Comments on: Natalie Portman, and What Inspires Giving

By: Benjy

Benjy — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:40:31 +0000

late the discussion… but after reading your newsletter and then this thread, i realized that most of the monetary giving i do is because someone I know/trust/love is involved with the fundraising. for instance, i support planned parenthood, but never gave money until my friend, meredith, was employed there. another friend worked at an organization in NYC called “Lambda” that provided legal representation during cases involving gay, lesbian, or other gender issues, but i might not have been inclined to give except that i knew someone working there. Lain works at the Wren’s Nest, so even though I despise reading, I might be more inclined to give.

Kidding, I love reading.

benjy

By: Georgia Blog Carnival #31 » shelbinator.com

Georgia Blog Carnival #31 » shelbinator.com — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:55:27 +0000

[...] And spirituality aside, you can find inner peace with some good old fashioned philanthropy, even if it takes a babe like Natalie Portman to catch your eye; Lain Shakespeare at the Wren’s Nest wants to know what else inspires you to give. [...]

By: lain

lain — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:46:31 +0000

Y’all are so good! To be honest, I didn’t think that anyone was going to answer that question.

JWAIII, I think that being invited to fancy-pants parties is very noble. Plus, I also like the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Many of their members just took a field trip here. Maybe you can come next time.

Deb, great points! The great thing about giving money to smaller organizations is that you know you’re making an immediate difference. If, by chance that organization is the Wren’s Nest, you can pretty much fork over some money and then be like, “Spend it this way!” All I know to say in that situation is “Yes Sir! …ma’am!”

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:54:47 +0000

I give mostly for the same reasons already stated: good cause, good organization, good history of the organization using the money wisely.

As someone who works for a non-profit herself (HFHI), I do know how important it is to give money to the smaller organizations who may not yet have the big name recognition as the big ones, like the one that I work for. I also know how important it is to give money to any non-profit in the bad times as well as good, because when you’re hurtin, so are they.

By: JWAIII

JWAIII — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:05:50 +0000

When I’m thinking of giving to a cause or org, I think of the reasons above – has to mean something to me, have to know the very small amount of money is going to be put to good use, etc. But you know what? I don’t have much money, and realistically speaking I end up not giving. Sometimes, I will give time instead. And I think, “When I am a grown-up, I will give money to some very special places.”

Until recently. You know what I did recently? I gave money to the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Do you want to know why? Honestly? Because I believe in that park, man, and also … in their membership thing they promised to invite me to one of their big parties. I want to give to a good cause, yes; and I also want to go to an invitation-only spring fling, harvest moon, or Christmas ball, where I will meet a buncha semi-like-minded people. Two birds, one stone. It pushed me over the edge.

By: The Wren’s Nest » Auburn Avenue Podcast Tour With Andrew Young

The Wren’s Nest » Auburn Avenue Podcast Tour With Andrew Young — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:12:24 +0000

[...] Speaking of celebrity endorsements, your host for the podcasts is none other than Andrew Young. [...]

By: Marshall

Marshall — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:00:48 +0000

I give because of a belief that you are on this planet for a small period of time and you should somehow pay for that time if you consider yourself blessed. Also, from a selfish motive maybe these blessings may come back to you. Nothing like playing a little Poker. Who Knows?

By: Jodi

Jodi — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:56:36 +0000

I give because I believe in the cause and/or the person asking me for the donation. And I will annually give to such cause or person when I know my gift is appreciated and well-used. A personal thank you goes a long way with me because then I feel as if I’m more than a just a $ amount and that what I’m giving is indeed recognized as a gift.

By: Ronni French

Ronni French — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:40:14 +0000

I give because I believe in the mission – because I have an attachment to the organization-or because I see that it is a benefit to the community. Celebrity endorsements don’t mean a lot to me.

For a small organization struggling to raise money and stay afloat, flashy brochures and materials send the message that money is not spent well.

By: lain

lain — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:29:56 +0000

That’s pretty noble, Chauncey.

Normally when I give money it’s so I can get the people from Kenyon off the phone! I wish I were kidding, but often if I’m badgered enough I’ll probably write you a check so you’ll stop bothering me.