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?? Portia Dunkley realized that music education was inaccessible to many kids, particularly in underserved communities. That's why in 2017, she launched Teeny Violini, a mobile music education program that partners with early learning centers, elementary schools, and community organizations. As a 6th grader, Portia rushed to sign up for her school's music program, but the only instrument left was the double bass. That didn't deter her. "It's been me and my double bass since sixth grade," she says. ?? The nonprofit has grown from just two schools to reaching youth across Liberty City, Miami Gardens, Brownsville, and Fort Lauderdale. Kids who participate in the program learn to read sheet music, keep track of rhythm, play percussion instruments, and - of course - play little violins. ?? Music education is more than just a hobby. It benefits children's fine motor skills, social connections, self-confidence, and even literary and math skills. Portia's mission is to make music education accessible to every child, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

In the United States, thousands of affordable homes are being lost as investors buy older apartment buildings to renovate and raise rents. However, affordable housing advocates argue that renovation and affordable rent are not mutually exclusive. Models such as nonprofit ownership and certain bond financing programs can repair older properties and keep rents low, but they require public subsidies and political will. In East Los Angeles, a nonprofit partnership acquired a property on Simmons Avenue, renovated it, and kept rents the same for tenants. The new owners used a county pilot program to fund the acquisition and rehabilitation of the property. Similarly, the California Statewide Communities Development Authority used a bond financing program to purchase a 1980s apartment complex in Pomona, renovated it, and placed new rent restrictions on all units. The average rent at the property has risen just 0.6% in the two-plus years since the sale, with nearly half of the units seeing a rent decline. These success stories demonstrate that there are alternatives to gentrification and rising rents. With public subsidies and political will, nonprofit ownership and bond financing programs can preserve affordable housing and keep rents low. #AffordableHousing

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, numerous nonprofits are providing critical relief and support to affected communities. Here are some of the stories of these unsung heroes: Team Rubicon: Clearing Roads and Assessing Damage Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster relief nonprofit, has deployed teams to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee to assist with debris removal and damage assessments. Their volunteers, known as "Greyshirts," are working tirelessly to help communities recover from the devastating storm. Convoy of Hope: Distributing Relief Supplies Convoy of Hope has distributed over 287,000 pounds of relief supplies to tens of thousands of people across the region. They are establishing bases of operation across the Southeast to provide food, water, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies to impacted communities. World Central Kitchen: Serving Hot Meals World Central Kitchen, led by Chef José Andrés, has been distributing meals in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. They are providing nourishment to those displaced by the storm and supporting emergency responders. Too many nonprofits to talk about here are helping the relief effort. Tell us about what your favorite nonprofit is doing for the relief effort and we will share their story in a future post. #nonprofit #reliefeffort #helene #naturaldisaster #donate

In a country where only 34% of low-income students enroll in college, one nonprofit is helping highschool graduates from low-income families have this opportunity. Path to College has achieved a remarkable 100% success rate, with all of its students getting into four-year colleges, and 60% receiving full-ride scholarships. Founded by Christine Sylvain in 2017, Path to College provides comprehensive support to overlooked students, including tutoring, test prep, one-on-one mentoring, and help with college applications and tours. The key to Path to College's success lies in its personalized approach. Each student is paired with a dedicated mentor who helps them navigate the college application process and provides ongoing support throughout their academic journey. This approach has not only improved students' academic outcomes but also boosted their confidence and self-esteem. For students who graduate from college, the likelihood of escaping low-income status as adults increases dramatically, from approximately 20% to 65%. Path To College is helping students break out of barriers that create generational poverty. #nonprofit #EducationForAll #CommunitySupport #FutureLeaders p.s even though this data is from 2013 the most up-to-date research follows the trend this graph shows. Those with a Bachelor's degree or more make significantly more than those who do not graduate college.

Today, we celebrate a remarkable conservation achievement - the recovery of the Iberian Lynx from the brink of extinction to a vulnerable status. This success story is a testament to the power of collaborative conservation efforts. Special thanks to CBD-Habitat for their tireless work in protecting and restoring the Iberian Lynx population. Their dedication to habitat management, captive breeding programs, and community engagement has been instrumental in this conservation victory. - Population Increase: From 62 mature individuals in 2001 to over 2,000 individuals today. - Habitat Restoration: Establishment of ecological corridors and preservation of Mediterranean scrub and forest habitats. - Collaborative Efforts: Partnership between public bodies, scientific institutions, NGOs, private companies, and local communities. #IberianLynx #ConservationSuccess #BiodiversityProtection #CBDHabitat If you have a feel good story to share tell us about it and we will retell it in a future post. We are a film and tv production studio that tells inspiring stories about individuals and organizations doing amazing things. ????

