THE GIVER’S LEDGER APRIL: Philanthropy in Action: Artists First, Financial Wisdom & Community Tools
First Published: NINA NEEDLEMAN | Volume I, Issue 2 | April 24, 2025
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Artists First is a charming Maplewood art studio that provides teaching artists for persons with disabilities, veterans, and the cognitively impaired. Over 20 years old, this small but impactful agency provides a creative outlet for differently abled and traumatized individuals, providing a purpose and community for 400 budding and seasoned artists of all abilities. Artists First’s inclusive approach creates a space where every artist can thrive and where the barriers to artistic expression are dismantled. Artists First has been recognized by the Governor’s Council on Disability and was the Missouri Art Council’s 2023 Arts Organization of the year. For more information, visit HERE.
NINA’S SMART MONEY GIVING TIP
Your Charitable Life Cycle [part one]
When I was a financial planner, we helped individuals and families address their sequential financial needs and priorities at each stage of their life cycle. There are three major stages of one’s Financial Life Cycle: 1) Learning Years—Birth to-age 21; 2) Earning Years—Ages 22-64; and 3) The Yearning or Golden Years—Ages 65+. Today, we’re going to focus on the Learning Years. In the learning years, a youth’s priorities are spending money for technology, clothes, and entertainment. Their parents’ priorities are savings and investing for college tuition, supplies and boarding expenses. As a parent, there are a few key finance lessons you can teach your child: 1) How to budget, 2) How to save and grow your money, 3) How to give back.
See the full article HERE.
RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
Little Green Light - Donor Management and Fundraising Software
Little Green Light is a platform that integrates donor management, fundraising, volunteer, and event management in one place. It offers custom reports, online donations, acknowledgements, and more features to help nonprofits grow and scale.
It can be customized to fit the needs of your nonprofit thanks to a wide array of software that can be integrated with the platform. Affordably priced for small or starting nonprofits. Visit HERE.
IMMIGRANT RESOURCES OF NOTE:
Standing Together Guide: A Guide for Allies in a time of Mass Deportation by MICA/Migrant & Immigrant Community Action Project
Red Cards for Immigrant Safety
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC's red cards give examples in several languages of how people can exercise these rights.
UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES
April 24, 2025 – Navigating Difficult Conversations with DEI Network for Strong Communities. Presenter Dr. Ashley Storman – 9:00am – 11:00am Register HERE
May 6 - Reframe your ROI with STL Grant Professionals Association 12:00-1:00pm Location: St Louis Public Library, 1301 Olive, 63103 Register HERE
May 15, 2025 - What’s Right With The Region
Focus St. Louis annual awards – Location: The Touhill at UMSL, 1 University Boulevard, St. Louis,, MO 63121 5:00-8:00pm Register HERE