fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
This is spot on.
By: Lezlie Christian
Tags: Homelessness, Unemployment, Class, Supplements, Covid 19 Crisis

This is spot on. Being one of the uncounted unemployed, I wonder if I will receive any more assistance. I am struggling through a disability application now, but I will be lucky if I am approved in 2 or 3 years. You see, I’ve been “sheltering in place” due to two severe concussions since May of 19. 2019. This is the fun new twist on top of serious lifelong asthma, Spastic Colon and both IBS-d & IBS-c, visiting doctors all my life for pain in my stomach. It’s advanced to where I cannot even feel reasonably certain that I’ll be able to go to work.

My lower back is disintegrating. Degenerative disc disease, with spinal stenosis. Doctors won’t do surgery, say it won’t improve my situation, telling me simultaneously that someday I will not want to walk because of the pain, and I may lose control of my bowels. Then he laughed at my naiveté, turned and walked out the door.

Can’t get in to see a doctor, no longer have health insurance, and I am waiting for us to become homeless.

Our landlords come from inherited wealth, and don’t even realize white privilege exists. So it follows that they are impatient for their rent.

We’ve made some serious adjustments, but it all just happened so fast, and the domino effect is frightening to watch in this world. The one I live in. We’ll see, won’t we?
Bohm finds passion for giving back with Foundation
By: Philadelphia Phillies
Tags: Giving, Phillies, Charity, Alec Bohm, Baseball

Last year, Alec Bohm burst onto the scene and made an instant impact for the Phillies. But behind the scenes, he’s been making an impact far longer than that.

The importance of giving back has been ingrained in Alec ever since he can remember.

“I learned from a young age to help those less fortunate,” the third baseman said. “My parents and I were often involved in local church efforts. We helped others whenever we could.”

Dan, Alec and Lisa Bohm at Alec’s introductory press conference at Citizens Bank Park in 2018.

Drafted by the Phillies with the third overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, Alec and his family felt called to create the Alec Bohm Foundation soon after, in early 2019.

“There wasn’t really any big idea, so to speak, we just thought it [creating the foundation] was the right thing to do,” Alec’s father, Dan, said.

The Alec Bohm Foundation’s mission is simple and boils down to two main elements: inspiring philanthropy and making a meaningful impact in communities worldwide. In Dan Bohm’s words, it’s even simpler than that.

“Our mission is providing a helping hand to those that may need it,” he said.

Since its inception in 2019, that’s exactly what they’ve done.

Honing Alec’s passions — high school and collegiate athletics, innovation and research in medicine, and the eradication of homelessness — the Bohm family has targeted various projects around the world to donate time and resources.

The foundation’s first big project was outfitting Alec’s high school baseball team, Roncalli Catholic High School in Omaha, Nebraska, with new travel bags and jackets.

From there, they’ve gone beyond just helping locally and have expanded their efforts globally.

In just two years of existence, the Alec Bohm Foundation has assisted in the remodeling of a church in Alec’s hometown of Omaha, provided supplies to an orphanage in Uganda, repaired a church in Kenya and donated annually to the Wounded Warriors Project.
How I found a way to deal with grief better, and you can too!
By: Wolo, Deepika Raghavan
Tags: Giving, Grief, Charity, Habits, Effective Altruism

It has been 50 days since I started this experiment. Here’s what I have observed thus far:

1. It has made me conscious: When I am in grief these days, I still think about grabbing a pack of chips. However, I am conscious about it, recognize the emotion, and make a note on my “giving” to-do list. Later, when I have more space to think, I read up and give. I have noticed that the the act of learning about a charity and its impact on the world is itself therapeutic.

2. Frequent giving: In all of 2020, I donated roughly 10 times. This year, just in January, I have donated on 8 occasions. I have been more engaged in the act of giving because I have a specific trigger that reminds me about giving.

3. Tracking my giving: I have a spreadsheet to track my triggers and actions. It keeps me accountable. I write a line about each trigger, the charitable organization I donated to, and what it does.

Sample of my tracking sheet

4. More engaged giving: The act of reading up about these charities and habitual giving has made me a more engaged giver. It makes me feel more connected to the change happening in the world.

5. Triggers are powerful reminders: Instead of waiting for a special occasion, or giving only when someone asks, this trigger based giving has become a powerful reminder for me to act. It has only been a month, but I have internalized it pretty well.

6. My list of triggers is increasing: My list has expanded now to include happy occasions, like valentine’s day. It really has become more of a habit now #habitual-altruism. My list currently looks something like this:

I am sad, so I give I am happy, so I give Its valentines day, so I give

Has my sadness vanished ? Definitely not. But it gives me the satisfaction that I have done something impactful for someone. That gives me hope.
Texas State Veterans Homes Celebrate the Holidays
By: Texas Vlb
Tags: Texas, Giving, Holidays, Military, Veterans

The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) has eight Texas State Veterans Homes across the state. These homes provide affordable, long-term skilled nursing care for Texas Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star Parents. The staff and volunteers at our homes work incredibly hard to provide the residents with special activities and celebrations to show them all how much they are loved.

