The Elfenworks Foundation was created in an effort to support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in innovative and unconventional ways. We strive to be -In harmony with hope- by shining light on causes that benefit humanity. Our multi-faceted, creative and hardworking team of social entrepreneurs and advisors uses their expertise in communications, computers, film, music, the law, and business administration to empower the nonprofits we serve; we remove obstacles, forge alliances, and raise awareness about these organizations and the issues on our common agenda. In this way we work in harmony towards our shared goal of positive, measurable and sustainable change.
In Harmony...
Because our model is based on helping others, the discerning choice of whom we help is critical to success. Seeking societal change by empowering visionary nonprofits requires discerning care in our partnership choices, as if we were choosing between boulders we might attempt to dislodge with a crowbar. We would rather choose the boulder that will gather momentum over the boulder at the bottom of a hill that would tie up resources better used elsewhere.
We strive to add value by empowering others, at times taking the initiative in seeking out partnerships. When we do step in to give an organization a boost, we remain mindful that to be of service we cannot seek to impose our own vision or plan. Before we lend our support, we must be certain that the organization does indeed have a vision for change, and that this vision is one that we can get behind.
Finally, we recognize that our skill set is unique, as is the help we have to offer, and not every NGO would benefit from it, so we also ask ourselves whether our involvement would be in the best interest of the requestor.
...With Hope!
Intelligent Compassion In Action. We only work in areas where we feel our efforts will make a real difference lifting people up, and we look for ways to measure our results and those of our partners. By acknowledging the possibility of failures along the way to success, we can see what is working and what is not, and do our best job, smartly. We are always learning.
Doing the right thing, smartly, that's our bottom line, and we seek to embody this philosophy in all our work. If a project or partner cannot be described in those terms for any reason (it's not uplifting, not a smart idea, someone else is already doing a good job in this space, etc.) then it falls outside our scope.
We seek to uplift, and to work in an environment that is joyful and fearless. We wish to embody the old saying "Never fear failure; be fearful of not trying." We enjoy our team efforts together, celebrate our successes, and acknowledge our right to occasionally stumble along the path. And we don't listen to naysayers. As Dr. Donald Hopkins and President Carter of the Carter Center have both told us 'Never let anyone tell you what you're trying to do is impossible.' For our readers who are science fiction fans, another favorite quote: 'Never give up, never surrender!'
Contacting Us (click)
Our contact page includes our address as well as driving directions. If you are looking for ways to make a difference, why not check our ripple page!
Projects and Priorities
Our current goal is to ameliorate domestic poverty and provide new hope for the disenfranchised on our front doorsteps. Some of our efforts have a national scope. For local programs we are looking to obtain an eventual understanding of what portions might be replicable in other areas of the country. Our projects page includes details about what we are doing and our ripple page lists all sorts of ways, big and small, that you can make a difference. Help one, help many, start a ripple!
