When I was young, my father and mother emphasized how important it is to give as you have received.
You see, they taught us to tithe at least 10% of our allowance to the church each week. And on top of that, we were encouraged to give more to those in need.
It’s a lesson that’s stayed with me through the years – and it’s a cornerstone of our mission here at NICABM.
That’s why I wanted to share with you that this year, we gave away $450,000 to organizations doing important work to help those in need locally, in the US, and around the world.
I’m sharing this in hopes that it’ll inspire others to give.
Here’s a look at where the money went this year . . .
The World – $142,800
Save the Children (Global Hunger Fund) – $58,300
Addresses the root causes of hunger in the hardest-to-reach places
The Citizens Foundation – $20,000
Builds gender-equal schools in Pakistan
Innovations for Poverty Action – $10,000
Runs randomized controlled trials to assess interventions to reduce poverty
Evidence Action – $10,000
Scales evidence-based programs to reduce the burden of poverty
GiveDirectly – $10,000
Allows donors to send money to those in need with no strings attached
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIAS) – $5,000
Resettling Afghan refugees
The Baa Foundation – $5,000
Provides free health care and education in developing areas of India
Village Impact – $5,000
Provides educational opportunities for children in rural Kenya
Amnesty International – $5,000
Helps fight abuses of human rights worldwide
American Near East Refugee Aid – $5,000
Helps refugees in Palestine and Lebanon
Camfed – $2,500
Provides educational opportunities for girls in rural areas of Africa
Human Rights Watch – $2,500
Conducts research and advocacy on human rights
World Wildlife Foundation – $5,000
Fights for wilderness preservation
Friends of Ecole Agape – $3,000
Supports the only free girls’ school in Haiti
The United States – $230,500
Thurgood Marshall College Fund – $20,000
Supports students at HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions
Equal Justice Initiative – $20,000
Provides legal support to the illegally convicted and unfairly sentenced
The Innocence Project – $20,000
Works to free the innocent and prevent wrongful convictions
Southern Law Poverty Center – $20,000
Specializes in civil rights and public interest litigation
CouldYou? Cup – $16,000
Provides menstrual cups for girls to attend school during their periods
Exodus Transitional Community – $15,000
Provides support for those in transition from incarceration
OneGoal – $15,000
Supports low-income high school and college students in earning degrees
Legal Outreach – $10,000
Provides social and academic support to underserved youth in New York
Rising Tide Capital – $10,000
Aims to transform communities through entrepreneurship
New City Kids – $10,000
Offers after-school programming for low-income youth
Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture – $10,000
Provides educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians
Association on American Indian Affairs – $8,000
Dedicated to protecting the rights of Native Americans
A House on Beekman – $7,500
Provides educational opportunities that support the South Bronx youth
Operation Exodus – $7,500
Provides educational opportunities to NYC Latino youth
GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders)– $5,000
Ensures fair and inclusive representation for LGBTQ acceptance
Human Rights Campaign – $5,000
Fights for LGBTQ+ rights
Center for All Abilities – $5,000
Empowers people of all abilities to thrive
National Indian Council on Aging – $5,000
Advocates for American Indian and Alaska Native Elders
The Bowery Mission – $3,000
Serves homeless and hungry New Yorkers
Salvation Army– $3,000
Meets human needs without discrimination
PBS Foundation – $2,000
Uses media programming to educate, inspire, and entertain
RIP Medical Debt – $1,200
Buys medical debt from collections agencies and forgives it
Alzheimer’s Association – $1,000
Provides Alzheimer’s care, support, and research
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – $1,000
Aims to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide
ASPCA – $1,000
Fights to prevent cruelty to animals
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies – $2,000
Offers the integration, study, and practice of Buddhism
Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC – $2,000
Offers meditation programs and sangha gatherings
Mass Eye and Ear Foundation – $1,000
Dedicated to eye and ENT care and research
Michigan State University – $1,000
Supports development at MSU
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)– $1,000
Dedicated to improving lives of those affected by mental illness
Provincetown Art Association and Museum – $1,000
Supports local art and artists
Sierra Club -$1,000
Fights for environmental and social justice
Shena Young’s Healing on the Mat – $1,000
Supports Black women survivors of sexual trauma
Taylor University – $1,000
Supports development at Taylor
Framingham State University Foundation – $300
