Designed Sustainability

There are some people in this world who take and get and keep.  And then there are others who, like Mary J. Blige, earn and grow and give.  Last week, the legendary R&B singer opened the MJB Center for Women in her hometown of Yonkers, NY.

The Center is intended to provide a multitude of services for young and adult women including "adult basic education and GED preparation, career exploration/work readiness, parenting education, college readiness, life skills training, health/wellness, family life & sex education, self-empowerment groups, mentoring, advocacy and support." 

We all know that centers like these exist in major cities across the U.S.  But few of these centers are offering a way for donors to stimulate the economy while donating financially to the programs.

This is where Mary J. Blige and her partner Steve Stoute take the lead in innovative fundraising.  By going to iGive or GoodShop, then choosing a retailer and shopping as usual, customers will be earmarking up to 30% of their purchase price for donation to the Center's parent foundation, Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, which funds the Center and its programs, as well as its own workshops and other programs.

While this isn't the ultimate in sustainable philanthropy, where the foundation funds itself internally through feeding into the local economy with its goods/services, this is another way for non-profit organizations to garner funds while helping the domestic and global economy.  Taking this bold new step in corporate partnerships, Blige is teaching creativity and resourcefulness through her actions - and being the change she wants to see in the world.