September 2003 to January 2004, the team’s first game, the Philly Soul, raised $200,000 to give back to the community.  In 2006, the Philadelphia Charitable Soul Foundation was renamed to the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

Since 2006, Bon Jovi and the Foundation have partnered with Project HOME, Habitat for Humanity-NYC, Habitat for Humanity-LA, St. Elizabeth’s Recovery Residence in PA, Habitat for Humanity-Detroit, Saturn hands on Homes, Help USA and HomeAid Atlanta to help build 170 homes and 74 apartment units across the US.  In addition, Bon Jovi helped build a health clinic for the poor in New Jersey.  Bon Jovi has been so successful in providing housing for low-income families, that in December 2010, President Obama added him onto the White House Council on Community Solutions.

Microgiving applauds Jon Bon Jovi’s success in helping people “one soul at a time” and his appointment to the White House Council.  Like Bon Jovi, Microgiving is committed to helping poor people through the online donations of others; if you would like to work with Microgiving – or might benefit from emergency financial assistance – please register with our website.

Heeere’s Johnny: How He Created Generous Charity Resources

Johnny Carson’s charity resources live on to this day — almost six years after the late night talk show host’s 2005 passing at the age of 79 from emphysema; .  Known as “the most private public individual who ever lived”, Johnny Carson was intensely shy and protective of his personal life.

Charity Resources Created by Carson Without Fanfare

Because Carson was so protective of his personal life, the only insight the audience had into his background was the information that came through his stand-up comedy. Johnny lived through four marriages, and had three sons with his first wife.  Johnny’s first son Richard, a photographer, was killed in a car crash in 1991.  As a tribute Johnny shared examples of Richard’s photographic work with his Late Night audience.  After his death, a very quiet transfer of funds amounting to $156 million occurred from his personal estate, and was sent to the John W Carson Foundation that he founded in 1981, making it one of the largest charitable foundations in Hollywood.

The Carson Foundation charity resources were created by Johnny with the primary purpose of supporting children, education and health services, most particularly in the Los Angeles area and Carson’s home state of Nebraska.  Prior to his death, Johnny provided a donation of $5.3 million to the University of Nebraska. Since his death, the University has received a further $5 million.  This past year, $5 million was provided to the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.  Other donations were provided to organizations such as animal conservation groups, the Los Angeles Free Clinic and Planned Parenthood.  Also benefiting from Mr. Carson’s extreme generosity were the Carson Regional Cancer Center in Norfolk, Norfolk’s high school, the local arts center, the community college and the public library.

Microgiving is thankful for Mr. Carson’s generosity in creating a legacy of charity resources.  Like Mr. Carson, Microgiving is creating a legacy of charity resources through the philanthropy of others – if you would like to work with Microgiving by donating online – or might benefit from our assistance as a recipient – please continue to explore our website.

Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, U2’s Bono Is Committed to Help the Needy

The term ‘help the needy’ does little to truly describe the depth of Bono’s charitable works to fight hunger and poverty. Bono has been involved with providing help to those in need world-wide since 1979. By 1986, he was working with Bob Geldof to promote Band Aid and Live Aid projects.

Bono Helps the Poor by Working To Eradicate Extreme Poverty

Bono has dedicated time and money to several issues including developing educational programs on health and hygiene in underdeveloped countries, apartheid, and AIDS. But since 1999, Bono’s work has a primary mission of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger throughout the globe. Instrumental in the complete eradication of national debt in at least 23 countries, Bono often meets with world political and religious leaders to achieve his goals. In 2002, Bono and Bobby Shriver founded DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa). This was followed in 2005 by establishing EDUN with the mission of creating trade opportunities for Africans. DATA has since merged with ONE but remains dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty. Bono’s international efforts garnered nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize for philanthropy in 2003, 2005 and 2006. In 2005, Time bestowed “Person of the Year” on Bono; in 2007, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth.

Microgiving.com salutes the efforts of Sir Bono. Like Bono, Microgiving.com aims to help the needy and is working to make a sustainable difference in lives; if you would like to join with Microgiving as a donor – or you might benefit from our assistance as a recipient – please visit our website.

Financial Assistance for Single Parents Supplemented by Fatherhood Programs

It’s no secret that the number of single-parent families continues to increase, along with the need for financial assistance. Financial assistance for single parents are available from all levels of the government, as well as private organizations, but more support structures are needed. Receiving aid can be a very humbling experience, but families need to be able to meet their basic needs. It’s no secret that single-parent families have been on the rise over the past several decades and it’s also no secret that higher education costs have raised dramatically as well. Governments need to start recognizing this trend and begin implementing more support structures to help. Financial assistance programs would improve with better funding, say’s the Center for American Progress (CAP). According to Nancy Pelosi’s senior adviser Wendell Primus, the Center hopes to receive $75 million in the upcoming budget for fatherhood programs because, “as a nation, we cannot allow fathers to forfeit the responsibility of a child.”

