Modern generosity from business to the breakfast table
IN THIS EMAIL
Cause Champions: Child Sponsorship for Big Impact
Generosity in the News
"Maycember": Family Habits to Survive Busy Seasons
Featured Blog: Building a Strong Giving Portfolio
Family Discussion Question of the Month
Cause Champions: The Roland Family
Championing child sponsorship
“Life is like a tapestry. Usually you see, on the back, all the parts that are just messy, and you wonder: What does this make? How does this connect?”
- Krista Roland
Our team caught up with Krista and Brian Roland, and their daughters, at a new Christian school in Rwanda, but that’s not where their story began.
Their annual gift to World Vision quickly transformed into an interest in sponsoring children in Senegal and Rwanda.
Then Brian got his business involved, sponsoring one new child for every new customer they received.
As they learned more, Brian and Krista took stock of what other unique resources they could employ for the cause. Different threads in their lives began to weave together to support economically vulnerable children in creative, holistic ways.
If you don’t see the beautiful tapestry God is weaving in your life yet, you are not alone! Like the Roland family, you can ask God to help you make just the next right move.
Nancy Osman, donor to The Signatry, didn’t want to have to prepare to take over her husband Ty’s construction business. But when the time came, she chose to step in, learn how to succeed in an unfamiliar industry, and lead the company through its most profitable years yet. Business Journal describes what helped her move from asking, “What would Ty do?” to “What would Nancy do?”
We’ve all watched sports betting ads on TV and online. What does the spread of sports gambling, especially among young men, mean for how the Church disciples people in good stewardship? Pastors have differing opinions.
After natural disasters, what do people actually need? One nonprofit director described a box truck full of winter coats that he received after Hurricane Helene: “We don’t have that many people in the county. Everyone would have had four or five coats.” The struggle to manage unnecessary inventory highlights why we should listen to the voices on the ground. Maybe a cash gift feels impersonal, but it might be the most personally meaningful gift you can give.
Family Rhythms for Generous Living
Don’t just survive... Thrive this “Maycember”
Maycember?
This term was coined in the last few years to describe the chaotic last few weeks of the school year. This can be a busy time, full to the brim with award ceremonies, recitals, sports events, projects, dances, teacher gifts, parties, graduations, and more.
How can your family thrive during these busy weeks?
Establish realistic expectations. Be aware of the emotions and stress that may arise, and don’t put more pressure on this season than it already brings. Look for ways to simplify. Practice setting boundaries. Saying “no” is often a way to say “yes” to something greater.
Find rhythms of rest. Have you noticed how, as the world demands more, the concept of rest gains popularity? Our creator knew what we needed from the beginning: intentional rest. How might a Sabbath look for your family? What can you do to protect this time?
Stay focused on your core values. In his book The Common Rule, Justin Whitmel Early says, “Habits are how we get our hands on our purpose.” Especially in a busy season, prioritize family habits that help you achieve your shared purpose. For example:
Purpose: Glorify God
Habits: prayer; family devotions; church attendance together; a group text with prayer requests
Purpose: Love family
Habits: family dinner; weekly Facetime; parent or grandparent dates for one-on-one time
Purpose: Live generously
Habits: a service project; prepare supply bags for homeless people you encounter; have each person pray and give away one item they own
Habits shape our hearts. The practices you maintain in the busiest of seasons show your children, friends, and community the values you hold most dear.
With you on your journey,
Kristin Hammett
Vice President, Family Generosity Services
Featured Blog
How to build a successful “giving portfolio”
Philanthropic advisor Heather Larson describes how you can use your investment chops to build a sustainable, impactful portfolio for your generosity.
One piece of advice: Figure out how actively you want to manage your portfolio of nonprofits. Just like investing, too little or too much involvement may yield disappointing results.
This does not constitute nor does The Signatry provide legal, tax, financial or other professional advice. You should consult professional advisors concerning the legal, tax, or financial consequences of your charitable activities.