Supports students who otherwise couldn’t afford a college education
Local – $76,700
Covenant Soup Kitchen – $15,000
Windham No Freeze Shelter – $10,000
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts – $9,500
Windham Area Interfaith Ministry – $5,000
Holy Family Home & Shelter – $5,000
IRIS of CT (Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services) – $5,000
Joshua’s Trust – $5,000
Center for Medicare Advocacy – $5,000
Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network – $5,000
Mansfield Downtown Partnership – $5,000
Community Foundation – Windham Women and Girls Fund – $2,000
Mansfield Holiday Fund – $1,500
New England Public Media – $1,000
Access Community Action Agency – $1,000
Benton Art Museum – $1,000
Town of Mansfield – Farm to Families Fund – $300
Grace Chapel – $300
In Memory of Peter Lohne
UCONN Foundation – $100
In Memory of Anne Smith
Total (World, USA, Local) $450,000
Now, I’d like to hear from you. What inspires you to give? I’m always eager to hear how you give back to your community, whether that’s with time, money, or resources. So please, leave a comment below to share the important work you do.
It is often through giving that we receive so much!
As well as making a conscious choice to make each encounter with another human being meaningfulI, no matter who they may be, I offer my time to a charity that supports refugees and the homeless once a week.
I also finance a number of disabled children once a year in attending an activity of their choice.
Furthermore, I sponsor a child through world vision and regularly send supplies to charities in need.
But giving also starts at home and I would like to think that those who know me, know that my door is always open to them.
I am generous with my knowledge and inclusive of my community, and I am constantly on the lookout for opportunities where acts of kindness are needed.
Negotiate sometimes quite lower fees for those for whom therapy is too big a cost when trying to put food on the table etc. Contribute to various charities across the world, particularly supporting people to have the resources to support themselves going forward, sponsor a child through World Vision, contribute to and engage with Liberty in standing for democratic freedom and against increasing efforts by the UK government to undermine basic human rights for UK citizens, refugees and wider communities – and contribute in money and action to Amnesty. I also smile and engage humanly with staff I encounter in stores, etc
every month, i share some of my salary to Ukraine people. theese are not big money, but i still feel theres something important i have an opportunity to contribute to, and i know there are things i can do about this sad topic
i volunteer with children in crisis centre. coming once a week, for an hour or alike. i really feel inspired by them being sincere, creativd and natural
sometimes i give away things that i dont need anymore. it could be toys from my working place, or sweaters for a small dog, for example. i like doing things that make sense 🙂
i am an addiction therapist here in manila philippines. i give my sundays and alternating wednesdays to the Manila City Jail Women’s Dorm where i guide them through yoga, meditation and sound (tibetan bowl experience) i teach 3 classes of 25 students each time i go
As senior clinician , I moved to supporting the Disability Royal Commission (Australia) through supervising counselors, social workers who support those w any disability to start/progress/obtain-referral in working through difficulties/trauma, through having a ‘disability’. In taking care of the carers, we’re all looked after. I in turn come to terms w new Parkinsons diagnosis , and use direct knowledge & experience to help our organization extend and grow.
Having survived the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires along most of the Eastern seaboard of Australia I joint the volunteer Rural Fire Service, learning and imparting skills to the local shire. I volunteer on local university Advisory Committee and advocate among the therapeutic community of Australian Capital Territory and Far South coast region of NSW, suffering ongoing hardship post bushfires then post Covid downturn. Lots of anxiety and PTSD and compassion fatigue among human service staff. One step, one person, one story… at a time, and staying afloat myself. Cheers bruce
I operate a 501c3 nonprofit lifetime sanctuary for animals in need called Whisper’s Sanctuary, in AZ. We currently have about 40 residents, mostly equines. We offer no-cost educational and therapeutic programs to the community. I also have a plant-based food business with 100% of sales income going to take care of the animals’ needs. With a very long history of volunteering and donating to charitable organizations, starting and operating my own is very fulfilling. I am an unpaid director, animal care worker, and chef for the food business, and the diversity when coupled with my psychology practice makes for a very interesting life.
