Anniversary Gifts (Paper) People

Top Traditional First Year Anniversary Gifts (Paper)  You are here: About > People & Relationships > Marriage > Anniversaries and Holidays > Anniversaries > 1st Wedding Anniversary > Top Traditional First Year Anniversary Gifts (Paper) People & Relationships Marriage Essentials Halloween Costume Ideas for Couples Coping With Disaster as a Couple Celebrating Your Wedding Anniversary Marriage Questions & Answers Ten Weeks to a Better Marriage Articles & Resources Proposing & Engagement Marriage Licenses Anniversaries and Holidays History of Marriage Marriage Laws Marriage Advice and Quizzes Marriage Courses, Workshops Money, Inlaws, Chores, etc. Stages of Marriage Marriage Tips, Myths, etc. Married Love and Romance Different Marriage Choices Infidelity & Other Problems Ending a Marriage Books, Statistics, Research Buyer's Guide Ready-to-Wear Halloween Costumes for Couples Great Gifts for Your Wife Great Gifts for Your Husband Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Marriage newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Marriage Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Anniversary Gift Ideas Gift Giving Related Guide Picks Modern First Anniversary Gifts Other Top Picks Most Popular 1st-10th Anniversary Gifts Couple Costume Ideas Traditional 1st Anniversary License Laws US Marriage Laws What's Hot Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe June 1999 Marriage News Peter Jennings and Kayce Freed Christopher and Dana Reeve Lance Armstrong & Sheryl Crow Related Topics Weddings Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Divorce Support Financial Planning Senior Living Top 10 Traditional First Year Anniversary Gifts - Paper Guide Picks From Sheri & Bob Stritof , Your Guide to Marriage . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! You can use a lot of creativity in figuring out which paper gift to give your spouse. Here are some suggestions to get your creative juices going. 1) Books When purchasing a book, think about your spouse's passions, interests, and hobbies. If you can't write a love poem yourself, get a book of poetry for your lover. 2) Board Games and Puzzles This gift would be a promise to spend an evening together working on a jigsaw puzzle or playing a classic board game like Scrabble. 3) Stationery This could include pretty writing paper, personalized business cards, colorful postcards, note cards, and envelopes. 4) Tickets Purchase a couple tickets and take your spouse to his/her favorite sports event, movie, or theatrical production. Other tickets could include airline, ferry, train, bus, or balloon rides. Vendor's Site 5) Paintings Everyone loves artwork that touches our heart and soul and brings beauty to our life. 6) Coupons Write out a coupon for a massage or for a dinner out or for a walk in the rain. Use your imagination! Vendor's Site 7) Love Letters Write a love letter. You can do it! Vendor's Site 8) Posters Posters have become a very popular art form. You should be able to find one that matches your spouse's interests. 9) Photographs Buy a nice frame for a photograph of the two of you. 10) Calendars You could get an electronic one, or a pictorial calendar, or a diary, or a journal style, or an appointment book. Mark all the days that are important to the two of you, and add in a few new ones as a surprise. Important product disclaimer information about this About site. Most Popular Video Fashion for Special Occasions Women: Dressing by Body Type Women: Building a Wardrobe Men: Building a Wardrobe Men: Dressing by Body Type See other videos at About.com        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Poll: What would you do with $10 million? 1) Spend it 4) Pay bills 2) Donate 5) Save 3) Invest 6) Not sure Is New York City Safe? Tips for Women Travelling What's Hot Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe June 1999 Marriage News Peter Jennings and Kayce Freed Christopher and Dana Reeve Lance Armstrong & Sheryl Crow

Top Ten Gifts for

Top Ten Gifts for the Bride  You are here: About > Style > Weddings > Bridal Party & Guests > Wedding Guest Info > Gifts > Top Ten Gifts for the Bride Style Weddings Essentials Planning Your Wedding - Brides & Grooms Easy Wedding Checklist Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands Invitations, Programs, and Stationery Organization and Wedding Planning Articles & Resources Brides and Grooms Bridal Party & Guests Your Wedding Ceremony Wedding or Engagement Rings Wedding Locations Showers and Parties Style and Attire Celebrity Weddings Honeymoons Wedding Flowers Wedding Music Wedding Cakes, Food, Menus Invitations & Programs Wedding Photography Wedding Favors Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Weddings newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Weddings Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular Wedding Vows Dr. Seuss - Funny Wedding Vow Sample Wedding Ceremony Wedding Invitation Wording Sample Wedding Thank You Cards What's Hot Top Honeymoon Ideas 10 Tips for an Outdoor Wedding Wedding Flowers & Florists Valentine's Day Weddings Medieval Wedding Related Topics Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Marriage Dating Top 10 Gifts for the Bride Guide Picks From Nina Callaway , Your Guide to Weddings . