-With open hearts and open hands, we gave what we could, and a little became a lot.- -from Give a LittleDimes destroyed polio. Five bucks can beat malaria. Give a Little: How Your Small Donations Can Transform Our World not only contains remarkable, inspi
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Inspired by the generosity of everyday Americans in the aftermath of 2004's tsunami, Smith, a longtime fund-raiser for nonprofits, winnows through the muddle of hyperbolic language found in fund-raising letters to explain how even the smallest, seemingly insignificant gifts to charitable organizations can make huge differences. Sobering statistics address the four critical issues of hunger, health, education and access to tools, technology and infrastructure as Smith explains how forgoing an inexpensive luxury just once a week—and donating the corresponding few dollars—can fix a bridge, feed a child or bring clean water to a family, possibly redirecting lives in an entire Third World village or U.S. city. Cultural mythology says that pocket change doesn't make poverty change, but Smith's research proves otherwise: small donations make a difference around the world and at home, and giving is psychologically beneficial to donors. This book occasionally devolves into maudlin appeals, but it is redeemed by its positive premise and practical approach. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Wendy Smith has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 20 years in direct services, program administration, development, consulting and board membership; she is a Certified Fundraising Professional. She also has a master's degree in education and a bachelor's degree in marketing. To write Give a Little and pursue its promotion and mission , she has taken an indefinite leave from her job as the Director of Foundation and Government Relations at Building with Books, an international organization that constructs schools in developing countries and runs youth development programs in the US.
She is lives in Highland Park, Illinois, with her two daughters.
--This text refers to an alternate
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
At first glance, Give a Little, is a book that has a theme of the transformative social effects of cumulative small charitable donations but it also has implications for national policy. I was struck by several aspects.
First, the quality level is high ( it reminded me most of a narrowly focused Malcolm Gladwell book). Give a Little was refashioned from a more academic study with plenty of statistical data into a very readable book for a popular audience. The sense of depth carries through.
Secondly, though I'm certain that the author, Wendy Smith, who spent twenty years in the public/NGO sector wasn't thinking in these terms, the principles behind the humanitarian programs she examines also have the potential to revolutionize foreign aid and economic development policies, breathe life into the "civilian side" of counterinsurgency, focus humanitarian aid, enhance public diplomacy and speed postwar/postcatastrophe reconstruction.
Smith's chapters delve into a variety of the most successful , and at times least well known, programs that have two things in common: first, they are directed at permanently improving the "human capital" or "social capital" of the recipients rather than sustaining a subsistence existence. Secondly, the programs all manage an enormous ROI for every donation due to generating powerful, downstream, "ripple effect" benefits. Cents given today translate into tens or hundreds of dollars of positive outcomes gained and negative costs avoided tomorrow
There are many worthy organizations profiled ( ex. Ounce of Prevention, Bridges to Prosperity etc.... Read more ›
First, the quality level is high ( it reminded me most of a narrowly focused Malcolm Gladwell book). Give a Little was refashioned from a more academic study with plenty of statistical data into a very readable book for a popular audience. The sense of depth carries through.
Secondly, though I'm certain that the author, Wendy Smith, who spent twenty years in the public/NGO sector wasn't thinking in these terms, the principles behind the humanitarian programs she examines also have the potential to revolutionize foreign aid and economic development policies, breathe life into the "civilian side" of counterinsurgency, focus humanitarian aid, enhance public diplomacy and speed postwar/postcatastrophe reconstruction.
