This is a incredible achievement especially when you consider that we have just been through a couple of really tough investment years and that back in Nov 2005, when the SPA Trust was set up, the original group of philanthropy students did have some doubts about whether they really could/should commit to raising a $10,000 corpus in 5 years.

The SPA Trust balance is where it is today basically through member contributions and the excellent financial management of the team at the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation (LMCF). Together we have already managed to establish a significant legacy; something that will continue to grow and to support charitable organisations long after we have gone.

But just for a bit of fun, let's paraphrase a bit of Jim Rohn wisdom and consider the probability that 'the future will probably be about the same as the past; a mix of good years and bad years'; and let's take our current balance and apply the good old financial Rule of 72 at more typical rates of 6-10%. And the results show it is already pretty much a 'done deal' that:

A HUGE thankyou to everyone who has contributed so far including the LMCF team. 

But really, this is just a sign of bigger things to come. And so for those of you that haven't yet experienced the pure joy of giving a tax-deductible donation to the SPA Trust please note that the donation form below could have a huge impact.

And just another couple of reminders to everyone out there;

• You are allowed to donate more than once!
• The LMCF team will happily process your donation at any time of the year.
  You don't actually have to wait until the 29th June 2010. You can donate now!
  

   Click here for the SPA Trust Donation Form

Guess it doesn't really matter whether you prefer the analogy of 'breaking through a barrier' or 'getting over a hurdle' but there is no doubt that having a corpus in excess of that magical $50,000 figure is yet another truly significant event in SPA's evolution and development.
Can't wait till we get it past the $100,000 mark!

And the fact that we have done this is proof that philanthropy and social investment doesn't just belong in the domain of the mega-rich. It can be done while you are studying, working, paying bills, dealing with family and just generally living a normal life in Australia.

Hopefully what we have accomplished so far will inspire other 'ordinary' people and groups to Make a Difference by setting up a giving circle, philanthropic fund or foundation and to enjoy the experience of getting to Give More While You Live.