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Friends and loved ones of the bride have it tough. Not only do you have to find great engagement, shower, and wedding gifts, but usually birthday and holiday gifts as well. When a bride is getting hundreds of presents from her registry, it can be hard to figure out other things she wants. Yet never fear, your trusty guide is here to give you ten great things that every bride needs. 1)A Slim Digital Camera When planning a wedding, a bride visits tons of vendors, sites and stores that she'll want to remember. With a slim digital camera in her bag, she'll be able to snap away and remember her options later. The bride planning her wedding with a fiance or mother far away will doubly appreciate the easy ability to digitally share pictures for consideration. 2) A spa gift certificate Every bride I've known was STRESSED out. An inexpensive manicure or pedicure will help her look great at pre-wedding events, tense muscles will love a massage, and a facial will help her skin look fantastic for wedding pictures. Or splurge and get her a full-day of beauty that will allow for maximum relaxation time. I recommend buying a gift certificate from spafinder.com, where the recipient can choose from a variety of spas and treatments. Buy Direct 3)A Book That Will Make Her Laugh Along those same lines, the stressed-out bride needs to laugh. Why not give her a book such as "Diary of a Mad Bride" a comedic tale told in diary format. After pooh poohing her friends engaged mania, suddenly the protaginist finds herself being THAT crazy bride.If that's not her taste, try a wedding comedy movie or tickets to see some stand-up - laughter is, after all, the best medicine. 4)Monogramed Goodies If a bride is changing her name, she'll appreciate getting towels, slippers, or keepsake boxes with her new initials on it. If she's not changing her name, similar items featuring the two initials for her and her fiance's last names will give hints of the new life she'll soon lead. She most likely won't have registered for monogrammed items - most registries that I know of don't have this option - so your gift will be unique. 5)Confirmation of Youth Remind her that getting married doesn't have to mean changing who she is, with a bottle of her favorite whiskey, a gift certificate for sex toys, or a coupon for a girls night out. If she's not a wild girl, give her the same kind of present that you would have given her if she wasn't getting married - she'll still love the sappy movie, or the funky t-shirt. 6)Honeymoon Gift If you know where she's planning on honeymooning, she'll love a helpful guidebook on the spot, or appropriate accessories. (beach blanket for a Carribean honeymoon, cashmere scarf for a ski-resort getaway, etc.) She won't have registered for it, but it will be tremendously helpful. 7)Lingerie Every bride can use some reminders of her beauty and sexiness. Give her some gorgeous lingerie that will help keep the spark alive after the wedding night. Those of you who are conservative can give a beautiful pegnoir set, while adventurous types can opt for skimpy or crotchless panties, latex bras, or, well, you get the picture! 8)Holiday Decorations Today's brides register for furniture, electronics, and camping equipment, as well as the traditional kitchen and entertaining gear. Yet very few brides have the holiday decorations they'll need to start new traditions and recreate old traditions. Whether you give a holiday ornament with both of their names engraved on it, a beautiful menorah, or a cornucopia to create a Thanksgiving centerpiece, your gift will be put to use for years to come. 9)Engagement Memories A newly married couple will have lots of documentation of the wedding day itself, yet few have documentation of planning the wedding. A bride will love a beautiful album with pictures of her shower, a journal for recording her thoughts during the process, or a scrapbook you've put together. Grooms, why not put together a scrapbook of your dating memories? To make it extra special, add tickets or gift certificates so that you can revisit one of the places that made such great memories. 10)A History of Her Fiance's Family She's gaining a whole new set of family members, but she probably doesn't have ANY idea of who they are! A thoughtful gift would be a labeled photo album with all of the new people in her family, or a beautiful groom's family tree (make sure you include the bride!). Important product disclaimer information about this About site. Most Popular Video Fashion for Special Occasions Women: Dressing by Body Type Women: Building a Wardrobe Men: Building a Wardrobe Men: Dressing by Body Type See other videos at About.com        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Poll: What would you do with $10 million? 1) Spend it 4) Pay bills 2) Donate 5) Save 3) Invest 6) Not sure Is New York City Safe? Tips for Women Travelling What's Hot Top Honeymoon Ideas 10 Tips for an Outdoor Wedding Wedding Flowers & Florists Valentine's Day Weddings Medieval Wedding

