August 2010
2 posts
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 8th 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...
July 2010
2 posts
Recent study examines the giving patterns of...
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...
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...
June 2010
3 posts
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...
Other successful micro-charities
Microfinancing has become quite a phenomenon over the past year or two. Many different organizations now exist, but each one uses its own methods and has its own particular goals.
This article highlights four of the major micro-charities (Kiva, Microplace, Modest Needs, Donors Choose) and explains how each operates. Check it out at...
Great Use of Social Media
Estrella Rosenberg is making great use of social media platforms as tools to further the cause of her nonprofit organization, Big Love Little Hearts. This organization focuses on congenital heart defects. Using Facebook, Twitter, and a new form of social media known as Foursquare, Rosenberg was able to raise $25,000 over the course of 24 hours - that’s 12 lives saved in just one day, and...
SmallCanBeBig mentioned in U.S. Catholic magazine
http://uscatholic.org/life/2010/05/god-we-trust?page=0%2C1
In this article on Christian charity and the importance of good stewardship, SmallCanBeBig.org is highlighted as a new way to tithe. SmallCanBeBig is a great option for those looking for direct impacts to their giving. One hundred percent of your donation goes towards making BIG changes in families’ lives- no administrative costs to...
May 2010
2 posts
Memorial Day at SCBB
This Memorial Day, the citizens of Boston as well as those in countless towns and cities across the country will gather together in backyards and neighborhoods to grill out and celebrate those who died serving our nation. As we do so, let us also remember our veterans, those who served our country but are still living.
Sadly, many of them are not living very well. There exists a...
March 2010
1 post
A family a day.
In a recent email blast to our donor base we announced an exciting new mission: prevent 365 families from becoming homeless in a single year. We want to make a BIG impact for one family every single day.
Help make it happen.
Share SmallCanBeBig.org with your friends and family. Maybe inspire them with our video or share a family like this one on your Facebook page: a single mom who faced an...
February 2010
2 posts
The Books and the Bees →
SmallCanBeBig makes Boston Globe Magazine's list...
So exciting… we made the Boston Globe Magazine’s “Best of the New” issue. SmallCanBeBig.org was listed as one of the Best New Ideas of 2009.
Also here is a mention by Susanne Althoff the Editor.
“Direct Charity SmallCanBeBig.org takes a new approach to helping local families on the brink of homelessness: The focus is on small, direct donations. Created by...
January 2010
1 post
Haiti
With our thoughts on Haiti and how we can help, SmallCanBeBig wants to share Partners in Health, Dr. Paul Farmer’s organization.
Please consider making a donation at www.pih.org
December 2009
6 posts
2009
With less than three days to go before a new year, we want to share the impact of the last 11 months. Since our start, SmallCanBeBig.org has raised $120,000 and helped 96 families and 211 children avoid homelessness.
Thank you.
Together, we’re headed for BIG things in 2010.
One goal and one week later...
This holiday season, SmallCanBeBig has witnessed some remarkable acts of generosity and kindness. One supporter made it her mission to raise enough money to help this family off our site and into a home.
Nicole, the owner of Stitch in Melrose, MA, did something BIG and yet also wonderfully simple. For a week, she offered to gift-wrap for her...
b.good and $1...doing BIG things
Supporters of SmallCanBeBig and b.good restaurants teamed up last Friday: with a $1 donation to our site, b.good gave you a free shake.
The tally is in…we raised $671 (all those shakes!) and together, we did something BIG.
Thank you.
Free Shake Friday December 18th at b.good...
This holiday season, we are partnering with b.good restaurants in Boston to help a family in need. Get a FREE shake for a donation of $1.00 (or more) to SmallCanBeBig. 100% of every donation will go directly to this family that needs some extra help this month.
Living on the edge of homelessness is difficult to overcome. For many families, one bill can make all the difference. Make your...
Looking for a last minute INSTANT gift?
We have just added the new feature of making a donation on behalf of someone. Can’t find that perfect gift for your favorite teacher, book club friends or your in laws? When you make a donation on behalf of someone, they get an instant email with the message below.
A gift to a family in need on SmallCanBeBig.org was just made in your name.
From:
To:
Happy Holidays
Create Some Buzz with SmallCanBeBig Art
BIG news…Jonathan Bartlett, a NYC-based illustrator, has donated his time and talent to SmallCanBeBig. And, oh, were the results fantastic.
Now available on our website is an 18x24 high-quality print poster depicting Bartlett’s version of just how “small can be big.”
