Being an entrepreneur has many benefits. Being able to give back to one’s community ranks among the most gratifying aspects of self-employment. David Lisonbee is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 1998, he and his wife founded 4Life Research, a science-focused, Utah-based, BBB-accredited nutritional supplement company that has maintains an A+ rating. In 2006, the Lisonbees formalized their corporate culture of service through the creation of Foundation 4Life (a non-profit 501c3).
Foundation 4Life’s mission is to break the cycle of childhood poverty through enrichment campaigns that benefit communities on a whole. To date, the Lisonbee’s philanthropy has conducted dozens of independent projects around the world: from nutritional assistance campaigns in South America and Southeast Asia to disaster relief in Puerto Rico and Australia, from educational supplies in North America to community center developments in Central America. In addition to these efforts, Foundation 4Life has collaborated with some of the largest and most influential worldwide charities. These organizations include SOS Children’s Villages, the American Red Cross®, Feeding America ®, Operation Underground Railroad, and others.
The popular NBC TODAY SHOW has reported on David and Bianca Lisonbee’s commitment to service multiple times. Additionally, Foundation 4Life enjoys many awards, including a GOLD Golden Bridge Award for on-the-ground service efforts in San Juan, Puerto Rico, after the devastating Hurricane Maria hit landfall on September 20, 2017.
The Lisonbees believe that service is an integral component of success. By serving one another and enriching one another, we exercise a responsibility to service that success accompanies. There are many ways for individuals and entrepreneurs to make a difference by giving back to the world.
One of the simplest ways to give back is by lending financial support to causes that are most meaningful to you. Some of us may lack the monetary wherewithal to donate money but we have time to invest. Local charities are always looking for able-bodied people to actively participate in service projects.
Prior to deciding how to give, it’s important to investigate a charities management. How much of your financial donation goes to the work at hand? How much is reserved for business expenses? 100% of every dollar that Foundation 4Life receives goes directly to children in need because the Lisonbee’s primary, for-profit venture, 4Life Research, underwrites all of the operational expenses of their Foundation 4Life charity. This is unusual. Typically, one can expect 15 or 20% of every donated dollar to go to a non-profit’s operational expenses.
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable with the work an organization does, and the positive impact it has on the community.
“None of us do this alone,” says David. “Together, we are stronger.”
Entrepreneurs enjoy a unique advantage. Like the Lisonbees, they can adopt personal causes toward the betterment of humanity as a whole.
