7 Amazing Non-Profits to Consider Giving to This Holiday Season
The new year is coming, and opportunities to support important organizations and earn tax breaks abound. No doubt, more than a few worthy causes have already solicited donations, but just in case we need some inspiration, we’re here to help!
Making a donation is usually simple, but deciding where to make one might seem overwhelming. In this light, prioritizing a gift to a local mutual aid society or food bank is a prudent choice. Alternatively, as we all love and appreciate the arts, consider a direct gift to a musician, actor, or dancer in need. The Actors Fund and Patreon both provide options for such donations.
Whether you want to give globally or help communities closer to home, we’ve compiled a list of seven amazing non-profits to consider giving to this holiday season—we can give every day until we ring in the New Year.
Happy holidays, and keep the faith!
1. Go BIG - Global Initiatives
Sometimes it’s particularly satisfying to throw some funds in the direction of ambitiously large initiatives. FINCA, Rotary International, Partners in Health, and the Ocean Futures Society are a few of our favorites. I mean who doesn’t want to end Polio and enjoy a clean ocean? Merry Christmas.
2. Enhance Your Own Quality of Life
Give to the arts, a museum, or a beloved park or nature sanctuary and feel a special kind of cozy. These institutions are a huge part of our culture, and enjoying them links us and gives us a sense of place and identity. National Museum of Mexican Fine Art , Alliance for the Great Lakes, Hubbard Street Dance, International Contemporary Ensemble, and Teatro Vista are just a handful of diverse places making Chicago a world-class city.
3. Spread the Spirit of the Season
Bring food, toys, clothes and cheer to those who may be in a tough spot and are unable to do this for themselves. Contribute to charities that meet basic needs and support well being. Food banks, churches, toy drives, and homeless shelters are some of the most direct ways to make an immediate impact. Places like Casa Central, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, United Way or Toys for Tots are established successful options.
4. Think Local
Chances are there’s a lot going on in your very own community. From underfunded after-school programs to those in your area advocating for affordable housing—it feels good to support the good actions of neighbors and colleagues who are working hard to make your shared little corner of the world a better place. Inquire with friends and family to find the best options. The Center for Changing Lives, Inspiration Corporation, Girls on the Run, and My Block My Hood My City all come highly recommended.
5. Put Your Social Conscious to Good Use
Worried about the state of women or refugees in the world? Anxious about natural disasters or pollution? Losing sleep over starving children, access to clean water or infectious disease? International Rescue Committee, Foundation for Puerto Rico, Vera Institute of Justice, Girls Inc, RVA, and ACLU are just a few places where your funds can act to amplify your voice.
6. Celebrate the Life of a Loved One
This time of year can be difficult for those of us who’ve experienced the recent loss of a friend or family member. A donation to a research organization or hospital might help relieve the sadness or at least offer a positive outlet for dealing with grief. Alternatively, consider supporting a cause or activity beloved by the individual when they were alive. Gilda’s Club, Mayo Clinic, Hospice, Make a Wish Foundation, and Shriners Children's Hospital.
7. Research
Finally, tools like Guidestar or Give Well are super helpful when trying to learn about charities. Don’t hesitate to do a little extra research if the spirit moves you - you might discover a matching gift drive and double your impact!
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Michelle Holder lives in New Haven with her husband, serving primarily as a caregiver and educator for her two young daughters. A writer and performer, she hails from Chicago, where she spent six years directing communications and events for a small but mighty social justice non-profit. Michelle is an alum of the Theatre School at DePaul University and has also worked as an arts educator, child-care provider, and event photographer. She has a strong commitment to her faith, especially as it relates to advancing the common good.