Three Online Donation Support Sites

            Some non-profit organizations (NPOs) can use various online resources to receive donations.  These services can be helpful for organizations with websites, or those without a website.   Some of these sites are:

• Firstgiving.com
• Chipin.com; and,
• Paypal.com.

Each of these websites provides a resource that can be very helpful as NPOs develop their specific fundraising platform.  The main thing that should be considered is which service would provide the NPO with the best means to receive funds.

Donations and Fundraising

NPOs rely on the generosity of donors and fundraising projects, therefore, it is necessary to reflect upon the user-friendly nature of any particular service you plan to use to generate funds.  Is the service easy to use?  Does it allow donors to receive an automatic acknowledgement?  Does it permit donors to pay the fee associated with their online donation?  Can the funds be easily transferred into the organization’s bank account?  Each of the funding services can be helpful; however, NPOs should become familiar with each site to comprehend their usefulness.

Firstgiving.com:  Firstgiving.com is a useful resource for NPOs.  Individuals or NPOs can create a fundraising page for any registered non-profit.  Registered NPOs are recognized via Guidestar.org, and serves as a means in which individuals can research the reliability of an organization.  Once an organization has become a 501(c)3, the designated individual within the organization should send the IRS information to Guidestar.org, and within a few days, they will listed.  This information is shared with organizations, such as Firstgiving.com, which then proceeds to list the NPO in its database of organizations.  As donations are made to the NPO via Firstgiving.com page, funds are collected (minus their service fee), and monthly checks are mailed to the NPO.

           

Chipin.com:  Chipin.com is similar to Firstgiving.com; however, it does not have the in-depth donor management application as Firstgiving.  In my opinion, Firstgiving.com allows organizations to manage the fundraising process a lot better than Chipin.com; however, Chipin.com is good for organizations who are starting and are not quite ready to become a 501(c) 3.  It has many of the bells and whistles, such as a fundraising bar., which can be very helpful to ascertain the percentage of donations collected.

Paypal.com: Many people have heard of Paypal.com.  Paypal can be another helpful option, and it is easy to start.  One of the benefits of Paypal.com is that donations can be received and transferred into the NPO’s bank account; however, many of the fundraising tools are not available on their platform.

Each of the above-mentioned resources can help NPOs collect donations via credit cards, debit cards, or through their bank accounts (Paypal.com).  There is a small fee in some cases, yet it is worth considering as a form of online fundraising tool.


More to come in the upcoming book this Spring!

Self-publishing Companies: Blurb or Lulu?

For the past few weeks I have been working on a book to help others start their own non-profit (NPO).  This is largely in part due to the seminars I have provided over the past two years.  Key ideas to help those interested in forming an NPO will be posted in this blog soon; however, one of the things I have found interesting is the self-publishing process.  Including two publishing companies.  


In the process, I found two great sites that are pretty interesting.  Blurb.com's format is definitely easy to follow, and their software is fairly good.  I like that they permit the author to sell the book on their site, and purchase books as you need them.  Furthermore, the design has a somewhat contemporary appeal that I like.

Lulu.com is similar in some capacity.  It also permits you to sell on Amazon.com; however, conduct a search about that first on Youtube.com.  I found some interesting videos regarding that process.  To sell on Amazon, you just need to have an ISBN number.  Both Lulu and Blurb provides information on how that can be done.  Either way, I found both sites interesting, and worth visiting if you are interested in publishing a book.

A new idea for those interested in starting a non-profit

As the new year begins, some people may consider the possibility of starting a non-profit to service the needs of others; however, they may not know where to begin.

Well here is a tip:  Check out 501c3experts.com.  

Reach out them to learn more They have been helpful to me in the past, and they may be of service to you.

Go forth and be a service to others!

The Return to the Blog, A Return to the Journey

So, it has been sometime since I have posted a blog.  Actually it has been almost three years.  I have to admit, it has been challenging trying to wear many hats, including a blog poster; however, I have been proud of many of the things that has taken place during that time, and the growth I have made during that time.  I look at the past few years as the period of the beautiful maze, similarly to the book maze I photographed in Rio de Janeiro on one of my past trips (on the right).  Although a maze can be a huge challenge, once a person completes it, the person appreciates the journey.