Personal connection. I have experienced very few helping hands when in need over my lifetime. I am at a place in my life when I will be the help that I have always expected from others. I have given time and money to many organizations over the years for issues that I care about. I have always held a service and/or helping position in job positions and will be graduating shortly with a masters in Ed/Counseling. I would like to some day retire with a small business that may hold a community service component. I like the idea that we are given opportunities to give back each day on a personal level and I practice this in my daily life.
Jesus! I regularly see people without hope or purpose, and incredibly hurt by other people in this world. I recognize that without the hope that I have in Christ, there’s just not a lot to live for. They often feel as if God must not love them in order for all of this to happen to them. My goal is to help those who know His love the least to experience it in a real and tangible way, to know that they are not forgotten, by being the hands and feet of Jesus to the people around me. That may be in listening and caring for a stranger I meet, financially giving, sharing a meal, a smile, and just being kind. I give to a number of charities that I believe support families, because I believe that the disintegrating family system and family values is a primary cause for increase of abuse, attachment disorders, and drug use. I believe people need love and hope.
What inspires me is that it gives me joy when appreciating the connectedness of our lives.
I was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 16. After I lost my partner to brain cancer, following three months in home hospice, I decided to serve in the palliative care unit to help others who are going through similar journeys as I did.
I am Co-founder of a U.K. based registered charity (1095251) to rescue, rehabilitate, care for & educate Street children in Kisumu Kenya.. children thrown away like “rubbish” wounds my soul 💛
animals. i volunteer at a orse rescue and a parrot rescue. i also give back by letting cars and supermarket customers go head of me.
I like to help other people less fortunate. with caring, compassion, time.
my big concern with
ons of charitable organisations now is lack of transparency and advertising
income and visible outgoings each year. I think more would give and trust this process if there was more transparency.
I am in favour of nationalised services that give back most profits for the greater good of nations and wider communities whilst developing services and care.
we have all seen lots of greed going on in big corporate companies that squirrel away massive profits whilst the rest of the country go hungry
here in Britain a rich country I have never seen so much poverty v massive riches amongst a few I would
ike to see a fairer society
I am inspired by a few things; however, the thing that inspires me most to give back is linked to my being a Veteran, having been deployed in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. my whole family are Veterans going way back, and I am very familiar with the problems of access for Veterans, leading to missed opportunities, and unfortunately suicides. Several years ago, I discovered a non-profit where I could be part of their volunteer therapist directory to provide mental health care to Veterans, Military, and their families pro-bono. The relief I hear in a Veteran’s voice when they know they don’t have to wait 2-3 months for an appointment is all I need to stay committed to my fellow warriors.
I’m eighty years old with chronic health problems that cost a lot of money so I don’t have much to give. Nevertheless I do enjoy being able to afford NICABM courses which usually give me useful insights that help me feel better. I’m not a therapist but I’ve benefited from years of therapy. It seems I’m able to listen to depressed, tearful, whiny, people without getting upset or judgmental. I’m curious about how they take care of themselves. I want to get even better at tolerating the shameful, painful things that happen to us all and being able to bring them into conversation so that they connect us rather than drive us apart. I love doing this. It feels as though I’m spinning straw into gold–and NICABM is helping me make this possible.
Thank you for your wonderful work.
I volunteer in several projects as in visiting detained / just released persons, educating lessons Amnesty International, helping with ‘simple’ gardening – painting for those with no network (we have a great organisation in The Netherlands : Stichting Present), board member Dutch Solution Focused Association, etc. All not ‘long’ lasting, but I do what I can (also giving money to several organisations).
Next to that I love to write hoping I’ll help people with it.
So, it’s mainly time I give.
I feel hugely privileged and want to give back as much as I can.
I want to listen to my friends and family, to stand by them when they are in need.
I try to encourage people to act and to empower them to do their best to make our world a better place.
