Gifts that Keep on Giving!

As you are shopping for gifts this holiday season, consider these great items which give back as you give!

1. Uggs are the perfect holiday gift, especially for ladies. So why not give a pair that gives back to an organization that fights to protect her pair!

Purchase here for $99.95

Purchase here for $149.95

2. The ever-popular jewelry designer, Dogeared, has come up with a new Stand Up To Cancer necklace. Premiered at the Stand Up To Cancer TV Broadcast, the necklace is now being sold in 3 colors: rose gold, gold and silver, priced from $72-62. Part of the proceeds will be donated to this wonderful organization which promotes cancer research and the movement to end all cancer, forever.

Purchase this gold version here for $72

 3. Don't have time to bake your own holiday cookies this year? Not only will Baking for Good will send cookies and brownies to your loved ones, but they will also donate 15% of the proceeds to a charity of your choice. Almost to sweet to swallow!

Order a dozen Snow Day Gingerbread cookies here for $36

4.The holidays are often a time for entertaining and flowing wine. For your next holiday party why not toast to charity? ONEHOPE Wine is a company which donates HALF of their proceeds to a variety of charities.

Purchase this 2009 Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir for $23.99 and ONEHOPE will donate $4.00 to Supporting Children's Hospitals and $2.40 to a charity of your choice.

Happy Holidays

Call me a Grinch, but prior to Thanksgiving I refuse to listen to holiday music, sip on coffee in a red Starbucks cup, or think about what presents I should get for family and friends. What was last year’s Black Friday is now Black Thursday. Who knows, soon enough holiday shopping may start as early as Halloween. Don’t get me wrong, I love the holidays, but it seems like every year people start shopping earlier while at the same time losing sight of what this season is all about.

Early reports indicate that Americans spent $52.4 billion over the Thanksgiving four-day weekend and that each individual American will spend on average $700 this holiday season. Because Americans are showing the willingness to spend, I’ve decided to blog throughout December on various organizations that are worthy of your money and time. I think deep down we all know that the $20 we were planning on spending on an ugly Christmas sweater for cousin Jim, who we haven’t seen in four years, could be put to better use.

The first organization I would like to write about is one that I hold near and dear to my heart, Charity Water (a charity also previously highlighted on this blog). This non-profit was started five years ago by Scott Harrison who was a club promoter in New York City. Scott saw first hand how he and his friends wasted thousands of dollars on a weekly basis going out for drinks at night. He decided to ask his friends to give up one night of going out and instead pool their money together so that he could drill a well in Africa. Within a few days, Scott had enough money to drill a well that would provide clean water for thousands of people. Since this first well in 2006, Scott’s organization Charity Water has funded 4,282 water projects all over the world. This holiday season, Charity Water has come up with five ways you can help give clean water:

1) Start a holiday fundraising campaign

2) Donate to clean water projects

3) Give Charity Water presents that give back

4) Come to Charity Water end of the year ball

5) Pay it forward through their Water Forward movement

These 5 simple calls to action can make a significant impact in quality of life for countless families worldwide.

LA Marathon

As 2011 comes to a close and we embark on new goals and aspirations for 2012 I would like to discuss the prospect of running a marathon.

Now, you may have read the title of this post and thought, This one is not for me, but give me a chance, you might surprise yourself. Let me preface this by saying, I am not a born runner. In fact, I almost failed PE in the 8th grade because I REFUSED to run a mile. And yet, even I was able to run and complete the LA Marathon in 2010. And let me tell you, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

If you are considering running a marathon, I suggest going to watch one first. This is what truly inspired me to sign up. I know it may seem odd to "watch" a marathon, but when you are standing on the sidelines watching thousands of people of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages, heroicly stride past you, you can't help but want to be part of that too.

Not only is running a marathon an incredible physical feat, but it is also a way to give back. This year the LA Marathon is supporting over 60 charities through its Run 4 Something campaign. This is an easy way for you to build support, awareness and funding for a charity of your choice. You can choose to sign up for the 26.2 mile marathon, or compete as a team in the Charity 2-Person Marathon. This is a new and excellent option for couples, friends, siblings, father/daughter, mother/son, any pair of people looking to get involved and get in shape! Each person completes a 13.1 portion of the run/walk and you work as a team to fundraise and gather support for your charity.

There are many wonderful charities registered for the LA Marathon this year, but I would like to highlight one charity in particular that has been involved with the LA Marathon's charity run since its inception: Child S.H.A.R.E. Child S.H.A.R.E. is a non-profit organization that provides safe and loving homes for abused and neglected children through foster care and adoption. Through recruitment, they are able to find families for children throughout southern California who otherwise would be displaced in group homes and foster care facilities. As one who believes in childhood as a basic human right, I believe this is an admirable and worthy cause. I also appreciate the sensibility of taking care of our own, and finding homes for children in our own community who need the love and support of family.

I urge you to learn more about this organization by visiting their website and consider the option of running 4 something in this year's LA Marathon.

