by Grace Kennedy
Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash
Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills and even improve your physical and mental health.
So why wait until you’re an adult to start? Check out these innovative ways to get your children involved in service. Once they learn how great it feels to make a difference, chances are good they will become life-long volunteers.
by Grace Kennedy
Image by A Place Called Home via GreatNonprofits
Planning your best summer of service ever is a great way to beat the winter blues, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. Let’s keep it simple by starting with four little words that you’ve probably heard before: Do what you love.
There are service opportunities for young people in just about every category you could imagine.
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As Valentine’s Day approaches, these cuties are hoping you’ll swipe right. If you’re looking to adopt animal valentines like the ones featured in this blog post, visit www.greatnonprofits.org to find top-rated animal charities near you.
1. Forley knows that Valentine’s Day is a time for extra cuddles. HeART Speaks (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Community Connect Labs is a project of GreatNonprofits that provides SMS texting-based tools for nonprofits and government to reach hard-to-engage individuals. It’s time-consuming and challenging to engage low-income individuals — but text messaging meets them where they are in a convenient and private format. Read on for success stories, key learnings, and an overview of our solutions for texting and other mobile messaging channels.
Women’s March 2018 – USA Today
If you couldn’t attend the Women’s March this weekend, you can still show your support for the women’s rights movement. Here are some top-rated women’s nonprofits that you can donate to: (more…)
by Lawrence Sanfilippo
It’s been more than 60 years since Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and nearly 50 years since Martin Luther King’s assassination and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Since then, countless activists worked tirelessly to bring about an end to racial segregation and discrimination. But closing in on five decades after the close of the Civil Rights Movement, where exactly are we? (more…)
This giving season, perhaps more than ever, you can make a tremendous difference by supporting causes you care about. Many of the things that we value dearly are under threat. But you can do something about it. You can do good and feel good, and join the millions of Americans who donate to show that they care about our society.
President Trump plans to open our public lands to oil and gas development. Already on the chopping block are Utah’s Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante Monument, which stand to lose a combined 2 million acres. (more…)
Photo by Giovanni Randisi on Unsplash
Want to volunteer or intern at a great Phoenix nonprofit? Whether you’re new to Phoenix and want to learn about the city’s charities, trying to change up your routine with some local charity work, or just want to volunteer or intern at a neighborhood nonprofit, everyone knows that the best way to find the right place for you is from the people who’ve been there!
Here’s a list of volunteers’ and interns’ favorite Phoenix charities. Every nonprofit on this list has earned an overall score of 4 or greater out of 5 on GreatNonprofits.org. If your favorite Phoenix nonprofit or volunteer gig is missing, find it on GreatNonprofits.org, write a positive review, and show your co-volunteers how to start adding reviews and get it on the list!
Want to volunteer or intern at a great Seattle nonprofit? Whether you’re new to the city and want to learn about its charities, trying to change up your routine with some local charity work, or just want to volunteer or intern at a neighborhood nonprofit, everyone knows that the best way to find the right place for you is from the people who’ve been there!
Here’s a list of volunteers’ and interns’ favorite Seattle charities. Every nonprofit on this list has earned an overall score of 4 or greater out of 5 on GreatNonprofits.org. If your favorite Seattle nonprofit or volunteer gig is missing, find it on GreatNonprofits.org, write a positive review, and show your co-volunteers how to start adding reviews and get it on the list! (more…)
By Charlotte Dauphne Maples
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
The holiday season is around the corner, and many children will have more than toys on their minds. The sad reality is that an empty stomach is a near-constant distraction—or worse—for many children and their families. Please consider donating to one of these worthy food charities that fight hunger year-round and bring comfort in the form of warm, nourishing meals to all those in need. (more…)
It’s that time of year again – for many, it means shorter days, warmer clothes and cozy dinners. As you wind down, you could be reflecting, feeling thankful, and wanting to give back. Here at GreatNonprofits, we publish our annual Top-Rated Charities and NonProfits List every November. With the power of crowd-sourced ratings and reviews, the community served recognizes nonprofits for their work. (more…)
by Andy Talajkowksi
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
‘Tis the season to give, not only to your family and friends, but also to the causes you care most about. Giving Tuesday is just around the corner, and you can continue the spirit of generosity by turning your holiday shopping into a fun opportunity to surprise your loved ones with a charitable present. Here are seven gifts for the different people in your life that will make everyone less of a Scrooge: (more…)
By Andy Talajkowski
A Navaho tribesman takes a break after finishing a intertribal dance during a Native American Heritage Month Pow Wow Nov 30, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The intertribal dance is a way of starting the Pow Wow. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Daniel Hughes)
As we enter into November, which has been declared National Native American Heritage Month, we need to think about how we choose to view our history and make progress in honoring underrepresented groups in our community.
