What Prompts You to Donate?

With Thanksgiving a few days away I have been thinking a lot of all that I have been blessed with in my life. I have a wonderful family, a great job (thanks Mentors!) and a beautiful home. Going to Guatemala last month opened my eyes to how truly blessed I am. Seeing people who live with dirt floors and houses made of corn stalks opened my eyes. I had read and heard about countries that have extreme poverty, but I don’t think until you see it, do you truly understand the depth. They live without material things, but everyone I met was genuinely happy.

It also made me think about how I can help more people who aren’t as blessed as I am. How can I help another individual in another part of the world? I don’t want poverty to become out of sight out of mind for me. Part of my responsibilities is to solicit donations on behalf of Mentors International. There are a lot of great organizations out there – many who do great things. Who do you give to? What prompts you to donate to one versus another?

Here is a few things that makes Mentors different:

• Administrative costs are privately funded. One hundred percent of your donation goes straight to the program. Clients repay their loans so Mentors can fund new loans.
• Mentors provides a hand up, not a handout. Mentors serves only those willing to lift themselves from poverty.
• We teach accountability. Mentors’ repayment record is an impressive 96%.
• We mentor our clients. Mentors International provides ongoing training and mentoring to ensure success.
• We generate more impact with a dollar. Your dollar gives over and over again with our perpetual model.
• We don’t solicit or accept government assistance. Mentors accepts grants from family, corporate, and church foundations that are in line with Mentors’ mission.

Please let me know in the comments what prompts you to donate. I would be very interested to hear. If you are looking to make a difference and want to donate, please consider Mentors.   You will indeed bless many lives during this time of thanks and giving.