You are here: Home / Archives for Government Funds

A New Way to Donate

More and more people are hearing about microgiving, and are doing it. If you haven’t heard of it, you may be wondering what microgiving is. This is a term that is used when many people give a small (or, in some cases, large) amount of time, money, or energy without expectation of being reimbursed. This is then used for those who need these resources, whether because of an economic emergency, disaster relief, or even a business venture.

Many times, microgiving is used to help give to charity. With more and more people hearing about this concept, there are inevitably more people who are starting to use organizations like microgiving.com to help others. Many people who have used it to receive money then use it to donate, as well. On top of this, those who receive money give a portion of their donations to a charity. The great thing about this is that the more people give, the more philanthropy thrives in the world.

Many times, microgiving is used to help those who are the victims of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina. Sometimes this is through large charitable organizations, but more and more often it is individuals who are trying to raise money to help these people. Knowing that you are able to help those in need, especially those who have no control over the dire circumstances in which they find themselves, is something that appeals to many people today.

As the concept of microgiving becomes more popular, supporters of the concept believe the world will become a better place. As donors are able to help people overcome adversity with a small gift, the more the world will become a nurturing place where people can receive the help they need. Even those who don’t feel like they have enough money to give to charity usually will find that they are able to help others through microgiving.

Filed Under: Government Funds Tagged With: , , ,

Head Start Offers More Than Education

Head Start is commonly known for its early childhood education programs, but did you know it offers resources for disaster relief, tax preparation, WIC and food assistance, and mental health?

We all know that poverty comes with multiple sets of problems, and it can be really hard to find one place that can assist most of the needs a family may have. Head Start was created in 1965, and it is the longest running and most successful program of its kind. This organization knows that children in poverty require many resources to be successful in school. Hungry children cannot learn. Displaced children cannot learn. The program is designed to help preschool aged children. In that way, these kids are getting a head start!

Resource Central

Head Start’s website is http://www.nhsa.org. This is the best place for families and community activists to start looking for important resources. Under the “services” tab, at the top of the page, you will find program links. From there it is easy to navigate to FEMA’s resources, tax resources, and food resources. This section also lists a number of organizations that can help with mental health problems and child trauma issues.

Not only will Head Start direct parents and families, but it is an excellent resource for community activists. So often, a family in distress is unable to really help themselves, and they need their community. However, concerned neighbors don’t always know where to go to get resources for helping. Head Start is a great place to begin.

Find Your Local Office

Most towns and cities have local Head Start programs. Find that office in your area and stop by for assistance. Not all people in poverty have internet access, so the local office can help people locate the help they need.

Education is the most important component to eliminating poverty. With early child hood assistance and good family resources, Head Start helps families break the cycle of poverty.

Filed Under: Contractors, Emergency Aid, Government Funds Tagged With: , , ,

Second Harvets Is Now Feeding America

Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico is a fede...
Image via Wikipedia

The national organization formerly known as Second Harvest has changed its name to Feeding America. They still provide the same services, and still support affiliate programs throughout the country.

Feeding America is a network of food banks that has become the country’s leading hunger relief charity. They serve all 50 states, The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In turn, the affiliate programs support local food banks that collectively support more than 35 million people in need of food.

Why the Name Change?

In 2008, Second Harvest changed its name to Feeding America to create brand awareness. The former name presented a problem with low public awareness. By changing its name to something that directly defines what they do, Feeding America hopes to reach more people.

Since the organization works on both the national and local levels they are able to solicit food and resources from both local business and national corporations. Con Agra is a major sponsor. Also, because of the organization’s size, they have the capability to affect public policy. Their website lists a number of programs that they support.

Supporting Role

Some of the organizations that Feeding America support are:
CSFP – This program assists expecting mothers, infants, children and the elderly with food.
Emergency Food Assistance Program – This is a government program that helps with food assistance for a limited amount of time.
Summer Food Assistance Program – This program provides meals during the summer months for children in need. The programs are locally run.
SNAP- This is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It was formerly known as the food stamp program. It helps Americans suffering from emergencies and economic hardships.

How You Can Help

As the tax year comes to a close, and you look for tax deductible charitable donations, you may want to consider Feeding America or some of its local affiliates. Poverty and hunger are huge, but they are solvable with your help.

Filed Under: Contractors, Government Funds Tagged With: , , , ,

Best Items to Donate to Food Banks

CompWest at SF Food Bank
Image by Monica’s Dad via Flickr

Food banks are one of the easiest ways to help combat poverty, but what are the best items to donate to food banks? For those who do not have money to give to charity, a can of beans or bag of rice can have a huge impact for someone who is suffering from hunger. Although those are some great basic items to donate, there are some things that are preferred by agencies who provide food assistance.

Keep It Small

Often a donor thinks that a huge can of peaches is a great gift for the food bank. If the donation was for a food kitchen, it would be good, but as a single family item, it is impractical. As people gather things to donate, they need to put themselves in the shoes of a family or individual in extreme poverty. Does an enormous can of food make sense? What if there is no refrigerator to keep the unused portion cold? What if there are only two people in the family? The rest of those peaches are going to go to waste!

Buy 15 oz. cans or smaller. If the product comes with a pull top, that’s even better. The recipient could be homeless and not have a can opener.

Keep It Practical

The artichoke hearts in the back of the pantry make no sense. Just because the donor won’t eat it, don’t expect a ten year old to want it! Hunger shouldn’t taste bad, too!

Be practical. The most requested items are hamburger helper meals, canned beans, vegetables and fruits, peanut butter, jelly, canned meats, macaroni and cheese, powdered milk, instant tea and fruit drinks, Ensure, and baby formula and diapers.

See the trend? These are things that don’t have to be refrigerated, and most can be made with water or a small carton of milk.

If in doubt, contact the local food bank. If in a hurry, donate grocery gift cards.

Filed Under: Emergency Aid, Government Funds, Volunteer Organizations Tagged With: , , ,