gifthub excepted) posted beneath

Gift Hub Gift Hub Blogging Philanthropy About Giving Blogs Charity Governance Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy Friends of the Commons PlaNetwork Journal Vermont Nonprofit CommunIT Philanthropy, Weblogs, and Democracy Wired Community Advance Sustainability Julie Evans Ted Ernst Indigo VT Non-Profit Community Lisa Tracy Lucy Berholz Lenore Ealey Chris Corrigan Info-Commons Philip Cubeta The Happy Tutor Mad Monk ACTA The Giving Blog Social Jedi Supporting Advancement The Philanthropic Enterprise Gang Blog Phil Anthropoid Wealth Bondage: Philanthropy Archives Philanthropy Beat Council on Foundations Emerging Issues: Philanthropy Jane King Foster Freiss Resources Acumen Fund Advance Sustainability American Institute of Philanthropy - Charity Watchdog Helping Donors Make Informed Giving Decisions Association of Small Foundations Blog of Social Wave Communities Project Blueprint Research and Design for Philanthropy: What's New Capital Missions Company -- Networking Socially Responsible Investors Catalogue For Philanthropy Center on Wealth and Philanthropy - Boston College Charity Governance Civic Reflection CivicSpace Labs Collect money for group purchasing, fundraising. — Fundable Community Development Venture Capital Association Community-Wealth.org: Wealth-Building Strategies for America's Communities Conceptual Guerilla's Strategy and Tactics Democracy in Action - Software tools for organizers Dialogues on Civic Philanthropy: Perfecting Our Grants Disinfopedia Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy Evolve Foundation FASTEN - Faith and Service Technical Education Network Fetzer Institute Fourth Sector Network Friends of the Commons GivingGlobal Global Giving GovBenefits GreenMoney Journal Groundspring.org Home - GlobalGiving Hudson Institute Idealist.org Independent Media Center Miles V Smith Philanthropic Advising MobileActive | Cell Phones for Civic Engagement Movement Strategy Movement Strategy Center National Center for Family Philanthropy Net Impact Ocean Foundation PACE - PHILANTHROPY FOR ACTIVE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Participatory Culture Foundation Partnerships Online PlaNetwork Journal Rockwood Leadership Program Social Edge Stanford Social Innovation Review The Future Of Philanthropy The Interra Project The small Change News Network Tides Underdog Ventures Wired Community WorldChanging: Another World Is Here Worth Living civiblog.org - global community The World We Want Community-Wealth.Com Who owns a community's or a nation's wealth? How can the benefits of an ownership society be spread around for the greater good? Community-Wealth provides the web’s most comprehensive and up-to-date information resource on state-of-the-art strategies for democratic, community-based economic development. Community Development Corporations, Community Development Financial Institutions, Employee Stock Option Plans, Community Land Trusts, Co-Ops, Social Enterprise, and Program Related Investments are among the topic areas. A great resource for those, across the political spectrum, who are interested in using market models for producing sustainable and positive social results. September 12, 2005 in Resources | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Foundations and Government: Who is Responsible for Social Progrms? Philanthropoid , " Is it the proper role of foundations to plug the gaps created by retreating public funds?" Assume they do fill the gaps in the safety net, what programs must then be defunded by the tapped out foundations? Advocacy for social change? You can hear Bill Schambra chortling. Let the bleeding hearts fund the losers, while the wealthy bear it away. Continue reading "Foundations and Government: Who is Responsible for Social Progrms?" » September 09, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Mennonite Disaster Service A knowledgeable friend suggests Mennonite Disaster Service as a credible provider of relief to the very poor in disater areas. September 01, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (1) Writerly Do you find yourself collaborating on documents long distance? Grassroots organizations might find this online document collaboration tool worth a look. September 01, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? A reader writes, I was curious if you have come across any websites that facilitate collaboration for disaster recoveries. For example, are there places that allow local recovery efforts to post their needs (ie: lights, cranes, machinery, tools) that corporations could respond to. The idea is similar to donorschoose.org but is focused more focused on needs that only businesses could meet. Have you come across anything like this in your work? Does any reader have a site that would provide such collaboration between those in need and those providing disaster relief? August 30, 2005 in Resources | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) Blogger Conference Call on Estate Tax From OMB Watch What: Blogger Conference