Around the world, it cannot be denied that there are a lot of people who are experiencing poverty and issues regarding their manner of living. A lot would depend on where they are situated, the country and of course the manner of living that majority of the region is experiencing. Not all countries are blessed with a good economy to which people can find a way to survive with the available jobs to choose from. Some are just plain unlucky to be situated in them like Vietnam, Africa and so on.

The good thing about the world is that people from other countries do not hesitate to lend a helping hand to the best of their abilities. Help in any form cannot be measured and people in need do not really have much choice. Hence beggars really cannot be choosers in this case.

Help in the form of food, clothing and other materials essential for living is being sent to most parts of the world. Some would even render volunteer work and services just to reach them. In a sense, they can call themselves lucky that there are people who still care for what the world has to deal with today.

Categories: Activities, Analysis, Campaigns, Charities, Children, Disaster Relief, Events, Fundraising, Ideas, Inspiration, Jobs, News, Organizations, Programs, Tips, Veterans | Tags: aid, charity, Jobs, Organizations, volunteer-work

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If you’ve been thinking of giving your time or money to a charity or non-profit organization, the first step to consider is WHERE? As first-timers will quickly find out, there are thousands of people, places and organizations to choose from, and choosing the right one for you can be a daunting task.

The best way to begin is to ask yourself this question: “What means the most to me?” Think about the things most important to you, what you have a passion for, or perhaps a health concern that has affected someone close to you. Reflect on this, and it should be easier to find the charity for you.

Whether you have a lot of money or not is irrelevant when it comes to giving financially or otherwise. There are many ways to give money, online and offline, through direct gifts, donor-advised funds, giving circles, or through your place of employment. Giving of your time, on the other hand, can be a much more rewarding way to help, as this offers you some first-hand experience with those you wish to help. This does take more thought, however, as there other concerns such as proximity, time constraints, safety and the impact the experience could have.

Whatever you choose, it really doesn’t take much to get started on giving back through a charity. With the right organization or issue, some time and energy and the willingness to help, everyone can make a difference in the world today.

Categories: Fundraising, Jobs, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering | Tags: charity, donating, Fundraising, giving

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There are people in need everywhere. Some of them are right in your own backyard. Some of them are on the opposite side of the world. No matter where it is, Wherever the Need (WTN) tries to assist.

Wherever the Need is an organization that chooses to implement projects that will have long term effects. Water for example is of prime importance to them. They work to provide clean drinking water for the people- which is critical for people to stay healthy, and if possible to the livestock and plants as well. They are very environmentally minded. They always try to ensure that their projects are earth friendly.

Wherever the need isn’t as big an organization as some but they are registered in the UK and the US.The fact that they aren’t as big an organization means that it is possible for relationships to grow between benefactors and the recipients. For those who like to make a difference and feel like they are extending their circle of family and friends, this is a great choice

One beauty of this organization is that you can approach them about a project that you woud like to start and they can help you to make it happen. It is your project but they help get it up and running. So if you know of a group that really needs your help, don’t hesitate to bring them to the attention of WTN. Be prepared to do your part of course. You will be involved every step of the way with your project; it is worth it!.

Categories: Activities, Charities, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Fundraising, Ideas, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering | Tags: charitable-organizations, charity, donations, Wherever the Need

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Have you ever wanted to start your own foundation or charity? Perhaps there was already a charity close to your heart, an issue you’ve always felt strongly about, or even something which involves a family member or friend?

Well heres a great idea I stumpled upon – you can now start your own private and personal foundation, complete with website, with easy ways for people to donate online. And you need much money to do it. Read on:

At Independent Charities of America, you can now set up your own personal, private, online foundation.

Through a simple process, you will be able to:

* Deposit contributions to your own foundation by credit card, check, or securities transfer at any time. The deposits you make to your foundation are charitable gifts, fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law at the time you make the deposit.

* Nominate gift distributions from your foundation to charities, churches, or schools of your choice at any time. You are not limited to the charities found on this site.

* Accept email “proposals” from charities seeking funds, an option you can turn on or off at any time.

* To see an example of how this works, you can take the tour at the organization’s website here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the required contribution to my donor advised fund?

A: Your initial contribution to open a donor advised fund is $250. There is no minimum requirement for subsequent contributions.

Q: How often may I contribute to my fund?

A: As often as you like.

Q: What is the minimum requirement for recommending grants from my fund?

A: $25.00 per recipient.

Q: How do I receive a receipt for my contribution to my fund?

A: A receipt is issued by email. The summary report of all transactions in your account is also printable.

Q: May I allow funds to accumulate in my account in order to grow into a substantial amount?

A: Yes, and many donors do so. You can wait up to five years between deposits and nominations, providing you nominate at least 5% of the balance every year.

Q: Can someone other than myself or my family make a contribution to be credited to my personal/family foundation?

A: Yes, they can.

Q: If our club creates a foundation, who will get the tax deduction?

A: The club itself, if the club is the entity that makes the gift to ICA. The members receive the tax deduction if it is the individual members who make the gift to ICA.

Q: Can I contribute non-cash or non-stock gifts, such as real estate?

A: No, ICA can only accept check, credit card, or securities contributions.

Q: Can someone other than myself make nominations for distributions from my fund?

A: Yes, anyone with whom you share your email address and Personal Giving Number.

Q: I’m an employer. Can I have an at-work fund drive using the ICA system and let my employees fund their accounts by payroll deduction?

A: Yes. The employer needs to make special arrangements with ICA to facilitate reporting. This is easily done. Inquire by email to info@givedirect.org.

Categories: Charities, Families, Fundraising, Ideas, Inspiration, Tips | Tags: charity, charity-tips, foundations

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It was the birthday of one of my good friends last week. She’s a newscaster, and every year for the past 10 years, she’s been celebrating her birthday at the local orphanage near her home.

Its a great idea as not only does it make the kids happy, but its also a wonderful way to do something meaningful on your birthday. Last year, it was held it the orphanage itself, although some years my friend holds it it different venues. One year it was at a fun-fair at a huge mall (the escalators were fascinating to the kids who had never seen one before!), and another time it was at an animal shelter, who my friend (an ardent cat-lover) also does a lot of volunteer work for.

Although my friend foots most of the bill, she cleverly asks for sponsors to help out with various things, and they almost always agree to do it – like a fast-food place always does the food and even includes a mascot for entertainment, and this year she got a glitter-tattoo artist to come at cost.

She always sends out an email to all her friends with a list of things the children need – from necessities like medicine, milk and diapers, to more fun stuff like toys , books and art supplies.

Another thing she does is that we all get one child each for the day, and we bring a special present for them ( we get to know their age beforehand). Last time, my husband and I got a sweet little girl who was just thrilled with the simple presents we brought – slippers, “princess” school supplies etc….but was as excited to have our attention for an entire afternoon.

Since then, we’ve heard that she’s been adopted by a family in France!

Categories: Children, Fundraising, Tips, Volunteering

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