It feels good to give. Wanting to help is a natural response. So often we see or hear of something that touches us. Our hearts open, and we feel inspired to do something. Then, we pull back - either because we don’t know what to do, or we feel that our small amount of money or our effort won’t make much difference, or we don’t have a sense that our money will be used well, or we don’t have time, or perhaps we’re afraid to give “too much” because we need to save for our retirement or our kids’ college fund, or… There are so many reasons. The good news is that none of that has to get in your way. There are ways to make a difference that are quick, easy, satisfying, fun, and you’ll barely notice the money is missing. Sound interesting? You’ve come to the right place: explore our site, make friends, exchange ideas, and make your mark on the world.

1. The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.
2. Love of humankind in general.
3. Something, such as an activity or institution, intended to promote human welfare.

That sounds like us, don’t you think?

1. Most of us have more “extra” money than we realize:
I live in a rural area, and – since I’m very content there – I rarely go into the larger cities and shop. When I do, it’s a mind-blowing experience to go to a big store and see all the “stuff” on the shelves: so attractively packaged, calling out to us, begging us to take it home – to fill up our closets and storage units - assuring us that we’ll finally be happy if we buy this or that. And so often we do.

What if – the next time you’re tempted to buy that next really cool thing – if you donate some or all of the money instead? Or, if it’s just too good to resist – how about if you set a percentage aside? How many times do you buy a cup of coffee, or buy lunch rather than packing something from home? If you’re a smoker: how much money could you save if you smoked just one less cigarette a day, and set that money aside? Or, if cookies are your thing – how about if you match the money you spend on cookies with a donation? Even $3 a week is $12 a month. If four of your cookie-loving friends did the same, in a month you would have $60, and in a year: $720. (So, you can just keep on eating those cookies, and make a difference with every bite!)

“Let’s Not Go Out to Dinner Together” - what if you and a group of friends were to have a simple pot luck at someone’s house, pool together the money you each would have spent at a restaurant, and at the end of the evening go online and donate it to the project of your choice? What if you made it a special monthly event? What if your various sets of friends started doing the same thing? And what if people in the neighboring community had the same idea?


2. There are many places where a little bit of money can go a long way:
I’ve traveled quite a bit, and when I come home from a place like India or Thailand, I am always shocked to see the amounts of money we fritter away on a daily basis – money that – in a place like Nepal, would make a huge difference in someone’s life. It’s unbelievable how far our “disposable” cash can go. Ten to fifteen dollars may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in someone’s life. For example, $15 can buy medicine for 10 people for 6 months in Nairobi, Kenya. In Tanzania, $25 can provide schooling for one street child for a year, while $20 will educate 10 children in Ethiopia, and $48 will equip a classroom in Afghanistan. (Amounts calculated from http://worldonfire.ca/donations.html.)
If you haven’t already done so, take a look at the World on Fire video. Also, visit our featured organizations to learn about groups – including several from Power of the Heart – that can turn small amounts of money into life-sustaining actions.

3. Fun and friends are important!
You are likely to raise much more money - and make your grassroots philanthropy a life-long practice - if you do your projects with friends, and think of creative things to do. This isn't about being a martyr. Have fun!

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(With thanks to Steve Hargadon's Classroom 2.0 Ning Community)