The myGreenSpark Redemption Book will unite consumers with companies and organizations that offer green and healthy products, services and activities, promoting a wholesome and active lifestyle. Each coupon in the book, once redeemed, will provide the user with a “Green Spark” for change. Not only will this Green coupon book educate students and families about how a few small changes in their consumer habits can be a big help to the environment, but it will also lead them to healthy activities and better
eating habits.

Fundraising Green was founded in early 2007 by Jennifer Caronna, a business savvy PTA mom from Long Beach, California. Jennifer, the mother of three daughters ages 6, 11 and 13 has spent the last eight years representing her children’s school PTA in such capacities as PTA President and Fundraising Coordinator.

Jennifer explains the logic behind her new fundraising product, the myGreenSpark Redemption Book, “By melding the popular and profitable coupon book fundraiser with a green and healthy philosophy, we distribute a product to thousands of busy families that not only educates them regarding green and healthy alternatives, but with the discount coupon in hand, we lead them to environmentally sound, conscience consumer
choices. We know that if the families that purchase the book use it to make just a few simple changes towards a greener and healthier lifestyle, the positive impact on our environment and on our children will be exponential.”

To learn more about Fundraising Green visit http://www.FundraisingGreen.com

Texas Instruments (TI) learned about these creative fundraising ideas from a survey of nearly 60,000 teachers in spring 2007, as part of an effort to help educators find new and unique sources of funding. The company received so many responses that it has turned the one-time survey into a permanent online idea exchange called Technology in Hand, which supplements TI’s online interactive funding and grant resources.

In addition to Technology in Hand, TI provides funding resources, such as a grant writing program to help teachers identify and apply for government and third-party educational technology grants. Educators can learn where and how to apply, tips on applications and writing resources at http://education.ti.com, during T3 (Teachers Teaching with Technology) Professional Development grant writing workshops, or through TI’s trained
education technology consultants.

“This new application is a huge win both for our users and the charities they support,” said Mark Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Firstgiving. “The ability to access the tens of millions of Facebook community members means Firstgiving users can exponentially increase their ability to raise funds for the worthwhile causes they support.”

Setting up a person to person online fundraising page with Firstgiving is easily done using an online template that can be personalized with messages and photos. Fundraisers then send links to their pages to family, friends and networks around the globe and ask for support for a walk, run bike ride, growing an embarrassing mustache, or any other reason they can think of.

All of the money raised through these efforts go to certified charitable organizations. Nonprofits can also use Firstgiving’s services for their supporters. Because of its ease and ability to reach more people, Firstgiving’s online fundraising pages help raise an average of three times more money than traditional methods.

Facebook is all about networking, and according to Sutton, “By opening the doors to the Facebook community, Firstgiving users may find new friends who support the same causes — thereby growing their personal networks.” In addition, Facebook “friends” can also help with fundraising by using the new application to promote friend’s pages on their own Facebook profiles.

“Regardless of how you access Firstgiving’s services you can be sure that all transactions are safe and secure and reach the charity of your choice,” said Sutton.