Financing Global Change - woah. a big phrase. Isn’t that something multi-millionaires do?

 Yes, it used to be something reserved for multi-millionaires who can throw milions of dollars at a cause. What does that leave us?

Thankfully, in our generation of Web 2.0, Facebook and MySpace, with 10 cents a month, you can make a tidal wave of change.

I know everyone has some pet cause that they like. Some people like the environment, some people like the arts, some people like music, while others like civic awareness. Read on to see how the new generation of laws and global exchange rates have opened a door to world contribution that was not accessible to the common man in the street.

Ok, this is where you stop, if you cannot take out 10 cents a month (whether you should is another question). You clearly need to work on your wealth map. Go sign up for a Finance Your Passion Workshop right here right now.

 How does 10 cents a month change the world?

 1) The power of exchange rates and global financing.

 Currently, I support a group Kiva.com that links people from developed countries with people in poverty communities to finance their entrepreneurial endeavours. Currently, I am loaning a sum to a farmer in Myanmar, to finance her crop expansion plans so that she can earn more to put her children through school. Her whole year “expansion” investment? US$1000. That will generate income for her to put her children through school plus payback the loan.

In many of these communities, they earn US$15 - US$30 a month, your contribution can literally change lives. And the best part, I did not even put up the whole US$1000 amount, the technology of Web 2.0 from Kiva.com linked a group of 15 of us to come up with the sum. You can give as little as US$5.

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 2) The power of community.

 Corporate and Government subsidy of the Arts or Social Services groups now come with the requirement that they raise 5% - 50% of their operating expenses from the public.

 The first reason is to prevent corporations or governments to take on hidden agendas with NGOs (non-government organisations). 

The second reason, which to me is more important, is to gauge community support for the cause that the organisation stands for. If the organisation does not have community support it speaks volumes regarding its ability to be a representative for the people. Corporations and governments use this as a measure to ensure that their donations go to organisations that are relevant to the community. In the new world of coporate governance, even gift contributions have to be efficient and bearing the greatest Return-on-investments. One of these metrics is the relevance of the cause to the communities. Without your $10, your organisation may not be able to raise its 10% public funds requirement and hence, loses its 90% corporate benefactor sponsorship.

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All these political science commentary leads to one place - with a mere $10 onwards, you can contribute to the cause that you are believe in, even though the $10 clearly would not pay for many bills in the organisation.

What it does do, however, is put a stamp to the validity of the organisation, reflecting that it has tangible support from the community and strategically places it in favour with large benefactors.

I support Wild Rice - a local theatre group; I like them for certain reasons that are personal. Just like wine, it is a personal choice. Nonetheless, it is amazing when you have a direct connection to your cause.

Whenever, I see an article about Wild Rice; or an award that they picked up; or a risque play that they want to try out to expand the boundaries - it warms my heart because I know that I am contributing to the arts scene through Wild Rice.

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Contributing - Which is better? Money or labour?

For Singaporeans (or any developed city resident), money is a must. Labour is optional. And the answer has nothing to do with your monetary value per hour.

Find out why in our future blog post; “Contributing - Which is better? Money or labour?”

If you want the post soon, let us know why in the comments below, and with enough request, we will bring the blog post publishing date forward!

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 Take out 10 cents this month and set it aside to take direct action in a cause that you longed to support. You will be amazed how it feels. If you are impatient, take out $100 now and commit to take out $100 a year. The key is to make global change involvement a part of your life. It is an experience beyond words. Try out what the $100 will do for you. Also, in Finance Your Passion Workshop, we teach your certain metrics that you can employ to ensure that your organisation is truly being an accurate proxy for your needs.

Find a cause you like and be involved in it.

We are in the midst of doing up a page where you can find a list of causes to contribute to. Feel free to highlight any special organistaions to us in the comments section below.

 To Financing Your Passion,

Winston Ng