For some, "the most wonderful time of the year" is anything but.Parents in poverty are often reminded of their inability to provide gifts for their own children through well-intentioned but short-sighted toy giveaway programs. Fortunately, there are alternative Christmas programs that find dignifying, creative ways to give parents the opportunity to take the lead in […]
Are you effectively communicating to your donors how much you value them?When it comes to engaging your donor base, a prompt, solid thank-you system is a solid foundation. From there, personalizations and regular updates are valuable additions. But to create an unforgettable donor experience? That will set you apart from the vast majority of nonprofits […]
Would your ministry be prepared if it was legally challenged for operating according to your religious convictions?Unfortunately, what once felt like a distant and unlikely threat is becoming more of a reality every day. Would your shelter be protected if you chose not to let a man who identifies as a woman stay in the […]
It's no secret that work, marriage, and education are key to overcoming poverty. However, welfare programs frequently penalize individuals who take steps toward stability - specifically by penalizing work and marriage. Fortunately, there are tools to assist church and nonprofit leaders to help their clients understand and, potentially, avoid the pitfalls of the welfare system. […]
While many adults learn best through informal interaction, word of mouth, and trial-and-error, many attempts at life skills classes for our low-income neighbors are done in formally-structured settings that can feel intimidating or even disconnected from their reality. Join True Charity and The Chalmers Center, the organization behind the popular book When Helping Hurts, as […]
Poverty-fighting nonprofits share a common vision: they want to see poverty eradicated and a flourishing life available to everyone. In theory, that common vision is a uniting force. In practice, however, division runs rampant between organizations with similar goals. If left unchecked, pride and greed can crowd out the humility and generosity necessary for effective […]
"Let us beware of mere charity with the tongs." -Lend a Hand charity magazine, 1893 This quote conjures up a powerful image of a charitable person keeping the poor at arms length, and charity practitioners of days gone by warned strongly against it. Why? Because they knew that the real vehicle for transformation of circumstances […]
How we address poverty matters. Our charity can either equip the person in need to overcome future challenges, or undermine his ability to do so. The question is: how does that principle apply to children in material need?Join True Charity Initiative for a webinar featuring Ismael Hernandez, founder and president of the Freedom and Virtue […]
Those on the frontlines of poverty alleviation are well-acquainted with the counter-productive, harmful, and even bizarre behavior that so often accompanies poverty: stunted emotional development, lack of self-control, irrational or risky behavior, and a propensity for numbing agents such as drugs or alcohol are common issues. The persistence and severity of these problems can be […]
Jesus teaches His followers to be a "City on a Hill", letting their "light shine before others" (Matthew 5:13-16). Furthermore, scripture is clear that spirit-filled Christians have a duty to care for the poor, marginalized, and disenfranchised. For the modern-day church, these instructions can be simultaneously inspiring and intimidating: How do we carry out this […]
