We didn’t start out to be big time philanthropists. In fact, we’re not big time philanthropists. We’re into middle class philanthropy with a secret weapon; the East Texas Communities Foundation. With the help of our friends at ETCF, we’re still working eight to five every day, showing up for our grandkids events, and, yep, finding creative ways to support the nonprofits we love!
The picture at left celebrates the first grant from the OilPatch Benevolence Fund to PATH, People Attempting To Help. That’s Dave and I (representing a team of people) with our friends, Greg Grubb from PATH and Holly McFarlin and Kyle Penny from ETCF. In the video below, Kyle and Holly give us a reason to smile, explaining how easy it is for everyday folks to realize big dreams.
Oil Patch Benevolence Fund
Our big idea was simple, we wanted some sort of safety net for all those East Texans in our industry affected each time the oil price plummets. A group of us banded together to create the Oil Patch Benevolence Fund. It’s starting small, but we hope it will catch on. if you want to join in the effort it’s easy to make a contribution to the OBF fund.
Partnering with PATH
The OBF awarded our first grant recently to PATH. Along with immediate, specific financial assistance, PATH provides case workers who help families figure out how to adjust their budgets when faced with a job crisis. In the energy industry, folks are hard-working, patriotic Americans who don’t want hand-outs. They may need temporary help, but they want work and skills most. We’re really grateful for all PATH does and excited they can partner with us in this dream of helping hard-working east Texans. (By the way, right now PATH also welcomes blankets and other types of donations as winter approaches. See their website for details.)
Click here, if you are interested in knowing more about the ETCF or if you wonder how to start a community foundation in your region. Kyle, Holly, and the whole ETCF team will be glad to help you. Click here, if you want to make a donation to the Oil Patch Benevolence Fund – and we certainly hope you do!
Middle Class Philanthropy Made Easy
I really love the way the ETCF team answered all our questions and helped us design the perfect fund for our purpose, but there’s one thing I like best of all: they’re really smart about all the stuff I don’t have time to learn! Don’t let your questions or your lack of knowledge keep you from realizing your big dreams. With the New Year approaching now is a terrific time to dream big.
Above all else, please remember, giving is a blessing we can all enjoy!
May I pray for you?
Father in heaven, You know our hearts’ desires. We praise You now because You are the One who planted the desire to share and to help each other in our hearts. When we consider the blessings You bestow, we marvel at Your creativity. We are so grateful You designed us for community with each other and companionship with You. Bless us now, O Lord, and teach us to be a blessing to others. We pray it in Jesus’s name. Amen.
We love to hear from you!
How has your giving changed over the years? What is your favorite way to give? When you think of big dreams, what makes your heart happy?
More Stories and Wisdom to Bless Our Hearts!
If generosity and building community fascinates you, as it does us, you may want to check out the podcasts we’ve done with Dawn Franks, Sarah Cumming, and Frankie Picasso. Don’t forget, Anna is returning soon for more creative fun with kiddos. Or, you can sign up for our blog by clicking here (and we sure hope you do!!!)
Cathy Krafve, Columnist, Speaker, Blogger, Podcaster, and Christian Writer, invites your stories, ideas, and questions at CathyKrafve.com. Truth with a Texas Twang.
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