Proceeds, as ever, are given with the belief that your small contribution goes toward creating something BIG: Helping a family...
November 2009
5 posts
Harvard MBA students rally around microgiving
Something amazing happened last night. Harvard Business School students rallied around a family on SmallCanBeBig. Within hours, they raised over $1,000 in small increments of $11.26, making this Thanksgiving BIG for a family struggling with cancer. Thanks to all the HBS students who helped despite some issues with Google Checkout.
Another Marathoner Runs for SCBB
Our newest hobby at SCBB: Marathons. That race for over-achievers, superheroes, and gluttons for pain is now our latest model for giving. Sponsor a mile, inspire a runner to go the distance, AND help a family in need.
Following Brad’s great fundraising efforts, Amanda made SmallCanBeBig her marathon partner for the Phildelphia marathon. In less than 4 days, with 44 donors, a family’s need was met...
Where do your donations to SmallCanBeBig go?
In response to the recent NYTimes article “Confusion Where Money Lent via Kiva Goes” we thought we would be clear with our generous supporters about where your donations to SmallCanBeBig.org go once you click the donate button.
All donations… by all we mean 100% of every dollar donated… goes immediately into the charities bank account. (No transaction fees, no overhead,...
SmallCanBeBig.org made it on the Automile
Thanks to the very generous Catanese Family and Central Motors we are now proudly displayed on the Automile in Norwood, MA.
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thank you
In the past 10 months, SmallCanBeBig has raised $80,000 and helped 77 families and 169 children avoid homelessness.
Help a family heat their house this winter. Give them the peace and security of a home, keep two small children warm. And suddenly…78 families have been helped.
Together, we’re doing something BIG. Thank you for your continued support.
October 2009
3 posts
Less than a week...
Exciting news!!! Six days ago we told you about Brad’s mission to run the NYC Marathon for a family on SmallCanBeBig.org. In the name of doing something BIG together, over 50 generous pledges came in and the family’s need was met. Race Day now means a lot more to Brad and a deserving family.
Thank you.
Marathoner runs for a family
BIG news! SCBB is running a marathon! Well…someone is running a marathon for us but we’re still pretty excited.
When you sponsor one of the 26.2 miles that Brad will run in this year’s NYC marathon on Nov. 1st, you’ll be making a small, direct donation to a family in need. As always, every donation—no matter the size— helps keep a family in their home.
Help make this...
SCBB attends a wedding
We wanted to take an opportunity to thank JeeSoo and Joe for making SmallCanBeBig.org part of their wedding day on September 26th. In place of wedding favors the newlyweds donated to SCBB and included us in their registry.
People coming together, generosity, and support…it’s what we’re about.
Thank you.
September 2009
5 posts
Shopping Spree at Lord & Taylor in Boston
Need a new fall coat? Wonder why we’re asking? Small Can Be Big is participating in Lord & Taylor’s Benefit Bash on Tuesday, October 6th in Boston area stores and we want you there! Your $5 donation goes directly to a family in need on smallcanbebig.org and you get 15% off everything in the store plus 20% off one item (such as that fabulous new coat) with the coupon we send you. So email...
Looking for Aspiring Writers to Enter the...
As a volunteer-based non-profit, we rely on the generosity and talent of others to operate. Which is why, when a radio station donated some free airtime for SmallCanBeBig.org to advertise on the radio, the obvious thing to do was create a contest to get volunteers to write the copy for the spot.
The facts: a 30 second radio spot, targeting that person who wants to make a difference in the world....
non-profit mag applauds our efforts
The word is getting out! SCBB was featured in the “Give Back” section of New Identity, a non-profit magazine currently on its fourth issue. Click here to check it out. Thank you for the support, keep spreading the news: Small can be big!
1,769 Donations and Counting
In the eight months since SmallCanBeBig got its big start, 135 children and 62 families have been helped. We’re close to one thousand individual donors and have received donations from 45 states-proof that SCBB touches those beyond our Boston roots and that small, simple good can come from anywhere.
Thank you.
Twitter + SmallCanBeBig.org = Twestival!
We tweeted. We voted. And now we are thrilled to announce that Twitter and SmallCanBeBig.org are teaming up for a fundraising event at OM in Harvard Square on Thursday, September 10th from 6:30-10pm.
Click here for a New York Times article on this gathering of charitable Twitterers and here to read about charity:water, a non-profit that hosted a Twestival event and made national headlines.
