The Lovely Side: Share your dream and win $2,500 for your favorite nonprofit

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Create the Good. All opinions are 100% mine.

We're a good twenty-two days into 2016, lovelies. So... how are your new year's resolutions going?! Among other things (like the usual eat better, exercise more, and clean out my closet), one of my goals for the year is to create good. I want to to spread kindness and make a difference when and where I can – not just in grand gestures (because those aren't always feasible on a tight budget or busy work schedule) but just in my day to day life.

This past fall, I shared Create the Good's a 25 Days 25 Ways challenge to make a difference in your community. It focused on doing many small acts of goodness that end up making a big difference. But today, I'm here to talk about the big things. The grand gestures! The things that you don't think you have the time or money for.

What if I told you that you could make a $2,500 grand gesture for a nonprofit in your community by giving just sixty seconds of your time and a snippet of your dream?

Create the Good has just launched a new challenge: Create the Good Dream Builder Video Contest.

It's a chance to turn your big ideas into action for a community cause.

Here's how it works:

1. Nurture your idea.

If you had an extra couple thousand dollars, what nonprofit would you donate it to? What kind or project would you put it towards? How would you better your community? What are you currently doing now that's making a difference – and could make even more of an impact with some additional funds?

2. Grab your camera.

(Or mobile device, laptop, etc...) And film a 60-second video about you and your vision for bettering your community. Your video can be about your dream or idea for your community, what you are currently doing in your community, and/or nonprofits you're working with (or want to work with) to improve the community. Just talk about your idea for helping others and be sure to give a shout-out to the charity that you would like to receive the grand prize of $2,500.

3. Submit your entry.

Make sure to submit your video by February 7, 2016. A panel of judges will select 12 finalists. Then, the public will get to vote on the 12 videos between February 16-29 to determine the grand prize winner!

Ready to do some good?!

So maybe you want to throw a prom for underprivileged youth in the area. Or host a special adoption event for a local animal nonprofit. Or buy much-needed items for a nearby homeless shelter. How would you create some good with $2,500?