The day we’ve anticipated for months is finally here!
After coming home from my trip to South Africa, I’ve hinted around for the past few weeks that we were cooking up something really exciting to give you an opportunity to join us in making a difference in the poorest communities there.
After months of emails, Skype calls, and a few in-person meetings, we are ready to launch and we are all so very excited!
Drumroll…
Starting today, we are opening the doors for the first ever #TenDollarTribe — and we’d LOVE for you to join us in this.
What is the #TenDollarTribe?
The #TenDollarTribe is a group of people — moms, dads, singles, grandparents, families — who are all committed to making a difference in two very needy communities in South Africa: the Maubane community and the Reagoboka community.
I have visited both of these communities, spent time talking with the leaders, met the children they are ministering to, seen how great the need is, and witnessed just how far money can go in these very poor areas of South Africa.
Why $10 Per Month?
We talked about a number of different options and we really felt like we wanted to provide an amount that was doable for many, many families.
I knew that something like $40 per month was not in many of your budgets, but that the majority of you could find a way to tighten your budget in a few categories in order to free up $10 per month to give to this much-needed cause.
In addition, because money goes so much further in South Africa, $10 per month can make a big difference.
What Can $10 Per Month Do?
The short answer is: a lot. In fact, I was shocked at how much of a difference small amounts of money can make in South Africa.
For instance, $10 will buy 100 bowls of porridge for school children, a month’s worth of school supplies, or two weeks of cooking fuel for a local family.
I know that you all are like me: you want to give your money to causes that will use it well. I can say with utmost confidence that your money will be stretched as far as possible to make as big of an impact as possible.
Lisa-Jo and I are working in partnership with Help One Now and Pure Charity for this initiative with the on-the-ground team, Take Action Ministry. Both Help One Now and Pure Charity have been incredibly generous in helping us out. We could never logistically do this on our own as there are so many moving parts involved and we are so grateful for their support and help.
Our Family is Personally Very Invested in This Project
I hesitated to share this, because we do the majority of our giving anonymously. However, I wanted you to know that our family is committed to putting our money where our mouth is.
When I went to South Africa, it was primarily to personally investigate the projects and leaders there to make sure I felt 100% comfortable asking you all to join us in this. But our family had a secondary reason, too, and that was to look for a way that our family could personally partner with Take Action Ministries.
I discovered that they had very little money coming in for their organizational expenses (storage/office building rental, computer equipment, office supplies, etc.) and that almost everyone involved was volunteering their time or only getting paid a very small amount. As I talked with them more, I realized that this was a huge stress for them as every single month they were just barely, barely eeking by.
Because of the financial choices we’ve made throughout the years to live on less than we make, develop strong income streams, and stay out of debt, and because God has blessed our businesses far beyond what we could have ever dreamed or imagined, we are in a place where we could take on these monthly expenses for them so that they wouldn’t have to constantly be looking for grants or dealing with the stress that comes from trying to survive on a tiny, tiny budget.
I share this only because I want you to know that our family is very invested in this project and we believe wholeheartedly in the work and ministry Take Action is doing in South Africa. I would not ask you to join us in this had I not vetted it very thoroughly and felt I could put a huge rubber stamp of approval on it.
Will You Prayerfully Consider Joining the #TenDollarTribe?
There are many fantastic causes to give money to and I completely understand that not everyone is called to give to South Africa nor in a place to make a monthly commitment like this, but I want to urge each of you to not click away from this post without taking a few minutes to consider whether this is a project you could find the funds to support and the desire to be involved in.
If dozens of us are willing to take a step and make this commitment, it will impact the lives of hundreds of children for years to come. Will you join us?
>>Click here to sign up to be a member of the #TenDollarTribe.<<
If you join, will you do me a favor and either email me or leave a comment on this post? I’d like to personally thank you.
Can’t Give Money But Still Want to Help Out?
For those of you who are not in a place to join the #TenDollarTribe, but you’d like to help out in some way, can I ask you to pray that God would bless these community centers, provide for their needs, and help them to have wisdom as they seek to make lasting change in these communities?
Also, would you consider sharing this post via Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest? Thank you so much!
I just tried signing up, but got a message saying “service unavailable”. I will try again later.
Is the gospel shared with the folks you are are reaching out to? Are they learning about Jesus?
Just out of curiosity, are you, Lisa Jo, or members of either of your families going to make a profit from this in any way, shape, or form?
Great question. 100% of the funds are going straight to the ministry of Take Action in South Africa.
We’re doing this on our time and our dime (we paid for our trip there out of pocket and will pay for future trips there out of our own pocket, etc.) — it’s entirely a volunteer effort because we feel called to invest in this project. None of the funds for this TenDollarTribe will be coming through our hands — they are going through Help One Now (a non-profit in the US).
I hope that helps and feel free to ask if you have any other questions.
Just signed up! Happy to help with such a good cause!
Thank you so very, very much! We are truly grateful!
