Where does Generosity Come From?

Building a more compassionate and generous world requires a focus on fostering generosity. Part of that is asking generous folks to open up about where they think their generosity comes from.

Lucas Mulvaugh

Our generosity as an organization comes from the deep understanding and practice of three spiritual principles: 1) The Spiritual Principle of Giveaway: It is a human responsibility to share ones sacred gifts with the world, and to care for one another and the earth. Read more>>

Jeanne Sommer

“To whom much is given, much is required.” Luke 12:48 I think it’s amazing that I exist. A Buddhist teaching goes something like this: “Imagine an infinite ocean with one tortoise in it and there is one flotation ring in that infinite ocean. Read more>>

Annie Kyla Bennett & Jack Henry

Generosity is a guiding force in our world of creativity. As working artists we have to not only create our own opportunities, resources, and space, but we also must rely on the kindness of others to share their knowledge, resources, and space as well – we truly could not get anywhere without those shoulders upon which we stand!  Read more>>

Mikka Cruz

I believe my generosity is rooted in gratitude for not having to struggle financially. It reminds me how blessed I am that I’m doing something that I love and it pays well. It’s also driven by my desire to share experiences with others and to give back to those who may be less fortunate or facing challenges. Read more>>

KEENA BONDS

My generosity stems from the profound influence of my parents. My mother was the primary caregiver, instilling in us the importance of faith and community. Her unwavering commitment to church and helping others earned her the endearing nickname “Mrs. Doris.” She selflessly cared for the elderly and nurtured countless children in our community as if they were her own. Read more>>

Arielle Ross

Simply put, I am extremely blessed. I have a beautiful life filled with beautiful people and experiences. I know the life that I have is not the norm for the vast majority of people in this world. I believe that no one got to where they are without someone else extending a hand.  Read more>>

Chelli Look

I believe it was Gandhi who said “a closed fist cannot receive.” I believe in the Biblical scripture that says “give and it shall be given to you.”
Both of these sayings create a well rounded picture of my view of generosity; it is a stream. A stream must keep moving in order to remain healthy. Read more>>

LaNisha Wilson

I have always been a giving person. I started babysitting at the age of 10 and have always wanted to make kids happy, because they make me happy. I would say my generosity comes from my mom. She helps anyone that may need a place to live to helping them with food. Read more>>

Kenneth & Tamara Williams

Tamara- My generosity come from my mom and grandma. My grandmother would give you her last dollar if you needed. My mother was generous in helping others by advice, working or giving her time. I have adopted these characteristics and give when I am able to and willing to help others. Read more>>

Valencia Davis

Growing up I as raised by a single mom who worked hard to take care of my brothers and I. We didn’t have much but I always noticed how we never went without and even if we didn’t have, if someone asked for something of my mother she gave it to them freely with no questions.  Read more>>

LaKenya Kopf

My mother (who passed away in 2018) was one of the strongest and most generous people on the planet. I know everyone says that about loving parents but my mother was in a league of her own. I remember going to the Currier Museum in New Hampshire and this older woman was by herself.  Read more>>

Mitzi Rapkin

I honestly think some things we are born with and if we express them early, even in the smallest way, and find some reinforcement, we can sink deeper into that quality. For me the reinforcement is internal, it’s not about others’ appreciation for what I have to offer, but what I get out of it.  Read more>>

Ivy Dominique

It may surprise most people to know this , especially when they look at what my life looks like now and make assumptions, but I actually grew up poor. My father worked very hard and even though we did not have much ourselves he still gave people the shirt off of his back and the food out of his mouth. My Father also taught me the value of doing “quiet charity” Read more>>

Laura Gerdsen Widman

I have never been asked this question before. Where does my generosity come from? I don’t know if my generosity is actually an integral part of me, born within me or cultivated by my family, culture and circumstances.  Read more>>

SJ Garrett

Generosity is huge a cornerstone of my personality and remains a priority when approaching most areas of my life. I think the biggest thing about generosity is being generous with your knowledge and resources, sharing what you can when you can.  Read more>>

Emily Smith

One of my early memories was confusion about why some people have more but do not share it and why some have so much less. After I left my marriage of 22 years with nothing, I began to change my ideas about money and security.  Read more>>

Francis Zamora

Ever since was a kid I found joy in community. As a first generation filipino I grew up with generosity and hospitality all around me. I believe this was instilled in me at a very young age. I was always someone that loved to give freely and although this industry is filled characters that feel the need to gatekeep will maintain their status and power, however I have a different philosophy, one of abundance.  Read more>>

Klaire Lockheart

It’s hard to be an artist. It’s particularly challenging for those of us who aren’t old, dead, rich European men. It’s even more difficult for women and people of other marginalized genders in the art world considering that women weren’t even admitted to art academies until the 19th century, plus women are currently underrepresented in museums and galleries.  Read more>>

Kelly Anderson

Generosity for me is a foundation that I grew up on. My family was middle class and due to some health conditions we struggled for a few years. I watched my parents give back at church and other places when they barely had enough at home. Read more>>

David Coons

I think my generosity started at a young age. I grew up in a poorer neighborhood when other kids asked for toys for birthdays and holidays, I asked for a space heater because I was cold and there wasn’t enough oil in the tank to heat the house.  Read more>>

Erika Cockerham Mulholland

Generosity….the quality or act of being kind, selfless, and giving without expecting anything in return….involving freely sharing resources, time, or talents with others to benefit them or enhance their well-being…at its core, generosity embodies a spirit of abundance and a willingness to contribute positively to the lives of others. Read more>>

Odalis Vázquez

It’s rooted in my abundant mindset, the belief that giving leads to receiving. Throughout life’s challenges, I’ve learned to maintain an optimistic outlook in the face of adversity. There were moments when the path ahead seemed shrouded in doubt, yet the universe always seemed to intercede, sending angels my way precisely when I needed them most.  Read more>>

Andrea Hall

My generosity stems from a place of lack – a lack of support, understanding, and love that I experienced firsthand in certain aspects of my life. Growing up, I faced challenges and obstacles that made me acutely aware of the importance of compassion and empathy.  Read more>>

Tracy-Ann Samuels

My generosity comes from my grandma. I was born in Jamaica and I saw her struggle and come from nothing. Watching her give her last to the community and not frown or get upset was inspiring. She always said God will provide. I believe that when you give with a pure heart God will increase it tenfold. Read more>>

Nafy Flatley

My generosity comes from my parents and grandparents. Read more>>

Fanny Axen

I Believe it comes from my mom and my grandparents, they would do anything for me and my sister and I grew up seeing and feeling that type of love. Read more>>

Jerome Whitfield Jr

My generosity comes from growing up poor, i know exactly what it feels like to not have. I’ve always carried myself in a way to make sure i understood where i came from and where i’m not trying to go back too nor see other be! I live by the rule of, If it costs me $0 to help someone, why not help them? Read more>>

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