In 2014, I explored gratitude as the “world’s second most selfish act.” Read it here. Nearly a decade later, I see gratitude transforming from a fleeting sentiment into a powerful force for systemic change. At RampRate, we’ve embraced this evolution, earning B Lab certification to formalize our gratitude-driven practices and ensure accountability. Today, we’re taking it a step further with the launch of ImpactSoul, a platform dedicated to empowering impact projects and ensuring real-world payments reach the people driving meaningful change.
Gratitude is no longer confined to Thanksgiving—it’s a 365-day practice reshaping industries, communities, and consciousness. Watching Louie Schwartzberg’s Gratitude years ago reminded me that appreciation is about more than acknowledgment; it’s about action. ImpactSoul is our way of turning that lesson into tangible results.
Introducing ImpactSoul: Gratitude in Motion
ImpactSoul is built on the foundation of gratitude and powered by innovation. It focuses on directly compensating people working on vetted impact projects through real-world payments not just crypto, ensuring that the work being done to better our planet and communities doesn’t go unnoticed—or unpaid.
We’ve partnered with organizations like Dollar Donation Club, and its CEO, Seth Blaustein which specializes in vetting projects that maximize global impact. This collaboration ensures that every dollar contributed is used effectively, aligning with our mission to spread gratitude and accountability across the world. Join my family here with only $1/month or $1000 to do something really great. https://dollardonationclub.com/?r=64N4YB
The Dollar Donation Club (DDC) is a micro-giving platform that unites individuals to collectively fund high-impact social and environmental projects worldwide. By encouraging members to donate as little as $1 per month, DDC amplifies the power of small contributions to drive significant change. Here are a few notable projects and their successes:
1. Trees That End Hunger & Poverty
Objective: Assist monocrop farmers in transitioning to regenerative agroforestry, thereby combating hunger and poverty while promoting environmental sustainability.
Impact: Through this initiative, every $1 donated plants approximately 2.8 trees. The project not only revitalizes degraded lands but also provides farmers with diverse crops, enhancing food security and income stability. This holistic approach addresses both ecological and economic challenges, fostering resilient communities.
2. Stop Ocean Plastic in Rivers
Objective: Prevent plastic waste from entering oceans by intercepting it in rivers, which are primary conduits for ocean-bound plastic.
Impact: Each $1 contribution removes approximately 2.2 pounds of ocean-bound plastic. By targeting river systems, this project effectively reduces the influx of plastic into marine environments, protecting aquatic ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
3. Clean Up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Objective: Support large-scale cleanup efforts to remove plastic debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive accumulation of marine litter.
Impact: For every $1 donated, about one-third of a pound of ocean plastic is removed. This endeavor not only cleanses the ocean but also raises awareness about plastic pollution, inspiring global action towards sustainable waste management.
4. Fund Education to End Extreme Poverty
Objective: Provide educational opportunities to children in impoverished regions, empowering them with knowledge and skills to break the cycle of poverty.
Impact: A $1 donation funds two days of education for a child. Access to education fosters personal development and economic growth, contributing to the eradication of extreme poverty.
•How It Works: ImpactSoul enables donors to contribute confidently, knowing their funds directly support individuals on the ground.
•Platform Transparency: Through Instagram and LinkedIn, ImpactSoul shares updates on the impact projects and the people behind them, fostering a deeper connection between donors and changemakers.
•Follow ImpactSoul:
Gratitude Goes Corporate: A 365-Day Practice
Gratitude has become more than a feel-good concept; it’s a strategy shaping how businesses operate. From employee recognition to environmental stewardship, companies are embedding gratitude into their DNA.
B Lab Certification: A Gratitude Framework
Earning B Lab certification allowed us at RampRate to align our operations with values like kindness, sustainability, and accountability. It provides a structured way for companies to measure and improve their social and environmental impact, turning gratitude into a tangible, measurable practice.
Real-World Examples of Gratitude in Action
1. In the Workplace: HubSpot
HubSpot’s “Spotlight” program empowers employees to recognize one another’s contributions daily, creating a culture where gratitude thrives.
2. In Consumer Goods: Patagonia
Patagonia expresses gratitude for the planet through sustainable practices like repairing products and donating 1% of sales to environmental causes.
3. In Technology: Salesforce
Salesforce’s 1-1-1 philanthropy model (1% equity, time, and products donated) is a gratitude engine that benefits communities while engaging employees in meaningful work.
4. In Hospitality: Airbnb
Airbnb supported hosts and frontline workers during the pandemic, offering financial relief and free stays.
The 365-Day Gratitude Checklist for Businesses
1.Celebrate Employees Regularly
Programs like HubSpot’s Spotlight remind employees they’re valued every day.
2.Support Communities
Partner with local organizations, sponsor events, or donate time and resources to causes that align with your mission.
3.Show Gratitude to the Planet
Adopt sustainable practices like reducing waste or funding conservation projects.
4.Practice Transparency
Be open about your goals, challenges, and successes. Gratitude grows with trust.
5.Empower Grassroots Movements
Platforms like ImpactSoul enable direct support for changemakers working on vetted projects.
6.Encourage Gratitude Mindsets
Train leaders to approach conflicts with empathy and appreciation, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
7.Measure and Reflect
Tools like the B Impact Assessment help businesses evaluate and refine their gratitude practices.
A Grateful Tomorrow
As we pause to reflect, let’s remember that gratitude is a choice we can make every day. It’s a light we carry, a guide that helps us breathe, engage, and connect. From the seeds planted in 2014 to the flourishing practices of today, gratitude continues to inspire us to be better, kinder, and more conscious.
So, what’s next? Let’s take a deep breath, appreciate what we’ve built, and keep spreading gratitude—not just on holidays but every single day.
