Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

Investing In God's Kingdom: Faithfull Philanthropy by Don Blascak

In 2nd Corinthians 8:7, the Apostle Paul wrote: "Now I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving."

A little over a year ago Tucsonan Becky Nissen was considering how she could start an investment club with some of her friends. But this would not be a typical investment club; they would be investing in God's Kingdom. They would call themselves the Kingdom Investment Foundation (KIF).

Now, with a group of about forty women strong and growing, they have developed a model of giving which gets to the heart of God. The idea is simple: each member of this "giving circle" contributes a thousand dollars a year into the clubs coffers, allowing them to make a greater impact together than they could as individuals. Individually the money is helpful, but with a greater amount to work with, the group is able to make a greater impact.

Coming up with their $1000 investment has brought out the creativity in some of the group's members.

"It's been so fun to watch women get excited about giving!" Becky says. "They've gotten pretty creative with the ways they raise their giving money. We've seen everything from huge yard sales to a woman selling her ticket for the biggest University of Arizona game of the year!"

"November 1st of this year is the first time we will give money away," says Nissen. "We have about $40,000 to give this granting period. The grants that we are considering are both local and international."

"Our purpose is two fold: To bless people and to give back from what God has so graciously provided us." Becky added, "We are not a place to put your tithes - we encourage the women to give above their tithes. We want to encourage each other to give with Joy!

We are a group of non-denominational women joining together for the purpose of encouraging each other to become radically generous givers to Gods work here on earth."

The group has established a formal grant process and the awards will be presented twice yearly.

"The circle mainly supports Christian ministries, both local and nationwide but they also consider needy individuals and families," Nissan says.

KIF is open to like-minded members who want to share in the joy of giving. For further information on the Kingdom Investment Foundation, contact Becky Nissen at 299-0148.