We share the love of nature with our children and we show them the beauty in the world.
I try to be kind and I value kindness in others. And we give to the organisations which try to help and try to fight against injustice.
Thank you for your sharing.
We give to K-Love knowing that the music, stories and the fact that it is listener supported to spread the work of God. Often these stories are ones of redemption and suicide prevention. We also give to our church which does so much to help communities locally and globally. Also, I am an EMDR therapist, helping others through traumatic pasts so they can live life instead of being stuck. My husband runs a divorce recovery 12 week class, helping others get through the pain of divorce and able to move on to healthier relationships. So I guess, for us, its all about Relationships, with God and each other.
Thanks for making me think more about this! We love to help, especially friends and neighbors!
I engage in conscious parenting and breaking generational trauma cycles through psychology and communication; community building by offering my gifts of organizing, diagramming, and speaking up, and using my functional analysis and polymath skills; I live as authentically as I can understand about myself and work to describe what I do and how to do it for others who wish to follow my lead.
I volunteer with a local charity which provides free or very low cost counselling to disadvantaged people in our community. I have the role of holding our waiting list and allocating clients on it to appropriate counsellors who volunteer for the organisation.
I admire all the ways of giving that you listed! Your question inspired me to pause for personal reflection. At first, I thought that my husband and I don’t really give back that much, but as I thought on it, I was surprised. Financially, we give monthly support (albeit small amounts) to: World Vision, World Villages, Gospel for Asia, Operation Smile, Covenant House, Servants (a local non-profit where volunteers repair homes). We also try (some years we are not financially able) to give yearly to: Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, our local Habitat for Humanity, Rails-to-Trails, NPR, National Arbor Day Foundation.
We give our time by volunteering with the local Habitat. From 2006-2013 we volunteered with disaster recovery and rebuilding in Biloxi, MS; Gary, IN; Tuscaloosa, AL; and some years supervising and training college students on spring break with Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge. Since 2013 we have given our extra love and devotion to 4 grandchildren (ages 3-10) by babysitting them 4 days a week.
I also give time by facilitating a weekly adult Bible study and planning and leading a twice a year women’s retreat through our church. My husband and I also sing weekly with a band at church.
There are days when I feel like I could do more. In pondering your question, I have renewed hope that at 69 yrs. of age, I’m doing OK. Thank you for all that you do!
Very, very impressive list. Well-targeted, inspiring.
As a trauma coach.. I give of my time with no charge to.. Veterans.. Sexual abuse survivors and the terminally ill.. I also run laughter therapy workshops which I love doing.. they are so beneficial and healing!
As someone who landed up evicted after being diagnosed with PTSD.. I vowed that once I’d worked my way out of the hole.. I would never forget where I’d been and I would work with the aim to give time.. As a community we are tasked to pay it forward.
Nicabm.. Thank You for the time and money you invest in us.. I value and appreciate you!
This is so inspiring. You just gave me suggestions where to send help to. I am a Christian counselor and I counsel without charging when the person can’t afford to pay for the sessions. I admire and concur with your principles. Thank you for work.
M. Tyler, Campinas, Brazil
Here in South Africa, we have a significant ‘homeless population’ problem. I have adopted one homeless family and their dog, and I feed them weekly. I arrange the veterinary services for Duke when needed – vaccinations and de-worming. Maxwell, the head of the family, is not literate and I help him with literacy needs as they arise. For example, he has no idea that a plastic card is the equivalent of money. I taught him how to take the card I provide for Pick n Pay household shopping and use it. In this I was assisted by the local Manager of Pick n Pay, kindly and without any prejudice against a homeless person.
I am moved by compassion to make this gift of my time and provide them, including Duke, with skills, food, respect and affection.
Susan Michele Swart
I was lead by the life path and universe to write a language for energies and archetypes so that it could help others, but not be used to do any harm. Fritjof Capra states if a work is taken it must be retrieved to its original form, intent, and true meaning. These are things I wish I knew as a child to bless others to understand truth as it is meant to be better understood, from love. Many struggle and understanding can help in that when we know better we do better. If one targets another are they truly working on themselves? In the end we ask how we can be of service. Let everyone who is thirsty, who is painfully conscious of of his need by which the soul is refreshed, supported, strengthened, and whosoever desires earnestly to do it, let him take appropriate Life without cost. The universe throws in a few challenges for each individually and we become humbled when we learn our own. Then there is life, joy, the heart to live together in sharing what is more pure, to inhabit and each to know themselves together with others.