Call on Estate Tax When: Wednesday, August 31, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST Where: By Phone (Dial-in at 1.800.820.4690; passcode: 2022348494) - RSVP to blewis@ombwatch.org August 30, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Informed Giving Great post by Phil Anthropoid on the great wealth transfer boom and how philanthropy might capture a larger piece. How might advisors, donors, and nonprofits collaborate more effectively to that end? My sense, having worked towards it with some wonderful people, including Phil Anthropoid himself, The Philanthropic Initiative , Lenore Ealy , and Tracy Gary , is that we, collectively as a a nation, have many "stereotypes" and old habits to break if we are to meet as allies and fellow citizens to advance philanthropy and our communities. Values-based planning is a step in the right direction, though values are what cultural wars are made of. Raising awareness, as through Leave a Legacy via National Committee on Planned Giving is a piece. Encouraging all people to have a will is a piece. But perhaps the most important is to find the poetry, the pathos, the energy and the vision - what Tracy Gary calls the "inspiration" - that can lift the process of planning beyond the financial to the ethical, aesthetic, civic and spiritual. People are hungry for a life of more than production and consumption. The market feeds us but not our hungry hearts. So many of us feel that, rich or poor, liberally educated, or fundamentalist. It does not matter. We all raise families, live in communities, and hunger for a life and legacy that speaks well of us, invigorates our children, and leaves or passes on what we most love. Beyond the money is huge well spring of volunteer effort and pent up desire to find a means of engaging our world's many challenges. Maybe as we reach out to one another in the blogosphere, and in the real world settings, we can create that hub or web of relationships that enable each of us to give of her or his best. Philanthropoid - thank you for bringing the subject into focus. August 30, 2005 in Advisor's Role | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Philanthropy Blogs Noted at Council on Foundations Natalie Ambrose at Emerging Issues in Philanthropy has just posted a great overview of philanthropy blogs. She has "outed" me as the author of Philanthropoid's blog . Actually, it is an honor I don't deserve. The real Philanthropoid is far better informed than I about giving, and a far better writer. Great to see Council on Foundations , through Emerging Issues, is now following the giving blogs. I am somewhat surprised that Wealth Bondage made the list, but I suppose Dumpster Dwellers can talk among themselves about Philanthropy if they wish. It is a free country. And after all, Candidia's Rooster Foundation, Crowing in the New American Dawn, is a respected member of COF as is Tigg Montague , Senior Wealth Bondage Fellow, representing the Heritage of Wealth Bondage Foundation, a Think Tank devoted to Excellence and Human Flourishing among the Natural Aristocracy. August 27, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (2) Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? A year ago I was interviewed by The Chronicle of Philanthropy on the theme of "where are all the philanthropy blogs?" Today the scene is far more interesting, as evidenced by the growing list of giving blogs listed on our left hand side bar. Now, here is a good question for future articles: "Why are so many of the most outspoken and interesting philanthropy blogs (gifthub excepted) posted beneath a mask? Iconoclasm and philanthropy, or even humor and philanthropy, seem not to go together very well. There is something about big money that brings out the Golden Calf worshipper even in Moses. I mean what is one Commandment more or less? Everything is negotiable. What blogs provide is a back channel in which the pomposity and hypocrisy, so much of the hackery and flakery, of so much philanthropy talk can be exposed, satirized, and sent up. Solemn or ingratiating is not the right tone for discussing the role of money, whether in business, government or philanthropy, in setting our country's course . Money is smart and has learned in our time how to filter its agenda through strategic giving for hopelessly partisan ends . Who will discuss or expose this, except an insider under an alias ? Far easier to put ideologues in charge of philanthropic associations, treat them with the respect due their high office, and carry on as usual - as a Fool among Knaves. Rageboy , one the first bloggers and still one of the most vehement used to talk about "ripping the fucking lid off" corporate discourse, which talks to us, not with us, as if we were dunces who admired their flakery and hype. Maybe the time has come to rip the lid off strategic philanthropy ? If so, probably best to do it under an assumed name - since giving is an unforgiving field, and what goes around comes around. Omerta! my friends. We are all one big Family. Thinking