As easy as it is to give a gift card for a gift, it is just as easy to give money to a cause. Many times we give to organizations without any real connection. But if you have a do-gooder on your list, you know that he is all about getting his hands dirty. She wants to be involved. They enjoy the connection to the cause and with people who believe in the cause.
All of us have a person in our life that has a special cause they work on. Instead of planning a birthday party or dinner for them, put on a fundraising event for their favorite charity. I know…you need the gift in 2 days! Make a donation to their favorite charity or check out these connection building organizations. For as little as $25 you can send your love and make an impact.
Women for Women
I have been a sponsor with women for women since 2004. WFW has allowed me to connect with and help 13 women receive training and valuable life skills. It is truly a wonderful organization. I also volunteered at their headquarters in Washington DC for 3 years. It’s a solid organization that does great work.
You can make a flat donation, but I sponsor a woman for a year at a time. I get to know about the woman I sponsor as we send letters back and forth to each other throughout the sponsorship year. Cost: $35/month – 1 year commitment
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With more than 20 years of on-the-ground experience working with women in countries affected by conflict, Women for Women International understands that a comprehensive program addressing the social and economic empowerment of marginalized women is the most effective approach.
We bring women together in a safe space to learn life, business, and vocational skills. Once enrolled, each receives a monthly stipend – a vital support that enables her to participate.
Women increase their ability to earn an income with new skills that are in-demand. They learn about their legal rights, and they become knowledgeable about health and nutrition. The result: stronger women, stronger families, and stronger communities. This ripple effect is profound.
Since 1993, Women for Women International has served more than 462,000 women in 8 conflict-affected countries.
Pencils of Promise
POP has a fun and unique donation opportunity where you can start your own campaign based on giving them your birthday. Basically, you pledge your birthday and fundraise to provide students around the world with educational opportunities. It’s fun and they have a built in online birthday “party” you can easily set up. This would be a great way to throw a party for someone. You could do a live party with a focus on donations not gifts and have an online party for those that can’t make it.
POP has an inspiring founding story. Since starting with $25 in 2008, they have built over 400 schools. They have amazing information and graphics about their work and results. You can really see where the money go with videos of the school, meeting the staff, teachers and students.
We’re a global community that believes everyone deserves access to quality education. We’re reshaping the landscape of education guided by our 100% PROMISE
KIVA
I was introduced to Kiva by a friend who gave me a Kiva gift card for my birthday. It was for a small loan of $25. But I got to go online and choose who, where and for what business the loan was given. It was really awesome.
Remember this gift is a loan, so when your friend gets paid back, they can use the funds again to give another loan. This really is the gift that keeps on giving. It provides an opportunity to give a gift that will allow you to share an experience for years to come.
And every loan can be different. The first can be a one year loan to a woman in Brooklyn, NY staring a neighborhood health program. The second could be a 2 year loan to a guy in Senegal to buy seeds for a farm or an 8 month loan to a lady in Turkey to start a cleaning business.
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By lending as little as $25 on Kiva, anyone can help a borrower start or grow a business, go to school, access clean energy or realize their potential. For some, it’s a matter of survival, for others it’s the fuel for a life-long ambition.
We envision a world where all people hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others. Dreams are universal but opportunity is not.