"While it’s important that we spend our holiday season feeling grateful for all of the things we have, it’s equally as important to remember that we live in a world where many people aren’t as fortunate. Among the parties, gifts, and endless shopping that you will experience this year, we encourage you to take some time to give back to your community or to a charity that means a lot to you. Not only will it make a difference for those who need it most, but it is a perfect way to take the stress off holiday shopping, get your family and friends involved, and feel good about how you ended your year. Ahead, we have rounded up 15 incredible charities that could use your help this holiday season and beyond:
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1. Dress For Success
Dress for Success is a global not-for-profit organization that helps women to achieve economic independence. A major part of the way they do this is by providing women with professional clothes that help ace interviews, as well as equip women with confidence and knowledge for the workplace. Dress for Success accepts monetary donations and professional apparel at their multiple clothes drive locations.
2. American Humane
American Humane provides rescue and care for all animals throughout the country. Whether you’re a cat person or a dog person, the thought of animals in pain and needing a proper home is definitely heartbreaking. You can donate to American Humane in many ways: They accept one-time donations and monthly donations, and you can even donate in memory of a loved one.
3. Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is striving to end the gender gap in tech fields. Not only can you donate directly on their website, but you also can fundraise in your town or help a local school start an after-school Girls Who Code club.
4. Water.org
Safe, clean water can definitely be taken for granted in our day-to-day life. Water.org is working toward providing safe and cost-effective water and sanitation to the entire globe. They accept all forms of monetary donations online. You can also get your corporate business involved! They have even partnered with some goods and services that give back directly to the clean water organization. Hello, stocking stuffers that have extra meaning!
5. Time’s Up
We all want to feel safe and empowered in the workplace, and Time’s Up is working to offer just that. Donating to this cause will help provide more support and awareness for safety and inclusion at work. While you are on the site, sign up to receive emails regarding urgent issues affecting women in the workplace.
6. Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The fight to end cancer once and for all is still happening. For almost 30 years, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation has been working toward prevention and the ultimate cure for breast cancer. You can get involved with this non-profit year-round, but this holiday season, consider donating or taking the steps to get involved with one of their many fundraising events throughout the country.
7. Scholarship America
We all know that higher education isn’t cheap. This holiday season, consider helping out a future or current student achieve educational success. Even the smallest amount donated could help another student graduate debt-free.
8. The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is an incredible organization that is providing suicide prevention and crisis intervention to LGBTQ young people. They are always looking for volunteer crisis support counselors to support LGBTQ young people remotely. The Trevor Project also accepts monetary donations which could be an amazing option for getting more involved in this new year if you can’t allocate extra time to volunteer.
9. National Alliance to End Homelessness
As winter approaches, it is especially unsettling to remember how many Americans don’t have a home to go to at night. Homelessness in America is not a resolved issue; there is still work to be done. The National Alliance to End Homelessness also has a list of ways to be an advocate for change here.
10. Mental Health America
Mental Health America works to promote overall mental health in the United States. They are addressing the needs of those living with mental illness while also promoting mental health as a critical part of overall health. Find ways to get involved with this great cause on their website, or shop their sister brand, IDONTMIND, where 100% of proceeds support Mental Health America.
11. Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House provides care and housing for families whose children are fighting illnesses. Not only are they assisting families to receive medical care for their children, but they also provide housing for those that are staying far from home. You can find your local chapter here, or volunteer by serving meals at a Ronald McDonald House or donating at a Ronald McDonald House Donation Box.
12. Earthworks
Wanting to get more involved in protecting our planet? Earthworks is providing solutions to fight against harmful actions we are doing to the environment. They offer so many ways to get involved—learn about what is happening and then take action!
13. Girls Inc
Through Girls Inc, young girls learn to value their whole selves, discover and develop their inherent strengths, and receive the support they need to navigate the challenges they face. You can get involved in your own neighborhood, donate online, or even be a Social Media Ambassador. We all know girls of every age need support; this organization is providing just that.
14. Action Against Hunger
It’s so easy to get caught up in our own elaborate holiday feasts and forget that malnutrition and hunger are still global issues. Action Against Hunger is working hard to eliminate hunger across the globe. Help end world hunger by donating to this organization that is providing food, safe drinking water, and hygiene to over 50 countries.
15. Global Fund for Women
Global Fund for Women has been and is continuing to fight for equal rights for all women and girls worldwide. They are standing up for justice in small communities, facing major human rights issues, and striving towards safety and protection for all females. There are some powerful campaigns you can join and fight alongside this impactful organization!