My mother always gave to people in need. I gre up in a home where I was encouraged to give support where ever I can. My Xhosa culture of Ubuntu emphasises the fact that unless my fellow human being is in good shape I can’t be in good shape. A bit hard to put it in English
Praise God – very happy to hear of your values, prioities and convictions as an organization – encourages me to do more courses with you
How wonderful. Well done
Thank you.
Tithes, offering, and alms established discipline in my life. Discipline that carries over into other areas of my Life. Service. Providing service to individuals, families, and communities is what I do when needed. I desire to do on a greater level the older I get. I recently turned 60 years old and I’m happy to report I’ve written the vision and made it plain for a few businesses 2 of which were established in 2015, Transformation Ministries Inc., and Anointed Recorded Ministers Industry LLC. I am in the process of starting Exist! Correct!!! as a movement and a Brand. As the sole owner of a recording small home recording studio I give free recording sessions to individuals that could not otherwise afford it. I’m in the process of developing a program of TMI Inc (My Father’s Business) into a fully operating business providing Therapy/Coaching/Counseling in person, online, and by phone Business (MY Father’s Business Universal) . As a Singer Songwriter I perform often in services. I don’t have a set rate. I often, when moved by the Spirit, simply ask for a love offering. When I recorded my music I gave away more than I sold, before, during, and after, i broke even financially. B.Wright
I appreciate your comments on tithing. I read a study years ago (reference lost) where people were asked how much money they needed to be secure and regardless of current income, consensus was they needed 10% more. Some in the study already made 10 times more than others but all (on average) said they needed 10% more than their current income! For me this contrasts so dramatically with the idea of being content to live on 10% less so that we can give to others.
One organization that I donate to regularly is MCC Canada which provides aid in many ways around the world. MCC first started to provide aid to Ukraine in the 1940s and expanded to a worldwide aid organization. They were leaders in working with fair trade artisans, particularly women, even before it was called fair trade and introduced innovations like micro-loans early on. I know that they will use the money I send well and they also have ways to give that feel more personal. For example, when our kids were little, we would pack school bags (the website has a pattern for the bags and a list of supplies for each one) for relief kits on Christmas afternoon. I have also helped make quilts which MCC delivers (with thousands of others) to refugees and victims of natural disasters so that they have something not just strong and warm but handmade to communicate care and hope.
Be an aunty and mentor for those who require love, caring support, guidance and direction in life.
That is amazing generosity and to so many diverse organizations!
I was never taught as a child to give a tenth of money I earned.
However at age 24 I had a spiritual transformation and I learned the principle of tithing! I faithfully give of income as well as of my time. Definitely is a blessing!
I have the blessing of counseling many missionaries overseas and do not charge!
The powerful information you and Pete and your team bring has been extremely helpful in healing marriages.
Thank you for all you do! I am a seasoned therapist and love to learn all I can to help others.
Gary Short LCSW-R
I am so impressed! Thank you for your inspirational and educational programs and for setting a great example for us as caregivers.
Yes, thank you for this! It’s great to see and something we wouldn’t otherwise know. I give to my church, as well as to the Heifer Project, which is local in Arkansas, but provides support in the form of animals around the world where people need them to then become self-sufficient (e.g., selling eggs or milk). They are taught skills and then have to give back the first born of the offspring. I also like giving to Angel Tree through Prison Fellowship, to help those kids who have parents in prison to know that they have a parent there who is still thinking about them through Christmas gifts. They also have programs such as summer camp.
There are others, but these are the biggest, as well as my college and grad school for others to have access to education.