Smith's chapters delve into a variety of the most successful , and at times least well known, programs that have two things in common: first, they are directed at permanently improving the "human capital" or "social capital" of the recipients rather than sustaining a subsistence existence. Secondly, the programs all manage an enormous ROI for every donation due to generating powerful, downstream, "ripple effect" benefits. Cents given today translate into tens or hundreds of dollars of positive outcomes gained and negative costs avoided tomorrow
There are many worthy organizations profiled ( ex. Ounce of Prevention, Bridges to Prosperity etc.... Read more ›
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Zora Divine
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
When it comes to philanthropy, I am as cynical as you can get. I did not support the victims of the Tsunami or Katrina. Why? I was sure most of my contribution would be diluted by overhead and/or misuse of funds. Yet, I'm not a piker. Historically, I have given generously. I support my alma mater, any friend or relative who hits me up, and charities that support causes/research for subjects that have personally effected me. Do I really do my duediligence? No. Do I really believe my donations make a difference? Not sure. Why do I give then? Because no one can say I don't. Like I said I'm a cynic.
GIVE A LITTLE by Wendy Smith is a game-changer for me. Not only does Ms. Smith debunk the myth that the Bill Gates' of the world are the major donors -- they're not. Every day American families provide almost two-thirds of all donations to charity and those donations are less than $250.00. While there are so many 'good causes' out there, Ms. Smith makes a convincing case that our first dollars should go to ending poverty. Several years ago in Sports Illustrated, Rick Reilly wrote that ten dollars bought a mosquito net and prevented a child from malaria in Africa. Ms. Smith takes this several steps further and shows that saving one child creates a ripple effect that impacts postively not only the child and his or her family, but an entire community. Done often enough the effect can be exponential. In her book, she clearly outlines the causes of poverty and shows how we -- every day ma and pa citizens -- can transform the world thru small donations to dozens of organizations that provide goods as mundane as mosquito nets, water pumps, water filters whose impact ripple.
I challenge you to read GIVE A LITTLE and not come away with a new mindset about your charitable giving. And...... Read more ›
GIVE A LITTLE by Wendy Smith is a game-changer for me. Not only does Ms. Smith debunk the myth that the Bill Gates' of the world are the major donors -- they're not. Every day American families provide almost two-thirds of all donations to charity and those donations are less than $250.00. While there are so many 'good causes' out there, Ms. Smith makes a convincing case that our first dollars should go to ending poverty. Several years ago in Sports Illustrated, Rick Reilly wrote that ten dollars bought a mosquito net and prevented a child from malaria in Africa. Ms. Smith takes this several steps further and shows that saving one child creates a ripple effect that impacts postively not only the child and his or her family, but an entire community. Done often enough the effect can be exponential. In her book, she clearly outlines the causes of poverty and shows how we -- every day ma and pa citizens -- can transform the world thru small donations to dozens of organizations that provide goods as mundane as mosquito nets, water pumps, water filters whose impact ripple.
I challenge you to read GIVE A LITTLE and not come away with a new mindset about your charitable giving. And...... Read more ›
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
So many times I wished I had a reliable source for knowing how to make the most of my donations. I have sent $10.00 here and there to charities that sent me things in the mail that I knew were reputable (thinking, "this is not much - how can this really help...") but with this book it clearly maps out how my "little" can go a long way in making a difference for the better. Smith's book offers the average "Joe" (and Josephine!) an understanding of how much impact small gifts (especially when small gifts are all we can afford right now) can have on other people's lives. I loved the way she mixed in personal analogies with facts and gave lots of resources. I LOVED IT!
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A. Heller
Format:Paperback
Like so many of us, I often wish I could "change the world" but feel overwhelmed by the prospect. How could little old me make a difference? Might as well keep my fingers crossed that some big corporation, or filthy rich celebrity, will take care of it. In "Give A Little", Wendy Smith inspires us with stories of "everyday" people changing the lives of others, one small step at a time. How could a $5 donation really shift anything? Ms. Smith gives detailed and engaging proof that you, yes little old you, can be the catalyst for big change!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Esme
Format:Paperback
Give A Little: How Your Small donations can transform our world is an insightful and interesting look into the world of donations and the difference they can make in this world. The premise behind the book is awesome as it opened my eyes up to how even the smallest of donations can make a difference to villages and people around the world.
