Blog – Page 2 – Adam Gant

Foods to Donate in Bulk This Summer

On July 17, 2019

In Adam Gant, Blog, Charity, Environmentalism, Service

Nutritionists recommend that people eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, dairy products and healthy oils or fats on a daily basis. For over 42 million Americans, putting food on the table is a struggle. They do not have the means to provide for the nutritional needs of their families.

Over 13 million children go hungry on a daily basis. As summer vacation begins, the hunger crisis becomes a more prevalent problem. Students who have been getting meals at school will now be home all day without appropriate food to eat.

Approximately 10 million elderly adults in America also experience daily hunger. The senior citizen population often hide their struggle with food. They have a tendency to use what they have to benefit other people.

Government programs only marginally help those who need food assistance. Some struggling Americans do not qualify for the assistance that is offered. As a result, more people are turning to food banks for help.

Most food banks rely on volunteers and donations to provide for people in need. As summer starts, donations begin to dwindle. With fewer contributions, food banks become limited on how much help they can provide. Bulk donations of non-perishable food items can help sustain a program’s food supply and keep them in business.

Here are some suggestions for items that can be donated in bulk.

Proteins:

Canned Meats
Canned Fish
Peanut Butter/Other Nut Butters
Dried or Canned Beans/Legumes

Grains:

Rice
Pasta
Quinoa
Oatmeal
Whole Grain Cereal

Dairy:

Dry Milk
Canned Milk
Shelf-stable Cheese Products
Boxed Milk

Vegetables/Fruits:

Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruits
Raisins/Dried Fruits

Miscellaneous Items:

Spices
Vegetable, Beef, or Chicken Stock
Pasta Sauces
Gravy or Seasoning Mixes
Tea, Coffee or Drink Mixes

Hunger doesn’t stop for summer. Bulk donations to food banks can help provide nutritious meals for families in need all summer long.

Great Ways to Help a New Neighbor

On June 3, 2019

In Adam Gant, Blog, Charity, Philanthropy

Whenever a new neighbor moves in, it can be a particularly tough time for them as they try to settle and cope with the new environment. As a responsible neighbor, you may take it upon yourself to facilitate their comfort by doing them a few favors. There are many ways you can help ease their transition. Below are a few options to consider.

Help with heavy cleaning duties

Cleaning the house and property for the first time after moving in is a daunting task. If the neighbor has opted to do it themselves rather than hiring professional cleaners, you may offer to lend them a hand and help them with demanding tasks such as cleaning the house, clearing the compound, and arranging items in the house. Offering such help is one of many good neighborhood practices and will grant you an opportunity to get to know your neighbors better.

Sharing crucial information

As the neighbor settles down in a new area, the first few weeks can be tough for them. You may take this opportunity to provide them with some information as relates to the area, such as where to find law enforcement services, entertainment, schools, convenience stores, and other basic and utility services. Additional tips such as the general security of the area are crucial in ensuring that the neighbor settles down as seamlessly as possible. This tactic is especially useful if you have lived in the area for some time. Consider the resources you regularly use and share their locations with your new neighbors; doing so will help them feel more welcome and infomed.

Giving them a ride

In case you drive and your neighbor doesn’t, you may extend the courtesy of asking them if they are going in the same direction as you are. This favor may come in handy when helping a neighbor who travels in the area often. You may also want to extend some favors such as asking the neighbor if they need anything from the stores or supermarkets before you head back home. Minimizing the need for separate trips can help your neighbor trust you more and limit your carbon footprint.

Practice accountability

You should always endeavor to practice accountability policing over their property and family. For instance, if the neighbor’s children come back from school and find the house locked, you may have to take them in as you wait for the neighbor’s arrival. In addition, you should endeavor to watch over the neighbor’s property and ward off any would-be intruders. Practicing such acts of good neighborhood helps make your neighbor feel loved while promoting peaceful coexistence. This aspect of being a good neighbor goes beyond common courtesy; you should make your neighbor feel that you are trustworthy and reliable, thereby making them feel safe.

