A Travellerspoint blog

By this Author: Isadora

HI HO SILVER LINING

I Can See Your Sun Is Shining

Burkina-Faso Courtesy of Medecins sans Frontieres

Burkina-Faso Courtesy of Medecins sans Frontieres

Greetings All!!

This is going to be a short but informative entry. TP Foundation has hit a couple of cool milestones recently and I'd like to spread the word!

On March 21, 2012 - the Foundation made it's 100th Kiva loan. Recently, Kiva changed their reporting of statistics so here is how we stood at that time:

March 21, 2012 Statistics Courtesy of Kiva.org

March 21, 2012 Statistics Courtesy of Kiva.org

Since the last loans, we've received enough repayments to make more. As of today (June 6, 2012), we have made an additional 10 - $50 loans across the globe. We do have $377.22 remaining in the Kiva account. Our stats are now:

June 6, 2012 Statistics Courtesy of Kiva.org

June 6, 2012 Statistics Courtesy of Kiva.org

Our first loans equaled $200 on August 5, 2009 and look at what we've done to date. I can't say $7400 is too shabby! It's thanks to everyone who has contributed to the TP Foundation that have made this a very successful endeavor. A personal thank you to all of you!!!

In the process, we have also donated $225.00 to Medecin san Frontieres for hunger relief in Somalia and malaria vaccinations around the world. We recently received $113.44 in AdSense earnings, bringing our bank account to $123.32 total. We will be sending another $100 to MSF for use where humanitarian support is most needed. TPF donated $50 to the Passports with Purpose 'Room to Read' project to help build 2 libraries in Zambia too. (Hey, we're just trying to spread some joy. Everyone needs joy in their life.) ;)

Please don't forgot our other areas of the Foundation. We'd love your contributions:

Travel Unravelled Blog

If you have tips and tricks for your fellow travellers, then join us in educating travellers worldwide. To get started, send our editors an email at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Let them know a bit about yourself, and maybe include some writing samples and ideas for entries. They will review your submission and, if you fit the bill, they will welcome you to the team. Each published article earns $5.00 for the TP Foundation and Kiva.

The Book Club

Have you read a book lately? Would you like to tell someone about it? It doesn't need to be travel-related nor a good review. If you have read something that was absolutely not worth anyone's time, say so. But, join the "Club" and say something because:

The Book Club is affiliated with the Amazon Associates Program. Follow a link in a review, make a purchase (books, products, gift cards, etc.) and the TP Foundation earns a percentage of the purchase price.

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

Posted by Isadora 09:37 Comments (0)

I Know. I Never Write. I Never Call.

But, I'm Here Now With Good News!

Fountain of Old Town Portland Photo by Rhombus

Fountain of Old Town Portland Photo by Rhombus

It's Good News Week!

Well, let me put that another way... It's been good news on several levels and some 'okay' news too. But, the good far outweighs the 'okay' stuff. Can't beat that even on a bad day as far as I'm concerned. So, I'm now here, writing about the progress TP Foundation and the Kiva TP Team have made. (Please don't expect a phone call as I don't have everyone's numbers.) Anyway - here we go with some recent information:

WTPF Latest Local News Updates

Image courtesy of Kive.org

Image courtesy of Kive.org

KIVA.ORG

Though this would now be considered 'old' news, it is still good news! At the end of September, TPF made it's 90th loan. This was in celebration of another milestone event. The Kiva TP Team (for which TPF is a member) passed the $10,000 mark! Congratulations to the Team! There are currently 33 members and obviously willing to share the wealth! As of right this moment, the Team has made 278 loans for a total of $10,750USD.

The TP Foundation has $1,839.49 outstanding with $518.79 in available credit. We have only experienced one default since the beginning. So, you will hear no complaints from me about such success! Plus, October marked Kiva's 6th year anniversary. Congratulations to all the people who have made this organization such a success!!!

