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GiversHow to Care For Someone Who's Sick
Posted by Alex Shipley on Jan 28, 2026
When someone you love gets sick, it can feel hard to know what to do-or what to say. Beyond the average cold or flu, many people face serious diagnoses like cancer, chronic illness, terminal conditions, or symptoms no one can fully explain. These seasons are heavy, uncertain, and often isolating. You may want to help but feel unsure how. The good news is this: showing up and caring doesn't require having all the answers. It simply requires love, presence, and willingness. Throughout Scripture, we see a God who draws near to the sick, the suffering, and the weary-and who calls His people to do the same. Sickness Can Be Incredibly Isolating Serious illness often brings isolation in more ways than one. Physically, many people can't get out as much as they used to. Treatments, fatigue, pain, or compromised immune systems can limit normal routines. Emotionally, illness can feel lonely even when others are around-especially when someone receives a diagnosis few people can relate to or fully understand. That loneliness matters. The Bible reminds us to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). Sometimes, that burden is simply the weight of being sick-and the most loving thing we can do is help carry it together. The Ministry of Presence: Why Simply Showing Up Matters When Jesus encountered people who were sick, He never hurried past their pain. He stopped. He noticed. He drew near. In Mark 2, when friends lowered a paralyzed man through the roof just to get him to Jesus, Jesus didn't ignore him or tell him to come back later. He met him where he was-seeing both his faith and his need-and brought healing and restoration (Mark 2:1-12). Again and again, we see Jesus slow down for the hurting, whether it was a blind man calling out from the roadside or a woman reaching for His garment in desperation. Your presence-whether in person or over the phone-can be one of the greatest gifts you offer someone who is sick. You don't need the perfect words or a solution. Often, simply being there speaks louder than anything else. If you're able: Sit with them in their place of comfort Listen more than you speak Let silence be okay Call or text just to say, "I'm thinking of you today" You don't need to fix anything. Being there is often enough. Practical Ways to Care for Someone Who Is Sick Scripture also reminds us that compassion requires action. James writes, "If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?" (James 2:15-16) Our care shouldn't stop at kind words alone. Love moves us to respond in tangible ways. Here are practical, meaningful ways to support someone walking through illness-both emotionally and physically. 1. Spend Time With Them Loneliness thrives in absence. Presence brings comfort. Sit and talk about life, memories, or shared interests Watch a movie together Read aloud if they're tired 2. Bring a Meal or a Treat Food is one less thing they have to worry about. Home-cooked meals Favorite snacks or comfort foods Dietary-friendly options if needed 3. Help With Everyday Needs Illness makes simple tasks exhausting. Run errands Refill household essentials Pick up prescriptions Help with laundry or cleaning 4. Go With Them to Appointments Medical visits can feel overwhelming and lonely. Sit in the waiting room Take notes Be an extra set of ears and encouragement 5. Share Something You Love Connection matters. A favorite book A recipe A movie or playlist A handwritten note These small acts communicate: You matter to me and you are not forgotten. Prayer: Our First and Most Powerful Response When someone is sick, prayer should never be an afterthought-it's often the first line of defense. Scripture tells us, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him." (James 5:14) Prayer reminds the person who is suffering that they are not walking this road alone. It points them back to a loving Father who sees them, hears them, and is present in their pain. Ways to pray: Pray with them in person or over the phone Pray Scripture over their situation Ask how you can pray specifically Keep praying-long after the initial diagnosis Even when answers don't come quickly, prayer anchors hearts in hope. Meeting Financial Needs Through GiveSendGo In many cases, sickness brings financial strain alongside physical and emotional hardship. Medical bills, treatments, travel costs, missed work, and everyday expenses can quickly add up. Starting a GiveSendGo campaign is a powerful way to care for someone practically and spiritually. A campaign can help: Cover medical bills or treatment costs Offset lost income Pay for travel or lodging Support daily living expenses Help fulfill a meaningful dream they no longer have the energy to pursue What makes GiveSendGo unique is that prayer is built into our platform. When someone gives, they can also pray-surrounding the person who is sick with both financial support and spiritual encouragement. Because we know that money is temporary, but hope is eternal. This reflects the heart of the early Church: "There was not a needy person among them." (Acts 4:34) Inviting Others to Help and Pray You don't have to carry this alone. Starting a campaign allows you to: Invite others into the story Share updates easily and quickly without repeating yourself Create a space where people can give and pray Community multiplies care-and reminds those who are sick that they are deeply loved. A Final Encouragement If someone in your life is sick, you don't need the perfect words or a flawless plan. You just need a willing heart. Show up. Pray boldly. Love practically. Invite others to help. And trust that God uses even the smallest acts of faithfulness to bring comfort, hope, and light into the hardest seasons. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." ~ Psalm 34:18 Sometimes, He shows that nearness through you.
