I’ve been formulating this plan in my head for almost as long as I’ve been formulating {tsj} photography. And I’m actually tearing up, now that I’m ready to share and unveil my thoughts & plans.
Believe it or not, this has been a journey for me … the whole thing … but this giving plan in particular. I really struggled with the concept and perceived view of my actions. I won’t go into all the details, but through a lot of praying, a little bit of discussion, and lots of encouragement … I’ve finally got it together.
I am blessed beyond belief. And my joy has always come from giving and sharing with others … so why should this be any different?
So here’s my plan … I still have quite a bit of funding to pay back for my start-up costs, studio costs, etc. and I was going to wait to start donating until I was actually turning a profit. But the Lord is speaking to me to begin sharing in my blessings now. Acts 20:35 “… it is better to give than to receive.”
So I’ve decided to give half of all my profit now {so long as I still have rent money!}, and when my start-up expenses are paid and caught up, I’ll be donating all of my profits.
I couldn’t be more excited!!
And … I’m thrilled to know that so many of you have organizations you support and donate to. Thank you for all of the great suggestions!
My giving criteria is this … I want to find organizations where a small amount given will go a long way and see an immediate impact. I care immensely about children. I care immensely about the gospel and spreading God’s word … so if there’s an organization that can care for both … even better!
Here are five organizations I’ve chosen for right now … this list will be changing … growing … I’m not sure yet. Maybe I’ll change it out every couple of months. I’ve also got messages in to a few other organizations that were recommended, but I wasn’t able to get a good feel from their websites where my donation would be spent.
I love the following organizations, in that I can see and sometimes specify exactly where the donation will go.
Charity: water | do you see that? $20 to give clean water to one person for 20 years. How many of us take clean water for granted? There are people all over the globe that are dying of thirst.
Fotokids | I don’t need to explain, do I? ;) I will anyway … this organization was originally called “Out of the Dump.” They work to break the cycle of poverty through training in visual arts and technology. If I’m blessed enough to purchase a new lens, or memory card when I’d like … shouldn’t I share that blessing? $150/year provides a child with film, paper and chemicals for one year. Love it!
Compassion | I’m particularly drawn to the bite back program {$10/net to save a child from malaria}. And would also like to give to their Christmas gift program and global food crisis fund. Love this sentence from their About Us page: Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
Woo!
Mayan Families | One of my godchildren was born in Guatemala, so this organization, of course, has great meaning to me. But I’m particularly impressed with all the great ways to donate. Again … so little money, going such a long way with items and things we take for granted everyday …
World Vision | Another organization where a dollar goes a long way. I love that. I love knowing we can give gifts that will keep giving {chickens, goats}. Or a gift of a sewing machine can help a woman provide her own income.
World Vision is also on a mission to ‘reflect Christ in each community’ … love it.
Click here for a document with more information on {tsj} photography’s plan for giving back.
Part of my plan, is to give each client the opportunity to choose which organization they’d like their funding to go to {if they so choose}. I think that’s a great way to build a community of giving and get everyone involved. And if they’d like to leave the choosing to me … I’m down with that too!
Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement in this very important aspect of my new business. I just feel so absolutely blessed to be doing this. A special thank you to Me Ra for knowing my heart and encouraging me to press forward.
Lastly, if anyone has any other suggestions on organizations I can help support, please send ’em over my way!
Tracie, what a treasure you are!! Beautiful plan. I love how you listen to your heart . . . to what God is telling you . . . and then are unafraid to act. Your grace shines through once again. I am so grateful to call you “friend.”
Okay… I’m have no words. I can’t seem to type.
I have goose bumps and a big fat smile on my face.
I am super excited for you!
I have to get off line and thank God for you right now.
Tracie… you are AMAZING.
I just LOVE Charity:Water. She does a tremendous job and has created such change for so many. A friend of mine is “donating” his 40th birthday to that org. The 4K will build an entire well in an impoverished country so the children will have access to water. Great choice!
Tracie, this is so great! I’ll be praying that God continues to bless you in this. Fun fact: I was serving with Mercy Ships at the same time as the founder of Charity: Water.
So excited for you, so proud of you, and so blessed to have you!!! And these charities are incredible!!! Can’t wait to check them all out up close!!!! :-)
ALL THE CHARITIES ARE AWESOME! WHICH SHALL I PICK…
…yet another reason that i am SO excited that you’re photographing our wedding. As an environmental scientist in the water arena, charity:water makes my heart want to melt. i’m off to learn more right now!
Thank you, Tracie, for being an inspiration to all who know you.
those are all such amazing options! you truly are inspiring!
J :)
How AWESOME! What a gift to not only have your life captured, but help another life in return. So thoughtful and beautiful!
what an amazing woman you are miss tracie!
Rad choices Tracie.
guys, thank you for all the awesome comments and continued encouragement! i want to be sure to say “to God be all the glory!”
second, thanks ryan for linking me to charity water … thanks lisa for the suggestion of having my clients choose which charity … and rachel, we need to talk details!! :)
WOW!!! Love it, love it, love it! Inspiring beyond words! You go girl! I’m gonna be researchin’.
WOW ~ awesome choices. You continue to bless everyone you encounter. I am so proud of you!!!
Tracie you truly are an inspiration for us all to look at ways we can make a difference…thanks for being you!