We are so grateful to all the community members who take the time to stop in and visit with our Veterans and other residents, especially around the holidays. Many different groups of people brought our residents special gifts, performed holiday music, baked cookies and just visited with them. The most important gift that anyone can give our residents is their time and companionship.

Here are some of the events and visitors we had this past November and December.

Ussery Roan State Veterans Home

Residents from the Ussery Roan State Veterans Home in Amarillo attended the unveiling of the West Texas A&M University Veteran Memorial in Canyon on Friday November 9. The University provided hot dogs and apple pie for lunch. This was the kickoff of the weekend celebration for Veterans Day.

West Texas A&M University Veteran Memorial

Every 3rd and 4th Thursday of the month, residents from the VA Community Living Center come over to Ussery Roan to collaborate with some of our residents in a woodworking workshop. The Veterans have built and stained a woodworking table. In December the residents will all sign and seal the table.

The Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 18, included delicious hors d’oeuvres and other treats, and a musical performance by singers from West Texas A&M University. Many thanks to our community partners, Open Heart Hospice and Pantex, for bringing gifts for each of our residents. Our deepest gratitude goes to Mitchell Miller with the DAV J E Pietzsch Chapter 26 for delivering four new recliners, and to Atmos Energy for providing two new birdbaths for the garden. No Christmas Party is complete without a visit from Santa Claus!
GIVING IRELAND 2020 REPORT LAUNCHED
By: Philanthropy Ireland
Tags: Philanthropy, Giving

GROWTH IN GIVING ACCELERATES FOR THE IRISH NOT-FOR-PROFIT SECTOR IN 2018 — GIVING IRELAND 2020 REPORT LAUNCHED

Key Findings

Fundraised income increased 11%, rising for the 9th consecutive year

Ireland’s per capita giving is €255 compared to €398 in the U.K. and €353 in N.Z.

Transparency in the sector stagnated under the weight of compliance burdens

Average cost to raise €1 in 2018 was 29 cent, an increase on previous years

Giving Ireland is a collaboration between 2into3 and Philanthropy Ireland. The Giving Ireland 2020 Report was launched today. It gives a detailed analysis and insights on Funding of the Not-For-Profit Sector in 2018.

Formerly known as “The Irish Not-for-Profit Sector: Fundraising Performance Report”, this year’s report, launched on Wednesday 21st October, builds a year-on-year performance insight into fundraising by the Not-for-Profit sector in Ireland. It used a representative sample of not-for-profit organisations to chart philanthropic income trends in Ireland.

he report estimates Ireland’s charitable giving to be at €1.24 billion in 2018, with Irish people giving an average of €255 annually, forming 0.38% of Ireland’s GDP. The figures are revealed in “Giving Ireland 2020 — Analysis and Insights on Funding of the Not-For-Profit Sector in 2018” published by Giving Ireland and supported by Quilter Cheviot and BDO. The report can be accessed at www.givingireland.ie

The report reveals the total fundraised income from private sources in 2018, the fundraising performance and mix of the sector year on year and the cost of fundraising by method. State funding accounted for 52% of the sector’s total income in 2018, an increase of 9% from 2017.

46% of organisations filed abridged accounts in 2018, down from 48% from the previous year but up from 36% from 2016, highlighting a stagnation in the declining rate of transparency, with almost half of accounts remaining as abridged.

Dennis O’Connor, 2into3 Director said “This research shows that our giving levels, while growing, still lag behind our peers significantly and closing that gap would greatly increase the resources available for Irish not-for-profits. In collaboration with Philanthropy Ireland and the sector we would like to address this gap”.

Éilis Murray, Philanthropy Ireland CEO said “Consideration of the findings in this report can contribute to the debate on how we can further develop our giving practices to increase potential benefit for society. While we are predominantly reactionary givers in Ireland, faced with our current reality, we must strive to realise the potential of philanthropy — strategic, planned giving”.
*Bearing One Another's Burden.*
By: Wuzor Knowledge Gift, Wkg
Tags: Christianity, Giving, Friendship, Love, Character Development

I didn't know what the Bible meant by the statement "be of one spirit" until I met sister T ( name withheld) . We had this unity of spirit to the extent that when ever she was troubled I sensed it in the spirit even without seeing her and in moments I faced hard times, she sensed it too. The beauty was not just in sensing it, but she always prayed for me and on my side, I did same. There was this time I was seriously facing a trying moment. I couldnt pray, neither was I able to read my bible. I was just fade up with life. Then suddenly, I began to feel relief and bounced back to faith. About two days later, the call of this sister came in, she said "Br. Gift how have you been? I've been praying for you since last week; I sensed all was not well with you". It was then that I understood that relief and strength came as a result of this sister's prayers.

