The Colored Pencil Project is an exceptionally inspiring non-profit. Donating to TCCP is a privilege in that through making a contribution, we get to be part of something magical. The TCCP brings an abundance of hope and joyful self-expression into these children's lives who live in impoverished, often stark environments. The fearless leader, Hannah, is extraordinarily dedicated to this cause and has the energy, intellect, and passion to continue to expand the TCCP and impact countless lives. And our world is a better place for it.
I have had the opportunity to watch The Colored Pencil Project grow from the seed of an idea into an incredibly well organized, accountable and successful nonprofit. Bringing art supplies and lessons to children in developing countries is such a simple idea, yet so very powerful. This work has an immediate impact on the children, and for donors the benefits are visible and tangible. I know that the money I donate goes directly to bringing pencils and paper (and a lot of joy) to children all over the world. TCPP makes it easy to make a difference. And for this reason, I will continue to support them each year. The Colored Pencil Project has an excellent track record – it has reached some 2,000 children abroad in just two short trips and hopes to work with another 1,500 this year. Imagine what it will accomplish as this small but fast growing nonprofit attracts even more support for its easy-to-see results, dedicated leadership, playful multimedia and creative outreach. I hope you will consider giving your support to this very worthy and truly grassroots organization.
Donating to the Colored Pencil Project has been my most gratifying charitable donation. Poverty stricken communities need many basic necessities - it is easy to forget that children need nourishment not only for the body but also for the mind and spirit. The Colored Pencil Project is exceptional in its focus on self-expression, creativity and the simple joy that art provides. The Colored Pencil Project connects the children to donors throughout the year with emails and picture postcards depicting the children’s first expression of art. As this exciting nonprofit organization continues to expand its reach to children both locally and worldwide, I feel honored to pledge my ongoing support.
I am constantly inspired by The Colored Pencil Project, and in awe of all that it accomplishes with such simple materials. Its innovative mission achieves the unlikely goal of connecting impoverished, marginalized children to their personal experiences and their joy through artistic expression, and connecting people across the globe. It's a rare gem of a nonprofit with a generous, spirited founder, a dedicated board and a mission with SUCH heart.
The Colored Pencil Project is a little miracle that brings an extraordinary experience of art and expression to third world children and returns their creations and visions back to the children of the United States. With its insightful curriculum it celebrates the exceptional eye of a child and allows us all to see how beautiful our world is.
The Colored Pencil Project has truly brought a dream to life. What started as a relatively simple concept has brought joy (and colored pencils!) to children locally and globally. I am continually impressed by the dedication of Hannah and the entire board to expand the reach of the project (specifically local programming)and continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
As a contributor and a close observer, I am continually amazed by the work of The Colored Pencil Project, which, with the simplest of means - paper, pencils and love- allows underprivileged children in disadvantaged parts of the globe to express themselves through art work. Their emotions, thoughts, concerns and aspirations are touchingly visible in their drawings, and might otherwise go unarticulated. Fortunately, The Colored Pencil Project has a vital vision of art and childhood, as inseparable unities. That it has accomplished so much on such a small budget is a tribute to the energy and the dreams of its young founder, Hannah Richards. The organization, however, deserves and needs to exist on a larger scale. Not only do more youths merit the chance to participate in the program, but the art work itself - beautifully direct and unfailingly moving - deserves to be seen and enjoyed by the public at large. I say this as one of the first volunteers in 1963 in the Peace Corps. I have seen and worked with many volunteer organizations and I can honestly say that the Colored Pencil Project is as meritorious as it is innovative.
This small but life-changing organization brings joy not only to the kids who participate in the projects but to the people that learn about it as well. Philanthropy at its most genuine.
As someone who has worked with and for nonprofits for many years, The Colored Pencil Project (CPP) stands out because it touches so many lives with so much impact with so very little overhead. Virtually all the donations go to the mission...bringing the world's people together by reaching out to children in the poorest regions of the world and bringing them joy and self-expression and sharing their message with children here in the United States. It is a program that connects strangers in profound and life-affirming ways.
We have been very fortunate to be able to be involved in the Colored Pencil Project as it has transformed from South Africa to India. The work done with the orphans transcends continents.
The preschool that my children go to did a colored pencil drive for The Colored Pencil Project. The teachers at the preschool involved children and families and worked the pencil drive into the curriculum. It was so strong to hear the reactions of these preschoolers (who have almost unlimited access to art supplies) when they learned that there are children in the world who do not have even paper and pencils to use to express themselves. With the relatively simple act of distributing art supplies and curriculum, The Colored Pencil Project makes a profound impact on those receiving and giving.
I have seen the the Colored Pencil Project in action in the field (South Africa and Boston), and I have been consistently impressed by the value of the organization's work and the commitment of CPP's Director. CPP gives children the chance to tap into their natural creativity and gives them an outlet through which to express their hopes and dreams.
A simple and easily implemented program that has a tremendous impact through its direct and personal outreach to children in developing countries. Art is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal to help us visualize ourselves and our world. The function is even more pure and powerful in the lives of children who have not yet learned to curtail their self-expression. I'm thrilled to be involved with such a worthy cause.