Here are six Native American nonprofits you can support this giving season: (more…)
by Andy Talajkowski
Photo by Peter Hershey on Unsplash
Legal protections for LGBTQ people in the United States have been threatened both on a state and federal level in recent months. “Religious freedom” laws, bathroom bills, and attempts to bar transgender servicemen from the military show how far the LGBTQ rights movement still has to go. October is LGBT History Month, and in honor of the progress made by equal rights pioneers in the past, here are four causes to be conscious of: (more…)
As fire crews fight to contain the cluster of wildfires ravaging Northern California, join other donors in supporting the following nonprofits and charities involved in providing relief:
“I really enjoy volunteering at the food bank. I assist in packing boxes of food for elderly people. The teams I work with are enthusiastic. The recipients are so appreciative. I am glad to help in the REFB’s effort of feeding 78,000 a month.” – jmlb
“I’ve interacted with several folks from and at the SF SPCA, and have been very impressed with the way they see their mission and their role in the community. From adoption services, to the hospital, to their call center, it’s clear they have a broad view of their objectives and know how to get things done.” – mjacksonw
“24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we are out responding to disasters, and are often greeted with – ‘I didn’t know the Red Cross does this’. We are there, despite everything.” – oshma
“I became involved with HSSV as a donor a few years back. My husband and I were favorably impressed with the staff and management and their dedication to improving the lives of the animals they serve.” – willow1
“One of the most responsive and trustworthy charities I have worked with.” – Mikedanese
Along with the five we have listed, many other nonprofits are assisting not only with immediate disaster aid but also with long-term relief and community rebuilding efforts. See more at GreatNonprofits and help them continue the important and lifesaving work that they do.
by Charlotte Dauphne Maples
Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash
Children are the most vulnerable members of our society and therefore most in need of our support. We are part of a larger family – a community, a nation, the whole world. An African proverb says it best – It takes a village to raise a child!
Here are 10 nonprofit organizations and charities that specifically help children, teens, and their families: (more…)
By Andy Talajkowski
On Sunday, 58 people were killed and 500 were injured in the deadliest mass shooting in the United States. The worst mass shooting before that night was the Orlando Pulse massacre in 2016. Before that, the tragedy on the Virginia Tech campus in 2007. Of the 10 most deadly mass shootings ever in America, six have happened within the past 10 years.
Here is what you can do to take action on gun control.
Thanks to an overwhelming response from local areas, the American Red Cross has received the amount of blood donations they needed and are no longer calling for more. There is still a GoFundMe page set up to donate to the victims and their families – you can give money here.
Many nonprofits are dedicated to decreasing gun violence and promoting safer arms policies in the United States. Here are five charities you can contribute to:
The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence has worked for over 40 years to create and pass legislation to end gun violence. One of their biggest accomplishments has been helping form the Gun Violence Restraining Order law, which “allows law enforcement and family members to temporarily remove firearms from a loved one in crisis,” and has been passed in Oregon, Washington, and California.
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence is the sister organization of the CSGV, whose goal is use conclusions from research into gun violence to make legislation that keeps communities safe.
The community of Newtown, Connecticut founded the Newtown Action Alliance in response to the Sandy Hook tragedy. Their all volunteer grassroots organization promotes safer gun laws and education on gun violence, and helps connect victims of shootings.
