Thanking donors is important — not only as common courtesy, but also to foster a long-term relationship.
Donors who feel connected to your cause and nonprofit are likely to show you greater support — be it in the form of financial donations, volunteering their time, or even acting as ambassadors and spokespersons for your nonprofit.
Here are some simple and meaningful ways that you can thank your donors:
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Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in Phoenix? Here are several nonprofits, rated highly by people who have already volunteered or interned there. We’ve listed nonprofits supporting all types of causes in the Phoenix area that have at least four out of five stars on GreatNonprofits and at least 10 reviews, so you know your experience and your impact will be good! (more…)
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Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in Houston? Here are several nonprofits, rated highly by people who have already volunteered or interned there. We’ve listed nonprofits supporting all types of causes in the Houston area that have at least four out of five stars on GreatNonprofits and at least 10 reviews, so you know your experience and your impact will be good! (more…)
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Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in Seattle? Here are several nonprofits, rated highly by people who have already volunteered or interned there. We’ve listed nonprofits supporting all types of causes in the Seattle area that have at least four out of five stars on GreatNonprofits and at least 10 reviews, so you know your experience and your impact will be good! (more…)
By Charlotte Dauphne Maples
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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…)
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Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in Chicago? Here are several nonprofits, rated highly by people who have already volunteered or interned there. We’ve listed nonprofits supporting all types of causes in the Chicago area that have at least four out of five stars on GreatNonprofits and at least 10 reviews, so you know your experience and your impact will be good! (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
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‘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…)
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Are you looking for a place to volunteer in New York City? Here are several nonprofits rated very highly by people who have already volunteered or interned in New York City. We’ve listed nonprofits supporting all types of causes in the New York City area. Nonprofits featured have at least four out of five star ratings on GreatNonprofits and at least 10 reviews, so you know your experience and your impact will be good!
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.
(Photo: Ricardo Arduengo/AFP/Getty Images)
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.
After the past couple weeks, who doesn’t need a good movie to cheer themselves up? While some are fictional and others based on real life events, these ten movies ring true with their message – kindness and hope can be life-changing.
Step – Theme: a team is stronger than an individualSTEP documents the senior year of a girls’ high-school step dance team against the background of inner-city Baltimore. As each one tries to become the first in their families to attend college, the girls strive to make their dancing a success against the backdrop of social unrest in the troubled city. (Catch it while it’s still in theaters!)
Life of Pi – Theme: no matter if you fall, you can always riseSantosh and Gita Patel board a freighter with their sons and a few remaining animals. Tragedy strikes when a terrible storm sinks the ship, leaving the Patels’ teenage son, Pi (Suraj Sharma), as the only human survivor. However, Pi is not alone; a fearsome Bengal tiger has also found refuge aboard the lifeboat. As days turn into weeks and weeks drag into months, Pi and the tiger must learn to trust each other if both are to survive.
Milk – Theme: persistence can start a movementIn 1972, Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) and his then-lover Scott Smith leave New York for San Francisco, with Milk determined to accomplish something meaningful in his life. Settling in the Castro District, he opens a camera shop and helps transform the area into a mecca for gays and lesbians. In 1977 he becomes the nation’s first openly gay man elected to a notable public office when he wins a seat on the Board of Supervisors.
Hidden Figures – Theme: girl powerThree brilliant African-American women at NASA — Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) — serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.
Lion – Theme: family is everythingFive year old Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, armed with only a handful of memories, his unwavering determination, and a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home.
Man on Wire – Theme: there is no such thing as the impossibleFilmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit’s 1974 stunt: performing acrobatics on a thin wire strung between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Petit enlists the help of a motley group of friends as he calculates every detail, from acquiring building access to stringing up the wire, and manages to pull off an astounding crime.
Spirited Away – Theme: you are never too young to help others10-year-old Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents (Takashi Naitô, Yasuko Sawaguchi) stumble upon a seemingly abandoned amusement park. After her mother and father are turned into giant pigs, Chihiro must work there to free herself and her parents.
The Intouchables – Theme: unexpected connections can be the most cherishedAn unlikely friendship develops between a wealthy quadriplegic (François Cluzet) and his caretaker (Omar Sy), just released from prison.
50/50 – Theme: in tough times, you can always use a friendInspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who learns of his cancer diagnosis, and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – Theme: the strongest force is loveRescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy (Daniel Radcliffe) with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
One volunteer shares their experiences as a 2017 summer intern for GreatNonprofits.