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, one thing remains constant: the power of storytelling. People are craving feel-good stories that inspire and uplift. Nonprofit films offer a unique opportunity to share stories of hope, resilience, and impact. The success of video game adaptations and the growth of the gaming industry demonstrate a broader consumer desire for engaging and immersive storytelling. Nonprofit films can tap into this demand, offering a fresh perspective on real-world issues. The impact of a nonprofit film can be measured in more than just dollars and cents. It can inspire real-world change, driving progress on the issues that matter most. If you're looking for a unique investment opportunity that combines storytelling with social impact, consider producing a film for a nonprofit organization. If you're interested in learning more about investing in nonprofit films, let's connect. Not only can you generate a return on investment, but you can also contribute to creating a more just and equitable world. #NonprofitFilms #SocialImpact #Storytelling #InvestmentOpportunity #FilmProduction #NonprofitStorytelling

Imagine a vending machine that doesn't just dispense snacks, but hope and kindness. A machine where you can buy more than just a quick bite, but a chance to make a real difference in someone's life. This holiday season, the Oklahoma Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is bringing a unique and inspiring initiative to Scissortail Park. From December 18 to January 3, three "Light the World Giving Machines" will be on display, offering a chance for park visitors to make an instant act of service and bring hope to those in need. Twenty-five of the 30 cards in each machine will represent essential items needed by local nonprofits, including: * Infant Crisis Services, providing food, formula, and diapers to babies and toddlers in crisis * ReMerge, serving mothers facing nonviolent felony charges * Pivot, helping teenagers experiencing homelessness with food, shelter, clothing, education, and counseling * Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the state's largest domestic hunger relief organization * NewView Oklahoma, providing services for blind or low-vision individuals Five cards in each machine will represent the needs of two global charities: Church World Services and WaterAid. With a simple card swipe, individuals can purchase items ranging from $5 to $200, and the donor receives a tax-deductible receipt, while the charity receives 100% of the donation. Local charity representatives, including Jennifer Goodwin, CEO of Pivot, and Riley Benson-Ferren, communications director of Infant Crisis Services, are excited about the potential benefits of the Giving Machines. "It's a way for people to walk up and see exactly what they're getting... a great way to raise awareness for all of the different nonprofits and a way for the community to come together and give," Goodwin said. The Light the World campaign has been a global success, with over 100 cities participating and over $33 million contributed to local charities and worldwide agencies since its debut in 2017. Oklahoma Latter-day Saints hope to make this an annual tradition, featuring different charities and locations in the future. #GivingMachine #MakeADifference #Nonprofit #Nonprofitleader #socialjustice

Google philanthropic?arm is investing $25 million in five education nonprofits to help educators and students learn more about using artificial intelligence responsibly. This initiative aims to reach over half a million K-12 and college students, as well as educators, equipping them with the skills needed to use AI effectively in the classroom and the workplace. Google's donation is going towards: AI Literacy: Google.org invests $25 million in education nonprofits to promote AI literacy. Culturally Relevant Curriculum: Developing AI curriculum to reach students from diverse demographic groups. Addressing Bias: Educators will learn how to discuss AI's bias problems with students. Should more for-profit companies invest in a philanthropic cause? #nonprofit #google #ailiteracy #innovation #nonprofitleader

?? san diego's "tree lady" inspires new philanthropic model Ever heard of Kate Sessions, the "Mother of Balboa Park"? Her legacy is sprouting a new kind of giving in San Diego.The TL Foundation, inspired by Sessions' nickname "Tree Lady," is planting $400,000 in four local startups. But here's the twist: ? All returns go back into the foundation ? No one gets rich - it's about growing the community ? Tax-deductible donations fuel startup investments Why? To create a sustainable source for future economic development projects that often fly under the radar. Mike Krenn, CEO of Connect San Diego, is leading this innovative approach: "We're trying to make San Diego better, not just bigger. But there's also gaps that need to be filled." The first four startups receiving $100K each: ? Condor Software ? Looq ? Papillon Therapeutics ? Resolute Science Dominique Meyer, CEO of Looq, says: "It's such a great way of giving back to the local community that is very heavily focused on entrepreneurship." What do you think about this new model of philanthropy? Could it work in your city? #SanDiego #Philanthropy #StartupEcosystem #CommunityGrowth

In an era of "underconsumption core" and "upcycling," a Latina-run nonprofit in Los Angeles is making waves in sustainable fashion. Radical Clothes Swap, founded by Nicole Macias and Jannine Mancilla, is revolutionizing how we think about our wardrobes and consumption habits. How it works: ? Free clothing swaps throughout LA ? Bring 5-10 items, take home 5-10 items ? Monthly event at Angel City Brewery ? Founded in 2021 by first-gen children of immigrants ? Recognized by the City of Los Angeles for their impact. Their mission? To provide free resources, normalize radical sustainability, and transform our relationship with consumption and capitalism. As Macias puts it, "In a capitalist-run world, what's one of the most radical things we can do? To us, that's giving away free resources." This initiative not only reduces textile waste but also creates an inclusive space for all, embodying the founders' immigrant roots and sustainable upbringing. Have you participated in clothing swaps? How do you practice sustainable fashion? #SustainableFashion #CircularEconomy #LatinasInBusiness #NonProfit