This time of year is always hectic as we race to finish projects, meet deadlines and cross off all those items on our to-do (not to mention shopping) lists. Yet it's also a time to reflect and to look ahead with optimism and fresh eyes towards the promise of a new year. In this spirit it's time to unplug and enjoy the spirit of the season. Watch for updates to resume in January. Thank you to the many loyal readers who have shared the Ready, Aim, Inspire! blog this year. Your feedback has been inspiring to me.

A North Dakota-based financial services company gave its 500-plus employees a gift that gives back at its annual Christmas party this week. State Bank and Trust will provide each staff member with a gift of up to $1000 on the condition staff "pay it forward" for local individuals or organizations in need. The announcement (complete with Oprah impersonator) generated a lot of buzz within the organization and has already attracted interest from other companies and media internationally.

The idea has merit on several levels:

• creates relationships and profile in the community (and beyond) for the organization
• raises awareness of community needs
• empowers staff (donors) in researching and selecting recipients
• connects staff (donors) with the impact of their gifts
• gives potential for longer term relationships as corporate or individual volunteers or donors
• creates opportunities for leveraging of gifts; some staff members are pooling their donations and seeking matching gifts from other funders
• is relatively simple from an administrative point of view
• opens the door for future PR

The company will publish a report after the deadline concludes in June 2008.

TechSoup Stock has GiftWorks fundraising software available now for a low cost. Offers are subject to change so if you are a small organization that needs software, don't delay.