August 2009
3 posts
57 Families and 123 Children
As of today, SmallCanBeBig.org has helped 57 Families and 123 Children from becoming homeless. Bad things happen to good people all the time. So many of these families posted on our site are facing unavoidable circumstances. One bad event then snowballs out of control and a family ends up homeless. Preventing that can be as simple as helping a family with one bill that puts them back on track.
...
Family Personally thanks SmallCanBeBig
We received this letter from one of the families our donors helped with her past due rent. Our charities maintain all the direct contact with the families we post. It’s nice to hear from them directly.
Hi SmallCanBeBig,
I am writing to thank you for helping me out with funding for my rent. I am a struggling grandmother, working part time while caring for my three year old grandson. Your...
Donations from across the country
What a day! Another family helped today. That makes 55 since our launch in January. We’ve had over 20 donations come in today. Our average over the past month has been about 12. The last 10 donations were from Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Washington, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, Connecticut and 2 from California. Average donations $25.00.
Thanks to a few banners running on SI.com...
July 2009
9 posts
We're Looking for Talented Volunteer Writers for...
There’s more than one way you can help SmallCanBeBig.org help families in a crisis. We’re looking for talented writers who can take the anonymous information that our charities provide for us and turn it into a straightforward, compelling story that like this one. Click here to download an example of how the facts behind a dire situation become the narrative that helps a family out...
Success!
Your donations are helping this grandmother to go back to school & support daughter with Graves’ disease: http://bit.ly/NkbpT
Thank you!
50 Families Helped
Today Small Can Be Big donors officially helped our 50th family. Every donation made goes a long way. Thank you!
Social Entrepreneurs are Everywhere
Mike Monteiro connected with SmallCanBeBig.org a few months ago on Twitter. Who knew that encounter would lead to this…
His design firm, Mule Design, is donating $5 from the sale of every t-shirt to a family in need on SmallCanBeBig.org. A great article talks about Matt in the New York Times.
Raising Kids Who Care
Yesterday a mom let us know her son was turning 8. For many 8 year old boys, birthdays are full of the anticipation of the latest legos, bionicles and even a few more pokemon cards. But for this 8 year old, in lieu of gifts he was asking his friends to make donations to SmallCanBeBig.org. This came on the heels of a story published in the New York Times called Raising Children Who Care in...
Volunteer Copywriters Needed
July 2nd, 2009
Three stories posted by volunteer copywriters. Here, here and here. Donations come in many forms. Thank you for your contributions.
June 30th, 2009
Posted a request for volunteer copywriters for SmallCanBeBig on Twitter today. Amazing how quickly we had 3 signed up to help. Thank you Twitter!!!
June 2009
1 post
New Charity Partner
Recently met with Carla Tardiff, the executive director for the Family Reach Foundation. Their mission was such a great fit with SmallCanBeBig.org we signed them up as our 11th charity partner.
They provide financial relief and support to families fighting pediatric cancers and other life-threatening diseases. Our partnership will help raises funds to help families pay for the variety of...
May 2009
1 post
Mother's Day
This Mother’s Day many of us will be honoring a special mom who makes a difference in our lives. But come Sunday, countless local moms will find themselves in a difficult position, trying their best to make a difference in the lives of their own loved ones. Why not consider forgoing the traditional box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers and making a donation to a family at SmallCanBeBig.org...
April 2009
2 posts
1,000th Donation Announcement
With a $3.00 donation, Max L. of Utah made SmallCanBeBig.org’s 1000th donation. Thanks Max!
Prudential Center Volunteer Event
SmallCanBeBig.org will be attending the Volunteer Expo this Thursday, April 16, from 5:30pm—7:30pm at The Shops at Prudential Center. Sponsored by The Improper Bostonian, more than 50 community groups are expected to attend. If you are in the area, stop by and say hi. There will be free candy!
Going Corporate
SmallCanBeBig.org was invited to a party honoring Kitt Sawitsky at the law firm of Goulston & Storrs. It was a great party and everyone seemed to love SmallCanBeBig.org’s overall mission. Thanks guys!
Should you find yourself in need of legal advice, give the folks over at Goulston & Storrs a call.
March 2009
5 posts
Got Mitzvah?
This Sunday SmallCanBeBig.org will be at the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore in Marblehead for the Got Mitzvah? event as part of the The North Shore Teen Initiative, which “seeks to engage, support and inspire Jewish adolescents through social networking, community service and experiential Jewish learning.” Do you have Mitzvah?