Some of my past  activities can be viewed on the website, Facebook, and Twitter (all of which are accessible via the web page www.blessings4brazil.org).  This year, however, I have decided to revisit the blog and share some of what I have learned over the past few years.  Bi-weekly, I will try to blog about informative topics such as:

• How to start a non-profit?
• The joys and challenges of being a leader
• Recruitment 101:  Board Members
• Recruitment 102:  Volunteers
• Websites with great resources for non-profit organizations
• And more!

Meanwhile, I prepare to start a new maze in 2012.  Although I can not ensure that it will be as beautiful as the one above, I look forward to completing it.

Blessings!

Teacher Enrichment Program to provide Micro-level Grants

This fall Blessings for Brazil will be launching our new program - THE TEACHER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (TEP)/Programma de Auxilio ao Professor (PAP).

As of this fall, Brazilian teachers will be able to better reach the needs of their students with the support our

micro-level grant. This is a new approach towards micro-level support to meet educational needs within disenfranchised communities.

Our goal is to support three teachers in 2010 and reach at least 150 students through the TEP Grant.

To learn more, visit http://www.blessings4brazil.com/TEP.html

Celebration Time!!!

So I finally received the news.  I am so happy to announce that we are a 501(c)3.  It has not been an easy journey.  Nor a cheap one.  Yet, we are so blessed to have this new status.  We also know that it comes with a new level of responsibility.  However, no matter what, we do this for them.

Blessings for Brazil, Inc. has grown since my early days of sending packages to the school to help teachers with instructional supplies.  It just feels good to know that I have a purpose.  This year, I am blessed to have additional support and the effort of good people who support and volunteer with us.  You can join us and help.  There are many volunteer opportunities.  This includes Volunteer sales person to help sell our notecards.  Our notecards are only $1.

Come on support.

Fundraising 101: Have Ideas to help our newest fundraising project?

So now we are embarking on our first major fundraising project. There is a lot of faith needed to make this happen. GLIDING HIGH FOR THOSE BELOW is very different, but importantly it is a different time right now in the global economy. This is where my prayers and belief in God is going to be necessary. I welcome any ideas, suggest and of course, donations to make it happen. Visit www.blessings4brazil.com to learn more.

Week's Ratings:
Meeting Project Goals: 6 out 6 (Expanding our base. Now just need to get fundraising going)

Personal Life: 3 out of 6 (An improvement)

Need a Vacation: 4 out of 6 (Have made plans, so the need is not a high as the exciting feelings in the pit of my stomach).

Ready for your Advice and Ideas

So, Blessings for Brazil is trying to make sure we try new and various ways to:
(1) help spread our word of our work;
(2) reach out to teachers and schools in Brazil; &
(3) think of new ways to fundraise and market ourself.

While you are invited to attend our Brain Picking Sessions, we understand some people want to help, but can not attend.

Therefore, if you have any advice, ideas or suggestions for us to consider, please give it to us. YOUR IDEAS CAN HELP US MAKE A GREATER IMPACT.

Blessings!


Week's Ratings:
Meeting Project Goals: 5 out 6 (Moving a smarter pace )
Personal Life: 3 out of 6 (An improvement)
Need a Vacation: 9 out of 6 (Well you have to admit, Carnival is around the corner)

How much for a 501(c)3?

I called a few law firms recently, trying to find quotes on the cost of forming a non-profit. I was quoted as high as $5,000 + IRS fees of $300-750. I could not believe it. I want to enhance our ability to do good and share blessings, but $5K? I immediately began looking for options.

I have found an option that seems viable. I found NorthStar http://www.501c3solutions.us/ on Google. They operate as a non-profit with two parts (1) child advocacy and (2) helping projects become non-profits. The proceeds they receive to help non-profits, go towards the Child Advocacy part of their group. I have begun to research them by reviewing their rating "A" on the BBB http://www.orlando.bbb.org/codbrep.html?ID=201229843&cons=y and the next step is to contact individuals on their refferal list. Their price quote was about a 1/4 of the law firm, which seems like an option. Especially, after hearing the $5 price quote. Right now, I am still looking into other options. I just know that I am not paying $5K that I don't have. Oh yeah, I don't have any right now. Yet, this is where prayers and positive thinking comes into play.


