new resources

Just this week I was introduced to a new resource for poverty discussions and was reacquainted with an old one.

modestneeds.org
A friend passed on a link to this website, which has a rather interesting approach to connecting donors with individuals and organizations seeking funds: instead of having an organization seek out donors individually, this website collects "Requests for Help" from these organizations in need and then lets a donor peruse the site to find a complementary fit.

The idea reminds me a bit of kiva. org, where donors can choose from a list of microenterprising individuals and give out loans to those they select. Hence, the donors can do some one-stop shopping for meeting their philanthropic desires.

I'm interested in the success rate of these kinds of websites?

Aspen Institute FIELD Program
Two summers ago I did research work for the Aspen Institute, a thinktank in D.C., through a local microenterprise organization. The data I collected contributed to the FIELD program, which seeks to better understand microenterprise ventures in the United States. The Aspen Institute recently sent me a case study detailing how one nonprofit organization is trying to beef up its earned income to be less dependent on grants. The timing seemed apropos with a wavering economy that will surely cut the generosity of donors as they start to feel pinched.

One thing I really like about nonprofits is that they are in a unique sector which demands constant innovative thinking to be able to even stay afloat, let alone get to a stable position on land. As long as the need for innovation isn't overwhelming, working in a nonprofit can be invigorating and challenging every day.

npr

A large portion of my daily news intake comes through NPR. I listen to it as I do dishes, eat lunch, or take a break in the afternoon. Today's theme was especially poignant for my re-focus on social issues.

The show was about a new book called Creative Capitalism by Michael Kinsley that advocates businesses to do good while doing business. His main subject for modeling how well this might work is Bill Gates, who founded the Gates Foundation and is being more than just a philanthropist in trying to solve social problems.

My main question--which wasn't addressed during the somewhat short segment I had a chance to catch--was what capitalist CEOs might think of this idea at a time when the economy is shrinking? After all, Gates had to first establish his fortune before using it for good. If we can't even establish our fortunes, then can we help others?

My resounding answer is YES. And, just as Mr. Kinsley pointed out, we really must for our own good. By being aware and helping others, we improve our inter-connected world. And that improves our own lives.

So, instead of focusing solely on making the big bucks (or even the small bucks, in my case), we need to be worried about the Other and divert our attention and resources in ways that mitigate our selfishness and improve the communities we are connected to.