Philanthropy Friday
A collection of thoughts and information about making the world just a little bit better.
What makes our microfinance approach unique
Our investors often tell us that one of the things they really like about funding new microfinance businesses with CareLink is that they can get personally involved with the new business. Our donors learn about the business owners and their families, receive photos and updates about their business progress, and also learn about opportunities to invest additional donations to help the business owners expand. This becomes a very personal experience, and enables our donors to participate in the joy of witnessing first hand the impact of their gifts over time. This was clearly illustrated recently when I interviewed Albina, a microfinance bakery owner who was funded by my friends Anton and Pam. Anton and Pam funded Albina with a micro loan a few years ago, and have watched her business grow. They have also continued to generously invest in Albina’s business as she expands her offerings to include party supplies and even a new machine that prints photos and designs on top of the cakes she creates. This relationship between donor and business owner has helped Albina transition from mere survival to thriving. Albina now employs two people and her daughter just graduated from medical school! Check out our recent video interview with Albina.
Engaging your children in holiday giving activities
The holidays offer great opportunities to speak with your kids about giving and introducing them to the joy of philanthropy. Most churches will provide some excellent opportunities to participate in community charity activities that often involve feeding programs or perhaps purchasing and wrapping gifts that are dropped off at hospitals or other locations. In addition to those ideas, you might also consider making a donation to a charity and advising your intended recipient that you made a generous donation in their name as a way to honor them this holiday season. (This works great for “the person who has everything!”). You can explain to your children that most of us already have too many material things, and giving to a charity on behalf of a person you love can be a great expression of the real reason for the season. Let your kid help decide what cause to support so they can feel a sense of connection.
Example: A $50. Donation made to Thirsty Child (our partner…see below), provides the “Christmas Gift of Clean Water” to children in Honduras. What a wonderful conversation to have with your little ones!
You can find some other great ideas for engaging your kids on giving activities at
https://www.more4kids.info/2710/charity-ideas-for-kids/
Something to ponder
“This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love: the more they give, the more they possess.”
- Rainer Maria Rilke
This may surprise you
Did you know that over 700 million people in the world lack access to clean safe water? And a child dies every two minutes from unsafe water-related illnesses. CareLink and our partner, Thirsty Child (our new faith-based non-profit) are dedicated to alleviating this preventable tragedy with our water filter programs, wells, and water sanitation systems through leveraged relationships with strategic partners. Visit ThirstyChild.org for more info
Verse I am meditating on
“…whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Keep it light
All the way home from church in the back seat of the car the boy was quiet. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, “The pastor said he wanted us all brought up in a Christian home, but I want to stay with you guys.”