This is what I'm trying to emphasize, bear the burden of other brethren. You may not be all that sensitive in the spirit, but the ones you see with your physical eyes shouldn't be taken for granted. When you see those in trying moments, pray for them rather than gossip them. Help those in need beyond words and mouth sympathy. Be the reason why others will experience relief. Sometimes even strong men have their week times, please regularly pray for them too.

We are one another's keepers, so, let's bear one another's burdens.

Happy Sunday.

Shalom.

✴ *WKG*
The Billionaire Who Secretly Gave Away All His Money
By: Laura Is Writing....
Tags: Millionaire Mindset, Giving, Money, Billionaires, Happiness

Who gives $7.5 billion away after earning it? And why?

Photo by Tengyart on Unsplash

“I don’t dislike money, but there’s only so much money you can use” — Chuck Feeney

Chuck Feeney is one of the most successful businessmen in the USA, if not the world, with him being one of the pioneers of modern-day Duty-Free shopping. He started with one shop in Hawaii in 1960, and by 1980 his fortune had amassed to over $8 billion dollars. For Feeney, money and fortune was a by-product of success, not the goal, and he had focused on working hard to build a business and a brand that offered travellers access to cheaper goods.

What if you don’t need money?

Often called the ‘secret billionaire,’ Chuck Feeney often felt guilty for having too much money, so in 1982 he set up Atlantic Philanthropies. After discussing his plan in detail with his wife, they decided to keep only what the family needed and transferred the rest of his wealth to the foundation, with the aim of giving it all away anonymously.

Feeney gave to universities in both Ireland and Northern Ireland, to healthcare, education, human rights, and even Obamacare. But he never told anyone else what to do with their money.

Chuck believed if you earned it, you could choose how to spend it, but he still inspired other billionaires, most notably Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, to start giving their wealth away too. Bill Gates once said, “Chuck Feeney is a remarkable role model and the ultimate example of giving while living.”

Bill and Melinda Gates were so inspired by Feeney’s actions that this led them to create The Giving Pledge, a signatory campaign that encourages the wealthiest people in the world to contribute a majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes. The signatories include many of the wealthiest individuals in the world, and the list of signatories has become a who’s who of responsible billionaires. Currently, the pledge has over 200 signatories from 23 countries, with over $600 billion + to be donated to philanthropic causes.

“It is logical for a U.S. person to give their money away while they are alive, as the government will take it from you when you die in taxes” — Chuck Feeney

The goal is to run out of money

In early September 2020, Chuck Feeney achieved his foundation’s goal of giving away all his money. Atlantic Philanthropies finally ran out of funds, but Feeney couldn’t be happier, saying that seeing the results of his donations made it all worthwhile.

Chuck Feeney has helped millions of people with his generosity and strategic investments. He has touched so many lives both directly and indirectly, and even readers will have benefitted from his donations to health research, innovation, equality, and education.

If you had $7 billion dollars, what world problems would you fix in the world? What are the things that you would love to change? And even if you are not a millionaire or a billionaire, what could you do today to help that cause? Some of the world’s problems need money; others need people’s time and energy.
Don’t ask. Give.
By: Laura Papavero
Tags: Giving, Life Lessons, Friendship, Relationships, Experience

Last year I lived some new and disappointing situations, in which I felt that someone was throwing their own garbage on me, giving me the task to go to the dump and recycle their own rubbish. This year, I stopped doing it. I stopped giving attention to a person who doesn’t manage to handle their own problems and constantly seeks for happiness in other people.

I was asked to give suggestions, so I did it. I saw a person terribly sad, so I did my best to help. I saw a person sabotaging themselves and their relationships, and it was awful.

I wasn’t even listened. The advices I gave were not followed at all, so what I spoke for…? None of the things I did were enough, and every time I talked to this person, I then felt used, without energy, and full of sad emotions. In those moments I knew that the best thing to save my stability was to stop seeing this person, even though I still care about them.

I began to think about a very important concept, and unfortunately I came up with this thought only at 30: When you ask for something, what are you giving?

When you ask for attention to your friends, what are you giving them? How are you treating the person in front of you? Are you complaining all the time that the world is so bad with you? Do you contact your friends just because you need a shoulder to cry on? Are you happy if they achieve a goal or do you feel jealous?