Veterans Day 11/11/11

50 years ago, President John F. Kennedy delivered his first and only inaugural address. President Kennedy will forever be remembered for this speech and especially for these words: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your county can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." Today, as we honor the men and women who have worn, and currently wear America's uniform, I would like to echo JFK's sentiment, "ask what you can do for your country." I have often asked this same question to myself throughout my childhood, which has led me to my decision to serve in our nation's military. However, military service isn't the only way to answer JFK's call to service. The Peace Corps, an organization President Kennedy started, is another great way to serve our country. Understandably, many people I know are at a time in their lives where a drastic change like joining the military or Peace Corps is not plausible, so in spirit of Veterans Day, I've decided to write about a few organizations that help our nation's veterans and active duty service members.

Homes For Our Troops - This non-profit, non-partisan organization builds "specially adapted homes to our severely injured veterans at no cost" to the veterans we serve.

The Mission Continues - The Mission Continues is a non-profit organization started by Navy SEAL and Rhodes Scholar Eric Greitens. Greitens, now a Lieutenant Commander in the SEAL reserves, started The Mission Continues with his combat pay and his two friend's disability pay. The Mission Continues goal is to "build an America where every returning veteran can serve again as a citizen leader, and where together we honor the fallen by living their value through service."

USO - "until every one comes home." The USO's mission is to lift the spirits of America's troops and their families.

Operation Shoebox - This organization sends care packages to those serving overseas to help raise their morale and let them know they are cared for.

Today I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the service and security our country and veterans have provided, and take action to give back.

Dear Readers,

I apologize for my lack of posts in the past few weeks, I have had some pretty exciting personal and professions developments which have taken me away from my blog. I have tried to continue to provide inspiration and nonprofit news updates through my Twitter @nextgengiving, which I hope you have been following.

I have recently begun a new position as the Development Associate for a Los Angeles nonprofit. I am thrilled about this new opportunity and am enjoying continuing my philanthropic education. I am very much looking forward to sharing my experiences with you along the way.

Another exciting development with my blog is on its way as well. I have decided to incorporate some new contributors into the blog to expand the point of view and increase my ability to provide you with news and inspiration.

My first contributor will  be a close friend who constantly inspires and encourages me in my philanthropic endeavors. Without his encouragement I may have never had the confidence to start this blog nor stay committed to my goal of pursuing a development career. I hope you will enjoy his added perspective as much as I do.

Best,

Maria

Some Personal Wisdom

This week I decided to write something personal. I have been blogging/tweeting for about five weeks now and I feel like I have developed a lot over these past weeks both personally and professionally. I have enjoyed experimenting with this blog and my Twitter activity, employing new tactics such as "TweetDeck" (which I highly recommend incorporating into your own social media activity if you have not already), tapping into resources like the Chronicle of Philanthropy's Daily Update and interacting with all of you out in the philanthropic sector of cyber-space.

As a recent graduate with a passion for philanthropy I am currently seeking a job in non-profit development. As we all know, the job market is not currently at its best so I have been trying to utilize all the resources available to me to create relationships, gain insight into the industry and continue developing my professional skills. There are a few extremely valuable things I have learned along the way that I would like to share for those of you who are seeking jobs yourself or perhaps have children, friends or siblings who are feeling discouraged in the job market (like I once was).

1. Every day is an opportunity.
I used to wake up in the morning, go through my regular job-listings, apply to what interested me (if there was even anything new available) and spend the rest of my day essentially waiting by the phone. But there is so much more you can do. It is easy to blend in with a pile of resumes, so what makes you unique? What are your strengths and how can you continue to build and emphasize these skills to your audience? Reach out to past employers, professors, even peers and co-workers. Whether they give you advice, the name of an organization, a reference or even a website where you can post your resume, these are all steps forward in promoting yourself.
2. Create a focus.
If you know what you want to do, think about the skills you need to effectively execute this position and continue your education. Make a list of strengths and weaknesses and turn your weaknesses into strengths. There are a plethora of books, classes, seminars, libraries and other resources dedicated to your field of interest, all it takes is that first step.
3. Make connections, everywhere.
When you are unemployed or just out of school, I know it can get tiring to continuously repeat your response to "What kind of job are you looking for?" However, trust me, it's worth it. I have a response that, although it sounds tired and over-used to me, is my quick summary of what I'm looking for. One day I was talking to a friend who works for UTA and he asked me the dreaded question and I just responded saying, "I'm really tired of talking about it, can we just talk about something else?" Later that night we were out with his friends who asked me the same question, I responded with my "spiel" and the next day I received an email from my friend with a list of job postings from UTA's Foundation. Needless to say, opportunities exist even where you might not expect to find them, so always be open to sharing your goals with others.
4. Take advice.
My parents have always been involved in philanthropy, which I believe has influenced my career choices. However, when it came time for me to find a job I was hesitant to heed their advice. Living in Santa Barbara, I was skeptical of what opportunities they would be able to connect me with in Los Angeles. However, I was wrong.
In business, private or public, networking is essential. One of the most valuable resources I have tapped into recently (thanks to my parents and their connections) has been the "informational interview." These interviews are so valuable because they can help you not only learn about a new job, but learn how someone who has the position you covet got on the other side of the desk. If you have the opportunity to get one of these prized interviews, don't be embarrased to ask for advice, and when you receive it FOLLOW it. I had an amazing meeting with Jonathan Zeichner of A Place Called Home who gave me some great advice on how to re-work my cover letter and tap into resources which would help me continue my development education. Speaking with him also helped re-ignite my passion for development work and reminded me why I am fighting so hard to pursue my dreams.

