Landmark Insiders’ philanthropic commitment is to causes that provide opportunities of empowerment and an exchange of value, where individuals maintain their dignity and self-confidence. Causes that have a practice of simply doling out goods and services only perpetuate the situation they attempt to eradicate and create a feeling of dependence and entitlement within the individuals they intend to help. A few of the causes we endorse that educate, uplift and inspire are forceforgood.org, kiva.org and ascendalliance.org.
Our philosophy is a guiding factor in the philanthropic endeavors we pursue. We share a portion of all our gross revenue with causes to which resonate with us and are in alignment with our core principles. Our commitment in this realm is to create exchanges of value, focusing on the solution, not the problem. Provide a fish or teach a man to fish? Which resonates with you?
One project of the Force For Good Foundation involves making a “village a living classroom where 40-50 farmers and their families would come to be educated and trained in numerous disciplines including fish farming, drip irrigation, sustainable farming, forest conservation and tree farming.”
Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. It is rewarding for us to assist others to grow their businesses, support their loved-ones, and make a difference in the world. We regularly provide these loans to business owners around the world, understanding that often all a dream needs is a little helping hand to get started.
ASCEND is currently taking expedition groups to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Ethiopia, and Mozambique. Depending on community needs and location, expeditions may include construction projects such as schools, health posts, community centers, greenhouses, drip irrigation systems, wells, pumps, filters, rainwater catchments, adobe stoves, bathrooms or latrines, etc. Medical teams work in communities, clinics and hospitals serving the needs of people without resources. Teams offer training to local doctors, dentists, medical students and/or community health workers. Surgeries and health/dental campaigns may also be part of the mission.
ASCEND Alliance is focused on sustainability with a self-funding plan, where operations for communities eventually become self-sufficient. Upon arrival, most developing communities are in a very dependent state, with ASCEND proving the majority of the project funds. With proper instruction and empowering reinforcements, the recipients begin a path of self-sufficiency.
One cause close to our hearts is to create opportunities for homeownership that otherwise would not be available. With the assistance of certain banks and clients we utilize Landmark Mortgage Servicing to assist low-income individuals to achieve their dream of home ownership with a mortgage payment they can afford (the American Dream Project). There is sure to be a lasting effect from re-establishing communities and assisting families to build home equity.
$1 PER HOME PROJECT
Some investors find themselves with properties they have owned for at least a year and are not sure what the best exit strategy is for them. One possibility they might consider would be donating that property to a charity. While the investor takes the FMV (fair market value) as a tax deduction, the person receiving the property from the charity is now generally at a price point that they can experience a profit as well. In some cases, an additional contribution to the charity (i.e. for credit and career counseling for the new homeowner) may be required along with lining up a person to purchase the property for $1 from the charity. A triple-win exchange once again.
See below for one of the homes Landmark donated (Flint, Michigan). Click Here to watch video of recipient.
 |  |
| Special thanks to Lisa Nichols (well known for her contribution to “The Secret”) and to Gregory McKay of Great Homebuyer Solutions. | |