of Publius and the masked pamphleteers among our Founding Fathers, what begins with carnival, ends with revolution and democracy. After awhile the mask slips and we appear in the public square, not as consumers or servants of wealth and power, but as citizens speaking freely in our own new found voices. Blogging will revolutionize philanthropy in that way, by restoring its accountability to ordinary citizens - the public in public good. The public philanthropy serves. August 27, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (2) Ads and Acknowledgements I have added ads to see how they work. The revenue will offset the cost of the site. Any net revenue will go to charity. I have also acknowledged my debt to Candidia Cruikshanks and the good people at Wealth Bondage for their tireless efforts on behalf of a better world according to money. Links to the most recent 10 posts are now displayed on the right hand sidebar. My hope is to improve communication between those in Wealth Bondage and the world of philanthropy. We have The Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal at Hudson leading the way for humankind. And we have the Philanthropy Round Table facilitating giving within the enlightened worldview of wealthy business people. But, in my estimation, the best role model for Stragegic Philanthropy on behalf of the interests of wealthy people (and therefore the world at large) remains Candidia Cruikshanks. Her social venture, Wealth Bondage, is both self sustaining and self serving in a major way. I may be biased, though, since Candidia sometimes throws me a bone from her table. So, when Candidia asked for a little recognition on Gifthub, I was happy to sit up and beg, rollover, fetch, and lick her boots. You would do the same in my position. Who are we kidding. Giving is all about getting ahead. It is what makes the world go round. August 20, 2005 in Geeting ahead in giving | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (1) Allianz Study of "Legacies" Fascinating fact sheets on what the Boomers mean by "legacy," via the Council on Foundations Blog . August 19, 2005 in Values and Planning | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Phil Anthropoid on "Pewgate" Philanthropoid patiently dissects Bill Schambra's ebullient polemic against Pew for its work on campaign finance reform. At issue is Wealth Bondage , whether the rich can purchase democracy, and whether their hired hands in the Think Tanks will be able to intimidate those funders like Pew who stand up for ordinary voters. Schambra himself is all in favor of grassroots giving , as long as the poor give to each other, and the tax cuts keep on coming for the rich so they have the extra cash to buy the next election. so they can get the next tax break, to buy the next election with propaganda made to order by hired hacks. The culture wars are now being fought on the ground of philanthropy . The right sure does stay on message . Who put the hit out on Pew? And what does it pay ? Bradley Foundation's name sure keeps popping up . And why not? Shouldn't both sides be able to fund their views, and encourage their allies and proxies? Throwing money around to influence politics is free speech after all. And on that basis, the rich, not just Pew and Bradley Foundations, are certainly being heard. I hope through blogs those like Phil Anthropoid who think without being paid to follow a party line will finally be heard. We need real free speech, not just the boughten, think tank, kind. Continue reading "Phil Anthropoid on "Pewgate"" » August 17, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Phil Anthropoid Excellent news for all who are interested in philanthropy. We now have a knowlegeable, witty, and good humored insider who is putting his thoughts on line. Mr. Phil Anthropoid is one I will be reading carefully to see just how much he is willing to share. He is the first philanthropy blogger, other than the scurrilous crew at W*eatlh B*ondage who is willing to take an irreverent but kindly poke that the dignified world of upscale giving. Two places you don't laugh: During religious observances and in conversation about philanthropy. Money, or the chance of extracting some from the wealthy, makes us all as pious as heirs around a deathbed. Mr. Anthropoid has a jaunty way about him that spells trouble for the established decorum. August 10, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) Philanthropic Enterprise Blog Congrats to Lenore Ealy on her new Philanthropic Enterprise Gang Blog . She shows great courage taking on the Happy Tutor in one of her initial posts . As a mild mannered honest broker, I can see merit on both sides, and will move out of the way as quickly as possible. This is not your Dick Minim style philanthropic conversation any more. It is all about wealth, power, and politics - one person promoting the ideology of Wealth Bondage , the other, subverting it. (But which is which you ask? Take AP English and report back.) August 06, 2005 in Tooterisms | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) Mobile