Lynne Rosenthal wrote a story for Women’s enews describing her evolution as a donor; she gave $1,000,000 to the Ms. Foundation because she was passionate not only about the causes the foundation supports but also the way it provides funding.  She wrote that it is:

“…a philanthropy that is horizontal and democratic, not vertical and hierarchical…. it is a culture that is just and right and that creates lasting social change.”

We may not have the largess that Lynn has, but we can still benefit from her story and her philosophy of giving.

• Give as much as you can as often as you can. 
  Lynn got started with a $25 donation.
• Be thoughtful - and selective - about the charities you support.
  Take a good look at how the money you give will be used; check to be sure that the charity is real and that a decent percentage of the money you give will reach the people you want to help. 
• Keep track of your donations.
  It’ll make things a lot easier when tax time rolls around if you have good records to document your donations.

You don’t have to give a million to feel like a million when you support causes close to your heart.   As Maya Angelou said, ” I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”

TAGS: charity. philanthropy, contributions to women, living a rich life, support, taxes, Women and Aging

I’m so excited – the nonprofit status for our organization, Bloom Again, was approved today.  This was an idea I came up with when I was recovering from breast cancer.  I realized how fortunate I was to have the luxury of being able to recuperate free from concerns about work and money.  I wanted all women who need a hand in their time of need to feel that same sense of relief. 

Bloom Again is designed to allow artisans to donate their work and have it purchased by people who want to help women and girls in transition.  In other words, we can all help women to bloom again.  My own work and that of Kathleen Kelley Reardon is on the site and I invite you to visit us at www.bloomagain.org.  Carol Frohlinger is on the Board of Directors. 

If you have friends who don’t need one more THING and you’d like to make a donation in their name for a special occasion , we’ll send them a card letting them know you made a contribution to honor them.  And if you’re an artist with work you’d like to donate please contact me through the Bloom Again website.  You can make more than a living — you can make a difference! 

TAGS: Bloom Again, cancer, contributions to women, donations, women helping women