Today's Ratings:
Meeting Project Goals: 3.5 out 6 (Figuring out how to create more volunteer groups in other areas; placed an ad on Facebook to run today & working on contact people on Northstar's referral list. )
Personal Life: 2 out of 6 (Still at a 2)
Need a Vacation: 889 out of 6 (Dreaming of Brazil as I improve my Portuguese listening to a podcast on my ipod.)

Learning about Boards

Okay, so I am going to do something very different. We are now in 2009 and there are many things I want to accomplish for the Blessings project. But, more importantly, I am realizing I should be as open and honest about the challenges of working on this project. I can say all is well, but I think we all know that there are challenges. So as I continue this journey of SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (I just learned this term after hours of listening to Craigslist Podcasts) I am going to share my insights, challenges and accomplishments.

So today is a snow day in New York, so I spent some time listing to the podcasts provided by Craigslist Foundation on Itunes. I found one on Boards titled "Your Board and Fundraising: A Small Introductory Guide for Non-Profits". Now, no one tells you how it depth the board process goes. I knew that I had to start a board to form the non-profit and apply for the 501(c)3. So you ask around, after thinking for a while, for those who would be qualified and also willing to help you with your dreams. I have 3 friends who agreed to ride this journey. Now, I have to figure out how to operate the board in a way that helps me reach the goals for the year, without imposing on their lives. Actually, I need to reword that. I want them to be just as impassioned as I am.



So the questions are: HOW DO I INSPIRE AND LEAD THE BOARD TO SUCCESS? HOW DO I MAKE THE PROCESS A FULFILLING & REWARDING EXPERIENCE? How can the board help support the Volunteers so the volunteers are able to move forward? How do I help develop and build a culture to develop that?



Well, since I am not able to fly them to Brazil to experience why I am so committeed to the idea of Blessings and Social Entrepreneurship, I need to start with inviting their ideas and feedback for the goals for the year. They have knowledge and insight. Then I will share this with the volunteers and collaborate with them to make sure are supported.

All I can say is, there is a lot in store. I am praying for the strength to see it through.

Today's Ratings:Meeting Project Goals: 3 out 6 (Today spent more time on the website. Hope to move towards marketing in a few minutes)
Personal Life: 2 out of 6 (Does that still exist?)
Need a Vacation: 888 out of 6 (I wish I could go to Brazil for Carnival)

P.S. Did I tell you that I do this while working a Full-time job and going to Grad School?
Living from the energy of Blessings and HIS grace.

New Year Collection Project

So 2009 is on its way. For Blessings for Brazil, this is an opportunity to help those in Brazil. The school, Solar Meninos de Luz has opened a local thrift shop to help the local community, while offsetting some of its expenses. This is a great opportunity to help. If you have clothing that you would like to donate, please send to Blessings for Brazil. http://blessings4brazil.com/

Visit the website for more information for this New Year Collection drive that will take place until January 11th, 2009. Also, if you teacher materials in Portuguese or books that could be used to teach English, please send to Blessings for Brazil (media rate is a cheaper way to send them).

So, what's Next?

The future of the http://www.blessings4brazil.com/ and the Blessings brand is my goal right now. Being in Brazil and seeing how we are helping children learn English, explore their creative sides, and access more books is rewarding. Now the challenge is to build a sustainable future that can reach more schools and facilities. This includes developing a regular income generating source; finalizing the NGO status; and increasing promotion and outreach. It will happen. I am optimistic and a believer that great things will continue to take place.

This week, we have begun working on generating funds via the Blessings Boudoir. Donated items are listed and posted for sale on Ebay, which will help us build a regular income source. One of the goals for this year, is to sponsor a young lady in Rio. She lives in the favela and attends Solar Meninos de Luz, but despite her challenges, she is learning English and is about to enter college. Yet, she needs the resources to help her further her education. I would like the Blessings Project to reach out to her. This is where the funds from the Blessings Boudoir can help.