As for many other college students, the concept of an unpaid internship was initially difficult for me to swallow. However, I was glad that I would be able to contribute my skills to a non profit organization. Our operation is small but the work that each of us contributes means something and has a lasting impact. That was important to me.
What really stood out to me was the diversity of our nonprofit. At a typical staff meeting, half of us will meet in a conference room, while the other employees are calling in from all over the world – Hungary, the Philippines, and Brazil, to name a few! Working right next to Silicon Valley, which so often is a white male dominated space, I’m glad to be in an organization that embodies so much more.
At 10 am, I’ll pull up a seat at our open work space and break out my laptop. I’ll start off the day checking up on our social media – liking, re-tweeting, and going over stats. My time is focused on creating and posting online content, from featured stories from GreatNonprofits users, to inspirational quotes for a daily pick-me-up. Halfway through the day I’ll head to lunch with my coworkers at a nonprofit cafe across the street, and often end up splitting a side of fries. Occasionally the entire office will get together to do the preferred nonprofit activity of choice – volunteering for other nonprofits. Our building is entirely occupied by non for profit organizations, so it’s an easy place to volunteer!
Our office at a volunteer event.
I love taking an hour every day to find the diverse stories that we feature on our social media pages. Skimming through our top-rated nonprofit list, I’ll read everything from a heartfelt tale of how a family adopted their rescue puppy to a downright tear-jerking story from a mother who owes the life of her child to a nonprofit that provided medical assistance or financial aid. It allows me to take the thousands of nonprofits registered on our site and boil down to the individuals who are actually affected. It’s pretty incredible.
I always felt like my work was worth less if I wasn’t getting paid for it. Having volunteered for the summer at GreatNonprofits, I recognize that the many different things I’ve accomplished here will actually have a lasting impact on both nonprofits and individuals.
Interested in volunteering with GreatNonprofits? Click here for a list of open positions.
By Andy Talajkowski
Courtesy of Texas Military Department
Hurricane Harvey is being called one of the biggest natural disasters in the United States to date, and an already inundated Texas braces itself for more rain. Relief efforts have been focused in areas where evacuations were not mandatory and many people are still stranded due to flooding. If you’re wondering what you can do to help, here are five nonprofits in Texas providing disaster aid:
Courtesy of TEXSAR
Texas Search and Rescue is a volunteer group of first responders that lends a helping hand across the state with disaster relief efforts.
“Texas Search and Rescue is professional, dedicated and absolutely amazing. It is rare to see a group of ‘volunteers’ who are in reality professionally trained first responders. TEXSAR has raised the bar and become an integral part of the emergency plans of the great State of Texas.” – LMNorman
Courtesy of Houston Foodbank
The Houston Food Bank is Houston’s largest food donation foundation. This food donation center and food pantry gives aid to Houston’s hungry and homeless.
“I have volunteered at this organization with my church group as well as having been a donor for years. They are a highly efficient organization, their warehouses are tidy and orderly, and the food is well accounted for.”
Courtesy of Houston SPCA
The Houston SPCA is the lead Houston animal-related agency responsible for disaster rescue, recovery, and relief efforts.
“I give a monthly donation to the organization—the injured animal ambulance and cruelty investigations are programs unmatched by any group in the community.”
Courtesy of ITDRC
Information Technology Disaster Resource Center provides technology and communication resources for disaster areas, so responders can contact those in need when public communication systems are down and communities have the appropriate technology to continue recovery efforts after a disaster.
“When creating disaster plans, securing appropriate backup technology often falls into the ‘would be nice, but don’t have the money’ category or worse, it’s not even considered in the plans. ITDRC solves the technology problem with their excellent bank of available resources and support.” – United_Way_of_SC
Courtesy of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
The Greater Houston Community Foundation helps donors connect to the causes they care about, and is currently raising donations for the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund – you can contribute here.
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Top 9 Volunteer Opportunities in Houston
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Top 10 Volunteer Opportunities in Chicago
Which are the Top Nonprofits to Donate to in 2017?
Seven Gifts That Keep on Giving This Holiday Season
Top 10 Volunteer Opportunities in New York City
Six Nonprofits to Support During National Native American Heritage Month
The LGBTQ Rights Movement is Far From Over
Join Generous Donors To Give To Wildfire Victims in North California
10 Children’s Charities That Need Your Help
How to Respond to (Another) Most Deadly Mass Shooting
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