Fundraising TipsHow to Share Your GiveSendGo Campaign Without Social Media
Posted by Alex Shipley on Jan 24, 2026
Not everyone loves social media. Some people are wary of it. Some are taking a break. Others don't have it at all. And here's the good news: you don't need social media to successfully share your GiveSendGo campaign. In fact, some of the most effective ways to spread the word have nothing to do with algorithms, likes, or posting schedules. Whether you want to expand your reach beyond social media-or avoid it entirely-there are plenty of meaningful, personal, and powerful ways to invite others into your story. Why Sharing Still Matters Your campaign exists because there's a real need. But people can't help with something they don't know about. Sharing isn't about pressure or self-promotion-it's about inviting others to be part of something meaningful. When you tell your story, you give people an opportunity to care, to give, and to help carry the load with you. 1. Start With Direct Texts and Phone Calls (The Most Effective Way) This is hands-down one of the most powerful ways to share your campaign. A personal text or phone call cuts through the noise in a way social media never can. When people hear directly from you, they're far more likely to listen, care, and respond. How to do it: Make a short list of close friends, family members, and trusted contacts Send a simple, honest message explaining: What's happening and why you started a campaign Why it matters How they can help You don't need a perfect script. Something as simple as: "Hey, I wanted to share something personal with you. We started a GiveSendGo to help with ____. It would mean so much if you'd take a look-and if you're able, give, pray, or share it with anyone you think might care." Why it works: Word-of-mouth is one of the most trusted forms of communication People are more likely to give when the request comes from someone they know Asking others to share your campaign helps it spread far beyond your own circle 2. Share Through Your Church Community Churches are built on community-and many people want to help but don't know where to start. Practical ways to share: Ask your pastor or church office if your campaign can be: Included in the weekly email Mentioned during announcements Shared in a prayer list Post it on church bulletin boards or in printed bulletins Share it in small groups, Bible studies, or ministry teams Why it works: People already trust one another Needs shared within community often receive strong support It invites people to live out generosity together 3. Use Email (Simple, Personal, Effective) Email is still one of the most reliable ways to reach people, especially those who aren't active on social media. How to do it: Send a personal email to friends, extended family, coworkers, or supporters Keep it short and heartfelt: Share your story Include your GiveSendGo link Invite them to share it with others You don't need fancy formatting-authenticity matters more than polish. 4. Reach Out to Local Organizations Many local groups are eager to support people in their community. Consider contacting: Community centers Nonprofits or service organizations Parent groups or school communities Veteran organizations or support groups Ask if they can share your campaign with their members or post it on a community board. 5. Try Local Newspapers or Community Newsletters Local media often highlights stories that matter close to home. How to start: Contact your local newspaper or community newsletter Share a short summary of your situation and your campaign Emphasize the human side of the story Even a small feature or mention can introduce your campaign to people who truly care. 6. Post Flyers or Use Community Bulletin Boards Sometimes old-school still works. Where to post: Libraries Coffee shops Community centers Grocery store bulletin boards Include: A short description A QR code or short link to your GiveSendGo campaign 7. Ask One Person to Help You Share If sharing feels overwhelming, you don't have to do it alone. Ask a trusted friend or family member to help spread the word-by emailing their network, sharing at church, or reaching out to people you don't know personally. You Don't Need a Big Platform Successful campaigns don't come from having the most followers. They come from people sharing honestly and consistently, asking boldly, and trusting others to respond with generosity. Start small. Be personal. Invite others in. Every message sent, every conversation had, every person who shares your campaign helps carry the story farther than you ever could alone. And sometimes, the simplest approach-one conversation at a time-is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Givers7 Ways Doing Good Can Beat the Winter Blues
Posted by Alex Shipley on Jan 8, 2026
January brings shorter days, colder weather, and long nights that seem to stretch on forever. It's no surprise that this time of year is often nicknamed the winter blues. Many people-especially older adults, those living alone, shut-ins, veterans, widows, and others without a strong social circle-feel more isolated and alone during these months. In a recent survey by National World, nearly half of adults reported feeling lonelier in the winter than at any other time of year, with over 60% saying the cold season increases feelings of isolation. But here's the beautiful twist: winter isn't just a season of hunkering down and waiting for warmth. It's an opportunity to bring warmth into someone else's life-and in doing so, discover renewed joy, purpose, and connection for ourselves too. In the Old Days, Winter Had Purpose Built In Long before electricity, streaming services, and endless scrolling, winter wasn't a season of lying around. It was full of meaningful work and steady rhythms. Families cured meats, preserved harvests, salted and smoked food, tended fires, mended clothing, and prepared supplies to last through the long months ahead. These tasks, though tough, weren't just practical-they kept people busy, connected, and rooted in community. Today, most of us aren't working in smokehouses or preserving crops for survival. Instead, winter often brings quieter schedules and too much time alone. And without purpose, that stillness can turn into loneliness. But just as meaningful work once sustained entire communities, our purpose this winter can be found in how we serve others. Not only can we bring connection, hope, and a smile to someone else but we're actually doing the very same for ourselves. Why Doing Good Heals the Heart Reaching out to help others who feel lonely or overlooked isn't only good for them. It's good for us too. Connection strengthens emotional and spiritual health, reminds us we belong, and lifts our focus beyond ourselves. Even small acts-a phone call, a meal, a handwritten note-can become a lifeline for someone who feels unseen. Jesus modeled this kind of love through action, and He calls us to do the same: "As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40) When we serve others, we experience the joy of living out our faith in tangible, meaningful ways. Practical Ways to Show Up For Others This Winter Here are simple, actionable ways to use this season to bless others-and yourself: 1. Call Someone Up Just to Pray With Them Pick up the phone and ask, "Can I pray for you right now?" Prayer is a tangible way of reminding them that God is always present, that His love for them is greater than anything, and it also re-centers us on God's character, His calling, and the purpose He has for our lives. 2. Make a Meal for Someone Who Needs It Whether it's a neighbor who lives alone, a family with young kids, or a shut-in who hasn't left the house in days, a hot meal is love made visible. 3. Sit With Someone and Ask About Their Story Loneliness is often less about being alone and more about not feeling seen. Ask someone about their life-their favorite memories, what hobbies they like to do, what made them laugh recently, what they're grateful for. 4. Write a Note or Send a Care Package Thoughtful words, homemade cookies, tea, or warm socks can brighten even the coldest winter day. 5. Make a Plan to Connect Regularly A weekly phone call, coffee date, or short visit creates consistency-and consistency builds connection. You Can Also Use GiveSendGo to Do More Good Sometimes, people need more than encouragement-they need practical support during real hardships. This winter, you can use GiveSendGo to help in meaningful ways: Start a campaign for a family facing financial strain from medical bills, job loss, or unexpected expenses Raise funds for your community, such as helping shut-ins with heating costs Support a mission trip or ministry project planned for the months ahead Help someone navigating a long season of illness with financial relief and shared compassion Start fundraising on GiveSendGo here These campaigns don't just raise money-they bring people together, make needs visible, and invite others to participate in generosity. Join the Giver Army If you want to make a difference that lasts beyond a single moment, consider joining the Giver Army. From the comfort of your own home, you can give consistently, bringing life-changing support to people like foster children moving into new homes, single moms struggling to keep their heat on in winter, communities facing devastation, and families walking through difficult seasons. Simply choose the cause you want to support, decide how much you'd like to give, and watch your generosity bring real help and hope-hope that endures long after the winter snow melts. Join the Giver Army today! A Final Word of Encouragement Winter can feel like a season of waiting-but what if this year, you step into it as a season of loving well? When we reach out to others in their loneliness, we discover connection for ourselves. When we give our time, resources, and presence, we find purpose in a season that can otherwise feel dim. And when we let compassion lead, we become the hands and feet of Jesus-wherever he's placed you. Let this January be the month you choose to do good-not because you have to, but because it's exactly what your soul, and someone else's soul, needs right now.
