World Give Day

Tommorw, May 4th, is the second annual World Give Day.  World Give Day is a day designated to inspire people all over the world to give.  Give what?  Give anything from time, money, kisses, clothes, whatever.  The idea was born to inspire a culture of giving, period. 

I was asked by Give Forward to write a blog around this topic.  The idea is to respond to the statement:  small scale donors are the backbone of philanthrophy. 

Small scale donors have changed the game.  Local people especially children put together lemonade stands to raise money for tragedies around the world.  Although small amounts might only be raised many small amounts can create a big pot.  Look at Kickstarter that has literally changed the face of giving as well as Give Forward.  Organizations like Catchafire.org are matching pro bono volunteers with non-profit foundations so people can donate their skills to organizations that can't afford professionals at that level. 

The Internet has flattened the world.  We can make choices around the world to give back.  We can send small parcels to soldiers in Iraq as easily as giving small amounts to fund a friend who is walking for breast cancer.  Many small scale donors are what really make a difference because the traction from many is the key to rising tides.  Nothing like getting one big check but it is communities that make the biggest difference and although small scale donors could be spread across the world giving to the same cause they become a community through that cause. 

So regardless of what you do on World Give Day, give something.  If we all gave something back everyday, even a friendly pat on the back to someone who needs it, the world would be a much better place. 

I'd love to hear from everyone their thoughts on small scale donors.

 

"This post is part of a blog series inspired by World Give Day and hosted by GiveForward.  To find other posts in this series please visit www.worldgiveday.com or follow the hashtag #giveday."