I have been told countless times, knowing what you want to do is a gift. I used to think bitterly that it was a futile gift if you were unable to use it. However, I now know what this truly means. A gift is not something we are entitled to, but something you must fight for and earn.

I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the novel, High Fidelity by Nick Hornby:

"It's not a case of the glass being half full or half empty; more that we tipped a whole half-pint into an empty pint pot. I had to see how much was there, though, and now I know."

I hope that you will take this advice and any discouragement you might be struggling with and find a way to turn it into something positive. Because, if nothing else, that is what philanthropy is all about.

IWMF Courage in Journalism Gala

Monday evening I had the pleasure of attending the International Women's Media Foundation Courage in Journalism Gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Bank of America was the National Event Sponsor for the 6th year running, helping support an incredibly elegant and socially relevant event in honor of brave women journalists.

The historical Beverly Hills Hotel was the perfect backdrop to honor these four women journalists, who despite the harsh conditions they have faced managed to shine on the stage as lovely as any of the stars who have famously graced the venue. Pictured below are the four Courage in Journalism Award winners (from left to right): Adela Navarro Bello of Mexico, Parisa Hafezi of Iran, Chiranuch Premchaiporn of Thailand and Kate Adie of the UK who was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Their stories were both shocking and awe-inspiring. Bello has seen many of her colleagues shot down and killed. Hafezi, a single mother living in Iran, has faced the danger of invasion into her home. Premchaiporn is still facing the possibility of 20 years imprisonment due to postings she published on her website. And Adie is still living with shrapnel in her foot after reporting on the front-lines of a war-zone. These women have displayed bravery and a commitment to seeking the truth even in the face of the threat of death.

It was an honor to attend this incredible event and hear the stories of lives of these courageous women. Please visit the IWMF website to learn more about this event and the Foundation that is supporting women in journalism throughout the world.

FOOD DAY!

Today, October 24, 2011, is the first annual Food Day! You are probably asking yourself, what is Food Day? Food Day is a new concept which promotes "healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way." At first, I was a little skeptical about supporting a day in the name of food. However, after doing some research I found that this day is about much more than food. It is intended to focus the American public on some of the most important issues facing our society, which, whether we realize it or not, have a lot to do with food consumption and production. Here are the 6 principles of Food Day to help you better understand what I am describing:

1. Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods
2. Support sustainable farms & limit subsidies to big agribusiness
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger
4. Protect the environment & animals by reforming factory farms
5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids
6. Support fair conditions for food and farm workers

These goals are not extreme, but rather, what I view as basic necessities for a more healthful society. I, myself, lost my grandmother to complications related to type 2 diabetes. And thus am and avid supporter of limiting junk-food, promoting exercise and healthy foods. On the other side of the coin, the hunger epidemic effects millions world-wide on a daily basis and is something we should fight to change.

One of my favorite shows on television is The Biggest Loser. This show not only promotes healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle changes, but also supports a program called "Pound for Pound Challenge." Pound for Pound encourages people to lose weight while also contributing to the hunger crisis which faces 1 in 6 Americans. For every pound of weight lost, the Pound for Pound Challenge will donate 11 cents to Feeding America, enough money to secure one pound of groceries on behalf of local food banks. This is an amazing program which is changing lives and creating a new balance.

Another way to support Food Day is through hosting your own Food Day event or party. Whole Foods, one of my favorite places to shop, created a great blog post about Food Day and how you can host and event to show your support. In partnership with Epicurious, they provide a comprehensive list of recipes, principles and tips on hosting your own event.

I encourage you to visit the Food Day website at: www.foodday.org to learn more about this new concept and how you can get involved and make changes. The website also provides a petition you can sign to encourage your Members of Congress to support the Eat Real agenda which Food Day promotes. The message of this letter really resonated with me and the goals I would like America to support and I hope you will choose to support this message as well.

What Does Gadhafi's Death Mean for You?

The news on everyone's minds this morning is, of course, the death of Moammar Gadhafi. The 69-year-old dictator was killed Thursday in Libya after 42 years of a brutally violent reign. In some graphic cell-phone footage posted by CNN from a Libyan contributor, you can see images of Gadhafi's bloodied body and evidence that he had been shot in the head. You will also see civilians celebrating by firing guns in the air and enthusiastically yelling. I will not post the footage here due to the graphic content but if you would like to see the video here is the link.

For most Libyans, the death of Gadhafi provides a sense of relief and release from the fear of his rule. However, it is unclear what the actual consequences will be for the Libyan people and some fear among the people still persists. According to CNN's Ben Wedeman, Gadhafi's death does not necessarily mean an end of conflict for the people of Libya. There is likely to be a period of lawlessness and some fear revenge attacks by Gadhafi loyalists. There is hope that the Libyan people will be able to arrive at some form of Democratic government, however doubt remains.


For the relatives of victims of Gadhafi-led terrorist attacks, responses range from relief to celebration to shock. In 1988, a Pan Am flight from London to New York was bombed, killing all 259 people on board and 11 civilians on the ground. Many Americans were on this flight, among them the daughter of Susan Cohen who responded to the news of Gadhafi's death saying, "I'm just going to go out and buy an expensive bottle of champagne to celebrate." Cohen has been waiting for the news of his death since the day she found out her daughter would not return home. Other relatives of victims of this crash have commented that they thought this day would never come and finally feel a sense of relief that no other families will have to experience the tragedy of death they have suffered as a consequence of his reign.