GiversBe a Scrooge!: What “A Christmas Carol” Taught Me About Being a Giver In Life
Posted by Alex Shipley on Dec 23, 2025
"Don't Be a Scrooge!" We hear this phrase often during the Christmas season-and for good reason. Ebenezer Scrooge begins Dickens' classic tale as the definition of miserly: sharp-tongued, closed-off, and cold-hearted. To him, Christmas is nothing more than "another excuse to pick a man's pocket every 25th of December." Hardly the image of joy or goodwill. But here's the surprising twist: by the end of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge becomes someone worth imitating. Not the bitter, isolated man he once was-but the transformed one. The Scrooge who discovers joy, generosity, and a completely new way of living. In fact, Dickens' story may be one of the most compelling illustrations of what it truly means to become a giver in life. Because generosity isn't just about money. It's about living open-handed in a closed-fist world-offering your time, your attention, your compassion, and your resources because your heart has been changed. Here are five lessons Scrooge teaches us about becoming a giver-not just at Christmas, but for a lifetime. 1. Being a Giver in Life Draws You Into Community At the beginning of the story, Scrooge is utterly alone. He has pushed everyone away-his nephew, his former fiancée, even his loyal employee. The only "relationship" he maintains is with a long-dead business partner, and even that one returns only to warn him. Contrast that isolation with the joy of the Fezziwigs or the warmth of the Cratchit home. These families are not wealthy by any worldly measure, yet they are rich in something Scrooge lacks: shared joy, hospitality, and love. People want to be around them because they live generously-with their laughter, their tables, and their time. Jesus modeled this kind of life as well. He didn't hold Himself apart in status or power. He ate with sinners, lingered with the overlooked, and welcomed people others ignored. Scripture reminds us, "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). When we live generously, we gain something far more valuable than money-we gain one another. By the end of the story, Scrooge becomes the kind of man who is welcomed in-into his nephew's home, into the Cratchits' family, and even into new friendships-not because of what he gives, but because of who he has become. 2. Being a Giver in Life Can Literally Change Lives Then there's Tiny Tim. There's something about that gentle, fragile child that softens even Scrooge's hardened heart. Tim's quiet hope-his simple, sincere "God bless us, every one"-marks a turning point. And when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come reveals a future where Tiny Tim dies unless something changes, Scrooge is finally confronted with a sobering truth: his inaction has life altering consequences. Scripture echoes this reality: "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed" (Proverbs 19:17). Our generosity is never abstract. It feeds the hungry. It sustains families. It offers hope where despair once lived. Scrooge's transformation doesn't just warm his own heart-it saves Tiny Tim's life. Generosity, both practical and spiritual, can truly be the difference between life and death for someone else. 3. Being a Giver in Life Brings You Back to Life Scrooge's redemption isn't only about what he gives to others-it's about what he himself receives. The man who once trudged through life burdened by bitterness is suddenly laughing in the streets. He buys the fattest turkey he can find, surprises Bob Cratchit with a raise, and becomes like a second father to Tiny Tim. He doesn't just exist anymore-he lives. It brings to mind Jesus' words in John 10:10: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Scrooge is pierced to the soul and finally awakened to the life he was always meant to live. His generosity is no longer reluctant or obligatory; it overflows with joy. He gives not because he must, but because he has received so much. That is what generosity does. It pulls us out of our instinctive urge to guard our resources-out of our survival mode-and invites us into a life marked by joy, compassion, connection, and purpose. 4. Being a Giver in Life Affects Generations I often wonder what a sequel to A Christmas Carol would look like. I imagine Tiny Tim growing into a generous, compassionate man-one who tells his children about the unlikely friend whose changed heart helped save his life. Scrooge's transformation didn't just alter one Christmas or one family; it likely reshaped an entire legacy. That's the power of a transformed life. It echoes. Scripture is filled with stories like this. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, encounters Jesus and becomes one of the Church's greatest witnesses. The blind man in John 9 simply declares, "I was blind, and now I see"-and his testimony is one we still sing about today. When God changes a heart, the impact is never contained to just one moment or one person. It ripples outward in ways we often can't see at the time. When we live with open hands-offering our resources, our time, and our love-we set something in motion that often outlives us. Our children notice. Our communities feel it. And future generations are shaped by it. 5. Being a Giver in Life Brings Healing Scrooge's earlier life was marked by loss. He lost his sister. He lost his fiancée. He allowed fear and bitterness to build walls around his heart. Transformation doesn't erase those wounds-but it does bring healing. Scrooge remembers. He grieves. And then he chooses a different way forward. The same is true for us. Generosity doesn't undo the past, but it creates space for redemption in the present. It opens doors to reconciliation and restores hope where pain once ruled. Scripture reminds us, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Often, God uses our generosity-our presence, our giving, our love-as part of that healing work. So... Should We All Be a Scrooge? If we're talking about the man at the end of the story-the one laughing freely, giving generously, and loving deeply-then yes. Be a Scrooge. Be the kind of person who wakes up and says, "It's not too late. I can change. I can give. I can love." Because A Christmas Carol isn't really about ghosts or even Christmas magic. It's a story of redemption. A reminder that no heart is too hard, no past too broken, and no life too far gone to be transformed. It's about receiving grace-and letting that grace turn us into givers in life. Just like Scrooge. And if you're wondering where to start, consider joining the Giver Army. It's a community of people choosing to live with open hands, giving as little as $5 a month to meet real needs for real people around the world. You simply choose a cause, set the amount, and your generosity runs on autopilot throughout 2026-quietly making a difference long after you sign up. And along the way, you'll receive impact reports filled with stories and testimonies that remind you: your giving is changing real lives. Join the Giver Army now! Blog header still from A Christmas Carol (1999), a television adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic starring Patrick Stewart as Ebenezer Scrooge. © 1999 TNT Productions / Hallmark Entertainment
