Give Until it Hurts: I Promise, It'll Feel Good

Marika Holmgren, 12.29.2009

Sustainability advocate, cancer ass-kicker, mountain biker

The end of the year is just a couple of days away. Giving is easier than ever before: you can give through traditional channels, or use new giving strategies through Facebook or even a text message.

Investing in Iran: Five Reasons Why American Philanthropists Should Support the Iranian Opposition

Trevor Neilson, 12.28.2009

President, Global Philanthropy Group

The opposition in Iran desperately needs support, and wealthy individuals in the United States are well positioned to provide it.

God Bless America

Mort Zuckerman, 12.24.2009

Editor, U.S. News & World Report

The end of a year always provides an opportunity to think about the true joys of living in this wonderful country we call America. One quality integral to the American sense of community is giving.

Rejecting Willful Ignorance

Susan Smalley, Ph.D., 12.23.2009

Susan L. Smalley, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at ...

In our rejection of willful ignorance, we need look for ways to give back to those less fortunate than us and to make changes in our own lives that can directly improve the quality of life for others.

Everyday "Rudy"'s Find Ways to Inspire and Remind All About the Value of Sports

Joe Favorito, 12.28.2009

Sports and entertainment communications, marketing and branding consultant

A few weeks ago the finalists for the High School "Rudy" Awards were announced. They are a group of real life overachievers who deserve a bow.

Information-Expectation Mismatch: Philanthropy's Story Continues to go Untold

Jane Wales, 12.21.2009

Vice President, Philanthropy and Society of the Aspen Institute

A recent survey of civically engaged Americans reports that only 19 percent had heard or seen anything in the news about philanthropy's response to the economic downturn.

'Change Philanthropy' Highlights 10 Funders Engaged in Social Justice Philanthropy

Jane Wales, 12.21.2009

Vice President, Philanthropy and Society of the Aspen Institute

According to the book, these foundations ask why a social problem or need exists, not just how a foundation can help -- and then focus their grantmaking on the answers uncovered.

The Susans I Met In The Slums Of Nairobi

Susan Smalley, Ph.D., 12.21.2009

Susan L. Smalley, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at ...

I visited Kiberia last week. With local NGO leaders as our guide (and two soldiers carrying automatic rifles) we walked through an adjacent neighborhood slum of Nbuta to visit some families that live there.

Exclusive: The Aga Khan, Women and Development: The Path of Education

Rahim Kanani, 12.21.2009

Research Associate, Hauser Center for Nonprofits, Harvard University

As development agencies integrate their efforts to reduce the massive inequalities plaguing women and girls worldwide, we must never forget the value of human dignity, and the power of education to dignify.

Sustained Strategic Philanthropy

Jane Wales, 12.16.2009

Vice President, Philanthropy and Society of the Aspen Institute

Philanthropists can get the biggest bang for their buck in the current economic climate by helping with three basic needs: Preventing foreclosures, sustaining health programs and ensuring access to food.

Just Listen -- Too Late For This Year? Try Next...

Mark Goulston, M.D., 12.16.2009

The even greater benefit of giving in this manner is that you find out not only the non-profits and charities that your clients support, but get to hear the story of how and why they chose them.

How to make Mondays a pleasure

Ben Mangan, 12.14.2009

I don't know about you, but the term The Holidays has become a two-word proxy for a long list of things that seem less meaningful every year. Yes - I ...

Book Lays Out Plan for an 'Impact Index'

Jane Wales, 12.11.2009

Vice President, Philanthropy and Society of the Aspen Institute

Some of the best nonprofits have been prevented in their potential for growth. What's needed, according to Steven Goldberg, a consultant to nonprofits and social entrepreneurs, is a new nonprofit capital market.

Why Won't Borders Donate Their Soon-To-Be-Trashed Books?

Erik Ose, 12.14.2009

Writer, Activist, Community Organizer

Current Waldenbooks employees have come forward to alert the public that the company plans to dispose of many unsold books in the cheapest, easiest, least responsible way possible - by trashing them.

Room to Grow Revolutionizes Child Care Philanthropy

Michael Macher, 12.11.2009

Michael Macher is an intern for HuffPost Living. He graduated from Marlboro College with a degree in ...

As America's middle class struggles to adjust to the myriad inconveniences of a shifting economic reality, low-income parents face a far more dire challenge--that of providing their children with basic care.

Giving And The Pursuit Of Happiness

Andrew Shapter, 12.09.2009

Andrew Shapter is a filmmaker, photographer and screenwriter

Is happiness something that we can really pursue? If so, how would we define what happiness is, and when would we know if or when we've got it?

Things to Truly Be Thankful For

Fang Yuan, 12.09.2009

Writer

At this critical moment in history, when it is easier than ever before to reach out, touch, and shape another person's life, we have fewer excuses to not contribute to re-shaping our world for the better.

Become A Philanthropist With A Mission

Kari Henley, 12.04.2009

President of the Board of Directors at the Women & Family Life Center

How many of you consider yourselves a philanthropist? The word conjures up super elite icons like Bill Gates, Oprah and Warren Buffet. However, the true definition of philanthropist is "lover of humanity."

Launch Dreams for $1 at SaveTogether.org

Ben Mangan, 12.03.2009

Have you seen those commercials for McDonald's where a guy roams around trying to get something for a dollar? I think he gets a wire clothes hanger an...

Beyond Fallen Sports Idols: Let's Celebrate the Giving Life

Dan Siegel, 12.01.2009

A writer, social entrepreneur and speaker on politics, film and civil society

Rather than dwelling on the shortcomings of our athletic heroes fed by the "build them up, tear them down" media culture, perhaps we should celebrate those stars who can inspire our children to also give of themselves to others.

Chase Giveaway Gets Hot & Facebook Becomes Charity Hub

Saul Garlick, 11.24.2009

Founder and Executive Director, ThinkImpact

Chase Community Giving on Facebook is no joke. The program is doling out $5 million to small nonprofits, while being very smart and crafty with this idea.