Why are we here? Really ...

I have to admit that part of the impetus for starting HowGiving.com is to free myself of the corporate life, start off on my own thing and -- with luck -- directly enjoy the fruits of my own creation.  Pretty cool.  But what would it be if it were just for the money?  For my own benefit and that of my family?  A little shallow as far as goals are concerned.  I've spent a lot of time lately thanking the Big Guy for all the good fortune He's poured down on me - health, happiness, knowledge to make my life better, the wherewithal to do something about it - and I've followed that thanks with, "Well - what can I do for you in return?"  I've gotten the feeling that I'll know it when I see it.  In the mean time, I've given monetarily to Red Cross, to Kiva.org to my Church, but it doesn't seem to be enough.

I don't get a, "That's it!" feel.  I feel compelled to run with HowGiving.com at full steam and - I'm thinking - that is part of the answer.  How can HowGiving.com fulfill a compulsion to make this world a better place, more than just for its members?

How about by funneling a large chunk of profit directly to charity?  Almost like an auto-draw from the bank into your investment account, except the investment is into the betterment of mankind.

Like it.  Going to do it.  Feels like "That's it!" in a big way.

Here's how I picture it working:  It would depend on member sentiment.  Of course, it will begin with a personal skew - some of my favorite charities - but would evolve into a member-driven list from which to choose in 'Account Preferences'.  Say, five charities that would ebb and flow with the world's greatest needs, perhaps starting with ...

• American Cancer Society (finding a cure), 
• WorldVision (feeding the world's poor), 
• American Red Cross (emergency response), 
• Kiva.org (micro-loans to 3rd world nations),
• American Heart Association (fighting heart disease)

... and so on.

So - in the end - the people (members) who are striving to be more "giving" will be doing so more than they know.  Acknowledging those dear to them AND contributing to the greater good.

How giving is that?

Beautiful.

Word.