Weekly Charitable Giving List

We can do no great things, only small things with great love. – Mother Theresa

I have challenged myself to give small amounts to at least one charity a week for all of 2012. I am using this project as a vehicle to force myself to be more mindful of the planet; the plight of other beings and how extremely lucky I was to be born into fortunate circumstances. I hope that by performing this project I can demonstrate how simple and personally rewarding it is to find needs and help with solutions.

Below is a list of the organizations I have given to so far this year, a little about each of them and why I think they are worthy of my donation. I have also provided a links so you can donate too if are so inspired.

Week 7 – PSI

I like PSI because they use research-based evidence to improve their effectiveness influencing the health-related behaviors of vulnerable populations, increasing socio-economic equity, increasing the health impact of interventions and improving intervention cost-effectiveness and efficiency in terms of cost per product or service delivered.

Week 6 – Greenpeace Fund

For this week’s Consistent Giving I have chosen Greenpeace Fund. As you are no doubt aware Greenpeace is a high profile environmental organization that uses non-violent direct action to expose global environmental issues and to provide solutions which are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace has been instrumental in moving the environmental debate into the mainstream issue it is today.

Week 5 – Freedom From Hunger

Freedom from Hunger is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that brings innovative and sustainable solutions to the fight against chronic hunger and poverty. Freedom from Hunger combines health and education services and microfinance with to help very poor families safeguard their health, improve their incomes, and achieve lasting nutritional security. Throughout their history (they were established in 1946) their touchstones have been evidence of impact, scientific rigor and long term food security. They collaborate with a network of more than 112 local organizations in 17 countries throughout the developing world and are currently reaching 2.4 million people and benefiting a total of over 14 million!

Week 4 - Heifer International

Heifer International fights poverty by providing long-term development solutions rather than short-term relief programs. The founder Dan West, summarizes this approach with the phrase “not a cup, but a cow.” Heifer provides sheep, rabbits, honeybees, pigs, llamas, water buffalo, chicks, ducks, goats, geese, bees and trees as well as heifers to families in need around the world. Additionally Heifer recipients receive months of training in how to care for their animal; sell the milk, eggs or other products at market; and restore the environment.

Week 3 – Population Connection

Population Connection is the United States’ largest grassroots population organization with about 140,000 members, supporters, and educators. One of their missions is to educate young people about unsustainable population growth through lesson plans that reach 3 million school kids a year. Population Connection was founded in 1968 (then known as Zero Population Growth or ZPG) and in a world of dwindling resources it has long been a voice for population stabilization and women’s reproductive education.

Week 2 – Charity Water

Charity Water is a non-profit organization that brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Because all of Charity Water’s operating costs are covered by a group of private donors 100% of donations go directly to fund water project costs like pump heads, cement, pipes and local staff which directly benefits people in need.

Week 1 – The Oasis Sanctuary

The Oasis sanctuary is a rescue and retirement facility for exotic birds, predominantly parrots and endangered birds. Located in Southeastern Arizona the 71 acre facility is now home to about 600 residents many of whom are physically handicapped or challenged requiring unique living or feeding situations. The Oasis is a registered a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations are tax deductible.