GiversThis Blog is Full of Presence!: Your Christmas Generosity Can Change Someone’s Life
Posted by Alex Shipley on Dec 23, 2025
This Christmas, the best gift you can give isn't something you wrap-it's your presence. When you give to one of GiveSendGo Charities' causes, you're showing up for people facing real hardship with real needs. Your generosity doesn't disappear into a system-it pools together with others' gifts to fund grants that go directly to campaigns on GiveSendGo supporting individuals, families, and communities in crisis. From families displaced by war or disaster, to single moms facing overwhelming medical bills, to people simply trying to afford food, shelter, or care-your gift becomes tangible help when it's needed most. Below are the 10 charitable causes your Christmas gifts support this season. Each one represents a meaningful way to bring hope, relief, and restoration to someone who needs it. Cambodia-Thailand Crisis Relief More than 500,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Families-men, women, and children-are fleeing their homes with little to nothing, desperate to reach safety as bombings and artillery attacks continue. Many are struggling to find food, clean water, and medical care. Fear and uncertainty loom daily as families wonder if their loved ones are safe and what tomorrow may hold. 100% of donations to this cause go toward funding grants that provide: Emergency food and clean water Medical care for the injured and sick Essential relief for displaced families Faith-centered support and the hope of Jesus in the midst of crisis Your generosity meets urgent needs and helps families survive-and endure-with dignity. Watch this video to learn more. View Thailand-Cambodia Crisis Relief Fund Help a Veteran Fund Across GiveSendGo, many veterans are fundraising for essential needs-medical expenses, housing, family support, or causes they deeply believe in. Despite their service, many veterans struggle quietly and go unseen. Your gift helps provide grants to veteran-led campaigns, offering financial relief for: Everyday living expenses Medical or recovery needs Family support Veteran-owned initiatives 100% of gifts go toward helping veterans receive the support they deserve. View the Help a Veteran Fund Faith-Based Causes Faith-based campaigns are at the heart of GiveSendGo. From missionaries and churches to ministries and pastors in need, this cause supports work rooted in the Christian faith. Your gift helps fund support: Missionary projects and outreach efforts Struggling churches and ministries Ministers and faith leaders facing hardship Your generosity helps advance Gospel-centered work and strengthens those serving on the front lines of ministry. 100% of your donation goes towards supporting real people with faith-based initiatives on GiveSendGo. View Faith-Based Fund Pro-Life Support We believe in supporting healthy families from the womb to the tomb. This cause exists to help protect life and provide practical support for parents and families navigating difficult circumstances. Your gift helps fund campaigns that support: Single parents and families in need Adoption and foster care efforts Families facing unplanned pregnancies Life-affirming care and resources Your generosity helps families choose life-and walk forward with support. 100% of your donation goes towards funding grants that help real people with pro-life campaigns on GiveSendGo. View Pro-Life Fund Essentials for Life Not every campaign is for something exciting or ambitious. Many people are simply trying to survive-paying bills, keeping the lights on, or putting food on the table after an unexpected hardship. Your gift helps assist with: Food, water, and groceries Transportation and utilities Rent, bills, and basic necessities This cause helps people regain stability and breathe again when life feels overwhelming. 100% of your gift goes towards helping people with these needs. View Essentials for Life Fund Current Emergencies Emergencies are one of the most common reasons people turn to GiveSendGo. From natural disasters to accidents and unexpected tragedies, countless people need immediate help. Your gift helps provide: Immediate aid during active crises Support for disaster recovery Assistance for urgent and unforeseen needs Your generosity helps people respond to emergencies-and recover afterward. 100% of your donation goes towards providing grants for people facing emergency situations. View Current Emergencies Fund Pets & Animals Pets are family, and when animals are injured or ill, the financial burden can be overwhelming. Many campaigns exist to help animals receive life-saving care . Your gift helps support: Emergency veterinary care Treatment for chronic or terminal illness Adoption and rescue efforts Responsible pet ownership initiatives Your gift helps care for animals-and the people who love them. 100% of your donation goes towards helping real people with animal or pet campaigns on GiveSendGo. View Animal Care & Rescue Fund Rescue & Rehabilitation Many individuals are walking difficult roads toward healing-from addiction, abuse, or exploitation. Recovery takes time, resources, and support. Your gift helps assist with: Addiction recovery and rehabilitation programs Support for survivors of abuse and human trafficking Restoration and long-term healing efforts Your generosity helps someone take a courageous step toward freedom and renewal. 100% of your gift goes towards helping those in need of rescue or rehabilitation efforts. View Rescue & Rehabilitation Fund Medical Support Medical needs are one of the top reasons people fundraise on GiveSendGo. Surgeries, treatments, therapies, medications-medical costs can quickly become overwhelming. Your gift helps provide support for: Medical debt and hospital bills Ongoing treatments and therapies Mental health care Unexpected or invasive medical procedures Your gift helps ease financial burdens so people can focus on healing. 100% of your donation goes towards helping people with medical needs. View Medical Relief Fund You may also nominate a campaign on GiveSendGo for a grant from GiveSendGo Charities related to any of these causes here. Catalyzing Impact Fund This fund supports the ongoing work of GiveSendGo Charities itself, helping expand its reach, adopt new technologies, and strengthen its ability to serve more people worldwide. Your gift helps allow GiveSendGo Charities to: Grow and improve the platform, and its systems Respond to new and emerging needs Share the hope of Jesus through generosity-now and into 2026 and beyond This fund fuels long-term impact and sustainable generosity. View Catalyzing Impact Fund Keep Showing Up in 2026 to Make a Difference If you want to support these causes month after month, consider joining the Giver Army. You choose your monthly amount, as little as $5/month, and your generosity continues making an impact all year long. You'll also receive impact reports and stories from GiveSendGo Charities-real testimonies showing how your giving is changing lives. In 2026, commit to being the crowd for the crowdless. Join the Giver Army here! Your presence matters. Your generosity changes lives.