Before thinking “I want this!”, ask yourself what YOU are giving. As I already said, it is fine to seek for help, but it is not ok to want it by any means. If you take the phone just to complain, you are isolating yourself, and you’re doing it all alone. People don’t want further problems in their lives, they want fellows who give them more value.

If you want to be supported, then support yourself first, and be present with your friends. Don’t be annoying, treat them as you wish to be treated. If you notice that people go away from you…ask yourself why. Are they bad people or maybe they responded to your attitude?

I’ve learnt a lot from the situations I lived, and it is useless to give your energy to someone who does not understand their own faults. So if someone you care about takes away all your energies, open the door and let them out.

If someone calls you only to tell what a disaster their life is, open the door and let them out.

If someone craves for attention but gives you a feeling of desperation and sadness, open the door and let them out.

You are not responsible for throwing away other people’s garbage.
Australia, An Evolution in Giving Back
By: Cheruto Kongin
Tags: Technology, Giving, Case Study, Innovation, Australia

Australia, An Evolution in Giving Back

Across the world, people from different countries, cultures, religions, and levels of wealth have one thing common, a willingness to give.

Over time, Australia has grown in reputation as one of the world’s top givers climbing to 4th in the CAF world giving index

According to the 10th Edition of the CAF World Giving Index, Australia has maintained consistency with its top and bottom scores only 5% apart.

From a new report, the Australia Giving Report 2019 by CAF, we found the following ways is how Australians have demonstrated their generosity.

Further, according to the same CAF report, 68% of Australians have given money in the past 12 months, giving directly to charities, religious organizations, or sponsoring someone.

Youth Generosity

Australia’s younger generation has emerged as most generous with 18–24 year olds more likely to volunteer.

This suggests that Australians have nurtured a culture of giving that is strongly being emulated by youth.

When asked why they give, majority of Australians (54%) attributed caring about the cause as the main reason, with helping the less fortunate coming in second at 41%, and wanting to make a difference third at 33%.

Impact: what Australian generosity has done for us

Impact Africa Network is a nonprofit startup studio in Nairobi on a mission to ensure young talented Africans have a chance at participating in the digital transformation of Africa as creators and owners.

Early this year, after canvassing the globe for support, we were the happy beneficiaries of an unprecedented financial gift from an Australian Philanthropic Organization at a time when we needed it most.

This had such a massive impact on us which got us curious to understand what underlies such unmatched generosity. We did some research and put together this case study.

We provide 12-month Innovation Fellowships to talented college graduates providing them the opportunity to work on well-vetted ideas with like-minded peers under the guidance of an experienced leadership team and mentor network.

Since launching in January of 2019 we have provided the opportunity to 25 fellows who are working on 10 projects.

As the youngest continent on the planet with a median age of 19.5, Africa’s biggest challenge and opportunity is activating her young talent and connecting it to the innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities of the 21st century. Traditional education systems are falling short of this need.

Make An Impact

If the work activating young talent in African is a cause that resonates with you and would like to make an impact you can join our micro-donations support program. It works just like Netflix!

For as little as $30 a month you can enable us continue doing this important work. We are seeking 1000 champions willing to support us at the $30 a month level until December 2021.
Could Giving Circles be the next Book Club?
By: Humbler Co
Tags: Book Club, Giving, Giving Circles, Nyc Events, Volunteer

I recently conducted an Instagram live interview with helpNYC, as part of our IG live series , ‘The Giveback’ where we spotlight those doing good in their community. helpNYC is a social organization that helps New Yorkers find verified, low barrier resources and assistance.

During my interview, giving circles were brought up. That was my first time hearing that phrase. I did a little digging and I’m surprised that giving circles have not become bigger in NYC or nationally. There are only about 400 nationwide.

A giving circle is a group of individuals who come together to pool their resources towards a cause they care about resulting in a bigger impact. While some solely give monetarily many also volunteer, using their skills to bring value.

Not surprisingly, surveys have shown that individuals who participate in giving circles give back more often, and purposefully. They also feel more connected to their communities and more engaged overall.

Giving circles are similar to a book club, where friends come together to think critically and have monthly discussions over a topic. Would you ever consider starting your own giving circle? Let us know in the comments.

If you are interested in learning more about what hosting a giving circle would involve, I recommend checking out “A Handbook for Giving Circle Hosts: Tools and Resources for Developing and Sustaining Giving Circles”, an online pdf created by the United Philanthropy Forum. Link available below.
THE BEAUTY OF GIVING
By: Ementoring Africa
Tags: Giving Back, Giving, Love, Youth, Donating

There is power in giving! Isn’t it so?

Giving comes from the heart and its reward is the satisfaction of knowing you have put a smile on someone’s face. It is not surprising however to hear people say they have nothing to give. Yet, it is not always money, food and cloths that people need! Sometimes it is advice, guidance, affirmation like ‘thank you for listening’ or ‘you look great today’. In doing that, you realize that you are actually mentoring someone through giving your time and sharing wisdom.