In Obama's address to the people he stated that Libyans will now have the power to "determine their own destiny," free from the tyranny of Gadhafi. He also notes America's support for Libya in their plight toward democracy.


If nothing else, Gadhafi's death seems to provide hope for the global fight against tyranny and violent dictatorships. However, violence and death, although sometimes necessary, are never an ideal solution.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month & E! Network's Giuliana Rancic

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and despite how you may feel about the pink ribbon and "pink-washing," breast cancer is an extremely common and often preventable disease that deserves our attention and awareness. According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 8 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their life. However, if caught early, the disease is extremely preventable.

Yesterday, Giuliana Rancic, a host on the E! Entertainment Network, announced that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, the cancer was detected early, and although she has to undergo surgery and radiation, she is confident she will overcome the disease. Rancic is using this tragedy as an opportunity to speak out for breast cancer prevention awareness and is encouraging women to go out and get a mammogram. She feels extremely fortunate to have discovered her cancer as she was reluctant to receive a mammogram due to her age and lack of family history. View her announcement to the today show below to learn more about her experience.

There are many great ways you can contribute to breast cancer awareness this month, and the E! Network is doing a wonderful job making sure you hear all about them. A recent post to their online website lists some great products (also featured on their E! News Television Program) which donate to breast cancer awareness this month. Some of my favorites are the Reebok tennis-shows and Philosophy bath products. View all the products here.

Furthermore, there are many great websites you can visit for more information on breast cancer, how to prevent it and how you can help the cause. Here are some of my favorites:

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Seattle Homeless Hold Sleep-Out to Fight Shelter Closures

The homeless community of Seattle Washington has taken a hard hit over the past few months due to shelter closures. Fifteen Seattle shelters are being closed due to spending cuts, displacing over 300 homeless people and families. The lack of funding is due to the loss of federal funding through a FEMA grant.

Many homeless feel their safety is now at jeopardy without the protection of the shelters. These shelters provided a sense of security for individuals who would otherwise be forced to sleep on the streets. Fear of moving to the streets has been elevated reports that six homeless living on the streets have died in the past 2 months.

The homeless community and activists have banded together in protest of these closures and are seeking funds to re-open the shelters. They are currently staging a "sleep-out" in downtown Seattle. Many are stationed outside the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the hopes of growing attention to their plight and the potential for receiving a grant to replace the one they lost.

Activists argue shelter is a basic human right, and thus these closures are inhumane and must be reversed for the protection of the homeless community of Seattle.

If you are interested in helping homeless in your community, please visit these sites to see how you can start making a difference:
http://www.sharewheel.org/
http://www.backonmyfeet.org/
http://www.upwardboundhouse.org/

October Philanthropy Events

As the first Friday in October, I would like to highlight several charity events which will be occurring throughout the month of October in Los Angeles. These are firsthand opportunities for you to learn, contribute or donate to the issues which matter to you.

1. Creativity Heals Art Auction and Fundraiser Event
Creativity Heals is a fundraising event which supports breast cancer awareness and prevention. The event proposes to demonstrate the healing effects of the arts through local art and live music while also raising funds for breast cancer. There is a suggested donation of $15 without RSVP and $10 with RSVP. This is sure to be a fun and exciting night in the art district of dtla full of live music, djs, art, foodtrucks and support for breast cancer awareness. You can learn more about the event and RSVP at http://www.creativity-heals.org.
Saturday, October 8 @5-10pm Downtown LA
KESSPRO Studios: 435 S Molino St.

2. Yoplait Makes California Families Strong
When you are considering where to purchase your pumpkins this October, consider Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in West Hollywood. Yoplait has partnered with Mr. Bones to donate $1.00 to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank for every pumpkin sold, up to $10,000. This is a simple way to give back and help others in the Los Angeles community.
Event begins Saturday, October 8 @9:00am through the end of October.

3. Beats for Boobs Los Angeles
Once again, raising funds for breast cancer this month, Beats for Boobs is hosting an event full of art, fashion, food and music at Los Angeles' Key Club. Enjoy local artists, djs, chefs and more in support of LA breast cancer foundations: Busted Foundation and Boarding for Breast Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund.
Wednesday, October 19 @7:00pm
Key Club West Hollywood

4. Friends Without a Border Presents Passage to Angkor to Benefit the Children of Cambodia
Friends Without a Border hosts its second annual LA gala to benefit Angkor Children's Hospital in Cambodia. The event, held at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, will feature traditional dancing by the Khmer Arts Ensemble as well as hors d'oeuvres and cocktails influenced by the Khmer region of Cambodia. Funds will be raised through tickets, sponsorships and both a live and silent auction. For more information about this elegant evening for a great cause, please visit: http://passagetoangkor.eventbrite.com/
Tuesday October 25 @7:00pm
Teddy's at the Roosevelt Hotel


These are just a few of the events being held this month throughout Los Angeles. To see a more comprehensive list of events in Los Angeles please visit: www.events.la.com and get involved!