GiversWhat if Your New Year’s Resolution Actually Changed Someone’s Life?
Posted by Alex Shipley on Dec 16, 2025
Every January, we step into a new year full of good intentions. We set goals to eat better, save more, move more, stress less. And while those resolutions usually start strong, most of us know how the story goes-by February or March, life gets busy, motivation fades, and those promises quietly slip away. But what if this year, you chose a resolution you could actually keep and one that makes a difference every single month? What if you decided-right now-to live more generously in 2026? A Different Kind of Resolution At GiveSendGo, we believe generosity is a choice we make every day. But let's be honest-between responsibilities, routines, and the pace of everyday life, choosing generosity consistently isn't always easy. That's exactly why the Giver Army exists. The Giver Army makes it simple to choose generosity once-and let that decision create impact all year long. When you join, you choose a cause you care about and commit to giving as little as $5 a month. Your generosity joins with other Giver Army members to fund life-changing grants for people in need around the world. It's simple. You set it-and month after month, your generosity keeps showing up, even when life gets busy. How the Giver Army Works When you join the Giver Army, your monthly gift is pooled with other members who have chosen the same cause category-such as medical needs, disasters, families in crisis, and more. Those pooled funds are then turned into Giver Army grants, which are distributed to people on GiveSendGo who have active campaigns in that category and are facing significant hardship. In other words, the Giver Army becomes the crowd for the crowdless-showing up for people who need hope the most. Small Gifts. Massive Impact. It's easy to underestimate what $5 a month can do. But when thousands of people choose generosity together, small gifts turn into life-changing support. This is just one of hundreds of testimonies that shows the impact of the Giver Army in action: "My family's home in St. Petersburg, Florida, was irreplaceable. Hurricane Helene didn't just take my parents' house-it took their home. I started a campaign as the house was burning. Yesterday, I called my mom to tell her about the Giver Army Grant they'd received, and she burst into tears. The generosity we've experienced has been the lifeline we needed and has sparked a bit more hope in us. There aren't enough words to express our gratitude for your generosity." ~ The Cotto/Winter Family Stories like this are the heartbeat of the Giver Army-and they're made possible because everyday people decide that generosity will be part of their lives, not just a one-time moment. A Resolution You Don't Have to Revisit Most resolutions require constant effort-checking in, recommitting, starting over. This one doesn't. Once you join the Giver Army, your generosity goes to work automatically every month. And instead of wondering whether you're "keeping your resolution," you get to watch the impact unfold through testimonies, stories, and lives changed-shared with you in regular impact reports from GiveSendGo Charities. (Read previous ones here) Here's why Barbara chose to join the Giver Army: "God has blessed me richly with so many things, and when I see the projects on GiveSendGo, it just compels me to support people who are doing things for the Kingdom that I can't do myself... Be aware of how much you are blessed and bless others." Your generosity could be the life-changing support someone needs in their hardest moment. Choose Generosity in 2026 Jesus reminds us that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). The Giver Army is a tangible way to live out that truth all year long. This year, don't just make another resolution. Make a decision. A decision to be generous. A decision to show up for people you may never meet. A decision that will still be making an impact long after February rolls around. For as little as $5 a month, you can be part of something bigger-something that brings hope, help, and healing to people when they need it most. Make generosity your New Year's resolution. Join the Giver Army today.
GiversYour Presence Makes the Best Present: 10 Ways to Show Up With Generosity During National Giving Month
Posted by Alex Shipley on Dec 9, 2025
As December unfolds - twinkling lights on porches, cold air on our breath, familiar carols drifting everywhere - it's easy to slip into the rush of the Christmas season. But this month, we want to pause and ask a simple question: What if the greatest present we give someone is our presence? Not out of obligation, but out of compassion, intentionality, faith, and love. Sometimes simply showing up for someone becomes the gift they remember long after the season ends. And whether you have a little or a lot to offer, your presence can be the present that matters most - and there are so many meaningful ways to show up. Here are 10 ways to give generously - online and in person - by showing up with presence this season. 1. Give Prayer (The Most Overlooked Kind of Giving) Saying "I'll pray for you" is easy. Stopping and actually praying is presence. Prayer is powerful. And it's free. It's one of the purest forms of generosity - giving someone your attention, compassion, and faith right in the moment they need it. Ways to pray with presence: Pray for campaigns - sometimes prayer is the gift that means the most. Visit the Prayer Wall and lift up real people with real needs. Pray for your church, community, and nation. Pray with people right then, not later.(it'll pleasantly surprise them!) James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." This is generosity of the heart - presence in its most sacred form. 2. Give Something Unexpected Some of the best presents can't be wrapped: A phone call to someone who feels forgotten A handwritten note of encouragement Forgiveness to someone who hurt you or someone you love Kindness to someone overlooked These gifts often cost nothing of monetary value, but can be the most meaningful. 