How to give back on Giving Tuesday

·3 min read

It’s the season of giving, not only to family and friends, but also to those who are less fortunate. In that spirit, Giving Tuesday was born.

The idea is simple: encourage people to do good. It could be making someone smile or helping out a neighbor or stranger. If an issue or group is of particular interest, look for volunteering opportunities. There is also sharing some of what we have — whether money, possessions or time — with those who need help.

2020 has been a year unlike any other in recent memory. The coronavirus pandemic has had far-reaching and deadly impacts around the country and the world. The Black Lives Matter movement has shown a light on social inequality in America. The U.S. economy has spiraled into recession and a quick recovery is uncertain. With so many people suffering, the question becomes, “What can I do?”

To help narrow down the organizations, causes and non-profits, we’ve handpicked reputable charities that are making a difference. Now let’s see how we can make the world a better place.

Human Service

No Kid Hungry

A national campaign run by the non-profit Share Our Strength, No Kid Hungry aims to end childhood hunger, which affects more than 11 million kids in America.

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Ronald McDonald House Charities

When children become ill or need an important surgery, their families sometimes need to travel for treatment. Ronald McDonald House Charities provides stays in its accommodations in order to keep families together.

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Habitat for Humanity

This global nonprofit partners with people in communities in the U.S. and worldwide to build and improve safe and affordable shelter.

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Health

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund

100% of donations go toward research to prevent, slow, or reverse this devastating disease.

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NEXT for AUTISM

NEXT for AUTISM creates and supports educational, clinical, and employment programs for people with autism spectrum disorder at every age.

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The Trevor Project

The organization provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people.

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Racial Justice and Civil Rights

Equal Justice Initiative

This nonprofit is dedicated to ending mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial and economic injustice.

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National Urban League

With 90 affiliates across 36 states and Washington D.C, this civil rights organization focuses on economic empowerment, equality, and social justice.

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National Women’s Law Center

The National Women’s Law Center fights on the federal, state and local levels against gender inequity for women, women of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and low-income women and families.

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Environmental Sustainability

Environmental Defense Fund

With Charity Navigator's highest four-star rating, the Environmental Defense Fund works to institute clean energy solutions, reduce emissions, and find sustainable ways to grow food and supply water.

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Rainforest Trust

For more than 30 years, Rainforest Trust has worked toward its goal of saving threatened tropical ecosystems and the wildlife that calls them home.

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Arcadia Center

Acadia Center's goal is to develop a clean energy economy that will help mitigate the ongoing climate crisis.

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Veteran and Military

Homes for Our Troops

This nonprofit builds and donates custom adapted homes to severely injured post-9/11 veterans, many of whom have experienced limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, traumatic brain injury, burns or blindness.

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Wounded Warriors Family Support

This organization provides support to families of service members who have been wounded, injured or killed in combat.

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K9s For Warriors

K9s For Warriors rescues and trains dogs from kill shelters to be paired with disabled veterans.

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Animal Rights

WildAid

WildAid’s mission is simple: to reduce the consumption of wildlife products and to increase local support for conservation efforts.

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PAWS Chicago

PAWS stands for “Pets Are Worth Saving,” and this Chicago-based organization lives by that mission.

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Marine Mammal Center

The Center advances ocean conservation by providing care for orphaned and in-need animals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

DONATE NOW

For more ways to give and holiday tips, visit our Holiday Ready site for everything you need this season.

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