Browsing by Rob Blezard
5 Ways to Maximize Your Grant Funding
It’s a challenging time for nonprofit organizations, with greater need and reduced resources, and most leaders believe the outlook will not get brighter. As organizations tighten their belts, they are wise to look at all funding options, including grants. This article from On Philanthropy magazine gives advice to help. (Photo by Steven Depolo, used by […]
Work is Overrated, Let’s Cut Ourselves a Break
We American workers have increased our productivity more than 80% since 1973 . . . and we work 10% longer. Since we increased our efficiency by 80%, shouldn’t we be working 80% less, not 10% more? Numerous commentators have opined about how crazy it is that our wages have stagnated while our productivity has soared, but few mention that we also work longer hours. (Photo by 19melissa68, used by Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Free Will, Free Choice, and the Abundant Life
How would you like to live longer, have more energy and be free of many chronic and painful diseases? Medical experts have discovered the secret, and its available everywhere — and without a prescription! Moreover, it’s extremely affordable! What is the secret? (Photo © Sebastian Duda – Fotolia.com)
The Church and Climate Change
Catholic Bernard Unabali of Papua New Guinea serves people who became the world’s first Climate Change Refugees when rising sea levels overran their atoll communities, and he expects there to be many more refugees coming years. Part of a Catholic symposium on climate change, his witness helps connect faith and the environment.
Exploring Stewardship in the Bible
“What is Christian giving? The Bible helps us to answer this question,” begins a 10-page PDF that looks at Scripture to illuminate important aspects of stewardship — Gifts from God, Giving Time, Giving Talent, and Giving Money. A nice primer from the Church of Scotland.
The Stubborn 2% Giving Rate
Is American giving on cruise control? While overall giving has mushroomed since the 1970s, it has been driven primarily by growing incomes, not by donors deciding to give a larger share of income. As a share of GDP, charitable giving has rarely strayed far from 2 percent over the past four decades—despite the huge growth in the number of charities and fundraisers and periodic crusades to encourage greater giving. (Photo by margonaut, used by Creative Commons license)
7 Truths About Stewardship Programs
No. 1: “The first place to look for money is in the heart, not the wallet.” This resource explains why, and then goes on to explain SIX more truths! It’s a great, handy resource from the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. (Photo by Varkle69, used by creative Commons license – Thanks!)
A Beloved Community: Christian Mission in an Ecological Age
The planet is facing major ecological problems: global warming, loss of species diversity, loss of forests and arable land, disposal of garbage and toxic waste, pollution of air, land, and water, over-population, depletion of non-replaceable natural resources, diminution of food sources, ocean acidification and collapse of fisheries, among others. And the survival of creation as we humans have known it is at stake. Here are five principles for a Christian response. (Photo by NASA)
‘Conversation Starter’ on Gratitude and Generosity
Our friends at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have come up with a handy discussion guide on gratitude and generosity. It includes scripture and questions to get your workshop, seminar or study group headed in the right direction. (Photo © laurent hamels – Fotolia.com)
Use a Weekly ‘Generosity Verse’
Here’s a good idea from Brian Kluth – find a way to lift up every week one Bible verse that deals with generosity or stewardship. His website gives suggestions how, as well as some Scripture verses to highlight. (Photo © Alfredo Müller – Fotolia.com)
