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[citizenwind]

This month, I've made more money than I've ever made in a single month.  Heck, it's more than I made in the last six months.  It's pretty ridiculous, and I don't know what to do with it.  Alex Choy, a friend in my poker study group, tells me to save save save.  But I AM saved up.  For sickness.  For God's sledgehammer.  If Chicago was swallowed in

Comments

[twosnoos]

I've always really dug DonorsChoose:

http://www.donorschoose.org/homepage/main.html

Essentially teachers from across the country submit proposals and budgets for things they need in their schools -- from watercolor paints, to microscopes, and everything inbetween -- and you can choose which project to support. Budgets can range for less than $100 to over $1,000, and schools which submit range from Pre-K thru to post-high school adult education centers. Oh, and you don't have to cover the whole budget for the project when you donate -- just want you want to give.

They do a good job of divvying up the projects too, so if you want to support a high school math project which has a total cost of less than $100 -- it can be easily hooked up.

So it's still writing a check, but you get to directly choose to whom and for what that money goes.

[lowhumcrush]

holy shit. that is great. thanks for this.

[citizenwind]

this is awesome. thank you whichever half sent me this. so awesome.

[jesseparent]

Take an entire class of children out to an event. It can be as serious as a museum or theatre, or you could take them to Chuck E Cheese. Go with them and just watch how they react.

Conversely, you could produce a show. Whether it's for a school, or a community. Some performers may be willing to donate time, but at least you could cave enough capital to get a decent venue and do advertising.

-Jesster

[citizenwind]

also a great idea.

[citizenwind]

i think all the non-profits i'd want to start already exist in chicago, and i don't want to randomly write them checks.

[brazencaucasian]

ditto on Donorschoose. The Lord has gotten quite a few things from there. Personally, my inner city/95% below poverty line classroom could use some classroom sets of Walter Dean Myers books and some science kits. hit me up.

[givemelaughter]

One thing that came to mind is this: instead of "blind" check writing, see of it is possible to be physically present wherever the money is going. I feel like if people can see your face, hear your voice, personally know your passion and desire for their work to continue, that would give so much power to the contribution itself. Because it sounds like you want to send some of your soul, not just the money.

You could also use some of the money to organize/create an event of your choice to support/celebrate someone or something that you deem worthy or in need. Then you're contributing larger awareness amongst others, along with any donated money you pull from the event.

It's nice to have those kind of options. Glad you're living the dream!