Contact: Matt Baxter, Mission Increase Foundation, 503-639-7364

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 13 /Christian Newswire/ -- As the economy struggles the natural impulse is to cut back on spending and giving - especially among nonprofits. Mission Increase Foundation is encouraging Christian nonprofit leaders to set an example of generosity by investing time, energy and resources in causes outside of their own organization giving them $50 to give away to any other ministry they choose.

"We're not trying to stimulate the economy - we're trying to stimulate lives characterized by giving!" explains Eric Foley of Mission Increase Foundation. "Being generous doesn't come easily for many people, especially in tough times. But we're more likely to practice it when we see others around us doing so and not immobilized by fear of our economic conditions."

This holiday season Mission Increase Foundation is sponsoring A Time to Give--a project to provide opportunities for ministry leaders to step away from their own organizations for a day and get involved in other causes. Ministries involved in training with Mission Increase Foundation are eligible to receive $50 and are encouraged to experience the benefits of being generous in their own lives and to be role models for others in their communities.

"Giving is a way for all of us to see beyond our own needs and experience joy beyond measure." Foley says. "It is enriching to knowing you are a part of something much bigger than yourself - that you had a part in making a difference in someone's life."

A Time to Give events will take place in cities across five states. Nonprofit leaders in Los Angeles, CA will join with Faith in Christ Ministries preparing food and facilities for its Thanksgiving meal for the homeless. In Tacoma, WA leaders will help distribute thousands of toys to at-risk youth at a World Vision-sponsored Christmas event, and in Colorado Springs, leaders will participate in a community gift drive for disadvantaged and homeless teens this holiday season sponsored by Children of Promise.

"Learning how to give in tough times is just as important for nonprofit leaders as it is for their donors." observes Foley. "They put themselves in a great position to turn around and help teach others how to be generous when they resist the impulse to hold on tight to their dollars."

For more information about A Time to Give events with Mission Increase Foundation, go to www.missionincrease.org.