Welcome to Philanthropy Week on Epheriell Designs!

This week, I want to do something different.Â

As well as launching the #100BeanieDrive on Saturday, I’ve had a lot of charitable and philanthropic ideas come to my attention recently.

So, in order to explore the idea of philanthropy and micro-business, I’m having a philanthropy-themed week here on ED.

What will I be talking about?

I’m going to be talking about what my favourite charity is, and why.

I’ll also be analysing the juncture between craft, philanthropy, feminism, and the New Economy.

I’ll be talking about some fabulous and inspiring crowd-funded creative projects, and discussing how you can use this form of give-and-take philanthropy in your own business.

I’ll also be sharing a new piece of jewellery that I have created that will have philanthropy built-in to it – both in its design and in what I do with the money earned.

Of course, I’ll also be using this week to gently remind you about – and update you on – my current philanthropic passion – the #100BeanieDrive.

To kick things off, I’d love to start the week by asking you to share how you include philanthropy/charitable giving in your every day life (and perhaps in your business, too!). Please share in the comments!

6 Comments

Russell Allert on July 2, 2012 at 12:12 pm

Great idea, Jess! And a great question.

I keep mine simple – 5% of all my earnings goes to fund indie business people via Kiva. 🙂

Russ

ClÃ©mentine on July 2, 2012 at 3:24 pm

As I work with materials that I upcycle, when I need to buy some, I buy them from charity stores.
A lot of people give me clothes for me to upcycle, when they are still brand new, I give them to those same shops. I also help people in need by giving them stuff I’m not using at home as my 366 objects less this year challenge (idea coming from you 😉 ).

Merryl Chantrell on July 2, 2012 at 4:17 pm

Hi Jess I have been a Justice of the Peace for 12 years which is a voluntary position. I helped set up a JP Services Room at our local library which operates every Friday afternoon. No appointment needed and fee free of course :o)

Laura on July 2, 2012 at 6:19 pm

Dan (my partner) and I are huge animal lovers and the RSPCA is our favourite charity. We make an equivalent donation to all of the Project Wonderful and other revenue from Creativity Unmasked to the RSPCA. In reality, we donate far more that that, but it is still a lovely way blog for goodness. 🙂

Leanne on July 2, 2012 at 9:43 pm

I love the fact that my ability to create jewellery allows me to donate pieces to charities to assist them in their fundraising efforts,even if in a small way.

I donate at least four items each month which is so much more that I could afford to donate in equal value of money.

Rebecca Smith on July 3, 2012 at 12:41 am

Just discovered you yesterday when someone recommended my site to you via Twitter. I have a long term business plan to incorporate more and more philanthropy in my business. Right now, I donate 10% of every sale to low-income entrepreneurs on Kiva.org – but my short term (1-3 year) goal is to hire women from my community who otherwise would not be able to work. I live in a predominately immigrant community in Detroit, MI. Many women are not allowed to be outside their home due to their Muslim religion – let alone work. I hope to be able to provide them with a skill (sewing) and value… as well as much needed friendship and social interaction.

Russell Allert on July 2, 2012 at 12:12 pm

Great idea, Jess! And a great question.

I keep mine simple – 5% of all my earnings goes to fund indie business people via Kiva. 🙂

Russ
ClÃ©mentine on July 2, 2012 at 3:24 pm

As I work with materials that I upcycle, when I need to buy some, I buy them from charity stores.
A lot of people give me clothes for me to upcycle, when they are still brand new, I give them to those same shops. I also help people in need by giving them stuff I’m not using at home as my 366 objects less this year challenge (idea coming from you 😉 ).
Merryl Chantrell on July 2, 2012 at 4:17 pm

Hi Jess I have been a Justice of the Peace for 12 years which is a voluntary position. I helped set up a JP Services Room at our local library which operates every Friday afternoon. No appointment needed and fee free of course :o)
Laura on July 2, 2012 at 6:19 pm

Dan (my partner) and I are huge animal lovers and the RSPCA is our favourite charity. We make an equivalent donation to all of the Project Wonderful and other revenue from Creativity Unmasked to the RSPCA. In reality, we donate far more that that, but it is still a lovely way blog for goodness. 🙂
Leanne on July 2, 2012 at 9:43 pm

I love the fact that my ability to create jewellery allows me to donate pieces to charities to assist them in their fundraising efforts,even if in a small way.

I donate at least four items each month which is so much more that I could afford to donate in equal value of money.
Rebecca Smith on July 3, 2012 at 12:41 am

Just discovered you yesterday when someone recommended my site to you via Twitter. I have a long term business plan to incorporate more and more philanthropy in my business. Right now, I donate 10% of every sale to low-income entrepreneurs on Kiva.org – but my short term (1-3 year) goal is to hire women from my community who otherwise would not be able to work. I live in a predominately immigrant community in Detroit, MI. Many women are not allowed to be outside their home due to their Muslim religion – let alone work. I hope to be able to provide them with a skill (sewing) and value… as well as much needed friendship and social interaction.