3. Give to Your Neighbor We often think generosity starts "out there," but Jesus' command to love your neighbor (Mark 12:31) starts with... well, your actual neighbor. Ideas to show up with presence next door: Invite someone over for coffee or dinner Offer to walk their dog Share groceries or extra pantry items Check in on them during a tough season Even the smallest act of giving presence can have a huge impact. 4. Give Away Stuff You Don't Need Clutter in our homes often represents abundance someone else is praying for. Ways to give: Donate clothes, toys, or household items Share books, tools, or unused kitchen items Bless a family you know with kids' clothes or baby items Generosity isn't always costly; sometimes it's simply noticing what you already have to share with someone else. 5. Give Your Time Sometimes the most powerful gift you can give is simply showing up. In a digital age where everyone feels rushed, unseen, or distracted, your time and presence are more precious than ever. Look for someone nearby who could use a visit, a helping hand, or just a listening ear - or jump in with a local organization already doing good work in your community, even if you can only offer a few hours. Here are simple ways to give your time generously: Volunteer at a shelter or food pantry Visit someone who's lonely, grieving, or ill Help a neighbor with chores, errands, or yard work Offer babysitting to an exhausted parent who needs a breather When you show up, listen, and serve, you remind people of the value and dignity God has already given them as His image-bearers - and that alone can be a life-giving gift. 6. Give Sacrificially (More Than Leftovers) True generosity sometimes stretches us and makes us sacrifice something we might want to help someone else...and that's a good thing. Sacrificial giving might look like: Skipping a luxury to help a child get warm clothes Rearranging your schedule to show up for someone Choosing generosity when it's inconvenient Making food to bring to shut-ins Bringing flowers to your local nursing home, or sitting and talking with some of the residents Creating baskets full of essentials and gifts for foster kids Inviting people into your home (and guess what, your home doesn't have to be immaculate) Consider the widow in Mark 12. She gave only two coins, yet Jesus praised her-not for the amount, but for the heart behind it. Because she gave all that she had, trusting that God was fully sufficient for her every need. Sacrifice is presence in its most Christlike form. 7. Give to a Fundraising Campaign For many, the holidays bring joy. But for others, it's another season of fear, financial strain, or crisis. When you give to a campaign on GiveSendGo, you're not just supporting someone financially - you're showing up with presence, saying: "You're not alone." Choose a campaign that touches your heart. Give what you can - even a small gift shares hope. Click the Pray button and leave an encouraging prayer message to let them know you're lifting them up. Share the campaign with friends and family. Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Your generosity brings someone closer to their goal, surrounds them with support, and God often grows something in your own heart along the way. Find a campaign support HERE 8. Join the Giver Army If you're looking toward 2026 with a desire to be more intentional, here's a resolution you can stick to all year round: a commitment to consistent generosity. For as little as $5/month, join the Giver Army (our crowd for the crowdless). Your generosity helps fund grants for people facing urgent needs around the world. This small monthly gift creates a long-term ripple of hope for people facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. Once you set it, you don't have to think about it again-other than watching impact stories like the one below unfold, thanks to gifts like yours. This is a quote from the Cotto/Winter family, recipients of a Giver Army grant, sharing just how much the Giver Army's generosity matters: "My family's home in St. Petersburg, Florida, was irreplaceable. Hurricane Helene didn't just take my parents' house-it took their home. I started a campaign as the house was burning. Yesterday, I called my mom to tell her about The Giver Army Grant they'd received, and she burst into tears. The generosity we've experienced has been the lifeline we needed [and] has sparked a bit more hope in us. There aren't enough words to express our gratitude for your generosity. I pray that, in time, these wounds will heal and that one day we'll be able to help others as you've helped us." Your steady generosity makes stories like this possible. Make a lasting impact today and join the Giver Army. 9. Support GiveSendGo Charities GiveSendGo Charities exists to share the hope of Jesus through generosity, meeting people in their most vulnerable moments through relief grants, emergency support, and more. As their work expands, so do the opportunities to help. Your support can reach: Families devastated by natural disasters Single parents facing impossible bills Communities in crisis with nowhere else to turn Giving to GiveSendGp Charities' Catalyzing Impact Fund extends your presence far beyond what you could do alone - multiplying impact and hope. 10. Support GiveSendGo Directly Did you know we operate on a generosity model? GiveSendGo is free to use, and we don't take a cut of anyone's donations. Instead, we rely on voluntary support from people like you to continue providing a safe, simple, and reliable platform where anyone can confidently support the causes that matter most to them. Consider giving directly to GiveSendGo and be a part of our mission, sharing help and hope through crowdfunding in 2026 and beyond. Give to GiveSendGo So how will you show up for someone this season? Your presence can be given online or in person, it can cost a little or nothing at all - but the only gift that falls short is the one never given. Scripture tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. What kind of giver will you choose to be this holiday season, and how will you carry that spirit of generosity into 2026?
