- Heifer International is more symbolic than tangible, it seems: “there is no actual buffalo and no actual family and you won’t get a photo of your family and your buffalo. The money simply gets dumped into the common fund at the charity.” That’s not to say contributing to the common fund isn’t a good idea –
- Bringing neighborhood idealists together: Action Without Borders’s new initiative invites you finally connect your past missed connections with other activists in your ‘hood by hosting or joining a start-up meeting during the week of February 5-11. The sole LA group signed up so far is here.
- A composting, water-free toilet from Microsoft that may very well save your marriage, if you stuck yourself into one of those things.
- How to give yourself a stress-induced heart attack. Learn to “live stressfully” in five easy steps.
So where is the organization that will step in and literally let you buy a water buffalo and have it donated to a family?
Comment by Jason Whittington — January 18, 2007 @ 9:34 am
Jason — Did you follow the link? The buffalo donating wasn’t done by an org — It was done by individuals — v. motivated bloggers and blog readers. The film’s pretty inspiring to watch.
Comment by Siel — January 18, 2007 @ 9:41 am
When money gets sent into a nonprofit, the individual donation money gets dumped into the general cash account, as Heifer does.
The cash account is used to pay for everything but the agency’s purpose. Those funds are typically grants made by foundations that restrict how the money can be spent.
This is the best excuse to stop donating money to charities altogether. Except, grant-makers have been inundated with requests from the proliferation of charities, and they demand a percentage of revenues come from unrestricted general donations.
The lesson from all of this is, if you are going to donate to charity, none of your money goes into helping the cause you are actually supporting. But, you have to give that money in order to get the money that really goes to support the cause. Just be happy that you’re getting a tax deduction. :>
Comment by Wad — January 18, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
Interesting point, Wad! What’s clear is that — in order to feel a closer connection to the socio-political work one undertakes, one has to put in personal effort to make that happen.
On some level, I like how Heifer makes the whole process look “easy.” On the other, it’s important to remain aware that real connection takes work, in personal relationships or in anything else.
I recommend that everyone follow the links and watch the inspiring water buffalo video — I cried a lil watching it –
Comment by Siel — January 18, 2007 @ 11:32 pm
Global Giving (www.globalgiving.com) lets you donate to a particular project, if you’re concerned about the specifics of where your money goes.
Comment by Jasmin — January 19, 2007 @ 10:48 am
Cool — Thanks for the link :)
Comment by Siel — January 21, 2007 @ 9:03 am