Active Org Via email from Marty Kearns, of Green Media Toolshed , Oh did you see 26 million people use cell phones to engage in Live8? www.mobileactive.org is going to be huge! July 08, 2005 in Resources | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Changemakers, Troublemakers, Courtiers and Clowns (Below is an open letter to Tracy Gary , who asked how, beyond my dismal professional bio , she should introducing me to her progressive funder friends.) Dear Tracy, Yup, been thinking because you asked, about how I see myself beyond my corporate self. The answer is not "financial advisor," nor "trusted advisor," but teacher in a certain very specific tradition. Education comes from "educere" to lead out. Socrates saying that he was (incongruously) the "midwife" to his interlocutors, helping them (male though all were) give birth to what is already within them, latent. Also, as model (in humility) I follow the Trickster Jesus of the Gospels. And also, Diogenes, the naked man in the barrel who accosted the wealthy of his day, including Alexander the Great, and helped them, as would a Zen monk, to awaken, often by setting them paradoxes, or rousing them to fury just short of violence. I do not believe any more than you do that philanthropy will save democracy. It cannot, obviously. The rich are blessed in their own way, but the truly gifted/accursed are the artists, the poets, the prophets, the holy fools. That is the role to which I most deeply aspire, or better yet, am most deeply stuck with. So, I play the fool and the courtier both. But the fool is for keeps. The courtier "financial services professional" is an IQ Test for the client, my various bosses, and colleagues. Most flunk. Diogenes naked in the streets with his lantern in broad daylight, seeking the honest wealth holder, the honest power broker, a "trusted advisor." That is me. The Trickster who teaches by getting the other off balance. Beware. Of course, I do know sprezzatura , the style you suggested some well bred donors expect. (You know it is from Castiglione's Book of the Courtier ? A handbook on how to prosper at Court among the knaves?) I will be as gracious and deferential with your friends as would any courtier to Queen or King. But you asked for an account of who I am. That is it: Troublemaker, as Peter Karoff once said to me. Troublemaker for democracy, maybe not unlike you and your cousin George Pillsbury when you were then as I am now, just a beginner. Haymarket - wasn't that a labor riot ? As an ex-college professor, let alone a financial services trainer, I am reconciled to misreading. Even at Yale many a future ruler of the universe could not follow an agile writer. So, instead of being hard to read, I am very easy. As easy as a billboard or a children's sock puppet. Unless you understand me. At which point I am nothing but trouble. In me as in a raven is the grapeseed. Shat out, it grows to the intransigent vine of Dionysus and democracy. The red wine of the grape, spilled from the Cross, drunk as blood from a chalice - believe me, I meditate on that, as a good lapsed Catholic with a humane education. I have about as much choice in this as does a man or woman in being gay. I can be in or out as one called to foolishness in the public square, but I can't change, only be broken. With you, and through your example, I am finding the courage to be my strange self, Harlequin in patches, "a Socrates gone mad," as Diogenes said. Philanthropy is teaching, but the payoff is activism. For me that means the liberal arts, the arts of freedom, not a passive thing to watch and admire, but to imitate, among the Pharisees, in the public square. What stands a chance of saving us is someone like Martin Luther Kind or Vaclav Havel. And people like that are not waiting around for permission or a grant. Some of us aren't even waiting for real artists. We just shit out what we can and pray that it contains here and there a fertile seed amidst the dung. You know all this. Or are the carrier of it. It is not a blessing, but a calling. And the call is not to peace of mind. The reason you can't shake my support is that I was going where you are going long before we met. You are an optimist by temperament; I consider that wisdom and caritas come with "brokenness and surrender." You and your cousin George have learned moderation in maturity. I have been driven half mad. We inherit a tradition, and we pass it on. It no more cares whether we live or die than do our genes. We are the carriers, the dead husk; the living germ courses through us. We pass it on as we received it, as a gift, the dangerous gift of knowledge, the apple Eve gave Adam. We spit the seed from our mouth. Hence the orchard. The garden run always to weeds. We live among snakes. And the fool should be as wise as the serpent. Extinct? Not yet. Nor Born Again, but Rapture Ready. Be well! Phil July 06, 2005 in Tooterisms | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (2) Omidyar on Carpe Diem Philanthropy Just ran across this