Wildlife protection
Forrest conservation
Bereaved parents
Vulnerable children
Interpersonal abuse survivors
Whau – beautiful message to receive here..! Personally, I am devoting my time and resources to support Ukraine in the social spheres of resilience and recovery from the massive trauma and destruction of war. The war has a tremendous negative impact on social life and people’s psycho-emotional well being.
I found NICABM a potential valuable source for learning even more about trauma, but I am very sad to admit and recognize that I unfortunately do not have an income that can afford the prices of your courses here…
Contributions that I make go to the local Battered Family Shelter. People go to such shelters with the clothes they have on and are in need of basics such as toiletry and hygiene items. In the past I also sent emails to all staff and would receive contributions allowing me to purchase items from Christmas wish lists and items such as laundry detergent, soap, dish washing liquid, sheets, pillow cases, pillows, and bed spreads. Aside from donating such items and donating them on behalf of others, I believe it is important to give time to people who are lonely, who live alone, or who need company because they are taking care of a loved one with significant mental health or physical health needs.
Thank you and Bless you for supporting these many worthy organizations with money from sales of your excellent programs.
SandyW
I LVOE this email. Thank you for sharing who and how you gave. I too was taught this lesson from my parents. I give of all my resources-time,talents, money, etc. I believe in sharing our gifts with all. Poor in spirit. Poor in material things. Whatever I have that I can share. I share.
Happy 2023 to a wonderful organization!
Pamela Kane
This has just dropped into my inbox. It’s utterly inspiring; thank you to Ruth and to all at NICAMB for running the work in this way – blessing me as I have been able to learn so much this year from you, and readint this, seeing how far you’ve been able to pass on the blessing to a huge range of others. Inspirational.
Alright! This is an AWESOME. Thanks for being so thoughtful and diverse with the organizations that were given the fiscal support. Looking forward to the Spring when all things will be moving forward!
I am truly impressed and in awe of the money you have contributed to others. I am on a very small fixed income so usually I give to my church, sometimes political entities and other (Amnesty) groups. Thank you for your wonderful example.
Yes, I am pleased that NICABM can support so many worthy causes and contribute to making the world a bit kinder and more compassionate.
I give away some of my money to charities and causes every month and believe that when I support others, I am also making a cause to be supported myself. I also care about animal welfare, I am anti nucleur supporting CND and endeavour to support my friends and family.
How wonderful a privilege to be able to share with larger global communities. ❤️ I am very much a generous hearted soul. I share my Light, wisdom and resources within my local community in many ways. There’s always some spiritual energy/inspiration behind it…. 🙏💜 Thank You for making me aware of some greater causes I was not aware of before. It makes me feel good to have purchased courses from a company that contributes to the good causes that elevate others.
Thank you Ruth for sharing the link. I believe the greatest joy and happiness comes from helping someone in distress and emotional pain and giving them hope,meaning and purpose to live a life towards their values. Thank you for arranging these courses from NICABM and supporting charities.
Thank you for sharing! It is wonderful to know your heart for giving, and that you are supporting people in “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the utmost parts of the world.”
Nicabm provides info that is a great resource to me professionally and personally- thank you!
My Ph.d. is in Applied Cognitive Aging Psych and I am a Director of Education at the George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc. a 40 year old non-profit organization in San Diego that serves people with dementia and their caregivers. I provide training for our team, family caregivers, and professionals. So, I work for and give back to this organization and my husband and have a ministry in Mexico working with several church pastors and leaders, we provide leadership training, marriage conferences, and provide support for persons who have suffered abuse and trauma. We moved to Rosarito, Mexico 2 years ago to be closer to those we minister to.
I am delighted to see so many of the non-profit causes that I support in this list of donations from NICABM.
I am particularly proud that two of the initiatives are located in my home town of Montgomery, AL; Equal Justice Initiative and Southern Poverty Law Center. They do great work!
Thank you,
Nancy W. Thomas, LPC
Happy New Year Ruth and Everyone! Yes, I too was taught as a young child to give and as I became older to Tithe! How wonderful it is to be given the opportunity to give! NICABM is such a Blessing to me as I am learning so much. Through this tool of learning I am able and prepared to be a giver to our clients and others in the area of trauma.
M. Pacheco