To see what's been happening, here are the links:

Travellerspoint Foundation's Awesome Lender Page and the Awesome Kiva Lending Team: Travellerspoint Travel Community

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF)

If you are unaware of this organization, it is also known as 'Doctors without Borders' and has been helping people around the world since 1971. In an attempt to broaden our contributions a bit, TP Foundation combined an Adsense payment with money that was hanging out in our bank account. (All of $31.00.) With the combination of those two funds, we were able to donate $125.00 on August 11, 2011 in the form of a cashier's check. The money was specifically designated to support the Somali refuge food program. We have recently received a thank you and acknowledgment of our donation.

We have $50 from Travel Unravelled entries sitting in the TPF PayPal account with another AdSense payment of $104.96 being issued on December 1st. (AdSense takes 30 days to review their accounting before transferring the earnings.) The intent is to combine the money and donate once again to MSF. The chosen cause will be that of fighting malaria around the world. The funds will cover the cost of the malaria vaccines which will be administered to children in multiple countries.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

Travel Unravelled earned the above-mentioned $50.00 through the Travel Unravelled's Q&A Project. The rules are simple can be found through the just-mentioned link or in the General Talk Forum. (Can't miss it because it's stickied.)

Additionally, If you have tips and tricks for your fellow travellers, then join us in educating travellers worldwide. To get started, send our editors an email at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Let them know a bit about yourself, and maybe include some writing samples and ideas for entries. They will review your submission and, if you fit the bill, they will welcome you to the team. Each published article earns $5.00 for the TP Foundation and Kiva.

THE BOOK CLUB

One book review was published:

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams - Reviewer: Deb Martens (Review posted by Isadora)

Have you read a book lately? Would you like to tell someone about it? It doesn't need to be travel-related nor a good review. If you have read something that was absolutely not worth anyone's time, say so. But, join the "Club" and say something because:

The Book Club is affiliated with the Amazon Associates Program. Follow a link in a review, make a purchase (books, products, gift cards, etc.) and the TP Foundation earns a percentage of the purchase price.

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter, Eric or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

TP FOUNDATION FINANCIALS

At the moment, I am updating our earnings from the assorted programs and what is held in both the bank and PayPal accounts. It's coming close to that dreaded 'end of the year' stuff.

As for the 'okay' news I spoke of in the beginning - earnings from Travel Unravelled and the Book Club have slumped a bit. So, add a book review, write an article for TU or just reply to the TU Q&A question posted in General talk. I know I'd be a happy camper!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I promise to write again soon. Until then - THANK YOU ALL!!!!!

Posted by Isadora 10:02 Comments (1)

We've Got a Groovy Kind of Love

(And, ain't that the truth...)

Celebration Photo by Isadora

Celebration Photo by Isadora

A VERY HAPPY SECOND ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Yes, that is correct, we've been doing business for a full two years now. Life is good! Granted, the 'real' starting date was March 7, 2009, when the AdSense contributions were first put into play. But, April 1, 2009 was the launch of the TPF 'Our Two Cents Worth' blog. Which either date you choose - we've been going strong and have made some great investments.

In honor of this landmark, eight more loans have been made in the amount of $100.00/each. We have been fortunate in several ways. We have maintained our AdSense contributors, we have had zero loan defaults through Kiva, our loan potential has increased dramatically and we've gained several new members to the Kiva TP Team.

To see what's been happening, here are the links:

Travellerspoint Foundation's Awesome Lender Page and the Awesome Kiva Lending Team: Travellerspoint Travel Community

WTPF Latest Local News Updates

KIVA.ORG

TPF has recently made it 76th loan on Kiva. As mentioned, eight loans of $100.00/each were completed on March 30, 2011. That date also marked the anniversary of the TP Foundation joining Kiva. (Our first loans were not made until August of 2009 because we needed money. The original $13.50 wasn't enough to do the trick.) On the upside, we've made $4440 in loans over the past 2 years.

Currently, we have $393.87 remaining in the Kiva account and $1861.10 in outstanding loans. Only one Entrepreneur is still raising funds. Click the Awesome Lender Page link (above) to follow our progress.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

Travel Unravelled earned $5.00 in February through the Travel Unravelled's Q&A Project. The rules for the project have been changed a bit so please check it out! The time limit restrictions have been removed and answers can be posted in question threads. (You'll be able to recognize them by their titles and that they are stickied in the General Talk Forum.)