very interesting article, from BusinessWeek Online, in 2004, by Pierre Omidyar on philanthropy in the internet age. Not only does he want to give now, rather than "leave a legacy" at death - 50 or so years from now - but he also sees giving as happening within a community of self-actualizing individuals, in which each and every person is a giver. He also sees giving as a kind of investment in a social capital network (as was EBay) that grows in value as it scales (as did EBay, or the telephone, or the English language), and that pays back in real dollars (as did EBay). The role of big givers, or social investors, is to raise up and equip the smaller givers, so they too can discover their own power to do good in the world. This is a profoundly American democractic vision, fusing freedom of speech and assembly, with entrepreneurial zeal, and Emersonian optimism. You can join the Omidyar community, or call it a renewal of the great American experiment, at http://www.Omidyar.net/home. Many of the people who attended the Open Space Giving Conference a year ago in Chicago are members. And many of them are getting together again in Chicago (as I am) with new friends from Omidyar July 29-31 . I have been a member of Omidyar.net since, virtually, the inception and have been staggered to see Pierre and Pam joining in the day to day conversations, not as conveners or owners of the site, but as fellow seekers and citizens. They are the least patronizing of patrons, the least selfish of owners. You could call them hosts, maybe, or cordial role models. They also learn fast and don't mind principled disagreement, in fact they seem to thrive on it. July 06, 2005 in Case Studies in Giving | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Dialogues On Civic Philanthropy Great papers from diverse and distinguished sources on the legitimacy, effectiveness, regulation, and accountability of foundation philanthropy. Comes with an open discussion board. What makes the relatively unregulated exercise of economic, intellectual and political power through "philanthropy" legitimate in a market/democratic culture? Can givers (and the stingy) choose their own moral framework, as they might an automobile, nose job, or Halloween Costume? What are the obligations of wealth in a just society? The papers here raise those issues, in the bland style of successful, well-socialized, intellectuals and functionaries. The same questions raised from the scaffold upon which sits a pillory would be far more interesting to me, as having an outside chance of breaking the polite smile that seems always to accompany discussions of philanthropy. What is human speech for, if not satire? The rich can choose their own ethical systems, as can we who toss the tomato from the crowd. Hudson's site is open to riffraff (the demos) at least for now. Mind your manners! You are in the company of your betters. Do not be surprised if the discussion of legitimacy and accountability remains inconclusive. July 02, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Gifthub as More than Conversation The original hope behind Gifthub is still alive and I would welcome comments, if this note finds interested parties. Assume estate tax is repealed or greatly reduced. Imagine a world where the rich get vastly richer and pass their wealth on unhindered in a new (at best) aristocracy. Imagine government programs cut back, and chances for advancement for working people and poor people reduced except for those who have an aptitude for going along to get along with the ideology of those who have "made it." Imagine philanthropy as both the offset to such a world, and also its adornment or ornament. I would like to imagine a "hub" where wealthy people of good will, advisors to wealth, and talented people from all walks of life can meet as in some ways equals - as citizens. We would meet to advance shared ideals, including the ideals of open society, pluralism, caritas, justice, and passionate disagreement within an atmosphere of mutual respect. I believe there is a "business plan" or social venture plan that might support or undergird such a hub. Advisors want clients. Donors need advisors. All require education, tools, and processes that enable them to work together more effectively for shared ends. All today hide out talking mostly to others in the same professional or sociological silo. Major donors do not attend the conferences of professionals. Professionals are conspicuously uninvited to donor forums. Either group talks about the other in stereotypes. That is vastly dysfunctional for the givers, advisors, and the talented people who might volunteer. With my friend and hero, Tracy Gary , I am mooting about ways we could make this hub come into being as a nonprofit enterprise or association. She has uptake from donor friends. I have some from advisors. If anyone has thoughts, I would welcome comments or emails. Beyond that, onwards! By the way, I recognize the "liberal" slant of my remarks, and acknolwedge a rooting interest in progressive causes. But