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!