My latest column from Atlanta INtown Paper.  Enjoy!

Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti this past January, I have participated in many conversations regarding the security and strategy for making cash donations to the relief efforts.  It’s completely understandable: When contributing money, we want to make sure it gets into the best hands.

Often times, just making that decision can be overwhelming enough to deter people from supporting a charity. What causes are most important to support? Which organizations do we give our money to? How much do we give? How do we know it’s being used as we would like?

With this conversation in mind, I wanted this month’s column to highlight a resource here in Atlanta that can help private citizens feel more confident making financial contributions.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta has been providing educational and support services for Atlanta’s donors since 1951. You may be familiar with the Foundation from the great work they do providing funding for our local non-profit and charitable organizations.  What you may not know is the Foundation offers great support services to Atlantans who want to give back and have an impact.

Today, donor-advised funds – which the Foundation helps individuals create – are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States. These funds allow private citizens to do more than just write check; they allow givers to become fully engaged in the philanthropic process.

Currently, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta works with more than 650 individual and families who have come to them with one common goal: wanting to give back. They have programs that service individuals and families that allow givers to be truly integrated into the experience of helping causes that are closest to them. The Foundation’s Center for Family Philanthropy is a great resource that helps local families engage in all aspects of giving, beyond just money.

Audrey Jacobs, director of the Center for Family Philanthropy at the Foundation states, “Philanthropy doesn’t require a significant amount of money, and many nonprofit organizations find great value in your human and intellectual investments as well. It’s about understanding what you’re passionate about and then connecting that passion to a greater purpose.”

The Center for Family Philanthropy is a great way to connect your family, even young children to the power and rewards of giving. If you are looking to build confidence in your philanthropic efforts, the Foundation can help. Its professionals understand the complexity of today’s charity landscape and are true advocates for turning ordinary people into extraordinary philanthropists.

For more information about the programs and services offered at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta visit the website www.cfgreateratlanta.org.

It was an exciting moment this week when I got a chance to meet Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS Shoes. (You may recall my earlier blog where I shyly confessed my Living by Giving crush on Blake.) 

Blake spoke to the students at Vanderbilt University and we got a backdoor pass to get some inspirational time with the social entrepreneur and some of the students.

He is modest, yes, but also very proud of what he has created - and able to deliver a message to young adults of how fulfilling work and life can be, if you make the bottom line about more than just money.  His business model is simple: One for one. Every time you buy a pair of TOMS Shoes, TOMS gives a pair away to a child in need. Inspiring. Impactful. And sustainable.

We asked Blake how someone can start "living by giving", you may be surprised by his answer.  Check out our first clip from our interview with Blake.   

Stay tuned for more clips and our interview with a very charming student who is also Living by Giving. (To purchase your very own pair of TOMS visit www.TOMSshoes.com)

Did you know that Blake and his sister were on Season 2 of the Amazing Race?  He and his sister Paige lost the million dollar prize by 4 minutes...because Blake didn't want to stop for directions.  I guess we are all given second chances.  Blake's came when he revisited Argentina to volunteer in a small village and saw how many people, especially children, didn't have shoes. 

    I love when I find a new recipe of success for Living by Giving.  Just like chocolate chip cookies, there are many unique recipes, and I get excited when I find a good one.

I first met Kim when she was living here in Atlanta and had just started her k101 Agency specializing in public relations and marketing.  Kim was already a professional player on the Atlanta scene, very well-known and well-respected, and I was just a rookie who had started a non-profit and needed some guidance in branding and awareness.  Kim, without hesitation and without pay, helped me immensely.  I still remember that feeling of empowerment she gave me, just by merely giving me her attention and wisdom, when I'm sure she could have been doing much more "profitable" tasks. (She's a true giver.) 

Since then, Kim has moved away from Atlanta.  But I was excited to chat with her recently and to learn that her business is booming and she still has that giving touch.  In fact, she is a heroic example of how professionals can bring together their own philanthropic passion and their corporate client, all to give back to the community...and make a difference. Her story involves volunteering, inspiring, and "a case of identity" for young girls, provided by Caboodles.

Kim shared with me exclusively, "I feel so lucky to be able to work with clients who care about their community and attach to causes that align with their brand and company culture.  k101 Agency has allowed me to cross-pollinate my work life with my passion for teaching kids/teens in underserved communities.  The opportunities are infinite and I encourage everyone to consider possible resources in their “work” life that can help worthy causes, it’s just a matter of putting the puzzle pieces together and making sure both sides are benefiting." 

To take a line from her own campaign, in her case Kim has created a cause-marketing campaign that elevates her clients' exposure amongst its target audience while championing the spirit of young girls by encouraging creativity and self confidence.

Did you know that over 80% of consumers say they choose brands that support good causes?

Check out Kim in the Caboodles' new campaign video: