The Reach
On The Reach blog, we highlight individuals and organizations from MFF’s network who are tackling some of today’s biggest challenges. In our bimonthly newsletter, also called The Reach, we share these posts and other resources in order to create an ongoing conversation with our readers. Check out our email campaign archive here and subscribe below to keep up with our latest news.
Behind the Scenes with Carrie Morgridge at TEDxMSU
Whether you are new to the nonprofit world or an active philanthropist, this thought-provoking talk will challenge your giving routine.
MFF’s Student Support Foundation: Sparking Change, Inspiring Impact
One SSF club president wrote: “Not only does SSF provide tangible improvements to the community, it enhances a student’s academic understanding of issues being studied.”
Entrepreneurs, You Need To Know About MIT Solve
MIT Solve is a social impact marketplace. They develop partnerships for tech entrepreneurs around the world and help turn innovative ideas into transformational change
The Power of the 10% Rule
Every year, we hold back 10% of our annual giving budget for unexpected opportunities. We know there will be surprises.
We are a Nation of Givers
In good economic times and bad, Americans give about 2% of the gross domestic product in contributions to non-profits, churches, and other causes.
Wish for Wheels: A Study in Giving
Each year, Colorado has a Bike to School Day. But not every child can own a bike. Wish for Wheels aims to change that.
Why the Glass is Always Full
I used to spend 80% of my time talking about what was broken in the causes I supported. Then I realized that giving needs to be positive and fun.
Four Reasons Teamwork is Essential to Philanthropy
Of all the gifts my husband John and I have given over the years, I can’t think of a single project where we donated the entire cost. Here’s why.
Why Do I Give At All?
At the end of the day, it’s the thousands of small donations of money, time, love, encouragement, and other support that go furthest and do the most.
Spontaneous Unaffiliated Volunteers
All Hands Volunteers is a nonprofit that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters.
Thinking Outside of the Box
Steve Jobs took a radical jump outside the box to develop a comparatively tiny, simple computer that soon revolutionized the world.
Giving is Contagious
We couldn’t have built a museum, but we make a gift with the hope that others would join us in building for the future. That’s exactly what happened.
It’s Ok to Say No
If a gift doesn’t feel right, it’s OK to say no. We have to always remember that it is our money, our time, and our lives. We have every right to decline a request for any reason.
Embrace the Unexpected
Sometimes things happen in life that don’t seem significant at the time but prove otherwise later on. That’s what happened to my husband John and me after a simple flat tire.
How Book Trust Changes the World $7 at a Time
The average middle-income child has 13 books at home, while in low-income communities there’s an average of one book for every 300 children.
Girl Power
Women are championing many of the issues that affect us all, such as education, the arts, healthcare, and human rights.
How to Leverage The Power of Matching Gifts
We always look for organizations that will accept the challenge to stretch the money we give as far as possible. I implore you to do the same.
Ten Leadership Traits to Look For
One surefire way to spend wisely is to find great leaders, invest in their work, and hold them to high expectations. Supporting the people in charge is how you’ll see real results.
Six Questions to Discover What Motivates Your Giving
Motivation is about passion. Investing in projects and sectors you care deeply about will help you stay interested and engaged for the long term.
Seven Questions I Ask To Decide Where To Give
It all comes down to partnering with people who share my passion and my conviction that every dollar can always work harder.