SmallCanBeBig featured in local newspaper

Many thanks to Jen Judson of The Daily News Tribune for this story on SCBB - we truly appreciate support from local media! 

Save the Date!!

Thanks to your help, we have BIG things to be happy about at SmallCanBeBig.  So mark your calendars and join us for a happy hour at Joshua Tree in Allston!  

Where: Joshua Tree 1314 Commonwealth Ave. (located on the B-line)

When: Wednesday, September 8^th from 6-8pm

For admittance, bring a printed copy of your most recent $35 donation to SmallCanBeBig, or pay $35 at the door.  Every attendee will receive 5 raffle tickets for great prizes!  Appetizers will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase.  As always, all proceeds will help local Boston families through SmallCanBeBig.  Come out to Joshua Tree for a drink and some live music at this fun and casual venue.  And bring your friends – what better way to spread the word about SmallCanBeBig?  See you there!  

Recent study examines the giving patterns of different generations

In March, a study was released showing that members of Generation Y tend to give less than older generations and loyally support a fewer number of charity organizations.  Perhaps this can be largely explained by the fact that Generation Y members are in their twenties and therefore probably have less cash to burn.  Despite the fact that members of Generation Y give less than those in Generation X or the baby boomers, Generation Y is still a compassionate bunch that wants to help others.  And they are more flexible givers than their parents and grandparents; they are willing to give in multiple ways, for example via mail, Internet, or cell phone. 

What does this mean for charity organizations?  It means that the modern charity should diversify how they promote their causes and reach out to potential donors in ways that include all generations.  This will most likely require use of Internet in addition to mail as well as fundraising events.  Ideally, all such approaches should be used in concert with one another to maximize fundraising capabilities and support for the organization.    

For more on this study, visit http://philanthropy.com/article/Charities-Must-Find-Multiple/64673/

Obama wages war on homelessness

Last week, President Obama released his new plan to prevent and end homelessness.  Titled “Opening Doors,” the plan consists of four major goals: to end chronic homelessness in five years, to end homelessness among veterans in five years, to end homelessness among families and youths in ten years, and to create a path that ends all types of homelessness.  The main strategy to achieve these goals is permanent supportive housing.  Obama feels that by increasing access to stable and affordable housing, there will be subsequent improvement in economic stability and health across the country.  

While the plan has evoked mixed reactions, it is a courageous move by President Obama.  Never before has America had a national strategy to combat homelessness, so Obama should be commended for his ambitious plan.  

Critics argue that federal strategies to end poverty and homelessness rarely succeed, but Obama’s plan calls upon private industry and the religious community for help in this endeavor, attempting to generate a national effort as opposed to an isolated government initiative.   

The plan was designed by the Inter-agency Council on Homelessness.  The Council consists of representatives from a number of key departments who have been meeting since January to construct the plan and will continue to meet in order see that it is carried out effectively.  

To view the “Opening Doors” strategic plan, visit the website below. 

http://www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf

“It is simply unacceptable for 

individuals, children, families 

and our nation’s Veterans to 

be faced with homelessness 

in this country.”

Take Part Takes Note

Thanks so much to TakePart for blogging about SmallCanBeBig.  It’s true: all the donations go right to the families.  It’s true: if you don’t have a dollar now, follow us on Twitter to see family stories, for when you do have a dime or two to spare (@SmallCanBeBig).  And it’s true: our founder was struck by the simplicity of small loans to families who could use it in a big way.  

But what we love about this is that it’s a reminder social media networking and micro-giving is not a zero-sum game.  Blogging, tweeting, commenting, or otherwise spreading the word about admirable causes doesn’t make fewer people go to your site.  It increases awareness, fuels passions, and motivates ACTION, which benefits all causes.  So go ahead!  Retweet, reblog, praise and pat-on-the-back.  It’s a great day when more people know about SmallCanBeBig, TakePart, and other worth-while causes.  

And, above all, remember that small actions (not just donations!) can be big too.  Take the time to tell one more person about something you are passionate about today, and make the world a more active place, for the families on our site, for the next generation, and for you.  

Remember, small can [and will] be big :)  

To see the TakePart blog on SmallCanBeBig: http://www.takepart.com/news/2010/06/25/small-donations-make-a-big-difference-for-families-verging-on-homelessness  

To follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SmallCanBeBig

To take ACTION and donate: http://smallcanbebig.org/