The Charitable Deduction

Over the past year, Obama's charitable deduction proposal has been a topic of contention for those in the non-profit sector. The charitable deduction was proposed as a means to alleviate the current deficit and provide funding for programs which would improve the current unemployment rate. Currently, the top income bracket is given a tax break of 35% on charitable donations. The charitable deduction would take this 35% down to 28%, a 7% decrease. This video, posted by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, clearly and simply explains what this could mean for donors, and how it could potentially effect their willingness to give. However, I would like to note that there is a visible bias in the information presented and this does not necessarily reflect my personal point of view.

The question for most of us is, whether or not this 7% cut will effect charitable giving. In an article by NPR from February 2011, they outline two ways of looking at the current charitable giving tax break: "To some, it's a subsidy for giving. To others, it's a much-needed incentive for people to give to nonprofits that provide services that the government either can't or won't." Depending on your side of the coin, you may see the charitable deduction proposal as having a more or less detrimental impact. Is the tax benefit a reward for generosity? Or rather a necessity to compensate for areas where the government is lacking service? If you support the latter, this 7% cut is comparable to school budget cuts or other areas where the government has cut funding in order to finance areas they deem more immediately necessary in this economic downturn.

However, before we all start to panic about this 7% cut, there is historical evidence to support the fact that a decrease in tax breaks for the wealthy will not significantly effect charitable giving. In the 1980's, President Reagan presented a similar deduction which resulted in minimal, if any, changes in charitable giving.

Ultimately, your decision on which side you take weighs on which issues you deem more immediately important. Should we work on our national fiscal situation now so we can solve the problems of the world tomorrow? Or are there greater, worldwide issues that cannot wait for us to climb out of our economical crisis? This moral quandary is one for you to decide.

For more specific information and detailed studies on tax breaks and their effect on charitable giving visit: http://philanthropy.com/article/Tax-PolicyGiving-A/129165/

National Public Radio: What Will the Future Hold?

Following the controversial resignation of CEO Vivian Schiller, National Public Radio has announced Gary E. Knell as their new President and CEO. Knell is the former CEO of the nonprofit organization behind the children's television program, Sesame Street. Upon first glance this may seem an unlikely choice, however, Knell seems to be a fitting choice for the direction of NPR.


Knell has been employed by Sesame Workshop since 1989, and has sat at the head of the organization as CEO since 2000. Under his leadership the organization has continued to thrive and grow, holding on to a top seat in the children's television industry, despite the major influx of new programming. He has proven to be a strong leader in developing funds, a skill that NPR will surely appreciate in the wake of recent political backlash against the news source.


Over the past year, NPR has faced controversial press surrounding the topic of their political bias. Some have accused the partially federal-funded news source of displaying a liberal bias, a position which is highly unsettling to the Republican Party. Recent events have served as evidence for this opinion and thus fueled Republican House representatives attempts to end federal-funding for the organization. Although this was unsuccessful, Republicans are attempting to create a plan which would wean NPR off federal funding by 2014.


For those unaware of the events which have led to this polarization against NPR, it is based on a few widely publicized incidents. The first incident was the termination of news analyst Juan Williams after he made a statement on Fox News Channel, where he served as a paid contributor, that the sight of travelers dressed in traditional Muslim garb on airplanes made him nervous. The second incident was the consequence of a sting by political activist James O'Keefe where a top fund raiser for NPR was caught on tape making negative comments about conservatives and the tea party as well as questioning the value of federal funding for NPR. This tape quickly became highly visible, although editing of the original footage contributed to the power and effect of what O'Keefe intended the public to see. As a consequence of these two events, Vivian Schiller was asked to resign by NPR's board. Although the board admittedly regretted the decision, they felt it was necessary to start a clean slate for the organization if there was to be hope for their continued growth and success.


This story is yet again another example of the polarization of the current political infrastructure and the need to find a middle ground. As NPR takes steps forward with their new CEO they must be careful to keep a watchful eye on their representation. However, the news source must also remain true to their original goals and mission: "to work in partnership with member stations to create a more informed public - one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures," and should not attempt to over-compensate in favor of conservatives in order to recover from these negative events. There will always be two sides to every story, and that is what makes news valuable and interesting.

Organizations to Follow

Today I would like to highlight several organizations that were shared with me by a close friend and fellow young philanthropist. These organizations are using innovative strategies to make lasting changes for generations to come. They are not afraid to tackle the complex problems facing humanity and are taking responsibility for improving the status quo even beyond their own backyards.


Invisible Children
This southern california based organization was started by three young filmmakers, who on a journey to discover adventure discovered a much darker reality. Upon traveling through Uganda they witnessed the violent tragedy facing the people of the north. They created an eye-opening film which led to the development of the non-profit organization, Invisible Children. Their goal is to expose the cruel reality of life which faces the people of this war-torn region abroad and provide aide and solutions to end the violence. They specifically focus on child soldiers and night commuters. Since their journey began in 2003 they have made incredible strides in providing awareness and continue to grow and provide aide where it is needed most. To contribute to this cause please visit this website. You can also follow the cause on twitter @invisible.