Additionally, If you have tips and tricks for your fellow travellers, then join us in educating travellers worldwide. To get started, send our editors an email at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Let them know a bit about yourself, and maybe include some writing samples and ideas for entries. They will review your submission and, if you fit the bill, they will welcome you to the team. Each published article earns $5.00 for the TP Foundation and Kiva.

THE BOOK CLUB

One book review was published:

American Portraits: 100 Countries by Michael Clinton - Reviewer: Isadora

Have you read a book lately? Would you like to tell someone about it? It doesn't need to be travel-related nor a good review. If you have read something that was absolutely not worth anyone's time, say so. But, join the "Club" and say something because:

The Book Club is affiliated with the Amazon Associates Program. Follow a link in a review, make a purchase (books, products, gift cards, etc.) and the TP Foundation earns a percentage of the purchase price.

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter, Eric or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

ADSENSE PROGRAM

Currently, we have $35.08 in the AdSense account. On March 25, 2011, $121.91 was transferred to the TPF bank account.

AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

Currently, we have $0.63 in the Associates account. On February 27, 2011, $14.06 was transferred to the TPF bank account.

TPF BANK & PAYPAL ACCOUNTS

As of March 28, 2011, we held a bank account balance of $140.13. On March 31, 2011, a transfer to the TPF PayPal account, in the amount of $135.00, was initiated. Once completed, that money will be transferred to the Kiva account. (Yeah, PayPal transfers take a few days. Such is life.)

A VERY HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL!!

Once again, I thank everyone who has chosen to be a participant in the TP Foundation. We're only two years old but have done great things! Anyway, I'm personally impressed. We've gone from two digits to four digits in front of that decimal point when it comes to loans. (Meaning $13.50 to $4440.00, just to be clear.) To everyone who contributes, please take a moment to pat yourself on the back for being part of a great project. If I could, I would thank all of you in person. I'm afraid that's not possible at the moment but... You have my gratitude big time!! Thank you!!

ps: Thanks to the Mindbenders for a great title and great song.

Posted by Isadora 12:17 Comments (1)

IT'S A BRAND NEW DAY!!

Where We Have Been and Where we Are Going...

IMG_1646.jpg Photo by benji2020

IMG_1646.jpg Photo by benji2020

IT IS DEFINITELY A BRAND NEW DAY! IT'S DEFINITELY A BRAND NEW YEAR!!!! WELCOME TO 2011 AND ALL THAT IT HAS IN STORE!!!

Yes, I'm quite aware that I have been very absent in recent months. I also know I said that would change. Try as I might, it did not happen in a timely manner. But, it does not mean that the TP Foundation has fallen by the wayside - it has not. I've just been delinquent in my posting duties. Sometimes real life just gets in the way, not allowing us to do the things that are the closest to our own hearts, but important all the same. I am no exception. With that said, I shall move on...

Where We Have Been

The TP Foundation was launched on April 1, 2009 and has been growing ever since. We began with a mere $13.50 from Google's AdSense Program. During 2009, Adsense earned $320.15 while 2010 brought in another $426.18 of usable revenue. Over the course of 2009, TP Foundation also incorporated in The Travel Unravelled and The Book Club blogs. Travel Unravelled produces $5.00 for every blog entry posted. The Book Club earns revenue via the Amazon Associates Program. (Follow a book review Amazon link, purchase something and TPF earns a few cents.) The 2009 Tour de France Competition and the 2010 $1 For Your (Accommodation) Review Drive brought in an additional $1350.00 worth of funds.

Overall, this may not seem like a lot. And, for most of us, in reality, it isn't. But, in that same reality, for those in need it means one hell of a lot. It means the difference between food on the table or going hungry. It means clothes for one's children, a roof over one's head and/or viable transportation. TP Foundation has tried to make loans to cover all of these needs and more. We have also tried to cover health care and education, though loan requests for those areas are few and far between. Our loans have spanned the globe.

Where We Are Going

The TP Foundation's goal is to be Goodwill Ambassadors - spreading "the wealth" to those less fortunate than ourselves. The main recipient of the funds is Kiva.org - a micro-financial organization. The funds from the Tour de France Competition were donated to the Hippo-Roller Project in Africa. As 2011 progresses, we will continue the Kiva loans. If another charitable opportunity arises, we will definitely take it under consideration. It IS all about giving and expecting nothing in return.