liberalism to me means risking my views in open contest with those to disagree. Therefore, the hub has, or should have, spokes into conservative, libertarian, and religious networks. The point of open society is precisely that it is inclusive. Someone like Lenore Ealy , for example, or Bill Schambra , or Amy Kass , who are associated with conservative viewpoints would be considered valued colleagues if their networks were enlisted. The point is not to agree on ideology but to second one another's practical efforts for a common good. I have known many compassionate conservatives, as well as many Evangelicals, whose passionate and self-sacrificing efforts for others set a high example. A true Gifthub would network the best together, and welcome the war of ideas, within a shared regard for one another and for those who are less fortunate. July 02, 2005 in About Gifthub | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) Supporting Advancement Supporting Advancement weblog. Slowly, slowly the fundraising community seems to be getting online to share ideas and best practices. I hope over time that the conversation of philanthropy draws us together across our many specializations, professional affiliations, and "silos" so that we see ourselves, along with donors and volunteers, as fellow citizens engaged in a great wave of giving of which our specialized efforts, and institutional affiliations are just one tiny part. Can we begin to see ourselves as making common cause, across our institutions and - for want of a better term - jobs? June 29, 2005 in Planned Giving | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Recent Comments Phil on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Lucy Bernholz on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Reyna Feighner on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? phil cubeta on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Rusty Stahl on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Phil on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Chris Corrigan on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Phil on Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? Phil Anthropoid on Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? Phil on Philanthropy Blogs Noted at Council on Foundations Recent Posts Community-Wealth.Com Foundations and Government: Who is Responsible for Social Progrms? Mennonite Disaster Service Writerly Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Blogger Conference Call on Estate Tax Informed Giving Philanthropy Blogs Noted at Council on Foundations Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? Ads and Acknowledgements Categories About Gifthub Advisor's Role Case Studies in Giving Charitable Tools Funding for? Geeting ahead in giving Philanthropy Folks Planned Giving Readings Resources Tooterisms Values and Planning Wise Philanthropy A Public Service of Wealth Bondage Archives September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 Subscribe to this blog's feed

Creative Gift

Simplify The Holidays - Gift Ideas More Time More Fun More Nature More Fairness Turn the Tide Kids & Commercialism Simplify the Holidays In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards Multimedia Talk About It Conscious Consumer Institutional Purchasing Back to School I Buy Different (youth site) Less Can Mean More In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards Talk About It Take Action Act Locally Green Cars Today Do Not Junk New Dream Book Club Action Forum Give/Get Advice In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards New Dream Poll What's New Campaigns/Programs New Dream Store In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards Partners Testimonials Staff Careers Privacy Policy My Turn the Tide My Actions My Friends My Events My Profile My Conversations New Dream Store Privacy Policy More of What Matters Getting More More Time Intro Take Back Your Time Time Day Poll Retreat Resources More Fun More Nature More Fairness Talk About It Turn the Tide Intro Preview the Steps Partner Groups FAQ Publications Listing Order Print Copies In Balance What Kids Want Sustainable Planet Tips for Parenting Good Times... Simplify the Holidays Responsible Purchasing New Dream Video More Fun, Less Stuff Kit Turn the Tide Workbook EPP Video Bumper Sticker Bicycle Sticker Easy Does It Simplify the Holidays Home Alternative Gift Fairs What They Are Where They Are Success Stories What They're Like Organize Your Own Brochure Holiday Tips Getting Started Gift Ideas Share a Gift Idea Gift Basket Holiday Stats Polls 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Simplifying Story Kids & Commercialism Home Brochures Art/Essay Contest Marketing Facts Tips Even More Tips What Kids Say Pressure Schools Endorsers Take Action Current Alert All Actions Action Updates Petitions Discuss Actions Multimedia Expand All | Collapse All Inexpensive, Creative and Eco-friendly Gift Ideas Did you know that 82% of Americans would rather receive a photo album of times