golf gift ideas HOME

BirdieBall:golf gifts.Birdie Ball.golf tips.golf practice net.golf store.practice golf ball.golf games.golf training aid.golf gift ideas HOME MY ACCOUNT SHOPPING CART CHECKOUT Categories All Categories Specials BirdieBall Products College Logo Store Golf Accessories BirdieBall School Sets NFL Golf Store Crocs After Golf Shoes Bang Drivers & Woods Learn More Our Products Watch Videos » Making News Fun Uses of BirdieBalls FAQ's Testimonials About Birdieball Our Company Europe Birdie Ball Alliances Retail Location Contact Us Golf Tips Golf's greatest secret revealed Call us at: 866.807.3348 Other Opportunities Advertise on BirdieBalls Become an Advertising Distributor Flash Animation -- -- Featured in: & & & & & & And Many More » Click & Read - BirdieBall's in Sept 05 Issue of Golf Magazine! On newstands today BirdieBall by Birdie Ball Inc. is the best golf training aid invented this century! That's a bold statement, but golf coaches and PGA golf instructors around the world agree, and have voted it the PGA, Product of the Year for 2005! It is a limited flight practice golf ball without limited feel. True feel with a long hang time, golf ball-like, trajectory! But it only flies 40 yards, so you have your own backyard driving range. Take a full swing. Draw it Fade it. Grab a buddy, get 40 yards apart and hit them back and forth. You wont believe the turbine sound created by the high rate of reverse spin. It's very durable, in fact the Pro Series wont break like other perforated practice balls or wiffleballs. Use the StrikePad to simulate taking a divot. It is a cambered polymer pad designed to replace conventional golf mats and turf pads. The cambered surface of the StrikePad creates an air cushion at impact. The Strike Pad will not grab the club. This protects your leading elbow by reducing jarring that happens when hitting off of other golf pads. The StrikePad deflects down at impact and follow through, and then rebounds back in the blink of an eye. In addition to being an incredible training aid, the BirdieBall is just plain fun. The 2004 PGA Merchandise Show marked the Birdie Balls introduction to the golf world. Adam Barr, Business Analyst with the Golf Channel, featured the "eyebrow raiser" to open the show. By the end of the show the BirdieBall had won one of the 2004 product of the year awards! Mark Murphy with Golf Digest's Golf World writes in the February 6th 2004 edition that odds are good that the Birdie Ball Inc will be successful. We know that you will agree. Chipping in Small Areas The feel one develops by chipping the BirdieBall in small confined areas is one of the BirdieBalls most incredible features. Although the BirdieBall is awesome for practicing a full swing it may be best when used indoors or in very small outdoor areas. Unlike all other off-course golf ball like devices the BirdieBall has rebound. When chipping a golf ball the feel of the ball on the club and the associated rebound are key to understanding how far your shot will travel. Further, lofting and de-lofting the golf club creates different feel and spin on the ball. The BirdieBall feels and spins like a golf ball as well in the chipping realm as in the full swing realm. Further, when using the BirdieBall with a very lofted club (pitching wedge) inside of its maximum 40-60 yard range the comparable distance is very similar to an actual golf ball. Lets take a quarter swing pitching wedge for example. I would expect a quarter swing pitching wedge to travel about 20 to 25 yards on a golf course. A quarter swing pitching wedge with BirdieBall will travel a comparable distance. A short chipping move with a straight left side and no wrist break would be equal to chipping a golf ball into a high back chair from short range, about ten feet. I practice chipping BirdieBalls into my chair at my office. It is the same exact move and feel. The reason it works so well is because the less we compress either a golf ball or BirdieBall the more they feel, fly and spin like one another. When I travel, I travel with about a dozen BirdieBalls and a collapsible pitching wedge (for sale right here). When bored in the hotel room, I will chip BirdieBalls into the heavy curtain covering the sliding doors. I put a trash can under my target area and watch the BirdieBalls slide down the pleat right into the hotels trash can. Hows that for downtime target practice! Hitting Driver One of the questions we get all of the time is; I can see where practicing irons and