Love Actively, an active wear and gift company that supports entrepreneurship, community service and the arts, has launched the Love Actively Web Sponsorship Program by granting Yvette Hassel of @FortyOne Fitness a free sponsorship package.

As an experiment in micro-philanthropy the free sponsorship is designed to allow underserved entities to benefit from the success of start-up ventures and asserts the founder?s belief that even small companies and individuals without a lot of money can make a difference.

Hassel, a single mother of two sons, started @FortyOne when she was downsized out of corporate America. Her programs are based in New York City serving the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, Community Health Alliance and Project St. James, a faith-based initiative under which Hassel offers exercise classes and outreach efforts to promote healthy lifestyles in the African-American community. She is a certified member of Project Enterprise, an organization that supports and develops entrepreneurs and small businesses in under-resourced communities in New York City.

As a Web Sponsor for Love Actively?s fall quarter, Hassel will receive a portion of the profits from each Love Actively item sold From October 1st through December 31st, 2004. In 2005, small businesses and individuals will be able to purchase web sponsorships as means of advertising their goods, services and projects as well as sharing Love Actively?s profits. However, at least one small entrepreneur, artist or nonprofit will receive a free sponsorship each month. Beneficiaries of the free program will not be charged.

Many well-known companies offer referral programs under which participants earn a commission on sales referred from participants? sites, or they offer tax-deductible donations requiring complicated applications. Unlike referral programs, the free Love Actively Web Sponsorship donates a set amount to sponsors for each item sold - no matter where the sale originates - as long as the purchase happens during the sponsor?s allotted time period.

The application/review process for this ?grant? is very direct and simple, and designed not to strain potential recipients? human resources. Paying sponsors will receive one or more banners in Love Actively web space. They will have an opportunity to recoup part or all of their advertising dollars as well as earn a profit. Entities in the free program will receive advertising space on the site as an in-kind donation.

Inquiries and nominations are being accepted for 2005 free and reduced rate sponsorships. As an initial introduction, please submit the web address of your nominee (you may nominate yourself) and your contact information.

The LOVE ACTIVELY concept began when a New York City arts administrator-turned-performance artist realized the dire need to balance the pursuit of dreams, meet Manhattan living expenses and show genuine appreciation for loved ones. Combining these personal objectives with a strong belief in community service, self-determination and the many dimensions of love, the LOVE ACTIVELY company was designed to express parts of the artist?s sensibility that connect to universal audiences.