Fatherhood Programs Must Be Redesigned To Impact Financial Assistance for Single Parents

In order to provide the biggest impact in financial assistance for single parents, CAP wants to see current fatherhood programs redesigned. The current programs focus on marriage as a responsibility, rather than providing men with classes on important issues such as housing, employment and parenting classes. CAP and other supporters, such as the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), recognize that just because a couple does not marry, or may divorce, the father should still provide a positive family impact. Arming them with the skills to make a sustainable difference to the family situation – through jobs and parenting – is as important as marital status to these groups. As Congress considers financial assistance programs for the upcoming budget, CAP and the NWLC would like to see fatherhood programs receive renewed attention.

There is a staggering number of single-parent families with children under the age of 18 and these children, and often the parent, dream of going to college. Like CAP and NWLC, Microgiving is working to create a sustainable difference to those in need.  As a donor, you can help make that sustainable difference and help us by providing financial assistance for single parents, or alternatively you can register as a recipient – please visit us at Microgiving today to see how we can help.

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 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.

Michigan Stepping Away from Those Who Need Help Paying Utility Bill

Some Americans will find it harder to seek help paying utility bill expenses. This is especially true for residents across Jackson County in Michigan. The Michigan state Department of Human Services has decided to drastically cut the amount of funding for people that need assistance meeting the cost of their utility bills.

Utility Bill Assistance Takes Lower State Priority

The cuts come as a result of fewer funds from the federal program Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). With the reduction of LIHEAP funds, max payments to families or individuals from the State Emergency Relief program for utility bill assistance will decrease by as much as 60%. For instance, for all electric households, the max cap will fall from $1,700 to $700 for the year.

This comes at a time when families in need are struggling to an ever-greater degree. From October 2008 to September 2009, Michigan’s State Emergency Relief program distributed a total of $2.2 million, amounting to funding for an average of 476 families per month, or 5,232 families for the year – roughly $480 per family. From October 2009 to August 2010, Michigan distributed a total of $3.4 million, funding an average of 635 families per month or 6,935 families for the entire period, amounting to an average payment of $487 per family.

As a result of this funding reduction, agencies like Michigan’s Salvation Army and Community Action Agency expect to see increased requests from people who need help meeting utility costs.

Thankfully, innovative new internet-based donation programs have been created to help those in need. Online crowd funding platforms, such as Microgiving are available for helping people to meet these basic needs. We hope our revolutionary new platform for micro lending will hopefully inspire further acts of charity on the web. We’ve make the process of giving or receiving far faster and easier. Please visit us today to become a donor to see how you can help, or register as a recipient today to receive help paying utility bill expenses.

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!

Federal LIHEAP Funds Helping Poor People Across All States

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has set about the business of helping poor people through state grants. According to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, “During these times of economic uncertainty, far too many Americans face difficulty affording the basics, such as utilities.” So how do these grants work?

LIHEAP Grants for Helping Poor People Vary Across States

LIHEAP funds are geared to helping low-income families pay for cooling and heating their home, as well as weatherizing it. The funding is being released on the heels of $490 million in emergency contingency funds which have already been provided throughout the states. To ensure that the poor are being provided with ongoing energy assistance, the feds have committed another $101 million in spending across the nation. Within the past day, several states have already announced their new LIHEAP awards.

Awards by state vary greatly. For instance, New York is receiving 12.7 million in help while Arizona is receiving approximately $420,000. Michigan will receive 5.5 million, New Jersey 3.9 million, Tennessee 1.3 million, and Arkansas will see $659,810. This is because funding has been allocated based on old block grant allocations.

Before families can receive any form of funding, they must first qualify financially. If a family of four is living with a gross monthly income of less than $4,135, they are eligible for this assistance.  These federal funds are crucial in helping the poor, but a family must be at or below 225 percent of the federal poverty level to be granted assistance.

Microgiving supports and acknowledges the helping of the poor through federal programs such as the ILHEAP. In truth, any entity that helps those in need through good, honest means is okay by us, but we also realize that families working above the assistance level are struggling as well. If you are interested in helping poor people in need, or may greatly benefit from charitable assistance yourself, please search our website or donate online today.