Charitable giving is on the rise in America. Despite the lingering effects of the economic downturn, Americans continue to give generously of their time, talent, and money – more than $335 billion in 2013, a 4.4% increase from 2011. What’s more, the bulk of that charitable giving – 72% – came not from large foundations or corporations, but from individuals making small gifts. For those with passion for a cause and a generous spirit, it’s vitally important that they leverage their gift in the right way in order to have the greatest impact possible. In her first book EVERY GIFT MATTERS (Greenleaf; May 2015), Carrie Morgridge shares inspiring stories of powerful gifts in action showing readers how to turn the act of giving into a vehicle for positive change. Drawing on 15 years of experience supporting causes that align with her passions through gifts, Morgridge demonstrates how a smart strategy, high expectations, a deep network, and hands-on personal involvement will ensure that one’s gift is compounded over time to have the biggest impact possible. “Each person and every gift can make a difference,” writes Morgridge. “Whoever you are, no matter how much or how little you have, your gift matters. The smallest, seemingly unimportant, donation can transform a life. And the best news is that giving transforms two lives: the one who receives and the one who gives.” Through her role as Vice President of The Morgridge Family Foundation, Morgridge has learned what works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to giving. She argues that in order to ensure meaningful and lasting change, a gift must be more than simply a grant of money. The giver must assess whether the program is the right fit, work hand-in-hand with the key leaders on strategy, develop a plan for making the endeavor sustainable, and ensure that their gift can be leveraged to have a bigger impact on the community. By sharing real-life stories of how this hands-on approach to giving has transformed lives – including her own – Morgridge inspires others to believe that they can also make a difference in their community, no matter the size of their gift.

This is a book about charitable giving and stewardship. It is a resource book for churches and their leadership as well as the average church member. In it, the author addresses the age-old question: did Jesus or the New Testament teach tithing? How much are we instructed to give in today's world? Are we to give from the gross or our net income? While doing the research for this book, the author makes a remarkable and heretofore silent conclusion. By using a cause-and-effect analysis, the writer postulates that the gift of the Corinthian church was used by God to facilitate every major spiritual awakening or revival throughout history. From Augustine, Calvin, Luther, Wesley, and many others who championed revivals, the Corinthian gift, via a cause-and-effect link, changed the course of church history. Revitalize your church giving and expand its mission and ministry using the same concepts. By applying the lessons of the past from the Corinthians to modern-day stewardship, the reader's view of giving will never be the same. In addition, Dr. Kovack shares secrets of church management that everyone in church administration will want, such as the charitable gift annuity and the charitable remainder trust, which are also explained in this book. Whether it is regular weekly giving or a capital campaign to build an addition, the principles and insights in this book are a valuable resource.

Starting with the premise that the work of art is a gift and not a commodity, this revolutionary book ranges across anthropology, literature, economics, and psychology to show how the 'commerce of the creative spirit' functions in the lives of artists and in culture as a whole.

The groundbreaking New York Times bestseller, Women in Science by Rachel Ignotofsky, comes to the youngest readers in board format! Highlighting notable women's contributions to STEM, this board book edition features simpler text and Rachel Ignotofsky's signature illustrations reimagined for young readers to introduce the perfect role models to grow up with while inspiring a love of science. The collection includes diverse women across various scientific fields, time periods, and geographic locations. The perfect gift for every curious budding scientist!

Examines the concept of gifts in anthropological terms and uses this approach to analyze the situation of creative artists and their gifts to society.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The author of the runaway bestseller How the Irish Saved Civilization takes us on another "captivating...persuasive as well as entertaining" journey into history (The New York Times), recreating a time when the actions of a small band of people had repercussions that are still felt today. The Gifts of the Jews reveals the critical change that made western civilization possible. Within the matrix of ancient religions and philosophies, life was seen as part of an endless cycle of birth and death; time was like a wheel, spinning ceaselessly. Yet somehow, the ancient Jews began to see time differently. For them, time had a beginning and an end; it was a narrative, whose triumphant conclusion would come in the future. From this insight came a new conception of men and women as individuals with unique destinies--a conception that would inform the Declaration of Independence--and our hopeful belief in progress and the sense that tomorrow can be better than today. As Thomas Cahill narrates this momentous shift, he also explains the real significance of such Biblical figures as Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the Pharaoh, Joshua, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Full of compelling stories, insights and humor, The Gifts of the Jews is an irresistible exploration of history as fascinating and fun as How the Irish Saved Civilization.

Give preschool and kindergarten grads the gift of inspiration with this perfect graduation day gift: a book full of positive messages paired with adorable, colorful illustrations that promises to uplift and encourage children on their big day. The perfect gift for graduates of preschool or kindergarten as they accomplish their first experiences with school and pave the way to a lifetime of learning, this book is a great way to celebrate the special child in your life. With charming illustrations and text to uplift and motivate, And Off You Go to Change the World is a wonderful read for parents and children alike. Congrats, grads!

An instant New York Times bestseller Two spiritual giants. Five days. One timeless question. Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet. In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering? They traded intimate stories, teased each other continually, and shared their spiritual practices. By the end of a week filled with laughter and punctuated with tears, these two global heroes had stared into the abyss and despair of our time and revealed how to live a life brimming with joy. This book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their astonishing and unprecendented week together, from the first embrace to the final good-bye. We get to listen as they explore the Nature of True Joy and confront each of the Obstacles of Joy—from fear, stress, and anger to grief, illness, and death. They then offer us the Eight Pillars of Joy, which provide the foundation for lasting happiness. Throughout, they include stories, wisdom, and science. Finally, they share their daily Joy Practices that anchor their own emotional and spiritual lives. The Archbishop has never claimed sainthood, and the Dalai Lama considers himself a simple monk. In this unique collaboration, they offer us the reflection of real lives filled with pain and turmoil in the midst of which they have been able to discover a level of peace, of courage, and of joy to which we can all aspire in our own lives.

Welcome To The World is a delightful book celebrating the arrival of a new baby.The story follows a charming little elephant, on a colorful journey, discovering all the wonders the world has to offer. Beautifully illustrated in full color this book is hard backed with cheerful end papers.With space for you to write a personal message in the front this book is a wonderful keepsake and makes the perfect gift for baby showers and newborn presents.Our You're The Biggest Book compliments this title and makes the perfect gift for the older sibling who has just become the biggest.