A group of ten students and artists came together to create the project of the Federation of Students and Nominally or Unemployed Artists. They each raised $100 each for a total of $1000, and on September 2008 set up a booth on Union Square to give away all the money in the form of instant grants ranging from $10 to $60 for art projects that are thought of on the spot by people passing by. The aim of the project is to inspire, encourage and support creativity in people and that by doing so, they will be able to "see themselves as something other than workers or consumers even if it's just for the length of time required to apply for the FSNUA grant." This project is so valuable because it presents society with "an example of generosity without an ulterior motive" which is exactly the kind of thing that we need to get into our culture as a common practice.
There is a video on their website of the experience. Visit www.generosityfoundation.org to learn more about the project.