Charity Water
This organization addresses one of the most essential and yet overlooked issues facing humanity: clean drinking water. Their website notes some pretty shocking statistics which will open your eyes to the reality of this issue. Some of these numbers are:
1 billion: Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.
1 in 8: One in eight people on the planet drinks water that's likely to make them sick. The water crisis and poverty go hand-in-hand.
So how are they addressing this issue? 
Charity Water is creating clean water projects in 19 countries across the globe and, with proper funding, will continue to expand this growth until all people have access to clean drinking water. I encourage you to visit their website to learn more about the incredible changes they are making and how valuable clean water can be to solving other important issues such as gender equality and economic stability.
For more info, check out their blog here and get involved, or donate!


Carolina for Kibera
In one sentence, this organization defines their mission as: Carolina for Kibera exists to develop local leaders, catalyze positive change and alleviate poverty in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. Even more impressive than this plight, is the inspiring story of the organization's inception. Founded by three unlikely friends: Rye Barcott (North Carolina undergrad), Salim Mohamed (community organizer) and Tabatha Atieno Festo (widowed nurse and mother of three), the organization began with a gift of just $26 and has grown to assist over 30,000 people annually in one of the harshest slums worldwide. This organization provides funding for resources for community leaders of Kibera so that they have the power to change the face of their community. Please visit their website for a more complete story of how this organization's unique structure is changing lives.

New Leadership for the Global Fund for Women

In August of this year, Musimbi Kanyoro, a dedicated activist for global health and gender equality, was given the highly coveted position of President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women. Global Fund for Women is the largest fund for women's organizations and women-led grassroots movements working outside the US. Their mission statement asserts "The Global Fund for Women plays a leading role in advancing women’s rights by making grants that support and strengthen women’s groups around the world." By providing grants, the organization connects women with resources which allow them to solve local, regional and transnational issues. In essence, they are a unifying source of funding which connects donors and women in order to create a "international network that promotes women’s action for social change, equality, peace, and justice worldwide."


The San Francisco based organization was founded by 3 women from Palo Alto California in 1987. These women believed in the importance of women's rights and empowerment in solving the greater global issues of human dignity. Not only this, but they believed in the value of putting the power in the hands of grassroots organizations in order to provide the means to allow women to create change for themselves.


Today, as Musimbi Kanyoro takes over leadership of this incredible organization, she has great aspirations for the future. Kanyoro is already focusing on mapping out a donor growth strategy to continue the works of the Global Fund and expand their benefit to reach all women.


In an interview conducted by Amy Lieberman for international development site, Devex, Kanyoro discusses her goals and vision for the future of the organization. When asked specifically about her plans for the next five years, Kanyoro responded by saying she plans to continue the growth of the organization by looking at the impact of the organizations they have helped in the past and expanding work with new organizations. This ambitious leader also hopes to double the resources provided for women; the over-arching goal being, to provide substantial funding to grassroots organizations so women can receive the resources to solve the issues which are most important to them.


As far as deciding where to place their funding, Kanyoro explains they are seeking women who have a concrete mission and goals. She must be connected to her community and confident in her ability to create effective change. She must be determined to succeed despite whatever challenges she may encounter, and have the ability to accrue followers within her community.


Although Kanyoro is aware of the challenges facing non-profits in the current economical downturn, she is confident that the Global Fund can continue their growth through their dedicated supporters. As an international organization, the Global Fund receives funding from Europe as well as the United States. They also have the benefit of individual and institutional donors. However, Kanyoro is beginning to see a blurring of the distinction between individuals and institutions. In an anecdote about a meeting she had with a women from JP Morgan, Kanyoro describes the woman's passion for a variety of issues facing women, including breast cancer and human rights, she then closes the interview with Lieberman by saying, "I think that this is an area I would very much like to grow – to try and find out those women who professionally are engaged in other areas where we don’t reach and see where their heart’s calling is when it comes to women’s human rights, women’s health and women’s education."


Even after just two months in her new position as President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women, Musimbi Kanyoro has incredible goals for the future of the organization. And although her sights are set high, I believe Kanyoro has the vision and foresight to successfully execute these goals and create lasting change for women throughout the globe.


To read the full interview with Musimbi Kanyoro please visit:
http://www.devex.com/en/articles/musimbi-kanyoro-the-global-fund-for-women-s-new-leader

Recap: Speaking Out for Nonprofit Causes via The Chronicle of Philanthropy

This morning The Chronicle of Philanthropy hosted a discussion between two leaders in the nonprofit sector on how to be an effective speaker for your cause. Melany Brown is the President of Alliance Nonprofits, a membership association in Washington, and Pamela Ziemann is the author of Giving Voice to Your Cause: Speaking Tip for Non-Profit Professionals, and also trains nonprofit executives on how to hone their speaking skills.

The conversation began with a quip from the women about the irony of conducting a conversation on how to be a better speaker in a text-only chat format; proving a sense of humor can be helpful in acclimating your audience.

The two women gave informative advice based on audience questions, covering a variety of areas from content to composure.

The full discussion can be viewed at: http://philanthropy.com/article/Speaking-Out-for-Nonprofit/129072/?sid=pt&utm_source=pt&utm_medium=en

Here are my personal highlights:

In discussing fundraising needs, especially in an economy like the one we have today, one can tend to rely too much on hard facts and numbers. Such speeches tend to be dry and lose your audience's emotional connection. It is important to incorporate both facts and story-telling to maintain the interest of your audience. Melany outlined a format of presentation called STAR stories, defined as: S=situation T=tactics used to address A=action R=results.