The art of giving comes naturally and no one should give if they feel forced or pressured to do so. True giving from the heart fills life with joy and nourishes the soul. It is a reward that is more valuable than anything you could ever receive. Indeed, the art of giving dictates that we should give without expecting any reward.

Some of us learnt the art of giving at a young age because our parents encouraged us to share whatever little we had and so we grew up knowing that sharing is good.

However, as we mature in life, we realize that not everyone asking for help is genuine and this becomes very discouraging. My advice though is, never stop giving even when the receiver seems not to appreciate. In fact, you don’t even have to know who you are giving and what their situation/need is.

Everyone has something of value to offer another person. It could be support during a difficult time, giving someone a shoulder to lean or just a listening ear. Giving is not measured by quantity — but the quality of what you give. Learn to give without the desire for something in return — and your reward will be limitless.

So, what is the intention behind your giving? It should always be to create happiness for the receiver and yourself. It is said that, “If you want to experience more joy, give joy to others, if you want more love, learn to give love, if you want attention and appreciation, learn to give appreciation to others”. These are some of life’s most precious gifts and they don’t cost you anything!

I encourage you to look for opportunities where you can give and help others.

By Ebby.

Edited by E.Muchiri
Flint Development Center Focuses on Improving Outcomes for Children
By: Community Foundation Of Greater Flint
Tags: Community Foundation, Literacy, Giving, Education, Philanthropy

On a cold winter’s evening, the Flint Development Center is bursting with activity, hosting a game night for youth including a visit from Paw Patrol’s Chase. Children from all ages were busy making slime, learning new games, dancing, and enjoying each other’s company.

Mary Heron assists Destiny Freeman with new computer skills.

This is the new Flint Development Center, the former Bunche Elementary School renovated as a centerpiece of place-based activity in north Flint. A $53,200 grant from the Flint Kids Fund supports programming at the new digital library and literacy laboratory, which serves over 100 children and families.

Mary Heron serves as lead literacy coach. The retired Carman Ainsworth elementary educator is passionate about this new phase in her life, assisting children and families with literacy skills, and boosting school and job readiness. “I’m making a difference and doing what’s right for kids,” Heron says. “Teaching that long, I was ready for something different.”

Working on computer skills with 5-year-old Destiny Freeman, Heron comments on the progress she has made in the literacy laboratory. “Destiny lives across the street from the Center and she loves coming here and to me that’s all that counts.This is our future.”

Executive Director Shelly Sparks looks to parents and children to better understand the programs and services of most interest to them. “With the digital library, we have an opportunity to expand services for family literacy, financial literacy, parenting classes, and workplace readiness for children’s parents,” Sparks says. “These services, offered from a central location in north Flint, will reduce the prevalence of poverty among young families and ultimately improve outcomes for children.”

Give to the Flint Kids Fund today to support programs like these.
To our supporters, thank you
By: Hamilton Families Editor
Tags: Giving, Family Homelessness, Hamilton Families, Nonprofit, Kyriell Noon

To our supporters, thank you

Hamilton Families CEO Kyriell Noon writes a heartfelt thank you to all those supporting an end to family homelessness Hamilton Families Editor Follow Jan 13 · 1 min read

By Kyriell Noon, CEO Hamilton Families

Our shelter and housing programs meet families on the front lines as they confront and overcome their greatest stability challenge: homelessness.

By supporting Hamilton Families’ housing efforts, you are empowering families with life-saving knowledge and access to a critical suite of services. Last month, we raised over $320,000 as part of our year end campaign to support the hundreds of families we serve across the San Francisco Bay Area. Your continued belief in our work means even more families will have the opportunity to connect to community resources and housing services, empowering them to live healthier, more productive lives, and become agents for change in their communities.

So whether you have given a gift, joined Hamilton Families as a volunteer, or attended one of our virtual events in support of Hamilton Families, we are ever grateful for your role in our community.

On behalf of the entire team at Hamilton Families, thank you for your ongoing support and for joining us as we continue to end family homelessness in 2021.

In gratitude,

Kyriell Noon

CEO Hamilton Families
This is it. I’m doing that thing that makes me think I must be crazy…
Tags: Family, Women, Giving, Storytelling Traditions, Culture

On Aug. 29th the woman who created the summit, June Kaewsith, launched registration for a 9-month mentorship program for storytellers who identify as women. Last week I decided: I want in. I filled out an application and when it was accepted, I met with her virtually to find out more. The program starts Oct. 1st. Seeing that there is an opportunity to work with a storytelling coach now feels like the next stone in my path, lighting up on my journey. My entire heart and soul is lighting up!

