Making a Difference News Articles

Older Adult Volunteers Bring New Expertise and New Life to Nonprofits

As they move into roles in service and volunteering, older adults are discovering that what they know is just as important as how much time they can give. Their help couldn't have come at a better time for nonprofit organizations.

Published: 2009-04-23 00:00:00 read more...

It's Tax Season for Nonprofits, Too

Just because your organization is a nonprofit does not mean that it can sit back and ignore the tax filing season. In particular, it's very important for small nonprofits to understand that while they may not have had to file anything with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the past, they now may have a new form to file, called the e-Postcard (or Form 990-N).

Published: 2009-03-25 00:00:00 read more...

Disability Law Provides Employment Protections

Despite federal anti-discrimination laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, it's still difficult for people with disabilities to find work. Federal protections and the cooperation of corporate America are only a step in the right direction toward ensuring meaningful employment for people with disabilities.

Published: 2008-12-12 00:00:00 read more...

Help Military Heroes Rebuild Their Homes

A new outreach program that allows civilians to contribute to the rebuilding of veterans' homes is the latest evidence that Americans are behind their service people.

Published: 2008-04-07 00:00:00 read more...

The Recipe for Successful Fundraising

Want to raise money for a cause near and dear to your heart, like your church or grandchild's school? Here's the recipe for successful fundraising.

Published: 2008-02-01 00:00:00 read more...

Prominent Navy Veterans Honored for Their Service to Country and Community

What do the owner of the New Orleans Saints, a Chicago lawyer, a legendary St. Louis Cardinal, and a U.S. Senator have in common? They all answered the call to service when their country needed them by donning the U.S. Navy uniform in World War II. These men, all four of whom went on to become leaders in business, youth education, law, sports and politics -- respectively, never forgot the values instilled in them by their service in the Navy: honor, courage and commitment. Now, more than 60 years later, the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., is going to formally thank them.

Published: 2007-10-10 00:00:00 read more...

How You Can Help End Poverty in America

Poverty is a serious issue in our country. In fact, there are 36.5 million Americans living in poverty, including 12.8 million children. Shockingly, of all the industrialized nations, the United States has the most people living in poverty.

Published: 2007-08-31 00:00:00 read more...

Thank Local Emergency Responders

From quenching forest fires and homes set ablaze to assisting in personal injuries and beloved pets stuck in trees, emergency responders are an important part of the community. In fact, according to the California Performance Review, the United States 911 system handles 500,000 calls daily or about 183 million annually. These first responders, the majority volunteers, often risk their own lives to help others in need. They make individuals feel safe in times of crisis and deserve thanks and recognition.

Published: 2007-07-31 00:00:00 read more...

Do Your Part to Make Sure America's First Responders Stay Safe

First responders put their lives on the line every day to help others. Now there's something you can do to help them.

Published: 2007-07-31 00:00:00 read more...

A New Face of Volunteering

As the oldest baby boomers move closer to retirement, studies indicate that approximately one-third have intentions to participate in community service.

Published: 2007-06-06 00:00:00 read more...

Volunteering 101: Finding the Best Fit

A new survey shows that while a majority of American adults volunteer, a significant number of others are willing to serve -- but don't.

Published: 2007-05-10 00:00:00 read more...

Survey Suggests Americans Need Help Volunteering

A new survey shows that while a majority of American adults volunteer, a significant number of others are willing to serve -- but don't.

Published: 2007-05-10 00:00:00 read more...

Ease the Stress of Providing Care for an Elderly Parent

There are over 22 million households in the U.S. that care for someone over the age of 50. Caring for an aging loved one can be a real challenge and doesn't always come with a "How-to" guide.

Published: 2007-04-09 00:00:00 read more...

Holiday Recipe for Blended Families: Mix with Love and Care

For 7-year-old Caroline, Christmas isn't so much Santa up and down the chimney as it is Caroline up and down the driveway; heading for Dad's house to open presents followed by lunch back at Mom's followed by dinner at her stepmother's half brother's house. Has this become the "traditional" holiday experience for kids?

Published: 2006-10-12 00:00:00 read more...

Humanitarian Organizations Need Help Year Round

Disasters often shock us from our daily routine and give us pause to sympathize with survivors in a part of the world usually far from our consciousness. We simply can't ignore the suddenness and tragedy of an event like the Indian Ocean Tsunami or Hurricane Katrina. Indeed, every time we look at the television screen or pick up a newspaper, we see the bad news -- and a part of us grieves with families who have lost so much.