fairway woods would be great, but, can I hit Driver? Absolutely, we will soon be packaging all BirdieBalls with a BirdieBall tee (coming soon). Until then, there are a couple of different ways to elevate the BirdieBall so that you can take the big cut with the big 460cc Bang-O-Matic. First you can stack one BirdieBall on top of another. Hit the top one off of the bottom one. Second, take a kitchen sponge, cut it in half, stack it up and hang the BirdieBall off of one side. You can also hang it off of the edge of the Tee Up Area on the StrikePad. Awesome! BirdieBall as a Golf Gift BirdieBall may be the best golf gift that you can give a golfer. Regardless of whether the golfer is a low handicapper or simply a beginner this golf gift is truly right on the mark. Golf gifts are hard to choose because the golf gift often has to fit, in the world of golf gifts this is one size fits all levels of golfer. Further, golf gifts are hard to choose because you dont want to by the golfer something that the golfer already has. This gift has been getting rave reviews all over the world for the last couple of years. Recently the StrikePad has been improved to include an illustrated swing plane which helps the beginner understand the fundamental inside to outside swing path. Low handicappers use the pad as a surface from which they can practice the down and through motion without tearing up the lawn. BirdieBall Golf Tips In this web site we have a page dedicated to golf tips. The golf swing is complicated. We believe that there are really only five golf tips that you need to remember. The first tip is a golf tip on the golf grip; the second golf tip is a tip on the golf club takeaway, the Y to L position. The third tip is a golf tip with regard to the position of the golf club at the top of the swing along with the inside to outside motion of the golf club on the downswing. The fourth golf tip is the importance of club head rotation through the hitting zone. The fifth and final tip is a tip on the down and through motion when using your irons. Please visit these golf tips on-line. You can visit the Golf Tips section by clicking now. Just place your cursor over this section. These golf tips are free. Here is another golf tip: Practice with BirdieBallsthat is the best golf tip any golf tips reference could give you. P.S. The BirdieBall is also great for corporate logos. Birdie Ball Inc., all rights reserved. Patent pending Special, Basket-O-BirdieBalls (logo overruns) Our Price: $89.99 Back and Forth Special! Includes 2 Swing Path Pads Our Price: $49.99 Telescoping Travel Golf Club Our Price: $35.99 Telescoping Clubs & Back and Forth Set Special! Our Price: $109.99 Individual StrikePad With Imprinted Swing Template Our Price: $25.99 BirdieBall 12 Ball Box Our Price: $23.99 Special Upgraded Bang-O-Matic 460 Driver Our Price: $229.99 Two Mat Super Heavy Duty Softee +Dozen BirdieBalls Our Price: $149.00 Crocs Beach, After-Golf Shoes + 3 BirdieBalls Our Price: $34.95 Individual BirdieBalls with 1 or 2 color logo 12 BirdieBalls & StrikePad Set Our Price: $35.99 Individual StrikePad Our Price: $15.99 Individual BirdieBalls Our Price: $2.49 College Mascot Head Covers + Sleeve of BirdieBalls Our Price: $29.99 Ten Pack of Tommy Armour 845, Six Irons, its $6 ea Our Price: $60.00 Digital Score Card Our Price: $19.99 *25-65 yard range depending on club HOME | SITE MAP | -- ALL PRODUCTS | CONTACT US | PRIVACY/REFUND POLICIES | MY ACCOUNT | SHOPPING CART | CHECKOUT

Teacher Gift Ideas Teacher

Find Gifts for a Teacher / Teacher Gifts - FindGift.com Personalize FindGift.com! -- Login | Sign Up | List of Services Gift Ideas Gift Registry Gift Shops Gift Bookmarks Home | Help keyword search Gift Giving Made Easy! A free service dedicated to helping you find creative gift ideas! Home For Who Teacher Refine Search for Teacher Gift Ideas Teacher for Him for Her Any Price $0 - $10 $11 - $25 $26 - $50 $51 - $100 $101 - $200 $200+ Use our Gift Wizard to customize your gift search Use our Gift Finder to find gift ideas customized to the likes/dislikes of the recipient. Personalized Gifts Wide selection personalized free! Preview online - shop today & save! www.PersonalizationMall.com Free Spa Bag! Buy a Salon/Spa Gift Certificate Get a Free Spa Bag - 1500 locations www.1800THESALON.COM Viewing 1 - 10 of 1183 gift ideas found Messages of Love - Teacher Bracelet from Abernook ($42.00) This Teacher Bracelet is made with Swarovsky Crystals and Bali Silver. The bracelet comes with a poem that explains what each color represents. Give your teacher a gift that will remind what makes her so special. Coupon Code: FG-M10 for 10% off select Messages of Love Jewelry for Findgift customers now through 9/26. Questions? Contact Abernook . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Personalized #1 Teacher Cartoon by Anita Massimini-Brown from Cowboy Chuck Company ($14.00) Great way to brighten up any classroom. This whimsical cartoon is hand-lettered with teachers name (school or students' name can also be added). Male or Female, Matted size 8X10. 