What others are saying

Inspired by the generosity of everyday Americans in the aftermath of 2004's tsunami, Smith, a longtime fund-raiser for nonprofits, winnows through the “muddle of hyperbolic language found in fund-raising letters” to explain how even the smallest, seemingly insignificant gifts to charitable organizations can make huge differences. Sobering statistics address the four critical issues of hunger, health, education and access to tools, technology and infrastructure as Smith explains how forgoing an inexpensive luxury just once a week—and donating the corresponding few dollars—can fix a bridge, feed a child or bring clean water to a family, possibly redirecting lives in an entire Third World village or U.S. city. Cultural mythology says that pocket change doesn't make poverty change, but Smith's research proves otherwise: small donations make a difference around the world and at home, and giving is psychologically beneficial to donors.

Publisher’s Weekly

“a great read which will move you toward a deeper commitment to engage in meaningful actions that make a difference in this world.”

Jo Luck President, CEO Heifer International

“In an increay singlcomplex world deciding how to help others can be daunting. Wendy Smith’s Give a Little is the answer.”

Barbara T. Bowman, Chief Officer Office of Early Childhood Education Chicago Public Schools

“This splendid book is the first to look deeply at the ways in which even the smallest donations can changes lives in the biggest ways.”

Stephen G. Post Co-author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People Professor of Preventive Medicine & Director, Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics Stonybrook University

“I am going to recommend this book to everyone who asks me what they can do. The answer: A lot – and with just pennies.

Deborah Rodriguez, Author of The Kabul Beauty School

“I have never read a book which provides such a clear and compelling presentation of the web of factors that contribute to pervasive and debilitating poverty, and which simultaneously summarizes a wide spectrum of interventions that are highly cost-effective, and have compounding ripple-on effects to alleviate that same dehumanizing poverty.”

Paul Barker Country Director CARE Tanzania

"[A] highly readable guide to giving for individuals seeking to invest a small portion of their income in philanthropic institutions....Recommend this valuable resource to those who feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of people in need and don't know where to begin."

Colleen Mondor - Booklist