This is also where you can help. Visit http://www.blessings4brazil.com/ and click on the Boudoir link. Learn how you can help by donating items or bidding on items you are interested in. This is another way you can help make a difference. For remember, God blesses us so we can be a blessing for others.

Blessings.

P.S. The picture you see is of one of my favorite Brazilian actors Lazaro Ramos. People I know in Brazil will be in his next movie and they were able hang out with him. HE IS AN EXCELLENT ACTOR!

Now that is good.

Yesterday I returned to the school with the books I purchased in Salvador. I met up with Sheila, the librarian I worked with last summer and Regina, the Head of the Volunteer Department. It was good to return to the school and be able to see what has changed and how they are progressing forward. Regina shared how she has been working with students, teaching them English. Some of the supplies you helped to collect are being used in the volunteered-led English classes. She also shared that the music teacher has been using the flutes and harmonicas that were sent earlier this year. We also walked through the new art gallery where students art was being prepared as part of an exhibition. Great things are happening at Solar!

We also spoke the possible future of Blessing for Brazil and Solar. It is my goal of making Blessings for Brazil a tool make substantial change in a child’s life. Just one child could grow up and lead a community. Just one. For a while, I have been reflecting on what the future of Blessings for Brazil will be and the sustainability of that future. That is the challenge and I accept it. The deeper challenge is awaiting the team that will help see it through. I pray that God will put that team together to ensure that he is work will continue to flourish. Until then, I continue to live in faith and move with God.

Robbery on the Avenida

Yesterday I saw my second crime. Well, I can't say I saw the actual offense, but I saw the after effects. First I heard a guy shouting from a few yards behind me. When I turned, I saw a woman (black) running across the street. A couple of foreigners ran and caught on to her when she went to the other side of the street, but their hold did not last and she ran down the street, taking off the sweater she was wearing. Then a woman called out in rage. I could not tell what was stolen, for I did not see much. But you can believe, I said some serious thank you prayers.

With the beauty of Brazil, there are some serious issues with crime. The first robbery I saw was last year in Centro. Pick-pocketters easily took the wallet of a Brazilian man. When I asked the friend I was with how did he know, he said he watched them. It was like he knew that they were fixed on the man. I was amazed by his sharp eyes, and held on tighter to what I had. During the New Year's holiday time, a guy from the mid-west was robbed twice. I have to admit, being the loud Americano, with his clearly American attire did not help. It helps when you modify your appearance and try to down play the strong foreigner look. I say, flip-flops are a start. Lower your voice and laugh. If you can't speak their language, just whisper. Yesterday, a woman on the bus was trying to get directions from the conductor. Her strong American voice was obvious, and she did not seem to know any Portuguese. I whispered, "I will help you because the conductor does not know English, but you need to lower your voice. You don't want to make it obvious that you are a foreigner." The Californian paralegal was greatful, and got off where she needed. But it is necessary to try to offset and minimize what could happen.

At the end of the day, I ask God for safety and read the Psalms. While crime could happen anywhere, I find that here I try to be more aware of my surroundings and pray that the Lord's heavenly angels keep me safe.

Returning to where it all started.

So, it was good to return to the school that started it all. While several things hadn't changed in the favela, I see that the school has had several changes. The theatre is complete. Signs display their progress and the library was even more inviting. I walked through the library and was able to see how several of the books, Blessings for Brazil had donated, were being used by the children and the community. I will be returning to the school on Monday to see Regina, the Volunteer Coordinator. Its just so good to be able to see that we have helped to make a difference.

On Monday, I plan to return to the school with over 40 books. When I was in Salvador, I found a book distributor that had books for very good price. For example, in Ipanema books on teaching English were at least R$40, but in this store, I found similar books for R$10. So using the donations of my lovely Blessings family, I spent about R$200 (about US$160) on books. I am very pleased to be able to have portuguese books for students and the favela community. The pictures are a glimpse of the amount of books I purchased. Books varied from history, fantasy, science and learning English books.

Welcome Tanya!

Well, I am pleased to introduce some friends that will be a part of the Blessings for Brazil community. On the website, you will meet Tanya and Anna. Soon, another will come to share how you can do something to help a child in Brazil.

