PhilanthropyThere are really only two things worth giving to others...your time or your money. Giving either or both is very rewarding.Want to really feel better about yourself? Practice philanthropy and help someone else. Stop worrying about your money and start giving it away. Philanthropy on any level can make a difference. Sure Bill Gates can use his billions (and Warren Buffets) to change the world on a grand scale; that's a good thing; but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be making a contribution in your own way. My giving used to be sporadic...one off gifts to emergency appeals or Red Cross disaster relief. Then someone at work started a work place giving program that allowed us to pick one of 6 charities to give pre-tax dollars through every payday. Now I save someone's eyesight every week and don't even miss the money, even though it is ten times more than I gave previously. There is no end to those that need assistance, but because this is a website that predominantly talks to women, I would like to focus your minds. Room to Read is working in 8 developing countries now and sponsoring the ongoing education of over 9000 girls directly.
Plan International reported in a 2009 review, that supporting and educating girls in developing countries resulted in a far greater return on investment. When girls started earning money, on average 90% of it was used for the family or community compared to just 40-50% for boys. In 2006, Grameen Bank founder Mohammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize. He won through his program of creating micro loans to poor people in developing countries. A $100 here for a sewing machine, a loan of $50 there for goats and cheese making pots can free people from a life of poverty and create self employment opportunities that change not just their lives, but the lives of those around them. Microloans are a staggeringly simple and effective solution for thousands of people. Since its inception in 1975, the bank has loaned over $8 Billion dollars. That amounts to a lot of changed lives. Now there are smaller local versions of the Grameen Bank popping up everywhere providing support not only for developing countries, but microloans for working poor in developed countries to break the cycle of hardship. Even the big banks are getting in on the act. It's an idea that works. Really, really don't feel you can give away the money? Then give away some time by volunteering. Return from Philanthropy to Giving Back
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