How You Can Start a Community Farm

On April 9, 2019

In Adam Gant, Blog, Charity, Environmentalism, Philanthropy, Service

When considering how you can benefit your community, donating money and goods may be the first idea to come to mind. However, there are other ways you can provide valuable resources and opportunities for those in your area. One such idea is starting a community farm. The benefits of a community farm are plentiful, especially in urban areas, and they are a great way for you to get involved with your neighbors and form lasting connections.

What Is A Community Farm?

Simply defined, a community farm is a shared plot of land that hosts produce, flowers, and other vegetation for anyone to use. These gardens are tended to by the community, meaning that anyone can plant seeds, water sprouts, and harvest fruits and vegetables. Often, community farms are started in order to provide healthy resources and cost-effective opportunities to individuals who might otherwise lack access to such things.

Some of the primary benefits of a community farm entail access to fresh produce, urban beautification, cleaner air, diversified relations, and a stronger, more tightly-knit community. Though starting and maintaining a community garden can certainly require a lot of hard work, the positive effects are worth the labor.

Getting Started

One of the most important steps to take prior to starting a community farm entails actually communicating with members of your community and gauging their interest. If you are the only individual who is passionate about the initiative and shows interest in tending to the farm, you might want to consider alternative means of serving your community. However, even connecting with your neighbors is a great start; showing them that you have an idea that would benefit everyone could be enough to convince them to support your initiative.

Identify Resources

From available, fertile land to gardening equipment, ensuring you have what is necessary for the urban farm is essential. You should devote some time to researching the organizations in your area such as gardening clubs or municipal planners who can support your idea and provide you with valuable resources and advice. Connecting with individuals in your community who have gardening or landscaping experience will also be beneficial.

Establish Guidelines

Budgeting finances and determining management duties is often a necessary aspect of beginning a community farm. Designating how you will receive funding for your farm—through fundraising or membership dues, for instance—and who will be responsible for tending to the garden throughout each week can help eliminate some stress and uncertainty. Putting these rules in writing is an important step, as well, to ensure everyone involved has a sense of responsibility for the project.

Once you have taken the necessary steps for preparation, you can begin. The benefits of a community farm are immense, and starting one can improve your community by adding to available resources, providing green space, and encouraging community connection and engagement.

How To Help Charities Without Donating Money Adam Gant

How to Help a Charity Without Donating Money

On March 27, 2019

In Adam Gant, Blog, Charity, Philanthropy, Service

For those with generous hearts, supporting a cause or organization they support and believe in is fulfilling and rewarding. However, not everyone is always able to provide considerable monetary donations to charities they endorse. Naturally, there are ways to help a charity without simply giving them money, and these methods are as valuable as financial aid. Below are a few ways you can benefit your favorite charities beyond granting them donations.

Donate Time

Perhaps the most common and popular option, volunteering with a charity is a great way to get involved and benefit the organization. Charities that operate soup kitchens, for example, are often in need of volunteers to serve the food. Homeless shelters, too, require volunteers to maintain and manage the living quarters. Many organizations that provide public services or resources require volunteers to help facilitate their work. Other charities could benefit from individuals with expertise in areas such as marketing or Information Technology (IT). Your skills and free time can be used to benefit charitable organizations, and while you may need to expend time, energy, and gas to do so, you won’t be directly financing the organization’s operations.

Donate Goods

Even if your financial status limits your ability to donate money, you may still be able to donate other items. Things like clothes, shoes, books, food, and paper products are typically welcomed in a number of organizations. If you have old, functional electronics, used vehicles, or furniture you no longer use, some charities accept these items, as well. Donating these items to a charity shop or distribution center can help those organizations provide valuable resources to those in need.