Published: 2006-09-21 00:00:00 read more...

Getting an Education About the Reality of Hunger and Poverty

In this information age, students of all ages encounter harrowing statistics about poverty, hunger, deaths from preventable disease and the ravaging effects of war, natural disasters and HIV/AIDS.

Published: 2006-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

Alice's Story: How a Cow Fights AIDS

Seven-year-old Alice Karwera lives in Ruhengeri, Rwanda, one of the worst affected areas during the bloody 100 days in 1997 when the Hutu were slaughtering the Tutsi. Like millions of children around the world, Alice's days were filled with overwhelming hunger. Shortly before her sixth birthday, she tested HIV positive. Not long after that her parents Matilda and Jean also tested positive. Luckily her brothers Evailsie and Aimable, age 14 and 12, are not infected with the AIDS virus.

Published: 2006-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Can We End Hunger and Poverty?

In this information age, students of all ages encounter harrowing statistics about poverty, hunger, deaths from preventable disease and the ravaging effects of war, natural disasters and HIV/AIDS.

Published: 2006-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

A Cow's Role in the Battle Against AIDS

Seven-year-old Alice Karwera lives in Ruhengeri, Rwanda, one of the worst affected areas during the bloody 100 days in 1997 when the Hutu were slaughtering the Tutsi. Like millions of children around the world, Alice's days were filled with overwhelming hunger. Shortly before her sixth birthday, she tested HIV positive. Not long after that her parents Matilda and Jean also tested positive. Luckily her brothers Evailsie and Aimable, age 14 and 12, are not infected with the AIDS virus.

Published: 2006-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

How a Gift Can Help in the Fight Against AIDS

Seven-year-old Alice Karwera lives in Ruhengeri, Rwanda, one of the worst affected areas during the bloody 100 days in 1997 when the Hutu were slaughtering the Tutsi. Like millions of children around the world, Alice's days were filled with overwhelming hunger. Shortly before her sixth birthday, she tested HIV positive. Not long after that her parents Matilda and Jean also tested positive. Luckily her brothers Evailsie and Aimable, age 14 and 12, are not infected with the AIDS virus.

Published: 2006-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

How Your Holiday Gift Can Help in the Fight Against AIDS

Seven-year-old Alice Karwera lives in Ruhengeri, Rwanda, one of the worst affected areas during the bloody 100 days in 1997 when the Hutu were slaughtering the Tutsi. Like millions of children around the world, Alice's days were filled with overwhelming hunger. Shortly before her sixth birthday, she tested HIV positive. Not long after that her parents Matilda and Jean also tested positive. Luckily her brothers Evailsie and Aimable, age 14 and 12, are not infected with the AIDS virus.

Published: 2006-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

Beyond Game Play, Simulation Can Save Lives

Since Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. cities big and small are trying to come to grips with their ability to safely and effectively manage a large-scale emergency situation.

Published: 2006-03-10 00:00:00 read more...

A Volunteering Vacation offers the Ultimate Cultural Experience

A growing number of travelers are finding that volunteer trips not only add purpose to their lives, they also provide an insider's view of the local people, their culture and the places that few tourists ever enjoy.

Published: 2006-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

Raising Roofs is Uplifting Experience for Habitat for Humanity Volunteers

Looking for a rewarding activity that will get you out of the house? Consider helping someone in need get into a home of their own. Volunteers across the country are finding many ways to help meet a growing need for affordable housing -- and achieve their own giving goals at the same time.

Published: 2006-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

Volunteering Abroad Offers Ultimate in Cultural Immersion

Brian Boyle was looking for a new volunteer challenge. When he learned that he could combine a vacation with volunteering in another country, he was sold.

Published: 2006-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

How to Plan for Your Disabled Child's Future

For most parents, it is a bittersweet moment when their child turns 18. Considered adults, eighteen year olds are legally entitled to make decisions about their lives. But what many parents don't realize is that for a disabled child, the situation is the same. Once the child turns 18, he or she is considered legally independent.

Published: 2006-03-08 00:00:00 read more...

Calling All Women Who 'Stand on a Better World'

Do you know a woman who stands up for what she believes in? Who reaches out to help the people who sometimes can't help themselves? If so, consider nominating her for the 2006 "Stand On A Better World" Awards.

