April 9 (Day 40) "Common Man" Philanthropy

I really like the idea behind this charity - the opportunity to help everyday people with everyday needs.  I appreciate the fact that Modest Needs does their homework and screens those requesting help.  You make a donation and you decide where you want your donation directed, it's that easy.

Founded in 2002, Modest Needs is an award-winning public charity with a simple but critical mission: we work to stop the cycle of poverty BEFORE it starts for the low-income workers whom conventional philanthropy has forgotten.

We do this by empowering compassionate members of the general public to safely and securely help hard-working, low-income households to afford the kinds of short-term emergency expenses that we've all encountered before: the unexpected car repair, the unanticipated visit to the doctor, or the unusually large heating bill, for example.
Since 2002, by working together in this very 'modest' way, Modest Needs' donors have stopped 8,459 low-income individuals and families from entering the vicious cycle of poverty and a lifetime of dependence on the public welfare system for their survival.
Discover your power to instantly change a life. Please join your friends and neighbors in supporting Modest Needs. Because Modest Needs has earned the highest possible charity ratings from both Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, you can give with confidence, knowing that we won't abuse your kindness.  But more importantly, together, we can make sure that no hard-working person is ever forced to choose between taking a child to the doctor and putting food on the table.

Click here to browse the requests for help and filter them by location or type of request. As an example, I live in Michigan, so I filtered the requests for help by location to see how I could help someone in Michigan.  Here is a partial list of those requesting help in my area:


--  2010-03-23 Need Help to Pay Medical Bill Detroit
--  2010-03-24 New Job/Help Catch Up on Gas Bill Wyandotte
--  2010-02-23 Car Needs Brakes, Starting New Job Grand Rapids
--  2010-03-29 Senior Citizen Need Help on Bill Detroit
--  2010-02-17 Please Help With Car Repair Detroit
-- 2010-04-01 Rental Assistance Southfield
-- 2010-03-15 Car Repair for Student Plymouth
-- 2010-02-19 Rent for Family of 6 Oak Park
-- 2010-03-24 Disabled-Need Handicap Van Repaired Battle Creek
-- 2010-03-16 Diabled Mom & Daughter Water Bill Ferndale

As you can see, there are a lot of people who need a little help to make it through tough times.  This was just a small portion of those requesting help.  Is this something you can help with? 

Source:  Modest Needs