One danger that many fear in story-telling is the tendency to ramble on. Pamela provided some great tips on how to make your message effective, yet concise, and how to think on your feet when you are being interviewed.

How to end a sentence without rambling:
1. Silently say "period" at the end of your point
2. Get curious about them [your audience], watch for their facial expression to see if it [your point] landed
3. Get to the core issues of feeling that you and what you're saying is "enough"

5 Steps for thinking on your feet
1. Listen
2. Pause
3. Repeat the questions
4. Respond honestly
5. Know when to stop

Another important issue discussed was the use of PowerPoint. We have all seen the tedious PowerPoint presentations with endless bullet-points and drab formatting that have been dubbed "PowerPointless." If you want to use PowerPoint to supplement your presentation, the most effective formatting is to increase your use of visuals and minimize words to a select 1 or 2 per visual. The important part is to stay physically engaged with your audience by maintaining eye contact and focus on what you are saying and the connection to the visuals you have provided. Melany suggests a 3 slide maximum for 10 minutes of speech.

The most valuable information to leave with is to know your audience and create an emotional connection. If you feel lost in the focus of your message, take a moment to reach out to the people who are impacted by your organization and find out why your work is so valuable to them. Or better yet, include them in your presentation. It is essential that you have a clear understanding of your organization's mission the necessity of your projects.

Can Changes in Facebook Improve Non-Profit Visibility?

Facebook has begun to make sweeping changes to its format including major changes in the structure of its "timeline" and the way members will receive information and updates. Previously, the timeline has consisted of updates in a reverse chronological order with each post replacing the previous one. However, changes are being made to this structure: the new format will be largely based on algorithms to determine what information is of value and will receive the greatest attention.

So, how will this effect the presence of non-profits on the social networking site?

Non-profit presence on Facebook is largely dependent on the Causes application. Causes works in the same way as other applications, with notifications appearing in your timeline and being replaced as other actions occur. By actively interacting with these notifications you can go to specific Causes pages, events or the general Causes site itself. The Causes application has the potential to do a great amount of good by organizing the ability to follow, donate and share information in one location, conveniently connected to your Facebook. However, as someone who has a great amount of experience with the site, I can attest to the fact that it's visibility on Facebook is minimal at best. Once a post, donation or follow occurs (actions of great importance to an organization) they are treated of equal weight to actions such as buying a new cow on Farmville. Thus, their impact is fleeting and rarely seen or appreciated.

Facebook boasts that new improvements in the timeline based on algorithms will change this. Not only will actions be grouped with other like actions but your ability to interact with posts will be expanded. Currently, users have the ability to "like" posts; changes will allow you to suggest actions such as "watch," "listen," "donate" or "share," encouraging your friends to support and interact with the causes that matter most to you. Matt Maham, Causes vice president for social impact said, "We believe altruism is ultimately a social exercise, and it's the kind of activity that people want to share with others and celebrate with people." Just as people want to share photos and commentary on their life experiences, they want to share their interests and passions through the social networking outlets. As far as non-profits are concerned, a recent opinion study has found that 9 out of 10 Americans believe digital technology is the most effective manner of creating social change. Perhaps Maham is correct and the people are merely waiting for a simple way to contribute. However, only time will tell whether Facebook's changes will be the proper solution to improving the presence and impact of non-profits.


To view more information on Walden University's Social Change Impact Report please visit:
http://www.waldenu.edu/About-Us/41318.htm

Guide to Giving

Today, we shift our focus from the point of view of the fundraiser, to the perspective of the donor. If you are a businessman working in the private sector looking to get involved in philanthropy, chances are you have already been approached by several organizations seeking your support. But how do you decide which organizations are worth your valuable time and money?

There are several methods I would suggest to determining which organizations to support:

1. Create a focus: What are the causes that resonate with you?
Are you passionate about the environment?: creating green companies, support for parks and reservations, clean air and water, etc.
Do you believe in the need to improve the community?: issues such as homelessness, services to improve the inner-cities, community centers, after school programs for youth, etc.
Are you interested in local, national or international causes?

Once you choose a focus begin to consider what type of involvement you would like to have.

3. Level of involvement:
Volunteering: are you seeking an organization that allows you to have hands on involvement with their projects?
Fundraising: would you like to contribute to the organizations fundraising efforts?
Donor: are you looking to make a monetary donation?
Board Member: would you like to both make a monetary donation and contribute to the direction of the organization and its fundraising efforts.

Once you have made these choices you can begin to look at specific organizations.

4. Choosing an organization:
There are several sites which allow you to search for organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Idealist is a comprehensive site which offers a variety of search choices such as: People, Organizations, Volunteer Opps, Events, Programs and more. I like this site because it is user friendly and offers great summaries as well as news updates.
Another great site is Charity Navigator. This site provides specific ratings for organizations based on a variety of factors. It allows you to browse by category, top 10 lists, hot topics and more. Previously, this site rated charities based on their financial health. However, as of September 20th they have created what they are calling a 2-dimensional rating scale which includes an evaluation of a charity's accountability and transparency in addition to its financial health. They will still use a comprehensive 5-star rating for all 5,500 charities listed.
Of course, word of mouth is always a great tool as well. Talk to your co-workers, friends and family about their experiences and perhaps you can even join an organization together.

