Thursday, September 26, 2013

Supporting Good Work

There is a famous charity that gives annual "Genius Grants."  The grants are large sums of money given to people doing good work.  I learned about the grants years ago when my artist-friends all hoped to receive one.

The best part about the grants is they contain no strings.  The money can be used for any purpose and is intended to allow recipients freedom to spend more time on the activities they are being honored for.  Being committed to their projects, that's always the case.  Most recipients regret having to struggle to make ends meet while trying to write novels, compose music or perform social work.

You can't apply for these grants and nominations are made secretly.  There's no influence or lobbying that will get you the money; you just have to do good things and hope someone notices.

I like this idea.  I like encouraging people to do good work.  Our society needs more of that and, too often, we don't reward such efforts.

It's easy to talk big but action is where it happens.  I've decided to step up to the plate.

This year, during the holidays, I'm going to give three $500 awards to bloggers who are doing their best to improve our online community.  The cash awards are recognition for past efforts and encouragement for future contributions.  The blogging achievement I plan to recognize is not frequency of posting or number of followers but, rather, quality and sincerity of content.  I want to support those who open their hearts to us.  That's a rare and precious gift.

I'm not taking requests or nominations for these awards; they will be based on who I see improving our blogging world.  The recipients can decide whether they want to be mentioned publicly; they can remain anonymous if that's their preference.

Oh, and did I mention there are trophies involved?!  Everyone loves a bigass trophy.  :-)

Like last year, I'm calling these prizes the Bloggy Awards.  You'll hear more about the Bloggies when they are bestowed to deserving recipients in December.

22 comments:

  1. What a great idea! I can think of a few bloggers who really brighten my days with their posts...I should take the time to let them know what their work means to me.

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  2. Just the fact that you are doing this made me so happy!

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  3. Wow! I remember when you did this last year and I was really surprised and impressed by your generosity. (It's also the first time I heard of Lynne's blog!) I look forward to meeting new impressive people through you this year, too. :D

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  4. Wonderful post. Love the name as well, "The Bloggies" Spreading the love and doing it cheerfully is always okay with me.

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  5. great title and prize found is huge! Can't wait to see the new winners! I'm sure they would be superb

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  6. what a generous gift! I particularly like the name too, it's all very exciting! x x

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  7. You're so lovely, what a great idea. I look forward to being introduced to the worthy recipients later in the year.

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  8. You are seriously one of the most generous and wonderful people Ally. I look forward to seeing the winners - I know you will introduce us to bloggers we need to be reading the most!

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  9. Your kind nature and generosity never fail to amaze me. This is such a great idea. You deserve to award YOURSELF one of these Bloggies!

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  10. You are so amazing. I think if you could reward yourself you should be on top of that list.
    Daphne.

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  11. Oh wow, this IS amazing. Most bloggers work for little to no money, their work is a labor of love. I am in love with this idea!!!

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  12. I think that this is a great idea - and i totally agree with you, awards should be on contributions. I think that currently we are given awards on things that tend to be unimportant in the long term.

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  13. I love this idea! I think more awards should be given on the basis of someone doing good, on their own terms. :)

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  14. You have a limitless heart, dear Ally. This is such a beautiful, thoughtful and incredibly inspiring idea. I know that you will greatly enrich and touch the lives of everyone you honour with this profoundly generous award.

    ♥ Jessica

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  15. Ooohhhhhh, what fun!!! Love all the pics - you're going to look AND feel so amazing. Love the peek inside your bag so we can see which tools are the most important for an agent. ;)

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    1. That was obviously supposed to post on your Halloween costume post. Have no idea why it ended up here. lol

      Anyway! You are one of the most generous and genuinely compassionate souls I have ever run across in my life. Your heart knows no bounds. I think your blog has changed hearts, minds, even lives. I hope you award yourself too. <3

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  16. that is a great idea! hats off (just like your xmas card) to you, aly!!!

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  17. What a great idea! A perk for those deserving folks and incentive for others to step up their game.

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