Americans for Responsible Solutions was founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, after an assassination attempt in 2011 resulted in severe injuries to Giffords and the deaths of six other people. The nonprofit urges elected officials to take action on gun control.
Gun legislation cannot be passed without research on the effects of gun violence, and the Violence Policy Center provides that crucial information that helps the United States move forward with smarter and safer laws.
At the end of the day, the only people who can make national legislative change to gun control are the people in Washington D.C. This isn’t a reason to lose hope – Congress actually banned assault weapons, which are often used in mass shootings, back in 1994. Although the legislation was not renewed in 2004, it shows that it is possible to enact national legislation to prevent gun violence. Refuse to remain quiet as a constituent – find your congresspeople here.
by Andy Talajkowski
President Trump announced his plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program earlier this month. Under the program, people brought to the United States illegally as children were given protections from deportation, and were able to get work permits. Now the future of 800,000 DACA recipients hangs in the balance as Trump has given a six-month delay before he begins to dismantle the program. Congress and the American people have until March to take action to protect DREAMers. Here is what you can do to stop the deportation of DACA recipients:
Trump called upon Congress to come up with a replacement to DACA, which means they can determine the fate of DREAMers. You can find your representative here and send an email or letter, or call their offices. You can also use ResistBot to send a message to your representative via text – just text RESIST to 50409 and follow their instructions. Hold your congressperson accountable for representing your thoughts and feelings as their constituent.
For DACA recipients whose applications will expire in March of 2018, renewal applications need to be completed by October 5. The fee for a renewal is $495. Many law offices and companies are offering to help with completing renewal applications and also covering the fee – if you know of a local business that is providing assistance, share their address and information. Fundraising pages by Scholarships A-Z and Fuerza Colectiva have also been set up. You can find an online checklist for DACA renewal from the Immigration Legal Resource Center here.
These organizations are assisting DACA recipients and now more than ever need more members, volunteers, and donors. Find what you can do to help.
The National Immigration Law Center
Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
If you want to use social media to spread the word and share your own thoughts and experiences, make sure to link resources to your posts. Organizations like United We Dream, a nonprofit aiding immigrant youth, have guides that let DREAMers know their rights when interacting with ICE and provide next steps for what DREAMers can do after the recent announcement. Share the Deportation Defense Card created by United We Dream here.
While DACA may be ending, the federal government still has time to make new protections for DACA recipients. Follow the organizations listed above and your congresspeople on social media to stay up-to-date. Checking continually with what action is being taken in Washington will lead you to the next steps for protecting DREAMers.
Over 3 million Americans in Puerto Rico are facing power outages, disruptions in communication services and food and water shortages. Join other donors in supporting the following nonprofits and charities involved in providing relief.
Global Giving“…what impressed me was that follow up on the project I had donated to with reports regularly even after several years.” – ajitbhimesh
…They really make a difference. And I love that US kids are being helped as well as children around the world. I sponsor 2 kids, and give to every emergency.” – DCGal
“I am from a lumber company-owned town, so you can imagine how I felt about the Sierra Club! My opinions have changed over the years, as I have learned more about non-profit conservation organizations. I believe that the Sierra Club is on the right path towards giving our grandchildren a country they can be proud of.” – jill4
“I have been volunteering at AmeriCares since 2008…During my tenure, I have seen AmeriCares quickly respond to emergencies in Japan, Haiti and Liberia (to name a few) with medicines, assistance and supplies…The compassion demonstrated and the intelligence used to distribute resources continues to impress me.” – DianeBosek
“The Humane Society is making a difference in Puerto Rico. They have a very good program of sterilization, foster homes, education, vaccination in all parts of the island. They also have a good group of trained volunteers to help be more effective. They definitely are the best in PR and are making a difference.” – livingrg
Along with the five we have listed, many other nonprofits are assisting not only with immediate disaster aid but also with long-term relief and community rebuilding efforts. See more at GreatNonprofits and help them continue the important and lifesaving work that they do.
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