shared than a store-bought gift? (source: Center for a New American Dream-commissioned Holiday Poll, November 1998) Just in case you don't want to give memory-filled albums to everyone on your gift list, we have lots of other ideas. Gifts for Children Homemade Gifts Gifts of Time Family Gifts Gifts for the Environment Ideas for Donations in the Name of a Loved One For those gifts you're still going to buy, check out our Conscious Consumer site Gifts for Children: 1: Simple book about the child, written and illustrated by you! 2: The makings for hand puppets -- brown lunch bags, googly eyes, scissors, markers etc. Homemade Gifts: 3: Record interviews of parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles on audio or video tape; you can ask them to discuss their memories of the person you plan to give the tape to, or your family's history, especially funny or meaningful anecdotes. 4: Make your own cards and send them to relatives and good friends. 5: Frame one of your best photographs. Buy a frame from a local business or artisan. Or make one yourself out of stiff paper or cardboard, decorated with colored paper, old wrapping paper, beads and/or natural products (like leaves, small pinecones, or seeds). 6: Make your own calendar using cut-out pictures, photos, and/or drawings. 7: Assemble a collection of favorite recipes. Top of Page Gifts of Time: 8: Special activities with a significant other--a candlelit dinner, massage, or outdoor activity. 9: A monthly lunch date with an elderly relative or friend. 10: A handwritten letter or card sent to a long-distance friend or relative once a month for a year. Top of Page Family Gifts: 11: A jigsaw puzzle for the whole family. 12: Tickets to a favorite cultural or sporting event Top of Page Gifts for the Environment: 13: Assemble a Turn the Tide gift basket with compact fluorescent lightbulbs, forms for getting rid of junk mail, delicious recipes and a note about how the recipients can log on to www.turnthetide.org and see exactly how much of a positive impact they're having on the environment. 14: Buy a potted Christmas tree and replant after the holidays. (You can also have a tree planted elsewhere in someone's honor through American Forests .) 15: Instead of new wrapping paper, reuse old paper the Sunday comics section, old maps, decorated brown grocery bags, or a colorful piece of material. Top of Page Donations in the name of a Loved One: 16: Alternative Gifts International offers a wide array of global gifts that can be given in the name of your friend or relative. Their partner organizations include 33 projects such as Fuel Efficient Stoves in El Salvador, Conquering Tuberculosis in North Korea, Literacy Training in Senegal, Land Mine Awareness in Vietnam or Organic Gardening in Belize. Contact Alternative Gifts at 1-800-842-2243, P.O Box 2267, Lucerne Valley, CA 92356. Free catalog from altgifts@sisp.net or www.altgifts.org . 17: Give a donation to a local cause such as a soup kitchen, a shelter for battered women, a local environment group, etc. Call local churches, synagogues, and charitable organizations for ideas. 18: Give a friend a membership to a non-profit organization. JustGive.org allows you to donate online to thousands of charities. Want to give a gift membership to the Center of a New American Dream? Click Here Top of Page " I've started asking myself what I'm working so hard for. I don't want to work so hard for a house full of junk that's just going to turn into a pile of garbage. I want to work to create a simpler, easier life for my family. Mounds of junk have made my life more complicated, not simpler. " Angie Robinson Roseville MN Also check out the Big Love Gift Guide for gift ideas. Get started with our holiday tips Share your gift ideas Share what matters most to you by sending a New Dream E-card to friends and family Help organize an Alternative Gift Fair in your area Look for environmentally and socially responsible gifts on Conscious Consumers The Chatter Years ago I built a solor divice that made energy by using magnifying glass... - Page Tools Printable Page Send this page to a friend

Gifts For Men Articles

Gifts For Men - Gifts BW gifts | gifts Resources | Add URL Wine Gifts & Baskets From the casual wine drinker to the serious enthusiast, we have a gift that will make them smile. Our selection includes premium wine, gourmet baskets, distinctive champagne sets & the very finest California and Northwest wines. Gifts For Men Articles Gifts for Men When buying gifts for men remember they love to feel pampered and soothed after a long day of working. Gifts for men can run the gamut of fun things catering to their adventurous boyish side to more pragmatic things to assist in their everyday life....( Continue Reading ) Gifts for Men - Mummy Bags The mummy bag takes what is great about the traditional sleeping bag, and improves it through innovative features designed to capture heat and keep it inside the bag with you....( Continue Reading ) Frugal Gifts for Men Do you find it hard to come up with frugal gifts for men? Try these ideas....