I used to be a yoga truther (e.g. “I mean it’s fun but It’s not real exercise, lol!”). In the year since being laid off I began a home practice of yoga (and some Qi gong) that profoundly changed my understanding of the importance of somatic work in healing and strength building — mental AND physical. (I’m even thinking of taking a yoga teacher training next year! So I’ve basically done a 180 on this lol). It’s really in the last 6 months that I’ve become a “believer” and really an avid supporter of somatic work as a necessary part of any profound growth. Growth, learning and healing are a major part of what’s expressed in stories. Of course, June specializes in… somatic work! It’s a vital part of her storytelling method.

I’ve been reading and re-reading the curriculum for her program (called Your Story Medicine) and each part feels so immediately relevant in my life and resonates so much. It feels like kismet that the program has come at this time. Right now my resources are limited and I am happy to patiently wait until I have more money — at the same time this course feels so right on time to support me as I go into the deep work of healing my relationship with my expression and my voice, which feels so urgent to my next steps right now. I am grateful to all who would love to show confidence and support in my journey by making a contribution. I am grateful to you, either way, who provide emotional and spiritual support (and rides… and wine…). I am thankful for you. Thank you for considering this.

Yes, I’m in a period of financial distress, and at the same time, as June has taught me, now is the time I am tapping into my resourcefulness so that I can break this pattern for my past and future generations. This is deep.
Why is my car in your parking lot?
By: Chad Bozarth
Tags: Christianity, Giving, Success, Christian Living, Sanctification

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4)

Have you ever bought a new car, and the moment you drive it off the lot you start to see your same car everywhere you look? You go to the grocery store, the same one you’ve been going to for years, and suddenly everyone else has your same exact car! This experience is called the “Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon.” Once you have focused on something specific, you begin to see that something everywhere.

Isn’t that how it is in our spiritual lives? We hear a sermon on Sunday about kindness, or giving, and the next week we do a great job showing kindness or maybe we even buy somebody’s lunch. But as the days go by, and we lose our focus, we don’t see opportunities to show kindness or give like we did that first week. We can see this pattern over and over again in our lives. If you’ve ever bought a new house and you’re anything like me, you binge watch shows on HGTV for design ideas. Our thinking becomes a snowball of what we feed ourselves. If we’re not careful, days turn into weeks, turn into years, and we realize we have been filling our hearts and minds with earthly things. And if our minds and hearts are filled only with earthly things, there is no room left for spiritual things.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with cars or HGTV. In fact, that’s the sinister nature of the whole thing. We can easily deceive ourselves with these “good” things because they are not inherently sinful like pornography or something like that. But any time our hearts become consumed with anything other than the Lord, it can quickly become sin. Let us renew our minds, and renew our focus so that we may walk in all the blessings the Lord has prepared for us.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21)
Emerging Trends in Giving for Charity in 2019 | iConnectX
Tags: Giving Back, Givingtuesday, Giving, Charity, Nonprofit

Giving Trends for Nonprofit in USA 2019 | iConnectX

Collaboration

Seeing the growth in Online fundraising in previous years; individuals, industrialists, and charities are going to collaborate for a cross-nation cause. Charities are now looking towards government and industrialists for large issues like climate change, sanitation or food for all.

Transparency

The donor has the right to see where his funds are being utilized. A nonprofit charity must display all expenses on their websites. So, a user can see where the charity is spending their donated funds.

Growing concern over cybersecurity

Nonprofit business stores the millions of data and also accept the online funds for their causes. With a rise in cybercrime, a charity has to protect their data from hackers to avoid any kind of theft. Nonprofit business is now tying with technology giants to protect their data from hackers.

Mobile fundraising

Mobile has become a part of everyone’s life and millions of people are using it one daily basis and it has become center stage in all our areas and fundraising is not left out of this. The number of fundraising transactions in 2018 has seen 50% growth compare to last year and is expected to grow in coming years.

Personalized giving

Donors are now connecting to nonprofit through social media channels and sharing the heartfelt messages to charities along with making the donations.

Read More @ iConnectX
Trends in Philanthropy in 2021
By: Richard Abbe
Tags: Giving, Charity, Community, Richard Abbe, Philanthhropy

2020 was certainly a challenging year for a large number of non profit organizations. That being said, while everything, from operations to fundraising, was constantly changing throughout the year, the need to give back and do good remained as important as ever for a lot of nonprofits. However, in the wake of these strenuous happenings of 2020, a lot of plans have changed and a number of new trends were brought about and are expected to make their way into 2021. On that premise, the following article presents a list of new trends in philanthropy for 2021 and beyond.

