As we begin the last full work week before Christmas, I’m going to try a little something different.
At this time of year, in addition to spending money on gifts, I try to make a point to give money to organizations that do important work. We do this throughout the year, but I budget some extra to give more at the holidays.
This year, instead of one large-ish donation to a favorite organization, I’m going to give several smaller donations to smaller local organizations. These are organizations I know either personally or professionally, that are perhaps not as well-known as some of the bigger charitable causes. All of them are organizations to which I’ve never donated money directly before (though for some, I have donated time).
And I’m going to have an audience participation component.
I work for an organization that depends on individual donations to exist. So I know from personal experience how hard these times are for organizations that depend on donations. Economic times are tough- really tough (as we know first hand in my family, where one sibling is out of work and another may be shortly). Times like these are a double-whammy for organizations that provide much-needed services, since the need increases dramatically at the same time donations taper off to a trickle.
So for the next five days, I’m going to feature one organization each day. I’m hoping that I can spread the word on some places that are quietly doing very cool work, the kinds of places that might be really hurting as people are unable to give as much in these lean times. I’ll tell you a little about the organization and its mission, give you a link to more info, and then YOU will determine the amount of the donation I make.
Here’s how it’s going to work:
1. I’ll put up a post featuring the organization.
2. I’ll guarantee a minimum $25 donation to that organization.
3. For every comment I receive on that post, I’ll donate an additional $0.50. There will probably be a cap, but I’m not quite sure what it is yet- I’m hoping people amaze me with their participation and I have to stretch my budget! (Hats off to RudeCactus, whose brilliant idea I am totally stealing.)
4. Here’s the twist: I have four organizations in mind to feature. Friday is open. I’m hoping that in addition to me telling you about some of my favorite causes, you will use the comments section to tell me a little about some organizations near and dear to your heart.
If you have a favorite organization, perhaps one that is smaller and deserves a little support this holiday season, name it in the comments, and provide a link if you have one (if you’re participating every day, you can name several different organizations, or just name the same one four times to show the depth of your love for them!) I’ll research each organization suggested in the comments, and will chose five finalists. On Friday, I’ll name the five finalists, and will set up a poll for people to vote on which one should receive a final $50 donation.
I hope this will be fun. I hope some of you will get inspired by the organizations I feature, and I hope that I will learn about some great organizations I’ve never heard of before. I hope I will hear from some people who’ve been quietly reading, but have never had a reason to comment before. Mostly, I hope people blow me away with their goodness, the way Chris was blown away when his effort raised over $500(!).
So now, without further ado (that was quite enough ado, wasn’t it?), our first featured organization: North Lawndale Employment Network, makers of the super awesome Beeline line of products.
Rather than try to explain it myself, I’m going to quote from their mission:
Sweet Beginnings, LLC is committed to training and employing residents who are often locked out of the traditional labor market due to past criminal records and other barriers to employment. Sweet Beginnings, LLC uses an alternative business model called social enterprise or social purpose business to provide men and women who are re-entering the community from prison, viable opportunities to establish a work history, learn productive work habits, and gain marketable skills as a stepping stone to further employment and career advancement.
NLEN, established in 1999, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the earnings potential of the North Lawndale community through innovative employment initiatives that lead to economic advancement and an improved quality of life for residents.
I’m featuring them first in part because I know many of us are still looking for last-minute gift ideas, I can personally attest to the quality of the honey and bath products at Beeline, and their packaging is super cute and gift-ready. So if you have a gourmand in your life, check our their website, and consider giving the gift of urban honey! (Buying their stuff is a way to support a great cause even if your budget doesn’t have room for cash donations at the moment.)
So now it’s up to you. I’m committed to giving North Lawndale Employment network a donation of at least $25, but it could be a lot more- so start commenting! (And thanks for reading this far as I try this totally off the wall new thing.)
I’m here! I’m here! To comment hooray!
You know I’m partial to our little rescue for adult and senior pets (the only one around Chicagoland I might add)
So I of course vote for Young At Heart Pet Rescue since they are trying to build a sanctuary and rely on private donations. http://www.yahpetrescue.com
Saving the world, four paws at a time!
Wow. What a cool idea, and a great thing to do!
pseudo- what a great idea!! here’s my comment
also, the cause that is close to my heart is the american foundation for suicide prevention. please read up on the mission and history of this foundation here – http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=7E68DCA5-9C9E-2C63-FC64DD3F4F0419F2
Dude, you are brazilliant with this giving idea. I’ll definitely look into the Beeline products now that we need to get something for my ever illusive sister-in-law.
In lieu of party favors at our wedding, Sweets and I made a donation to two organizations that mean quite a bit to us: Children’s Memorial Hospital and The Anti-Cruelty Society (both here in Chicago) … though both are fairly large organizations, too. I also feel quite strongly about CAWC – Connections for Abused Women and their Children – I volunteered at their shelter and it’s a really amazing organization empowering victims of domestic abuse!
Hi! I think this is the first time I’ve commented on your blog, and I can’t think of a better reason to start (and as an employee of a non-profit I just wanted to say thanks for this great idea). For others who are looking for last-minute gift ideas, certificates to kiva.org or donorschoose.org or a membership to a local museum or arts organization are other great options that support non-profits.
I love this bee stuff! Also, I vote with Samantha for Young At Heart Pet Rescue….great small local rescue.
Great idea, Pseudo!!
my (child support enforcement) office is buying supplies for A Womens Fund in Urbana IL for the holidays, but cash would be great too. It’s a battered womens shelter.
I volunteer for WATCH, an organization that monitors court cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. It does great work in making sure that the judicial process in very difficult cases does its job correctly! They’re an important part of our community and they could always use some extra money. (www.watchmn.org)
This is such an awesome idea. My company does matching funds around Thanksgiving so we gave to the Anti Cruelty society in Chicago.
One organization that I like to work with is Kiva. It is more like a loan rather than a donation so you can pick where you want your money to go, the recipient will pay it back and then you can reloan your money. I have so far helped to establish farms, stores, tailor shop and am in the middle of my 5 and 6th loan.
Oh and this organization you are profiling just got some of my money, I just ordered the scrub!
it is my merry christmas to me and supporting a great cause.
ps-I will let you know when our next foodie excursion is (I am thinking spring) and you are more then welcome to join us!
what a GREAT IDEA. way to go you. there has got to be someone on my list who needs yummy honey!
This is so great of you! I missed out all the giving-fun at Rude Cactus, so I am glad I saw this in time
This is such a wonderful idea!
I’ll have to get back to you on a cause, but I love what you’re doing ~ what a great way to spread holiday cheer
Awesome
I’m here!!
So I’ve got two charities/causes – is that acceptable?
1) Make-A-Wish Foundation
and
2) Books for Kids
What an AWESOME idea!! Can I steal it?
Here is my charity of choice: http://www.soles4souls.org/
What a great idea! I love St. Jude’s, but of course they’re HUGE.
Ching! 50 cents!
Ching!
What an interesting concept!
Cute stuff! I too was going to mention that I love St. Jude’s. I’d donate all my money there if I could.
This is a fabulous idea, and I love the mission of this company!
Hi, I’m visiting at Swistle’s suggestion, and during my abbreviated stint in AmeriCorps, I worked in North Lawndale. This organization sounds just amazing. I’m very intrigued by your tagline as I am a recovering public-interest snob! Will be back to peruse your back pages. Good luck with finals, if they’re not over yet!
What a wonderful idea — it’s really great that you’re picking these charities so thoughtfully and giving them good publicity. I’m going to pick one to donate for my boyfriend’s Christmas present!
Ching!