Think about the concept of donating $5.00. To most of us what is a $5.00 donation. To a family that lives in an area that does not have access to clean filtered water twelve donations of $5.00 will by them a water pump that delivers what most of us take for granted, clean drinking water. How does clean water impact a family? For a young infant it may make the difference between life and death. For the family it may keep the parents alive. Clean water will eliminate the potential of many illnesses. The children can grow up and lead healthy lives. The parents are able to parent their children-hopefully these children do not become orphans from some other disaster. I am sure if all of us saw the photo of a dehydrated child we would give $5.00 so they could get a water pump or netting to keep them safe from malaria.
The book discusses different charitable organizations and how little donations add up to make a difference. The difference goes beyond what you are purchasing. One small donation can impact families and generations to come. The premise of the book is great as it opened up my eyes as to the larger impact of small donations.
Author Smith has over 20 years experience working with different agencies. She definitely knows her facts. However part way through the book she lost me a little by getting too bogged down in facts and almost coming across as preachy.... Read more ›
Think about the concept of donating $5.00. To most of us what is a $5.00 donation. To a family that lives in an area that does not have access to clean filtered water twelve donations of $5.00 will by them a water pump that delivers what most of us take for granted, clean drinking water. How does clean water impact a family? For a young infant it may make the difference between life and death. For the family it may keep the parents alive. Clean water will eliminate the potential of many illnesses. The children can grow up and lead healthy lives. The parents are able to parent their children-hopefully these children do not become orphans from some other disaster. I am sure if all of us saw the photo of a dehydrated child we would give $5.00 so they could get a water pump or netting to keep them safe from malaria.
The book discusses different charitable organizations and how little donations add up to make a difference. The difference goes beyond what you are purchasing. One small donation can impact families and generations to come. The premise of the book is great as it opened up my eyes as to the larger impact of small donations.
Author Smith has over 20 years experience working with different agencies. She definitely knows her facts. However part way through the book she lost me a little by getting too bogged down in facts and almost coming across as preachy.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful
Wendy Smiths' information is very helpful in deciding how to and where to donate what little amounts I have to give. Read more
Published 10 days ago by jan driscoll
2.0 out of 5 stars
Well-intentioned, but one-sided and uncritical
For what it tries to say, the book is very well researched. And the book is certainly well intentioned. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Junlei Li
4.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful and Encouraging
Very insightful and encouraging to the individual donor. Puts small donations into context to reveal a much greater impact on the bottom line than one would expect.
Published 5 months ago by Kathy Ross
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's About Time
Cannot recommend this book highly enough. Author Wendy Smith comes from the nonprofit world and has done tons of research on how our small donations can literally change the world,... Read more
Published on February 7, 2011 by Sally Foster
1.0 out of 5 stars
More storybook than directive
Book is packed with stories about how small donations turned out to be very large in total. However, very little in the way of direction for you helping out in a similar... Read more
Published on September 28, 2010 by Norwell105
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must Read
This book is a must read if you are soul searching for a way to make a difference in the world. It gives you many ideas on how small, what seem to be insignificant donations(to... Read more
Published on April 1, 2010 by Nancy
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Power of One
Recently I have become very interested in showing my students the power of one person. Too often we are motivated to do something, but are discouraged by the size of the issue and... Read more
Published on March 17, 2010 by H. A. Taylor
2.0 out of 5 stars
It drove me nuts
What an excellent concept for a book...and what an annoying piece of WRITING. I started stumbling right on the FIRST page. Why? The author's CHRONIC OVERuse of ITALICS. Read more
Published on March 11, 2010 by Zora Divine
5.0 out of 5 stars
A little book with a lot of inspiration
A friend and I were having lunch on Christmas Eve discussing a desire to doing some small scale fund raising and she mentioned Wendy Smith's book to me. Read more
Published on February 24, 2010 by Janet M. Kennedy
5.0 out of 5 stars
A treasure
This little book is a treasure! Full of compelling, but depressing, descriptions of the major human problems facing our world, it then offers common sense solutions that are... Read more
Published on December 12, 2009 by MJC
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