Donate Blood

Organizations like the Red Cross are always in need of blood and plasma donors. Donating blood costs nothing and is used to save lives. Most people are capable of donating blood, and the process usually lasts less than half an hour. For those who are able, donating platelets is also a great way to give back; platelets are necessary for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or receiving organ transplants, so they are especially valuable.

Helping charitable organizations doesn’t need to entail a financial contribution. Instead, you can consider donating your blood, time, and unwanted goods to those in need. Doing so limits the strain on your budget while also enabling you to benefit your community.

3 Ways Charitable Giving Is Likely to Change in 2019

On February 5, 2019

In Adam Gant, Blog, Charity, Philanthropy

Humanitarian crises, natural disasters, disease outbreaks – the needs today as pressing as ever, but the way we give is evolving. Thanks to tax law and technology, along with changing consciousness and shifting social mores, philanthropy experts say there are notable shifts in where, when and how Americans open their wallets to charitable causes.

Below is what to expect in charitable giving trends in 2019.

Giving bigger donations, but less frequently.

Charities and non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, are watching carefully to see if the doubling of the standard deduction under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 changes how – and how much – we give.

Our potential change is that people could switch to giving every other or every the third year instead of annually, a tactic called “bunching” that would let them itemize in their giving years to get the deduction and take the standard deduction in other years.

Using technology to mobilize support

If you feel like you’ve seen more notifications in your Facebook feed that someone is raising money for a good cause to celebrate a birthday or other milestone, you’re probably right.

This growth is a confluence of two trends. The desire of donors to personalize their giving, and advances in technology that makes giving, or asking others to give on your behalf, as easy as typing up a heartfelt message and hitting “enter.”

The growing clout of big donors (for better or worse)

People are going to top one-half of 1% will be giving about 30% of all charitable dollars. Although there is a drawback in that funding is funneled to a smaller pool of recipients or causes. This, combined with the proliferation of charities at the grassroots level, may leave smaller non-profits feeling pinched. Charities at these local levels are going to feel that they’re facing greater financial challenges in their fundraising, and the reason is that the number of charities continues to expand dramatically. The total amount of dollars can be given to any local charities still, and furthermore, they can be divided up more.

7 Wealthy Individuals Who Enjoy Giving Away Money

On January 30, 2019

In Adam Gant, Blog, Philanthropy

Many wealthy individuals appreciate giving away some of their money to charities and causes that they support. Some of them even enjoy giving away the majority of their money. The following are some of the richest people in the world who donate significant portions of the wealth.

Warren Buffet

Warren Buffet, the CEO of Berkshire Hathway is a well-known philanthropist who enjoys donating his money. He’s already given away more than $21.5 billion dollars, more than what most wealthy people make in their lifetime! Buffet has also pledged to donate 99% of his wealth either during his lifetime, or once he passes away. So far he’s donated 20% of share in his company to many different charities. He also plans to distribute 4% of his stock every year.

Tim Cook

The CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, is another individual who likes to give money to a variety of causes and charities. He plans to donate his entire fortune, leaving only enough to provide his nephew with a college degree. In 2017, he donated $1 million to the Southern Poverty Law Center, and another $1 million to the Anti-Defamation League. He also donated $2.5 million to the Red Cross for relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

Patrice Motsepe

Patrice Motsepe is the founder of African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company. He is also South Africa’s first and only black billionaire. His goal is to help others who are less fortunate to become self-sustaining while improving their quality of life. He and his wife Precious are the founders of the Motsepe Foundation, and have donated half of their wealth to improving the lives of others.

Richard Branson

Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, donates 80% of his time to the group’s non-profit foundation, Virgin Unite. The charity recently celebrated its ten year anniversary of working to solve issues such as conflict and environmental struggles.

Bill Gates

Bill and his wife Melinda Gates are other champions of giving. So far they’ve donated $27 billion. They’re most passionate about eradicating preventable diseases. They also support causes such as education, agricultural development, and emergency relief.

