by timeverswick on January 14, 2010
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on January 12th. World Vision is already on the ground in Haiti assessing the damage and ready to respond with emergency supplies.
Here is how you can help. Visit World Vision and make a donation – this takes no time at all.
Your generous gift today will help provide emergency food and family survival kits, which contain things like:
* Emergency food
* Blankets
* Water cans and water purification tablets
* Cooking supplies
* Plastic sheeting for shelter
* Mosquito netting
* And more!
Donations will also provide for the long-term needs of children and families, rebuilding communities and restoring hope.
by davelavinsky on December 23, 2009
This past Tuesday, Warren Buffett and Goldman Sachs announced that they were donating $500 million to assist 10,000 small businesses in the U.S.
To begin, this is pretty cool. Any money invested in small businesses is sure to lead to more jobs and an improved economy. And even better when this money is not coming from taxpayer dollars.
However, what I found most interesting was where Buffet decided to invest the $500 million. I say “Buffett” and not Goldman Sachs, since Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is the largest shareholder in Goldman Sachs, giving me the impression that he was calling the shots on this one.
According to Bloomberg.com, the moneys will be allocated as follows: “$200 million to local community colleges, universities and other institutions to provide small-business owners with practical business education…. $300 million through a combination of lending and philanthropic support to community development financial institutions.”
$200 million to “practical business education” – that’s what rang out the loudest to me. As one of the greatest investors ever, Buffett knows first hand that entrepreneurs that succeed are the ones who have the right business education and training.
Successful entrepreneurs realize that they themselves are one of their organization’s greatest assets. As such, they constantly invest in themselves by taking courses, reading books, and upgrading all of their key skills.
Regarding the other $300 million, it is being provided to community development financial institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs generally provide financing and related services to individuals and small businesses in struggling or underserved communities. If you have or would like to start a business in one of these communities, go to CFDI Coalition website to find a list of certified CFDIs.