Wasting R$65

Okay, so I have been in Brazil many times before, but I made a big boo-boo that has cost me about $40 US. You see, I went to put credit on my Oi phone and but I put the wrong number in the system. I switched two of the digits in the number. Instead of receiving credit to make calls, I ended up giving someone an extra R$65 of talking time. If it was just a couple of dollars I would be okay with it, but it is R$65. When I went to the company, with my limited Portuguese, they kept telling me, "It's the system. It's the system. We can't give you any money." I then had a friend return to the store with me to try and work their wonders, but to no avail. So the lesson is, either (1) put the correct number in; (2) have the customer service rep ensure it is the correct number; (3) do not put huge amounts in at a time. And, if possible, use TIM instead. I have a TIM number and have never had problems with credit. Just Oi.

Actually, I rather use Skype.com now a days. It works out to be cheaper in many aspects. Oh by the way, if you are asking why I did not remember my number, it is a new line and I am still getting use to it.

HAPPY!

Y'all do not know how happy I am right now.

This week the spirit of the Lord put a new idea in my head for the project. To help set up a sign up on the website for those interested in learning Portugese or English. It was not something I planned, but I added this new feature to the website and people are already signing up to provide free session. Y'ALL are just AMAZING! You just do not know. I am so happy right now. It's not just about collecting funds, books, computer materialsI just want to all that I can to help people help others. This just makes me feel good about people. I know we are all going through different things in our lives, but thank you for trying and believing.

Thank you, thank you and thank you!

I am honored that you guys continued to understand what I am trying to do.
Lauri, the Believer of Blessings


http://www.blessings4brazil.com/EnglishSpon.html
or to view overall projects http://www.blessings4brazil.com/theproject.html

Doing Good!

Well I am happy to share a picture that symbolizes what Blessing for Brazil is about. Providing materials for schools and children in Brazil. Right now, I am getting ready to ship two boxes of materials for Solar Meninos de Luz. Later this week I will ship a third. Feel good to know that many of you out there have helped to make it happen.

The challenge of generosity today.

True generosity consists precisely in fighting to destroy the causes which nourish false charity. False charity constrains the fearful and subdued, the "rejects of life," to extend their trembling hands. True generosity lies in striving so that these hands-whether of individuals or entire peoples - need be extended less and less in supplication, so that more and more they become human hands which work and, working, transform the world.

-Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Paulo Freire, p. 45

Over a year ago, I did not see myself returning to Brazil. Nor could I imagine starting on a project to help provide tools for those in Brazil to make moves to transform their lives. But, God had other plans. A year has gone by and I look at what has been done and embark on a journey to take this as far as it can go. But in the process of doing so, I have noticed certain things about humanity and mankind: those you know versus those you don't. Those who follow through versus those who do not. This past month, those I did not know have surprised me. They have extended themselves in unexpected ways. Those who have provided support and assistance were not those I knew, but strangers, and I am so humbly appreciative.

For me Blessings for Brazil (BFB) is more than a project for Rio. I envision this as a means to provide the "oppressed" with tools to change the course of their lives. To motivate one to seek change within their own community. To use whatever resources that BFB can acquire on their behalf, and step out of their 'normal' and at times 'limited' realm and to strive towards the world outside their own. Blessings for Brazil is not about just collecting books, materials and at times funds, it is about helping that young girl in Salvador who did not want to take a picture with me, unless she was able to make some money. It is about the boys who hustle the tourists day and night, rather that taking their sophisticated business sense and using it in more legal terms. Its about the school that is trying to help that mother living in that favela, give her child access to an education that would not have been available. Blessings for Brazil is that agent and I AM GOD's foot soldier on this journey.

So the challenge I face is to help inspire those who "want" to help turn that want into action. It is very hard, but this foot soldier is not giving up. Whether it is computer supplies or books or whatever, ACTION is key. Its like a sentence; there is no sentence with out the subject and verb, subject and action. Blessings for Brazil is willing to be the subject, but you can provide the verb, the action, to help bless a child.

God blesses us so we can be a blessing for others.