I have been looking for a charity to donate to in my sister’s name in honor of her 30th birthday. Today I signed up for the tendollartribe as a gift to her! After sending her the info, my sister posted on her facebook wall that she was giving up her birthday this year and encouraged family and friends to donate to this very worthy cause instead of offering her gifts. We are very excited to be joining this journey and pray that it continues to be successful. You are doing great things! Bless you!
Can you tell me if the money is used for religious stuff? Thanks.
Happily a new member of the tribe : ) Thanks for the opportunity to help!
Thank you so very much for joining us in this! We are so grateful!
I am so excited to be part of this! Thank you for the opportunity!
Thank you SO much for joining us in this! We appreciate it more than you know!
Thank you for helping us save money so we can be a part of this too! Praise God for all He’s doing in South Africa!
Thank you so very much for being a part of this. I’m humbly grateful that you’re joining us!
Since the days of Biblical Womanhood, I have been inspired by you and your family and your heart! I don’t think I’m called to do all you have done…but, we are all called to do SOMETHING! I’m so hopeful that one day my children will be cheerful givers…
God Bless you!
Thanks so much for your sweet encouragement — and for being such a long-time follower!
Will we be able to have contact with anyone there? Like could my kids get involved? Will we get monthly letters/prayer requests/photos?
We plan to send out regular updates on the work there and the impact you’re making. We also plan to go there and visit to show pictures of the progress and impact, too, and to help us keep tabs on how we can best help.
Agreed. I keep coming back to this. My son has a heart for Africa. Through our church he’s learning about kids in Liberia but this seems to me a way to help out over there in another way. something we can do as a family
I recognize several godly, Christian people on the board for the organization one of which I saw at a conference last weekend. My question is if there any information on exactly what beliefs are held and taught by those in the organization and on the field, if any? I hesitate to give when I am not sure about this aspect. Could you direct me to any information on this?
That is wonderful that you and Jessie are paying 100% of their operating expenses! From working in non-profits I know what a generous gift of freedom and less worry this will give the organization.
I also know, from reading your site since before the beginning (Biblical Woomanhood) how well you research things and implement them. Thanks to you I completely revamped the way I spend money on groceries and household goods.
Will or has your support changed for the other international organization you support? I believe it is something like Childinternational. Sorry I don’t remember – you always had a tag to it on your blog.
Great question! We’re still very committed to continue supporting Compassion International and the Child Survival Fund in the DR.
I’m in! Thank you Crystal for giving me a small, easy way to be part of something so special! Your writings and site are really a blessing to me! <3
THANK YOU so very, very much! You have no idea how we appreciate your willingness to join us in this!
All signed up and donation made! Since I read your blog posts from the trip I’ve wanted to do something, thank you very much for this opportunity. I look forward to some day visiting South Africa and witnessing our united progress 🙂 God Bless!
Thank you so very, very much! I appreciate you more than you know! And I can’t wait until you can visit South Africa, too!
I made a one time donation and may be able to do more later on. I love what you all are doing and this is a great idea.
Thank you so very much! We are touched by your kindness and generosity!
So happy to join you! Many thanks to you and Lisa-Jo for bringing this to us.
Thank you SO very much for joining us in this! You have no idea how much we appreciate you!
Just signed up this morning! 🙂 Happy to participate in such a fabulous cause!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! We are humbly grateful!
Joining right after I leave this comment. What a good idea! God is so good and I’m glad we can chip in.
Thank you so very, very much for joining us in this! We are humbly grateful!
What inspiring work you are doing, Crystal. Well done. Great role model for us. Thank you.
I am SO excited to be part of this! Thank you so much for bringing this opportunity to us! I can’t wait to see what God does with it!
THANK YOU so very much for joining us in this. You have no idea how much we appreciate you!
I joined. I would love to visit with my family in a couple of years to see all the wonderful work. I so wanted to actually go on the trip you went on. I have a heart for Africa, so I love that I can make a small impact even if I can’t be as hands on as I would like.
Thank you so very much — and thank you for your heart to serve. I SO hope you get a chance to visit with your family in the not-too-distant future!
I think it’s wonderful what you are doing for these less fortunate communities! If I was in a financial spot to be abke to donate I would definetly join your cause! Reading what they go through tho, honestly makes me think of the kids in America who are going through the same thing. There are so many children who don’t have access to food and shelter here at home and it breaks my heart. I believe that every child deserves a great start in life with food, clothing, and a good education. I know this is probably going to sound rude or whatever but I honestly never hear of any mission work being done in the US for our kids who are facing very similar situations as the children in other countries are facing. I know there are food banks and charities that supposedly help the kids in our country but lots of times then parents don’t have the resources to get to food banks and many times don’t qualify for help. I really don’t want this to be taken the wrong way but I also believe that we should be taking care of the children in our own country as well. If we can’t take care of our own children and families how can we take care of children and families in other countries. Like I said I think its amazing what you are doing in South Africa and I wish I was financially able to help your cause, but I also think we should be taking care of thebleas fortunate at home as well.
I wish your mission much success and if in the near future I am able to contribute I will do so.