Ted Turner

Ted Turner, the former CEO of Turner Broadcasting, has switched his focus to the Turner Global Foundation, a group dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment. He also donated $1 billion to the UN Foundation. He says although giving up his hard earned money is difficult, it makes him feel “really wonderful.”

Manoj Bhargava

Manoj Bhargava, the founder and CEO of 5 Hour Energy, has pledged to give away 90% of his wealth to charities, especially to causes that alleviate human suffering. His foundation has already undertaken more than 400 projects.

American Immigrants Are a Force of Giving

On December 10, 2018

In Adam Gant, Blog, Philanthropy

The United States has immigrants from many different world countries. Some were raised in poverty-stricken situations and were seeking political asylum. Others came from affluent families and arrived to attend an American college or university. Young and old come to the states for a variety of different reasons. However, not many are aware that a number of immigrants who made the U.S. their home have demonstrated great generosity as philanthropists.

Successful Immigrants

There is insufficient evidence to determine the total number of dollars that the migrated Americans have donated. However, in the last two decades, the number of foundations established in the United States by Chinese-Americans increased in number by 400 percent. One of these Asian Americans was Cyrus Tang who founded the Asian Americans Advancing Justice. Tang came to the country in 1950 from Hong Kong and attended college in Philadelphia. He eventually became a giant in the industry. He donated more than $50 million to his former colleagues.

Other influential immigrants include George Soros, who hailed from Hungary. The private foundation that he established is second in size to the organization established by Bill Gates. Some of the top American immigrants who took part in the “Giving Pledge” include Elon Musk, who was originally from South Africa. Hamdi Ulukaya is from Turkey. He founded Chobani. Jorge Perez is from Argentina and became a billionaire due to real estate.

Like any other philanthropist, the American immigrants donate funds to their college alma maters, charities in which they believe or in order to further education in a particular field. They might also start a charitable organization.

Low-Key Investors

Many of the philanthropists prefer to keep their generous endeavors below the media radar. Tang’s foundation in Los Angeles, for example, is one of the largest ever created by an Asian American. Yet, few were aware of his involvement.

The need for anonymity commonly comes from an individual’s cultural background. Asians are often quiet, reserved people. Latin Americans view public acknowledgment of charitable contributions as classless. For some from violent countries, allowing their wealth to become public fodder makes them a target for kidnapping and other criminal acts.

However, as Tang once explained, he wanted to find a way to demonstrate that America was his home. He was grateful for the opportunity to come here and found a way to express his gratitude.

Michelle Obama’s Program to Help Adolescent Girls Through Education

On December 10, 2018

In Adam Gant, Blog, Charity

Thursday, October 11, 2018, was the International Day of the Girl. Michelle Obama, our former first lady, chose that specific day to announce on NBC’s “Today” show that the Obama Foundation was proud and thrilled to launch the Global Girls Alliance. That is a program to use education to empower adolescent girls all around the world.

The goal of the Alliance is to support over 1,500 grassroots organizations that combat the many challenges that girls encounter in their communities, stress the strategies needed to overcome those challenges, and clear away the hurdles that many girls face. Featured will be fundraising to inspire and accomplish the efforts and to drive public awareness to encourage involvement and action.

Created has been an online network that connects leaders so they can share ideas, resources, and best practices. In addition, GoFundMe has launched the Global Girls Alliance Fund that will directly support leaders who work on education for girls.

Over 98 million adolescent girls worldwide do not go to school, and this new program will offer ways for the public to support its mission. When girls have gone to school, families become stronger, poverty in the community goes down, GDPs go up, babies are born healthier, and the whole world gets better.

October 11 has been designated as the International Day of the Girl since 2012. António Guterre, the UN Secretary-General, said that we should recommit to the support of every girl in developing her skills, be able to enter the workforce on equal terms, expand her learning opportunities and new pathways, and be able to reach her full potential and empowerment.

