The end of the year is a time of tradition and reflection for many families, and Amy Schirmer and her husband Pete are no exceptions. Among their December traditions is a conscious moment of generosity and gratitude as they decide which charities to support with their year-end donations.

"It's an overwhelming decision," says Amy. "We get so many requests through the year from worthy causes. We want our funds to go to good causes, and to be put to good use rather than high overhead."

In February of this year, Amy discovered Foundation Beyond Belief and signed up for a $250 monthly donation.

"I was interested in participating for two reasons," she says. "First, I have learned about many worthy causes I never knew existed and now proudly support through FBB. So this December, we will have a list of causes from the archives that we can revisit and provide further contributions."

"Secondly, the opportunity to establish a regular and convenient contribution means that our total charitable giving will most certainly increase this year."

Amy considers herself and her family to be very fortunate and wants her son to learn the importance of giving back. "We both work, we are all healthy -- we have such gratitude for all that we have," she says. "It's important to me that we do more to help others, help animals, help the environment. Keep up the good work, FBB!"

"Thank you Foundation Beyond Belief for your generous donation of $1,995 to the Haitian Health Foundation (HHF). The donations of your members are going directly to purchase food and medicine for the survivors of the January 12th earthquake in Port-au-Prince who have journeyed 140 miles to the catchment area of the Haitian Health Foundation in Jérémie.

"Prior to the earthquake, HHF routinely cared for over 200,000 people in Jérémie and 105 rural mountain villages. The arriving refugees swelled the numbers to well over 300,000. This is an enormous challenge, and an expensive one. Because of the generosity of good people like the membership of Foundation Beyond Belief, we are able to sustain this life-giving work.

"In the long-term, our [food source] preference is the locally-produced Akamil, a mixture made from grinding beans, rice, and corn into a digestible high-protein food. Over the years, HHF has built five Akamil production plants locally. This reduces shipping costs, shortens delivery times, provides jobs to those who manufacture and deliver the food, and supports the local economy by purchasing raw materials from area farmers.

"We have also continued to support the establishment of microbusinesses for displaced women and to operate HHF's St. Pierre School, adding a second session each day for youngsters displaced by the quake.

"We are able to provide these services to these poorest neighbors only because good people like you care, share, and reach out with a generous hand."

With appreciation,

Jeremiah J Lowney, Jr. DDS, MS, MPH

President, Haitian Health Foundation

The generous support of our donors has made this unique adventure in humanist philanthropy a success. Included among those supporters are the members of our Promethean Circle—donors who have contributed $1000 or more to keep Foundation Beyond Belief itself alive and well.

One such contributor is Herb Silverman, president of the Secular Coalition for America and one of the most articulate and effective leaders in freethought.

"It is important to us to support secular charities," Herb said. "However, we want to make sure of their effectiveness, honesty, and financial efficiency, and the Foundation Beyond Belief has done this work for us."

We deeply appreciate donations of any size. Your support helps us continue to grow and sustain this community of compassionate humanists making a positive contribution to this life and this world. 

Click here to make a direct donation in any amount to Foundation Beyond Belief