I SO agree! That’s one reason a large portion of family’s giving is to help those in the US. In addition, I’m a huge supporter of ministries like this one: https://moneysavingmom.com/2012/03/reader-tip-blessings-in-a-backpack.html
I have a post coming up tomorrow (hopefully!) on why you don’t need to go to South Africa to make a difference and how there are so many, many opportunities to serve right where you are — even if you don’t have any extra funds.
I think God has made us all so unique and our hearts to ache for different things so that everything is covered. Follow the ache of your heart for kids in the US. You can make a difference!! :). Even simple things like offering to babysit for a family you know is struggling to give them an opportunity to go out and make some extra income. No cost to you and a huge blessing to the family. Some friends and I recently came together with a little money from each of us to buy an commercial can opener for a local homeless shelter. They were getting lots of can donations and opening with the tiny opener was a lot of time. Just a simple thing to make a difference.
I think there are a lot of good organizations helping in the US. For example, even though World Vision may be thought of as an international organization, it does a lot to help kids in the US too. Their Christmas gift catalog includes donating clothes to kids and they do school supply options too. A lot of retailers/manufacturers donate the goods and WV uses its distribution channels to deliver them. A $25 gift helps with distribution of hundreds of dollars of supplies. I’ve also seen their work firsthand abroad and am confident in the care and help they provide.
Crystal, thanks for all you do to help your readers save money and value the important things in life. I’m excited to learn more about your work in Africa!
Stevi, I couldn’t agree with you more and have the same thoughts as you. I always wonder why people seem so eager to help other countries when, right here at home, people are struggling everywhere to make ends meet. People here are hungry, yet our government and other entities allocate millions of dollars to others overseas without thought. While I don’t disagree with helping others, it is heartbreaking to see people struggling in our own “backyard.” I don’t want to sound rude either, but no one here at home should be going hungry or suffering.
Be sure to stay tuned for my post later today on a long list of ways to help right here at home. I LOVE everyone’s heart to help here! It blesses me so much that you all want to make a difference — thank you!
Just did a one time donation. If you remind me in a few months, I may be able to do another one. Paypal would also work well for me.
Thank you so, so very much! We are humbly grateful!
This is awesome! We will definitely be a blessing and give to this organization. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you so very, very much! I truly appreciate it you joining me in this!
Do we have to use Twitter to get updates for this if we participate?
Great question! All updates will be sent via email to those who are members of the #TenDollarTribe. We’ll also be posting a few of them on our blogs.
Yes, please add a paypal option. I’d love to make a donation through paypal.
I’m trying to convince them to add a Paypal option. 🙂 Feel free to email me at crystal @ moneysavingmom.com and I’ll forward your email to Help One Now and see what they can do. Thanks so much for wanting to help out!
This is so awesome! The typical $40/month can be too much for some families, so this is a great opportunity for others to help.
And 100% of the proceeds going directly to South Africa…so awesome. God’s blessings to you!
Thanks so much for sharing in our excitement! We’re so thrilled about this and the opportunity to be apart of it!
Just joined the tribe! Happy to help! Many thanks to you and to everyone else that has dedicated their time, effort, and hard work into making this happen!
Thank you so very, very much! I appreciate this more than words can express! May God richly bless you!
Honored to partner with you, Crystal. To God be the glory.
Thank you so very, very much! I am humbly grateful for your support and appreciate it more than you know! We’re excited to see what God does in and through this and will definitely be keeping all #TenDollarTribe members in the loop in the weeks and months to come so you can see personally what your generous donations are doing to make an impact!
If I could make a suggestion, Crystal. Maybe opening up donation to allow for paypal funds would be helpful. A lot of people sell online, use savings apps, etc., and those finds could easily supply the $10.00/month donation, without having to have any transactions tied to one’s bank account or credit card. For example, using money saved on groceries, that doesn’t come out of any pre-existing money system or budget, which could then be reallocated to help “save” others, seems like a win-win to me! Just a thought. We’ll be sponsoring this evening!
Oh, SUCH a great suggestion! I hadn’t thought of it and that is so very true! I just emailed the folks at Help One Now/Pure Charity to see if that were an option or not. Hopefully, we can figure out how to make it an option. We’ll see!
Also, THANK YOU for joining me in this. I’m so touched and humbly grateful!
Yep, even SWAGBUCKS earnings can be converted to paypal and then donated. 🙂
That is such a grand idea!
I am so excited to do this! Like a little missionary trip every month!
Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much! We’re going to be sending out regular (probably quarterly) updates to let everyone who joins know exactly where your money is going and the impact it’s having. I can’t wait to share the progress!
This all sounds wonderful!! So exciting! I was just wondering if it’s possible to make a one-time donation?
Yes, ma’am! You can make a one-time donation here: https://www.purecharity.com/field_partners/26/fund?category=96
Thank you so very, very much!
I tried to join the Ten Dollar Tribe at the link above but all I get is “page not found.” I did go ahead and give a $10 donation at purecharity this morning. I just started up my new business site but I would love to be able to make this a monthly donation that comes out monthly and give more as I grow. Wish I could go to SA with you.
Jessica at Five Little Ducks Resale
I was able to join the giving circle. You can count on $10 a month from me. 🙂
Aw, thank you SO much!