Virtual events

The biggest change that occurred due to the covid-19 pandemic was the termination of fundraising events that are in-person and the shift from physical to virtual. On account of the resilience and determination of organizations, all of the fundraising events have become virtual. This trend is expected to stay for a long period of time as it reduces events costs, makes the barrier to entry lower as well as frees nonprofits from being limited to a specific geographic location.

Nonprofit and for-profit collaborations

Another unexpected thing that happened in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic is the collaboration between nonprofit and for-profit organizations in order to aid the frontline healthcare providers and the communities in need. This trend is also expected to continue as a lot of people believe that this collaboration will help solve a lot of pressing issues.

Remaining nimble for the win

2020 has certainly demonstrated that trends can shift and plans can change at any given moment. That being said, it is imperative for organizations to be nimble and have an agile approach to address new changes and needs in order to guarantee their stability. Indeed, organizations should constantly assess what they are doing, whether it is working or not as well as have plans and strategies in place.

Appealing to the younger generation: Generation Z

Nonprofits usually target millennials, generation X, the baby boomers and the matures. However, they usually forget about generation Z. The latter are an important group of supporters with philanthropic tendencies and who will eventually become the nonprofit contributors of the future.

Originally published on Richard Abbe’s website.
The Blessing and Power of Giving
By: Zeina Dagher
Tags: Gratitude, Giving, Kindness, Kind Heart, Compassion

“What does one person give to another? He gives of himself, of the most precious he has, he gives of his life…” — Erich Fromm

“Your gift is amazing! You are a wonderful friend and a magnificent soul! You left us all at awe… when we saw it, we felt ashamed of ourselves. We felt like we did not want to give her our gifts because they looked cheap and meaningless… You are the most genuine giver and friend we have ever come across! But why did you go through the hassle and even bother gifting her such an expensive and meaningful present when she was not good to you at some point?”

Those were the comments I received for a gift I got someone, I once considered a close friend, on her birthday. It took her by surprise, she was having a bad day. My gift made her forget all her problems, even if it was for a few minutes. It brought the smile back to her face.

Fact is, it took me months to figure out the perfect gift. Even though we were drifting apart, I put the adversities aside, and just had to do it. I had to give her something to remember her whole life, a simple yet very meaningful gift — a souvenir very dear to her heart. Despite our issues, I still wanted to make her feel happy on her special day. And to me, it was not about the price paid; it was about the significance it held and the joy I filled her heart with… That was my sole intention. After all, “giving” is my ultimate happiness in this world.

My friends’ comments that night held several messages. First, they wanted me to know how thoughtful I was, and that I gave unconditionally despite the mistreatment and second, they were blaming me for going out of my way both monetarily and mentally to get a gift for someone who “in their mind did not deserve it”. I, on the other hand, totally disagree with the latter because in my book of life, the act of giving NEVER comes with conditions.

But thanks to them, they inspired me to write this blog so that I deliver a message I long held in my heart about the blessing and power of giving…
The Subsplash 2019 Keynote is here!
Tags: Giving, Church App, Keynote, Subsplash, Website Builders

A lot of incredible things have been happening at Subsplash! We’ve released websites with SnapPages™, rolled out targeted Push Notifications with GeoEngage™, taken Subsplash Giving to the next level, and so much more.

We can’t wait to share with you all the products and features we’ve rolled out over the last year, in addition to the heart behind our mission. We’re excited about continuing to take digital engagement to the next level and supporting your ministry as you make the truth of Jesus incredibly accessible, make more and better disciples, and build community.

In our 2019 Keynote, you’ll hear from a handful of our team members as they share what we’ve been up to in the last 12 months. We have lots of exciting news, including highlights from 2018, first-hand accounts from our clients, and an inside perspective from our founder and CEO, Tim Turner.

With new and innovative tools to support your ministry just around the corner, our team can’t wait to share everything that will be coming in 2019 to the Subsplash Platform. If you’re currently using the Subsplash Platform to maximize engagement and want to know more about what’s coming in 2019, reach out to your Client Success Manager. If you’re not yet utilizing the Subsplash Platform and want to learn more, one of our ministry-minded experts would love to talk with you. Let’s chat!
How to Stick To Your Philanthropic New Year’s Resolutions
By: Dhaval Jadav
Tags: Philanthropy, Resolutions, New Year, Giving

Weight loss, self-care, and professional growth are some of the most common New Year’s resolutions. In general, many people set resolutions for self-improvement, with the goal of being happier and healthier twelve months later. However, not everyone will spend the New Year’s resolution to focus on themselves; some people want to use the fresh start as a chance to improve the lives of others. If you want to create a philanthropic resolution to stick to, try following these tips.