Published: 2006-02-28 00:00:00 read more...

Do You Know a Woman Who Has Made a Difference?

Do you know a woman who stands up for what she believes in? Who reaches out to help the people who sometimes can't help themselves? If so, consider nominating her for the 2006 "Stand On A Better World" Awards.

Published: 2006-02-28 00:00:00 read more...

Sharp Fund-Raisers Count on Cutlery

High-profile, celebrity backed, headline grabbing fund-raisers seem to be in vogue these days. But they're certainly not the only way to raise money for a worthy cause. An army of churches, school groups and community organizations across the country have been quietly raising millions of dollars for more than 50 years by selling a bit of culinary nostalgia.

Published: 2006-02-22 00:00:00 read more...

Looking for a Creative Fund-Raiser? Try Cutlery

High-profile, celebrity backed, headline grabbing fund-raisers seem to be in vogue these days. But they're certainly not the only way to raise money for a worthy cause. An army of churches, school groups and community organizations across the country have been quietly raising millions of dollars for more than 50 years by selling a bit of culinary nostalgia.

Published: 2006-02-22 00:00:00 read more...

Bid on a Round of Golf with Samuel L. Jackson, Help Build Homes for Hurricane Victims

The images of hurricanes Katrina and Rita are undoubtedly seared into the minds of all Americans. Who can forget seeing people trapped on rooftops with water rising around them; families searching for loved ones; people left with nothing but the clothes on their backs?

Published: 2006-02-21 00:00:00 read more...

Bid on a Round of Golf with Samuel L. Jackson; Help Build Homes for Hurricane Victims

The images of hurricanes Katrina and Rita are undoubtedly seared into the minds of all Americans. Who can forget seeing people trapped on rooftops with water rising around them; families searching for loved ones; people left with nothing but the clothes on their backs?

Published: 2006-02-21 00:00:00 read more...

Marathon Walking a Growing Trend

While less than one tenth of one percent of Americans have ever completed a marathon, that number soon may be changing. Due to the growing trend of marathon walking, many people who otherwise thought completing a marathon was out of their reach are getting their shot at achieving a lofty personal fitness goal while helping millions of Americans at the same time.

Published: 2006-01-12 00:00:00 read more...

From Dog Biscuits to a Water Buffalo, 4th Graders Make a Difference

Kathy Zeichman's fourth grade students in Ida, Michigan were quite intrigued when she told them she bought her dad a goat for Christmas.

Published: 2005-12-06 00:00:00 read more...

Give a Gift that Changes Lives

It's beginning to feel a lot like holiday rush hour. If you find yourself frantically trying to come up with a gift idea for the hard-to-shop-for person, you are not alone. How about choosing something for a better world and transforming meaningless frenzy into true holiday joy: giving a gift that changes lives and multiplies over time. Heifer International provides just what you need.

Published: 2005-12-06 00:00:00 read more...

Tree Farm Partners with Operation USO Care Package

Like thousands of American military families, Tiffany Reeves' 4-year-old son will spend Christmas without his daddy this year.

Published: 2005-11-18 00:00:00 read more...

A Gift that Helps Disaster-Stricken Families

What can you do this holiday season for children and families shaken by this unprecedented year of disasters? Send them a gift of love.

Published: 2005-10-31 00:00:00 read more...

Rebuilding Lives for as Little as $50

Published: 2005-10-26 00:00:00 read more...

Help End Global Poverty this Holiday Season

Americans generously donate millions of dollars each year to help eradicate world poverty. But recently, Dabbs Cavin, 41, a banker from Little Rock, Ark., and his family of four decided they wanted to make a tangible difference. So they jumped in with both feet, packed up their lives and moved to Rwanda, Africa, where Cavin took a position as CEO of a bank that offers small loans to the poor that make a big impact.

Published: 2005-10-26 00:00:00 read more...

A Purpose Given Gift

Make-A-Wish gifts became a tradition at Things Remembered in 1998 when one critically ill child, Elysia, wished to give her family and friends personalized ornaments saying, "Thank you, I love you, and always remember me." Her single wish has grown into an annual program that allows the wishes of children across the nation to come true.

Published: 2005-10-25 00:00:00 read more...

Wounded Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans Get Helping Hand from Blinded Veterans Association

Newly blinded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are drawing inspiration and practical support from Vietnam War veterans who are repeating an act of service that was performed for them nearly 40 years ago.