Girls of today are being faced with preparing to enter a work world that is being transformed by automation and innovation that make skilled workers in great demand. However, approximately 25 percent of young people, mostly female, are presently not employed nor in training or education. Of the 600 million adolescent girls, out of the existing one billion young people who will enter the workforce in the coming decade, over 90 percent living in developing countries will be employed in the sector where no or low pay and exploitation are all too common.

The Alliance has marked the beginning of a year-long effort to bring together advocates who will draw attention and investment to the opportunities for girls to attain the necessary skills to adequately prepare them for a successful transition into the work world.

Why it Feels Good to Give

On November 13, 2018

In Adam Gant, Philanthropy

Day in and day out, humans mostly focus on themselves. Whether it’s how much money they’re making or how they can make themselves happy, more often than not, their days are spent selfishly. When people break that norm and choose to dedicate their time to give back, they find that the act of giving others happiness makes them feel fulfilled. Read on to learn why giving back just feels so good.

1. Giving Back Connects People with Their Passions

Finding a cause to give back to is one of the best ways to discover something outside of work that one is passionate about. While altruistic, it also helps point people to work towards something bigger than themselves. For example, someone may have a job working in marketing, but partnering with a local charity outside of work is a way to tap into their passion for helping others.

2. Helping Others Uplifts the Soul

Whether someone is giving their time reading to local children or donating money to an organization, giving back just does something uplifting to the soul. It empowers the human spirit to see others encouraged and uplifted. With all the negativity in the world, finding a way to help others is essential for staying grounded and positive.

3. People in Need Really Deserve Something Good

Sometimes it just feels good to give because people in need really need something good to happen to them. Most people never realize how truly fortunate they are or how much they have compared to others. By taking the time to recognize one’s blessings and give back to those that aren’t in the same situation, one will see just how grateful others are for their gift.

4. Positivity Breeds Contentment

In life, so many people are on the hunt for happiness. By focusing one’s life on giving back, positivity and happiness are sure to follow. By doing good for others and the world, those that donate their time and money will automatically have a more positive outlook on life. Regardless of how much one does for themselves, it doesn’t have the same effect as being able to support others. As social creatures, humans inherently find happiness in the happiness of others.

When giving back, one learns that there is far more to happiness than making money and climbing the corporate ladder. Taking a moment out of the solitary lives most people lead to help a stranger will work to change the lives of both people for the better.

Clever Ways to Upkeep your Neighborhood

On September 20, 2018

In Blog, Environmentalism

Figuring out how to obtain a more enjoyable neighborhood community for you or you and your family is actually quite simple. Start to get to know your neighbors. Just by simply interacting with the people you live near can significantly strengthen your community and spur organization.

Below are tips on how to make your neighborhood community feel more like home.

Paint your intersection. Usually, when you think of interesting you don’t think of an intersection. But residents in Portland, some neighborhoods have made them worth stopping for. All you need is some paint, creative people, and a bright design to get started. This is all it takes to bring neighbors together and produce something the whole community can be proud of.

Make a poetry box. This idea is simple and does not take too much time at all. Start by creating a box with a clear or plastic front. Put this box on a post and write your own poem or print out your favorite classic. Then display it in the box for all your neighbors to see.

Another option is setting up a separate dropbox and encouraging neighbors to write their own poems and drop them in the box. Then post the poems from the neighbors as they come in.

A tool library. When you randomly need items such as a leaf blower or a chainsaw or even an electric cake mixer, a tool library is definitely an option. Tool libraries create a space where neighbors can donate rarely used appliances to share. To find a space for a tool library, check with a local business, community center or church group.

Set up a book library. Turn old and unused pay phones into small lending libraries. This concept was developed by John Locke in New York City.

Turn your front yard into your backyard. You rarely, if ever run into your neighbors in your backyard right? Well, moving your typical backyard activity to the front instantly makes you more visible and approachable. You can establish a front yard garden, build community benches or even simply barbecuing in your front yard are all great ways to connect with your neighbors.

Adam Gant | Philanthropy

Adam Gant is a committed philanthropist