Make Your Goals Realistic and Detailed

As with any goal or challenge, the most doable New Year’s resolutions are the ones that are specific and, above all, achievable. Decide how you’re going to practice philanthropy. If you’re donating money, how much, and to which organizations? If you’re donating time, where will you volunteer, and how many hours will you put forth? Understand that small changes in your weekly behavior, such as a few hours spent at an animal shelter or a few cans donated to the local food pantry, can make a world of difference over the course of 52 weeks!

Volunteer Alongside Others

Accountability is a major factor in helping individuals achieve goals. Working in groups incentivizes individual achievers to actually achieve. Statistics have proven that even just verbally communicating your deadline can be incentive enough: “if you have a specific accountability appointment with a person you’ve committed, you will increase your chance of success by up to 95%.” Find groups of volunteers and philanthropists on sites like Meetup or through your local library. You can even start an initiative at your office and find common ground with coworkers from all different departments.

Read and Learn About Philanthropy

Subscribe to YouTube channels centered around giving back. Sign up for newsletters about volunteer opportunities. Follow users on Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media sites whose lives involve a certain level of philanthropic giving. Invest your free time learning about the world of charitable giving and philanthropy to help open your eyes to the many avenues of philanthropy. There are plenty of resources out there that teach the different sects of philanthropy and highlight the practice’s historical roots, but the aptly-named Learning To Give site is a great place to start.

Incorporate Other Related Goals

Perhaps one of your potential New Year’s resolutions is to be more social. What better way to grow your social circle than by meeting and working alongside fellow volunteers? Or, if you want to save more in the coming year, set aside some of the money that you would have otherwise spent, and donate it instead. Whatever the case may be, it’s advantageous to combine your resolutions, interlocking goalposts like the teeth of a gear. Look at any potential overlap between your various goals, and see if you can’t combine them into an ultimate plan of attack for the New Year.

This article was additionally posted to Dhaval Jadav’s blog, DhavalJadav.info.
This year, give the gift of code.
By: Girls Who Code
Tags: Giving, Women In Tech, Holidays, Gift Guide, Gift Ideas

This year, give the gift of code. We’ve put together some gift ideas for all the girls in your life who are changing the world through tech.

The best part? Every purchase helps support Girls Who Code’s mission of closing the gender gap in tech, so your family can look good and feel good at the same time!

For the Girl On the Go

For the girl who’s always on the move. From class to the gym to hanging out with her friends, she can wear this sweatshirt everywhere — all while fighting stereotypes about who belongs in tech.

Buy Now

For the Trendsetter

For the fearless girl who’s not afraid to lead the pack. Gift her our #MarchForSisterhood tee, so she can show off her bravery and her stylish dedication to the cause.

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For the Activist

Get this enamel pin for the changemaker who’s always ready to speak up when it matters most. It’s perfect for her favorite denim jacket or backpack, so she can show off her Sisterhood wherever she goes.

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For the Problem Solver

Gift this girl power tote to the girl who finds solutions everywhere. That way she’ll always have her laptop, her notebook, and that book by her favorite role model — because you never know when inspiration will strike.

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Introducing Every.org
By: Garrett Camp
Tags: Giving, Charity, Donations, Nonprofit, Fundraising

We are at a turning point in human history. The world is more interconnected than ever… both physically and digitally, and things are evolving and changing faster than ever before. And new platforms that help people in need are now even more critical during our current crisis.

Two years ago when I decided to start spending time on philanthropy as well as work on startups, I didn’t initially have a clear plan of what I wanted to focus on. Camp.org was created to be a research foundation. Having met with many philanthropists and charities, done a lot of reading, and spoken with friends and colleagues who volunteer their time, I realized that there wasn’t just one area or passion to which I kept returning. Instead, there were a wide range of global issues that I felt were very important and needed support.

As we talked to nonprofits, we realized many of these organizations spend a large portion of their time raising money, applying for grants, or building basic online infrastructure, instead of focusing on their core mission. So after several brainstorming sessions with a great team of founders and developers with similar goals, we decided to create a new product that could be helpful to every nonprofit organization.

I’m excited to introduce Every.org, the first nonprofit project that I’m funding and helping design. Every.org is a new platform to connect donors and nonprofits. It allows people to easily support any 501(c)(3) nonprofit with donations, discover nonprofits their friends trust, manage all donations in one place, and create ripple effects by sharing why they support an organization. As a nonprofit which supports nonprofits, our mission is to provide consistent financial support to nonprofits by facilitating monthly donations. So nonprofits can spend less time raising money or maintaining donation websites, and more time tackling humanity’s most pressing problems.

Please join Every.org, and give what you can. Every monthly donation helps, and everyone can now make a difference with just a few clicks. If you run a nonprofit, please get in touch and let us know how we can best support you.

We need to help each other now more than ever, please join me in supporting nonprofit organizations around the world… every donation helps.

-Garrett Camp

every.org/@gc