In the past, I have posted photos, links to the Kiva Entrepreneurs who have received our loans and connected them to the mapping system. As of January 4, 2011, TPF made it's 68th loan. Due to my delinquency, there are many photos and links to be made. Rather than spend the next several days doing all of that work and having poor Michael (Utrecht) double-checking the mapping, it will be easier to just direct you to the TPF page on Kiva. You do not have to join TPF or Kiva to view our accomplishments. You will be able to see who's received money and view their profiles. I will include the link with each new set of loans and blog posting. So, here are the links...

Travellerspoint Foundation's Awesome Lender Page and the Awesome Kiva Lending Team: Travellerspoint Travel Community

US Currency. Photo by classique

US Currency. Photo by classique

Bottom Line Stuff or WTPF Latest Local News Updates

Yes, this is the year end financial report you've all been waiting for - if you're an accountant. But, it's your money so you should be informed.

KIVA.ORG

As stated above, TPF has made 68 loans since we began in 2009, 28 of them during 2010. In that time, we have had a few delinquencies but no defaults. We did have one loan that was reimbursed because the lending institution was not up to the task. When they were re-approved by Kiva, the Entrepreneur had secured his funds from another source, withdrawing his loan request. Our repayments have equaled $1880.05 for the year. Our total being put back into Kiva (for 2010) has been $3121.07 with $1393.85 remaining to be loaned. That amount is now down to $593.85 after the 8 January 4, 2011 loans.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

Between August and December, the Travel Unravelled blog has earned $35.00 in revenue, bringing the yearly total up to $50. Okay, it's been a slow year for TU. But, you can help out... (Yup, promotional plug here...) In November, TU began the Travel Unravelled's Q&A Project. Follow the link to find out more. It's just answering a simple question but it does have a time limit. Not only does it help out fellow travelers, you get to express an opinion in 200 words or less.

Additionally, If you have tips and tricks for your fellow travellers, then join us in educating travellers worldwide. To get started, send our editors an email at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Let them know a bit about yourself, and maybe include some writing samples and ideas for entries. They will review your submission and, if you fit the bill, they will welcome you to the team. Each published article earns $5.00 for the TP Foundation and Kiva.

THE BOOK CLUB

Two book reviews were published, one in August and another in September.

Outwitting the Gestapo by Lucie Aubrac - Reviewer: Craggy

The Global Soul: Jet Lag, Shopping Malls, and the Search for Home by Pico Iyer - Reviewer: Greg Wesson

Again, info for new visitors:
Have you read a book lately? Would you like to tell someone about it? It doesn't need to be travel-related nor a good review. If you have read something that was absolutely not worth anyone's time, say so. But, join the "Club" and say something because:

The Book Club is affiliated with the Amazon Associates Program. Follow a link in a review, make a purchase (books, products, gift cards, etc.) and the TP Foundation earns a percentage of the purchase price.

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter, Eric or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

ADSENSE PROGRAM

The AdSense Program saw total earnings of $426.18 for 2010. Pay outs took place in February, May, August and November. Our ending balance on December 31st was $56.77 which means 369.41 has made it's way to Kiva. Well, not exactly... It's more like $364.22 as the TPF bank account contains $4.16 and the TPF PayPal account contains a whopping $1.03. (Did I do the subtraction correctly? Yes, it appears I have. Just checkin'.) All in all, the program has been a success! It keeps getting better as more information is added to the wiki and new people join TP daily.

AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

The Amazon Associates Program may not be as prolific as AdSense but it has generated income. The total earnings for last year were $24.53 with payments received in January, February and October. On December 31st, the balance in the account was $14.06. The January and February payments were from earnings generated during 2009. The 2010 balance will be paid out shortly. As stated above, the Associates program earns a few cents when someone uses a Book Club link to purchase something on Amazon. So, shop early and often and follow the links. (Earnings are not limited to just purchasing books.)