Giving TuesdayThe Thanksgiving Loop: How Rejoicing, Prayer, and a Thankful Heart Shape Us Into Generous People
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 22, 2025
Thanksgiving morning has a rhythm all its own. Before the sun is fully up, the kitchen is already buzzing-mixing bowls clattering, timers beeping, little ones running through the house, and the smell of butter, cinnamon, sage, and roasted turkey drifting through every corner. The parade is playing, the football game is humming in the living room, someone is hunting for the "good" scissors, and everything feels loud, warm, wonderful, and, if we're honest, just a little overwhelming. We work hard to get everything just right. And only when the food is finished, the table is set, and the house finally feels settled do we sit down. The room quiets. Our shoulders drop. And we pause long enough to recognize how much we have to thank God for. For many of us, this is the moment we pray-when everything is finally calm. But Scripture gently (and sometimes not so gently) reminds us that prayer and gratitude were never meant to wait until everything is still, peaceful, or arranged to our liking. That's why Thanksgiving morning mirrors real life so well-full of responsibility, noise, interruptions, heaviness, hope, and constant motion. And it is exactly into that pace that we're told: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances..." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 These aren't random commands. They form a loop, a spiritual rhythm designed to shape our hearts and lead us into something beautiful: a life that naturally overflows with generosity. 1. Rejoice: Choosing Joy in the Middle of the Mess We often assume rejoicing is something we do when life feels good, calm, or peaceful, when we feel like we have something worth celebrating. But Scripture paints a different picture. When Paul and Silas were beaten, chained, and thrown into prison, they didn't wait for rescue before rejoicing. They prayed and sang in the darkness long before their circumstances changed (Acts 16:22-26). Their joy wasn't rooted in their comfort. It was rooted in the confidence and faith they had in God's faithfulness. Rejoicing isn't pretending life isn't hard. It's choosing to say, "Lord, You are good," even here, even now. On Thanksgiving morning-and in everyday life-rejoicing shifts our attention from the pressures around us to the presence of God within us. It prepares our hearts for the next step in the loop: prayer. 2. Pray: Turning Our Hearts Toward God Through Praise Prayer doesn't require long stretches of quiet or perfectly composed words. It simply requires a heart turned toward God-often sparked by praise. A powerful example of this is found in 2 Chronicles 20. When King Jehoshaphat learned that a vast army was coming against Judah, he didn't spiral into fear or try to manage the crisis on his own. Instead, he gathered the people, and they began with praise-declaring who God was before asking Him for anything. That praise naturally led them into prayer: seeking God's direction, confessing their dependence, and listening for His voice. And Scripture says, "Jehoshaphat set his face to seek the Lord." Through praise, his heart was softened toward God. Through prayer, he was repositioned to trust Him. And through listening, he discovered God had already gone ahead to fight the battle. Prayer anchors us. Praise opens our hearts. Together, they tune our ears to the voice of God-right in the middle of life's noise. 3. Give Thanks: Seeing the Giver Behind Every Gift Thanksgiving opens our eyes to the God who provides, sustains, and sees us. In Luke 17, Jesus healed ten lepers-but only one returned with gratitude. Only one recognized the miracle and connected it back to the Giver. Gratitude didn't just change his attitude; it changed his direction. It brought him back to the feet of Jesus. That's what thanksgiving does for us. It pulls our focus from what's missing to what God has already given... from frustration to faith... from anxiety to worship. Even in seasons marked by difficulty, giving thanks becomes a declaration of trust: "Lord, I see Your goodness-even when I may not feel it." When rejoicing leads to prayer, and prayer leads to thanksgiving, something beautiful happens: Our hearts begin to overflow. 4. Generosity: The Overflow of a Heart Shaped by the Loop Generosity doesn't have to start with abundance. It starts with a heart transformed, trusting in the Lord's provision first. In Acts 2, the early church gathered daily-rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. These rhythms shaped them inwardly, and the natural outcome was outward generosity: "They gave to anyone as he had need." -Acts 2:45 Their generosity wasn't forced or calculated. It wasn't pressured or guilt-driven. It flowed naturally and joyfully from lives focused on God. This is the Thanksgiving Loop: Rejoice → Pray → Give Thanks → Overflow in Generosity. It produces people who look like Jesus, love like Jesus, and give like Jesus. Once we recognize how much we've received, we can't help but give. Practice the Thanksgiving Loop This Giving Tuesday Once Thanksgiving ends and life returns to normal, we're meant to carry the loop into every day. That's why GiveSendGo is approaching Giving Tuesday a little differently this year: We're asking you to pray. Because prayer is generous. Prayer is powerful. And prayer opens the door to every other kind of generosity. On December 2, we'll spend the entire day praying for families, needs, ministries, crises, and stories across our platform-and in our own personal lives. And at 1 PM EST, we'll pause together across households, workplaces, time zones, and even countries for one unified moment of prayer. Here are simple ways to join: Pray for a campaign on GiveSendGo Visit the Prayer Wall and lift up real needs Share your own praises or requests on our Prayer Wall so others know how to pray for you Pray for GiveSendGo Charities as they bring hope and aid to those in crisis If you feel led, give to a campaign you've prayed for May we become a people marked by rejoicing, anchored in prayer, strengthened by thanksgiving, and overflowing with generosity- not just on Giving Tuesday, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day God gives us breath.
Fundraising TipsYour Guide to Fundraising Success for Giving Tuesday
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 14, 2025
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity that began in 2012 and has grown into a worldwide movement. What started as a simple idea now inspires millions each year to give, serve, and make a difference-with more than 36 million people across 100+ countries participating in 2024. If you're fundraising this year on GiveSendGo, whether for yourself, someone else, or an organization you care about, we want to help you make the most of Giving Tuesday. From setting a goal to sharing your story and rallying early supporters, here are six practical tips to help you prepare your campaign for success! 1. Add #GivingTuesday to Your Campaign This small step gives your campaign a visibility boost. When you add #GivingTuesday to your campaign description, we'll automatically feature your campaign on our dedicated Giving Tuesday page leading up to December 2nd. This increases your chances of being found by new supporters who want to participate in this global day of generosity. It also signals to your own community that your fundraiser is timely, important, and part of something much larger happening around the world. Simply sign in to your GiveSendGo account, navigate to your campaign dashboard, click "Manage Campaign" in the menu on the left, click "Campaign Edit", and then add #GivingTuesday to your campaign story. Add #GivingTuesday to your campaign now 2. Set a Clear Giving Tuesday Goal People give more-and share more-when they know exactly what you're aiming for. Set a specific Giving Tuesday goal and share it with your community. Are you trying to raise $5,000? Maybe your Giving Tuesday goal is to reach half of it, or even the full amount. When people see a clear number, it becomes tangible, motivating, and reachable. A clear goal helps you: Create urgency Give people something concrete to rally around Share meaningful updates throughout the day Celebrate progress and build excitement For example, one of your posts could say: "We're at $1,500! Only $500 left to reach my Giving Tuesday goal of $2,000. Please keep giving, sharing, and praying!" These real-time updates help people stay engaged and feel like they're part of your momentum. Extra Tip: As you share your campaign leading up to Giving Tuesday, remind your community to take action on the day itself to give it one big boost toward your goal. Giving Tuesday is all about coming together to make a difference, so by participating in this unique, viral day of generosity, your supporters can help your campaign reach its goal faster through giving and praying together on December 2nd. 3. Ask 3-5 Friends or Family Members to be Early Supporters Early momentum is everything for campaign success. People naturally feel more confident giving to a campaign that already has activity. Ask a few trusted people to: Give early Share early Pray early This simple ask does three things: Builds credibility Helps your campaign appear active Surrounds your cause with prayer from the very beginning And the truth is, your loved ones want to support you. Most people simply need to be invited. 