Finally, the simplest step is reaching out to the organization by phone, email or visiting their offices, and you are on your way to making a difference!

Unemployment and Civic Responsibility

It seems whatever the topic of discussion may be these days, the conversation always turns back to unemployment. And, of course, the same is true in the non-profit sector. However, recent studies are providing evidence that civic engagement and active volunteering in communities has helped protect against high rates of unemployment.

According to a study by the National Conference on Citizenship, states with high rates of volunteering were less effected by unemployment in the recent economic downturn. The study was based on five measures of civic engagement: helping neighbors, volunteering, registering to vote, voting and attending meetings; the most effective measure being helping neighbors, followed by volunteering. An increase in 1% of working with neighbors, corresponded to a decrease of .256% in unemployment.

The correlation between helping neighbors and low rates of unemployment speaks to the fact that in these difficult economic times we cannot always do it all on our own. Where before a street consisted of a row of houses, there is strength in identifying it as a neighborhood or community where one supports another. Unemployment can thus be prevented by lending a hand to those who need it and ensuring that our neighbors do not fall behind.

Over the past year I worked with the non-profit organization A Better LA. Their mission statement summed up in one sentence is: "Helping to change communities from within." In essence, the organization changes inner-city communities who have suffered from gang violence and poverty by creating unity and trust within the community and teaching individuals to support one another. This unique model is saving lives and creating jobs in neighborhoods which had previously been forsaken and deemed hopeless.

Whether you live in the inner-cities of South Central or the suburbs of Pasadena, this model of helping neighbors and volunteering is applicable to your neighborhood. There is great strength and power in the idea of community, and we can help change unemployment and poverty by lending support to those who need it. We tend to view Los Angeles as a cluster of neighborhoods: Santa Monica, Downtown, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, etc. But if we change this perspective, and begin to see Los Angeles as a whole, as one large community, perhaps we can begin to solve the greater issues which face us all.

I leave you now with this quote, in the hope that today you will consider reaching out to your neighbors to help them up:

"Never look down on anybody, unless you are helping them up."



For more information on this study by the National Conference on Citizenship please visit:

http://www.ncoc.net/unemployment-release

"The Wise Woman's Stone"

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.

"I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."

Author Unknown

Recap: Making Social Change Happen One Person at a Time via Chronicle of Philanthropy

This morning the Chronicle of Philanthropy featured a live discussion with Pilar Gonzales, of the Global Fund for Women, and Ann Ellinger, of Bolder Giving, hosted by Staff Editor Maria di Mento. Maria di Mento led conversation on the challenges of creating social change in today's economy and how fundraisers can improve success by creating closer relationships with their donors. Both Gonzales and Ellinger gave excellent insight into the mind of the donor and the importance of understanding your audience.

You can view the entire discussion at: http://philanthropy.com/section/Live-Discussions/222/

Here are my personal highlights:

Pilar Gonzales is an activist for migrant workers and other marginalized groups. She is not only a successful fundraiser but a donor herself, sometimes giving up to 50% of her annual income to the causes she supports. Pilar believes that as a donor herself, she is able to be a more successful fundraiser by gaining a better understanding of her audience: "It made my fundraising more thoughtful and more creative. But mostly I was able to relate to donors as a donor and not just a fundraiser."

When asked about her greatest influences Pilar referenced some of the first women she worked with as Director of Major Gifts but ultimately responded, "My grandmother was a big influence. As poor as they were, she always had enough for others. Never complaining. Always modeling faith that there would be more. Some day. And she was right. Each day I have more. More to give." This in an important point to make, especially in today's economy where we all feel we have a little less to spare. Today's donors have to be more conscious and thoughtful about where they give, and fundraisers have to be careful not to get discouraged over scarcity of donations.

Pilar made an excellent point about fundraising and the reliance on large sum donations. Yes, it is easier to find one BIG donor, however, we cannot simply rely on these types of donations. We must remember that fundraising is not only about donations but about brokering relationships between issues or causes for donors, we must also "broker dreams." More donors means more supporters and the greater the power of the cause.

Finally, a few tips on managing your own giving:

Pilar Gonzales' 3 Point Model for Types of Giving
Pilar outlines three types of giving and ways to make your dollars count:
1. Through immediate urgent giving, or in the moment giving, such as crisis relief.
2. Giving upstream to the root of the problem. i.e. poverty: give to knowledge leaders, effective leader activists, etc.
3. Give to legal services; marginalized groups who deserve effective legal representation

Ann Ellinger: Making an Annual Giving Plan
Often challenges can arise when you serve as both a fundraiser and a donor. In order to avoid monetary conflicts it is beneficial to create an annual giving plan. In this way you can create a personal budget for how much you can afford to give, and where. Within this plan you can also allot for a particular amount of "spontaneous giving." Ellinger also suggests that when a large sum donation may effect your relationship with a particular organization or individual, an anonymous donation can be an effective solution. You can also visit www.morethanmoney.org for more tips on how to manage your giving.




Follow these groups and individuals on Twitter:

Global Fund for Women @globalfundwomen
Anne Ellinger @boldgivinganne
Maria di Mento @midimento_cop