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In 2009, TP held the Tour de France competition which earned $850.00 for the Hippo-Roller project in Africa. (A really good thing!) During the month of November (2010), TP conducted the $1 For Your Review drive to raise funds for Kiva. There were 481 reviews written so $481.00 for the Kiva coffers. In reality, the drive brought in $500.00 because Peter and Sam like 'nice neat round' numbers. TP Foundation is very happy they feel that way!! Thank you to all who participated and for the tidy contribution to the cause!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In retrospect, 2010 was quite a stellar year for the TP Foundation. Not in my wildest dreams did I think we'd have conducted as many loan transactions on Kiva as we have - it's amazing! Truly, they are gifts that keeps on giving, to use an old cliche. The Entrepreneurs who have been chosen are just as stellar - all repaying their loans so others can be made. It is with that sentiment that I thank each one of you who have been willing participants in this project. My sincerest gratitude to all. I do believe I can say that for the TP Foundation as a whole as well. Thank you!

Posted by Isadora 10:53 Archived in USA Tagged volunteer Comments (0)

Sunny Side Up, Please...

(An Accountant's Dream Come True)

Offering coins, by monkyhands

Offering coins, by monkyhands

So, I said I would be back and here I am... Though, only for a few brief comments and to show off a bit of math. No, you don't have to do the math. I had to do the math. I hate math. But, I did it anyway because our accountants threatened me with bodily harm if I didn't do the math. Luckily for me, the calculator didn't die halfway through.

For those of you who really like numbers, or just have an strange curiosity about how well I can add and subtract, I shall now try to make the end of the year financial report interesting. (Well, I did say "try"... I make no promises...)

THE MONEY TRAIL

ADSENSE ACCOUNT

TPF officially began it's financial career on March 7, 2009 with a grand total of $13.50 as seed money. Basically, it was all I had earned through Adsense up to that point. It was a start. As of December 31, 2009, contributions totaled $320.15 with 2 pay outs of $117.15 (July) and $109.27 (October), respectively. The remaining $93.73 is just waiting for more friends to arrive during 2010. (Actually, we'll be due for another payment at the end of January. WOOHOO!!)

AMAZON ASSOCIATES ACCOUNT

The Amazon program has earned a grand total of $119.18 since July, 2009. We received an $11.02 pay out back in October. But, December was a very profitable period and we have $108.16 in that account awaiting release. Amazon works in mysterious ways. Maybe not as mysterious as time-consuming. But, we have the time.

PAYPAL ACCOUNT

The poor lonely PayPal account has $3.42 in it. That's okay. It'll see an influx of funds in the very near future.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

We have had 15 entries published for a total of $75.00 in earnings. We received $40 in September and have $35 still waiting on Peter. Okay, can't blame Peter as the last blog entry wasn't published until December 31st. Hey, it's January 6th so we can blame him! (Mwahahahahaha!!!!! Just kidding Pete!!! Take your time. We're not goin' anywhere.) ;-)

COMPETITIONS & FREEBIES

Back in early March, both AdSense and PayPal gave away free money. We saw $0.98 in earning just for testing the bank transfer system. Hey, that's $0.98 we didn't have in February. (That's the freebie part in case you were curious.)

In July, we received $850.00 from the Tour de France Wiki Competition. (Oh, how I like these competitive sports and those who write about them!!!)

KIVA.ORG

Currently, we have $84.00 in our Kiva credit account. We have made 28 - $50 loans which means $1400 has been put to good use. Contributions from TPF's outside earnings has totaled $1125.00 and we have used $275 from loan repayments. Our loan repayments have equaled

BOTTOM LINE

(Here comes the math part...)

From March 7th to December 31st, TPF earned a grand total of $1365.31. We have $240.31 still sitting in various accounts. We have made Kiva loans with $1125.00 of the total. So, if you add $1125.00 and $240.31 together you should come up with $1365.31, if I'm not mistaken. Yup - just checked my calculations one more time and it worked. I even did it backwards (using subtraction - a highly useful formula) and it still works.

Now that my calculator's battery has finally decided to give up the ghost, I shall make my exit and that's just my two cents worth... Happy New Year to all and to another year filled with good deeds!!!!

Posted by Isadora 12:00 Archived in USA Tagged volunteer Comments (0)

(Entries 1 - 5 of 10) Page [1] 2 » Next