18 mat colors and 5 frame styles. Get your FREE personalized cartoon by clicking "FREE Picture" button on our home page. Orders ship in ONE business day. Questions? Contact Cowboy Chuck Company . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Treats For Teacher from Cookie Gift Baskets.com ($18.00) Give your favorite teacher a painted pot filled with one chocolate chip cookie on a stick, one apple cut out cookie, snack mix, chocolate candy bar, individual servings of hot chocolate, coffee, tea and two pencils. Save Up To $5 - Visit Our Home Page For This Week's Online Special! Our gourmet cookies are fresh-baked daily. Questions? Contact Cookie Gift Baskets.com . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Personalized Day Care / Pre-School Teacher Cartoon by Anita Massimini Brown from Cowboy Chuck Company (priced within $10.00 - $24.99) Great way to brighten up a classroom. This whimsical 8 x 10 cartoon is hand-lettered by the artist with teachers name and she can add school and a students' name, too. Lots of "school" cartoons available. Matted/Framed. Get your FREE personalized cartoon by clicking "FREE Picture" button on our home page. Orders ship in ONE business day. Questions? Contact Cowboy Chuck Company . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Personalized Teacher's Tote Bag from Personalized Presents ($26.95) The perfect teacher gift. Canvas Tote Bag comes in two color choices, white with navy blue or white with royal blue. Name is embroidered at no additional charge. Tote is 16" x 12.5". Usually ships next day. **FREE Personalized Ornament** Order 2 or more Christmas Stockings to receive a free ornament (our choice). Questions? Contact Personalized Presents . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Elementary Teacher Friendly Folks Personalized Cartoon from Personalized by Annette ($10.95) This cartoon comes matted, 8 x 10", in your choice of mat color. The Name, 3 lines on blackboard and 2 lines above blackboard can be personalized. Teacher cartoons can also be ordered as a snowglobe, key chain or magnet. Questions? Contact Personalized by Annette . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Personalized Goodies Treat Jars from Personal Creations ($39.95) Thick glass jars feature solid wood lids that seal air tight. Each is then laser-engraved with your custom message. $5 OFF orders over $40! Save on personalized gifts, ornaments and decorations. PROMO CODE: GFB548. (exp 12/31/05) Questions? Contact Personal Creations . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Angel of Learning by Willow Tree from Personalized Presents ($10.00) Angel of Learning - for those who delight in the joy of learning. Makes a lovely gift for a teacher or someone special. This 5" tall figure ships in its original collectors box with message card. **FREE Personalized Ornament** Order 2 or more Christmas Stockings to receive a free ornament (our choice). Questions? Contact Personalized Presents . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Personalized Teacher Note Cards by anita massimini-brown from Cowboy Chuck Company ($18.00) Adorable personalized fold-over TEACHER note cards. Blank innside. Available in quantities of 12, 24 or 48 (with envelopes). Choose from 6 different border colors and 6 font styles. Personalized with name. Get your FREE personalized cartoon by clicking "FREE Picture" button on our home page. Orders ship in ONE business day. Questions? Contact Cowboy Chuck Company . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Personalized Teacher Magazine Label from Last Laugh Gifts ($22.95) Surprise and delight a teacher! Email us their photo and a personalized message. We'll create a Times Magazine (Best Teacher) label. Looks like a real cover! Unique gift idea for Teacher's Day or for the end of school year! Give your gift and enjoy seeing the surprise and delight it brings! Questions? Contact Last Laugh Gifts . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | viewing 1 - 10 of 1183 gift ideas found Bosses Day Oct 16, 2005 24 Shopping Days Left Bosses Day Gift Ideas Sweetest Day Oct 15 Halloween Oct 31 More Holidays Seasonal Gifts Wedding Gift Ideas Anniversary Gift Ideas Autumn Theme See this month's Top 20 Gift Ideas Gift Helpers » Anniversary Gifts » Flower Meanings » Monthly Flowers » Monthly Birthstones » Signs of the Zodiac » Additional Resources FindGift.com Newsletter Sign up to receive seasonal and unique gift ideas via email. Email Address Merchant Login | Add Your Products to FindGift.com | Press Room | FAQs | Contact FindGift.com Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map © 1997-2005, Registry Online, Inc. FindGift.com and its logo are trademarks of Registry Online, Inc.

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? 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