( Continue Reading ) Frugal Gifts for Men Do you find it hard to come up with frugal gifts for men? Try these ideas....( Continue Reading ) Great Gifts for Men Buying gifts for guys is not all that easy, especially when it seems they have everything they need. Browse this list of top picks and see the gadgets, cool items, and useful items that could make great gifts. See Also:......( Continue Reading ) Gifts For Men Directory Links shower hostess gifts bike baskets unique gifts for children golf outing gifts art gifts jw morlans unique wood gifts gifts for babies shopping for gifts gifts for your wife 60th wedding anniversary gifts birthday gifts women the seven gifts of the holy spirit great gifts in 30 minutes college student gifts wedding guest gifts gifts for geeks wine baskets harry and david gift baskets gifts plants 50th wedding gifts hawaiian baby gifts fathers day gift baskets hand made baby gifts wedding anniverary gifts ideas for anniversary gifts african american gifts wedding gifts for husband bachelor party gag gifts milestone birthday gifts business thank you gifts ideas for homemade christmas gifts romantic valentines day gifts childrens gifts original birthday gifts business gifts gifts for 12 year old boys fathers day gifts kids can make gifts for her birthday perfect wedding gifts spiritual gifts quiz cellini fine gifts sentimental wedding gifts valentines day gifts for boys gifts for retirement gifts for valentines Popular Search Terms: Gifts BW © 2004 Gifts BW All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. This site is not related to Brajeshwar or Brajeshwar.com in anyway, shape or form

Wedding Gift

'); //-- Weddings and wedding planning! Wedding dresses, engagement rings, wedding cakes and more. My Checklist My Budget My Guestlist My Notebook Investor Relations MY KNOT PLANNING GOWNS IN YOUR AREA TALK TV REGISTRY CENTER WEDDING SHOP THE NEST Wedding Planning Getting Engaged Real Weddings Wedding Fashion Bridal Beauty Grooms The Wedding Party Honeymoons The Nest WEDDING CHECKLIST WEDDING BUDGETER GUEST LIST TOOLS WEDDING WEB PAGE NEW! What's in your married future? Find out in your weekly newlywed horoscope. It's all here! Use our search tools and photo galleries to find what you need. Rings Invitations Table Settings Wedding Cakes Honeymoons Wedding Dresses Wedding Hair Styles Bridal Accessories Bridesmaids, et al Tuxedos 8 ways to keep your maids smiling Must-read gown-shopping advice Rehearsal dinners: The basics Q: Is it rude to ask for gifts of money? More wedding etiquette Caroline and Michael host a chic country wedding in Minnesota. See more real weddings On our boards . Rebecca7 asks: "Can we stay at home on our honeymoon? " NEW! Get CASHBACK on your wedding purchases with our rewards program Find out how Personalize It! Shop for cameras, decorations + more SAVE NOW ON: Groomsman Gifts Cameras Bubbles Wedding Bells Departments Ceremony Reception Favors Attendant Gifts Planning Jewelry Apparel Beauty & Spa Find a couple's web page & gift registry at The Knot Find a couple's registry at other stores nationwide : Home | Help | About Us | Press | Advertise With Us | Investor Relations | Jobs | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Log Out AB Shop | Knot Store Directory | Shopping Cart | Registry | Secure Shopping | Customer Service | Wedding Rewards © 1997 - 2005 The Knot Inc. All Rights Reserved Investor Relations (NASDAQ: KNOT) A Note from The Knot

Creative Gift Wrap Carol

Crafts : Gift Wrap : Creative Gift Wrap : Home & Garden Television   Program Guide Shows A - Z Decorating Remodeling Gardening At Home Crafts Store SEARCH CRAFTS Artists / Crafters Beads Books / Videos Clay Dolls Exhibits / Events Fabric Crafts Holidays / Special Occasions Birthdays Christmas / Hanukkah / Kwanzaa Easter / Passover Father's Day Gift Wrap Halloween July 4th Mother's Day Ribbons / Bows Thanksgiving Valentine's Day Weddings Other Home Accessories Kid Crafts Metal / Wire Mosaics Needle Crafts New Products Painting / Finishes Paper / Cardboard Crafts Personal Accessories Quilting Resources / Organizations Scrapbooking Sewing Stamping Tools / Equipment Wood / Glass Creative Gift Wrap Carol Duvall Show : Episode CDS-105 -- More Projects » One of Carol's frequent guests, Christine Angeli, demonstrates several different means of creating custom gift wrap, including the use of cake toppers, flowers, Con-Tact paper (or other adhesive-backed paper), and ribbon. All kinds of unlikely materials may be attached with a hot glue gun instead of tape. ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: Carol Duvall Show : Episode CDS-105 • Mosaic Tiling • Eggshell Mosaics • Creative Gift Wrap • Using Wire Home | About Us | Newsletters | Questions | Advertising Site Map | Privacy | Legal DIY | Fine Living | Food Network | Shop At Home Great American Country | HGTVPro | Living | Video On Demand Comparison Shop for Home Gifts & Patio Furniture at Shopzilla © 2005 Scripps Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.