Ever wonder how you can make a difference even if you don’t have a lot of extra cash? Here are a few ways we give to charity that don’t require a fat checkbook:
Kiva. Cascade Investment Advisors keeps funds on deposit with Kiva perpetually. We originally sent Kiva $1000, and that was spread among lots of loans. A loan can be made for as little as $25. Most of the loans benefit enterprising folks in South America, Europe, and the Middle East, but Kiva also has a new division making loans in the US. Recipients tend to be very good at repayment, and just a little goes a very long ways when you’re talking about Ecuador or Guatemala. Check it out here: https://www.kiva.org/
4Ocean. One of my pet peeves is trash in the oceans, which is reaching outrageous proportions and killing sea life. 4Ocean was started by two guys who went to Bali to surf and saw fishermen coming back with no fish, but lots of plastic, which they then tossed back into the sea. These two started a company that employs fishermen and others to extract the plastic, recycle it, and/or dispose of it responsibly. The results have been impressive. 4Ocean is not a nonprofit, but for as little as $20 you can do your part: https://4ocean.com/
FreeKibble.com. If you love animals, this one is brilliant. FreeKibble was started by a grade schooler in Bend, Oregon several years ago. The idea is to answer a couple of trivia questions – one about dogs and one about cats – and whether you are right or not, FreeKibble.com donates kibble meals to shelter pets. A tie-up with Halo pet food assures the donations, and you can play every day. This one entails absolutely no money out of your pocket! Here is the website: https://www.freekibble.com/
Happy Giving!