Happy Giving Tuesday! In honor of Giving Tuesday today, I thought I’d take a break from gift guides and encourage everyone reading this to donate to a charity whose mission is meaningful to you! For anyone who is unfamiliar, Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year. After a weekend where everyone is encouraged to shop, shop, shop, Giving Tuesday reminds us all to take a pause from consumerism and give back to causes that mean something to us.
I’ve spent my entire career working at nonprofits, and during that time I’ve learned a lot about what makes a nonprofit a good one to support. It’s absolutely critical to do your research before donating to an organization. Below, I’m sharing several nonprofits that are doing incredible work in various fields. I’ve donated to each of these organizations myself and know that any donations that are made to them are in great hands.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)
As most of you probably know, I’ve spent the last year and a half working for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or PanCAN – so I can attest to the wonderful work that they do for everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer. Despite having a survival rate of just 12%, pancreatic cancer doesn’t get the same funding and attention as many other types of cancer. The work PanCAN is doing is absolutely critical – they provide patient services to help patients and caregivers navigate their options, fund research for better outcomes, and advocate for increased government funding of pancreatic cancer research. If you’d like to support my personal fundraising efforts for PanCAN this year, you can do so HERE!
American Foundation For Suicide Prevention (ASFP)
I’ve always been passionate about the importance of mental health, but after losing a dear friend to suicide, I became even more passionate about the mission of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide by funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide lost and those affected by suicide. The work they’re doing is so important.
THON
THON was my original passion in life – the organization that got me started on my journey to a career working in nonprofits. THON is a year-round fundraising effort on behalf of Four Diamonds that culminates in a 46-hour dance marathon each February, and it’s also the largest student-run organization in the world. The funds raised by THON ensure that children being treated for cancer at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in my hometown don’t see a bill during their treatment. The work they’re doing is so unique and incredible and I’ll always support it.
Your Local Humane Society
I spent a year and a half working at a local Humane Society here in Maryland, and ever since I have a new and deep appreciation for the work these organizations do. If you’re an animal lover, I highly recommend donating to your local Humane Society – most of them are open admissions shelters, which means they don’t turn animals in need away. Not only are they doing everything to find loving homes for animals in need, but they also work to hold those responsible for animal cruelty accountable. Your money will be well spent with one of these organizations. If you’re in Maryland, I can’t say enough good things about the work the Humane Society of Washington County is doing.
ACLU
The ACLU’s mission is to defend the rights of all people nationwide – they are on the ground every day challenging unlawful rulings and defending the people who need their help the most. From voting rights to protecting the LGBTQ community, the ACLU is at the forefront of protecting democracy. Now more than ever, the work they’re doing is critical. They have a stellar reputation and they’re an organization I trust deeply to do the right thing!
American Cancer Society
I volunteered with the American Cancer Society in college and spent the first several years of my career working there, so I know just how important the work they’re doing is. The American Cancer Society provides a variety of resources to anyone impacted by cancer, including a 24/7 cancer helpline, free lodging while receiving treatment far from home, and free rides to treatment. They’re breaking down barriers to cancer care for the people who need the care most, and that makes them a wonderful organization to support.
The Innocence Project
I found the Innocence Project several years ago and I’ve been a supporter of theirs ever since. They are a leader in criminal justice reform and work to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Especially given the current state of our justice system, the work The Innocence Project is doing is so needed.
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood works to support health care providers at Planned Parenthood health centers across the country, educate the public on issues of reproductive and sexual health, and advocate for policy to expand access to health care. For many uninsured individuals in low-income areas, Planned Parenthood is the only way they can access critical healthcare checkups and screenings, including cancer screenings for both men and women – especially since Planned Parenthood offers reduced fees for care based on household income.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit dedicated to providing meals in the wake of humanitarian crises and natural disasters. WCK was founded by renowned chef Jose Andres and is based in Washington DC. They operate on the idea that food is essential to life every single day, all over the world—and it is more important than ever in a crisis. Think of any crisis that’s happened recently – within days (or sometimes even hours), WCK has had a team on the ground there, feeding those who need it most. I can’t say enough about the amazing work they’re doing to make the world a better place.
If none of the charities listed above reflect your interests, I recommend doing some research based on the causes you care about – and when in doubt, Charity Navigator can help you figure out if a charity is reputable. If you ever have any questions about whether an organization is a good one to support, you can always reach out to me. Now go do some good this Giving Tuesday and make a donation to a charity that needs your support!