4. Share Early and Share Often The first 24 hours of a campaign are the most critical to its success. Early momentum creates urgency, trust, and social proof, but that only happens when you share early and share often. Here's why this matters: 1 in 4 people who visit a GiveSendGo campaign will give. That means the more traffic you get, the more donations and support you're likely to receive. To boost your reach, go to your campaign page, click "Share," and use our easy sharing tools to: Create a custom poster Download a QR code for easy sharing Use the social media sharing buttons Text or direct message your campaign link to people directly Send short emails to your circle of friends and family Post updates throughout the day of Giving Tuesday And remember, sharing frequently isn't annoying. Research shows people often need to see something several times before taking action. Your cause is worth being seen. In fact, many people are looking for ways to get involved on Giving Tuesday, so consistently sharing and posting updates on the day itself helps keep your campaign top of mind and inspires more people to give, pray, and share. Start sharing your campaign now 5. Add Prayer Requests and Updates People don't just want to give money, they want to connect to your story. Updates help them understand what's happening, and prayer requests invite them into the heart of your journey. When you add: Specific prayer needs Progress reports Small wins New developments Gratitude notes ...your supporters feel included, informed, and emotionally invested. Campaigns with regular updates consistently perform better, and prayer requests help stir compassion and ongoing engagement. Add an update or prayer request to your campaign now 6. Even If Someone Can't Give, Invite Them to Pray and Share Not everyone is able to give financially-but everyone can pray. Prayer is not the "least" someone can do. It's the most powerful thing they can offer. Encourage your community to pray over: Your needs Your campaign goals Your family or situation Doors of provision to open God's comfort, wisdom, and guidance And remind them that sharing is also another form of generosity that will greatly help your cause. One share can put your campaign in front of ten new people. And sometimes, all it takes is one of those people to step in and give at just the right moment. Join Our Giving Tuesday Prayer Movement At GiveSendGo, we believe that while meeting financial needs is incredibly important, prayer is powerful. Prayer shouldn't be a last resort, but the first thing we do. In fact, we believe it's one of the greatest and most overlooked acts of generosity there is. Prayer lifts burdens to Jesus, the true source of hope, in a way that even our resources cannot. That's why from now until this Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, we're inviting people to give prayer for individuals, families, ministries, and people in need of hope across GiveSendGo. You can pray for: Other campaigns fundraising to share hope, or those that are facing urgent needs People asking for prayer on our Prayer Wall (you can add your own requests and praises there too!) GiveSendGo Charities and it's Catalyzing Impact Fund Families struggling financially Missionaries and ministries raising support Your own family and community Our nation and leaders Revival, hope, and unity in your Church Those who feel forgotten or alone We believe that when God's people pray, lives and situations are transformed. To learn how you can join our prayer movement this Giving Tuesday, click here.
GiveSendGo FeaturesPrayer: The Most Overlooked Act of Generosity
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 11, 2025
Each year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, millions around the world take part in Giving Tuesday, a global movement that began in 2012 to spark generosity and remind us that giving changes lives. Since its start, people in over 100 countries have joined together to make a difference through acts of kindness, service, and giving. In 2024 alone, 36.1 million people in the U.S. participated in Giving Tuesday, making it one of the largest single-day movements of collective generosity. At GiveSendGo, generosity is at the heart of what we do. Every campaign, every story, every gift shared through our platform represents hope in action. But there's something even deeper that we believe fuels true generosity, something that should come before any act of giving: prayer. Now imagine: what if those 36 million people also united in prayer this year across the world? That's powerful. Why Prayer Comes First Prayer isn't a last resort-it's the first and most powerful thing we can do. In prayer, we come before the God who holds all things in His hands, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). He doesn't need our resources, yet in His goodness, He invites us to take part in His redemptive work through both prayer and giving. Jesus modeled this perfectly. Before He fed the five thousand, He looked up to heaven and prayed (Matthew 14:19). Before choosing His disciples, He spent the night in prayer (Luke 6:12). And before going to the cross, He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). In every moment of significance, Jesus began with prayer-reminding us that true power and direction flow from intimacy with the Father. God Delights in Our Prayers In the mystery of prayer, God allows us to be part of His incredible work. Though He is sovereign and in control, He chooses to act through the prayers of His people. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 urges, we are to "pray without ceasing," not because God forgets, but because prayer keeps our hearts aligned with His will. Prayer isn't just about asking-it's about adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. It's about delighting in the presence of God, trusting that He hears, He cares, and He moves. The Heart Behind GiveSendGo's Prayer Focus That's why prayer is woven into the very foundation of GiveSendGo. Every campaign on our site includes a "Pray" button, reminding visitors that generosity starts with lifting others up to God. Our Prayer Wall is filled with real requests and praises-testimonies of God's faithfulness and the power of community. And our Hope Team personally reaches out to pray with campaign owners, speaking encouragement and truth into their lives. Over and over again, we hear the same thing from campaign owners: "The prayers meant more to me than the money." That's the heartbeat of GiveSendGo-sharing hope, not just help. Money can meet material needs, but prayer reaches deeper. It lifts people with emotional and spiritual needs into the loving hands of Jesus, our true source of hope. This Giving Tuesday: Join Us in Prayer This Giving Tuesday (December 2, 2025), we're inviting you to be part of something powerful. Whether you start a campaign, give to a cause, or simply want to make a difference, pause to pray and make an eternal impact. At 1 PM EST, we'll gather virtually to lift up our communities, churches, nation, and those in need of hope across GiveSendGo. Because when God's people pray, lives and situations change. So this Giving Tuesday, we invite you to pray Pray out of worship. Pray with faith. Pray with hope. And watch as God transforms lives through your prayers and generosity. Together, let's make this Giving Tuesday not just a day of giving-but a day of hope, prayer, and the power of God at work. Learn more and join us in prayer this Giving Tuesday
