philanthropy that makes sense.

 i really like the idea of reason to give, a nonprofit helping the community of humboldt park in chicago. the well-designed site is described as a "shopping/giving" experience, where prospective donors can search by recipient, need and/or cost to find someone who needs that item. i think allowing donors to "see" how they are helping, and providing specific needs attached to real people with real stories is extremely powerful. think: "single mother of three needs beds for all and a computer." i like that the percentage of the goal reached is also featured.

since my family has roots in chicago, i contacted the organization to see how i (and you) can help from afar. dawn hancock, their executive director, responded: "if you would like to donate new items that you see on the site, you are more than welcome to ship them to the address below." donors can also give any dollar amount or gift cards.

i also wanted to know if there are plans to rollout this idea to other areas in need. hancock considers this a "pilot program" and "if all goes well...we'll expand to other neighborhoods and/or cities."

i have a feeling all will go well and we'll be seeing more of this innovative bunch.

items can be sent to:
firebelly foundation
2701 west thomas, 2nd floor
chicago, il 60622
773.489.3439

image credit: reason to give.