Published: 2005-10-19 00:00:00 read more...

New Homes for Old Race Horses

There is a special bond between horse owners and their horses. That may be even more true if the horse has been rescued from dire circumstances, like retired race horses who might otherwise be hauled off to a slaughterhouse once their racing days are over.

Published: 2005-10-14 00:00:00 read more...

Help Save a Horse this Holiday Season

Reindeer may be the animal most traditionally associated with the holidays, but this year, think horses. If you or someone you love dreams of owning a horse, a happy ending - for you and a lucky horse -- may be closer than you thought possible.

Published: 2005-10-14 00:00:00 read more...

Spare Change Can Make a Difference

Teaching kids the value of helping those in need is an important part of raising a child. One of the keys is to frame the lesson in terms a child can understand, and to make it an enjoyable experience.

Published: 2005-10-13 00:00:00 read more...

The Great American Bake Sale Helps End Childhood Hunger in America

Five-year-old Alex Moffett and his best friend, 4-year-old Maya Kramer, have never experienced what it means to be hungry. As happy and healthy children in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, they don't think much about the three meals they receive every day.

Published: 2005-10-13 00:00:00 read more...

Have a Safe Holiday Season - Pledge to Drive Sober

The holidays often bring out the best in people, and while many are in a good mood, filled with holiday spirit, too many are still trying to cope from the tragedy of drunk driving.

Published: 2005-10-05 00:00:00 read more...

Make Sure Your Guests Drive Safe and Sober this Holiday Season

The holidays often bring out the best in people, and while many are in a good mood, filled with holiday spirit, too many are still trying to cope from the tragedy of drunk driving.

Published: 2005-10-05 00:00:00 read more...

The Greatest Gift: A Season of Giving

An unmistakable nip in the air signals that the holiday season is upon us, bringing with it beautifully decorated shop windows, the fragrance of evergreen branches and colorful lights on every street corner.

Published: 2005-09-30 00:00:00 read more...

Get Into the Spirit of the Holidays: Volunteer!

Whatever the occasion -- Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply the arrival of the New Year --'tis the season for creating new memories and building on old traditions. To make this season even more memorable, consider spreading goodwill through volunteer service.

Published: 2005-09-30 00:00:00 read more...

Give a Gift that Will Make a Difference

When Elizabeth Spees and Michael Robinson got married in 2002, they asked for their guests to contribute to an ark. An ark of animals that is, through Heifer International, the nonprofit that provides farm animals and training to impoverished families all over the world.

Published: 2005-09-26 00:00:00 read more...

The Giving Season

Shopping, decorating, cooking -- as the holidays near, we're all busy with our own preparations. But what about those less fortunate this season? When making your own holiday to-do list, put on some items that will benefit those people who may have to do without.

Published: 2005-09-12 00:00:00 read more...

Unique Business Client Gifts: Heifer International -- the Preferred Gift that Keeps on Giving

Corporate responsibility is the business buzz these days. Philanthropy and employee giving are among the most rewarding and valued employee benefit programs companies can offer. It is a way to share success, to invest in the future, and to give back to society.

Published: 2005-08-10 00:00:00 read more...

Retired Race Horses Get A Second Chance

The unlikely union of retired race horses and prison inmates is producing remarkable results at farms operated by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, this country's oldest and largest Thoroughbred horse rescue group.

Published: 2005-05-26 00:00:00 read more...

Polio Still Threatens Children

While children in the United States don't have to fear the crippling effects of polio, children in parts of the developing world aren't so fortunate. But with help from Rotary International, more than 2 billion children in 122 countries have been immunized, and the number of cases has been slashed by 99 percent.

Published: 2005-02-17 00:00:00 read more...

The Gift of Life

Fifty years ago, as Ronald Herrick waited to be wheeled into an operating room, he never imagined the impact he was about to have on history. Ronald, then 21, was about to become the first living transplant donor.

Published: 2004-12-15 00:00:00 read more...

What Everyone Should Know about Organ Donation

No one wants to be a statistic. But Megan Shaughnessy almost became one of 17 patients who die every day in the United States while awaiting an organ transplant. She began feeling sick in September 2000. After a month of trying to figure out what was wrong, doctors found that her liver was failing due to an autoimmune disease.

Published: 2004-07-20 00:00:00 read more...