Megan O'Rourke, Development Intern at The University of Michigan

Here we are on the last day of 2010, ready to write up our new year's resolutions and plan out how to make the most of 2011. Somewhere on everyone's list of what they hope to achieve in the new year is to give back to those less fortunate. Having the intention to donate or volunteer is certainly a step in the right direction, but following through with this particular goal often seems to get lost in the shuffle of work, family, and financial responsibilities. 

At The Generation Project, we bridge the gap between wanting to give and actively taking a role in your donation. Anyone who has the desire to give back, to make their mark, or to find a way to share their passions can do so through this innovative non profit organization. When I say anyone, I do mean anyone! We find individuals, groups, and companies, some who are the position to be fantastically generous and some who able to give smaller amounts but with just as much heart. 

When The Generation Project is fortunate enough to come into contact with people who are willing to donate, we find a way to make their efforts as personal and meaningful as possible. Donors create gifts that are specific to their interests and to the impact they hope to have on education nationwide. It's easy to get people excited about The Generation Project once they understand just how much involvement they will have in their gift. After designing a gift for an individual student, a classroom, or an entire school, each donor can track the progress of that gift to see when a teacher selects it and how the student(s) benefit from their personal generosity. 

There is no better feeling than knowing that you were able to make a difference in someone's life. The Generation Project connects people who want to give with those who are the most deserving. Every gift provides an opportunity for an underserved student. Every gift makes a significant difference. Every donor has the chance to do something remarkable. 

Kat Marsh, The University of Michigan

Bright lights. Hands shaking. Nervous laughter in Hill Auditorium as interns Chrissy, Brendan and I take the stage to speak about the Generation Project at one of the University of Michigan's most publicized events - Greek Week. It was our job to describe The Generation Project's mission, vision and goals in accordance with the values and commitment of the Greek community to over 4,000 students during the philanthropic symposium.

During Greek Week, the sororities and fraternities of Michigan participate in a variety of leadership, service and community events to raise funds to donate to different charities, and in 2010 The Generation Project was lucky enough to be selected as one of the honored charities. The Greek community was able to raise over $9,000 for The Generation Project! The Generation Project and the Greek Week leadership team were able to work together to craft a gift that is very applicable to many students at Michigan- implementing a high school sports program. This gift, named "Teamwork! Sponsorship of a Detroit High School Sports Team", has since been claimed and the funds are currently sponsoring a men's and women's high school basketball teams at W.E.B. DuBois in Detroit, MI. (The school's website can be found at http://aishashule-duboisprep.com/index.html).

Working with Greek Week was a true honor, and I believe this donation allowed many students to feel personally committed and positively effected to such an outstanding donation. Many students have since asked me how they can become involved and ideas for possible gifts, even on limited funds. It's great to see The Generation Project mission spreading through campus. The Generation Project is truly thankful for the great work of the Greek community at Michigan, and looks forward to a continuing partnership!