The ABCs of #GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday is next Tuesday, November 28th! If you’re not familiar with it, it‘s the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (Black Friday+Cyber Monday) and it’s a way to kick off the holiday season by giving. Use your social media powers to amplify the messages of your favorite organizations by donating, volunteering, or sharing their info online.
Around this time of year, people often ask me what my favorite non-profits and orgs are, so I figured I’d give y’all a list! I restricted myself to one per letter, so this isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but these orgs were the first I thought of when I typed the letters in the alphabet (super scientific method here).
Note: Most of these are in Boston, but even if you live outside the city, I hope this list inspires you to either contact them about sister city partners or to use the ol’ Google to search for its version in your city!
American Red Cross Food Pantry — Global / Massachusetts — “Over 165,000 people across the Massachusetts Region visited our pantries, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and mobile market distributions receiving about a five day supply of nutritionally-balanced groceries, assistance to apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and received nutritional guidance in collaboration with local universities.”
Donate: Click here & choose “my local food pantry.”
Volunteer: Contact your respective Red Cross or filling out a volunteer application.
Trish thoughts: I’ve volunteered at their Boston facility distributing food. It’s a great spot for groups / teams that don’t mind lifting boxes / heavy food items (think frozen turkeys) and standing on their feet for long periods of time.
Boston Cares — Massachusetts (but check out the HandsOn Network for similar programs local to you)— “Boston Cares mobilizes and trains individual and corporate volunteers who strengthen communities and improve the lives of people in need.”
Donate: https://www.bostoncares.org/waystogive
Volunteer: Sign up here and go to an orientation
Trish thoughts: This is my go-to org for volunteering. You go through one volunteer training and get access to a calendar with over 250+ projects a month in every interest category you can think of. You can volunteer as much (once a day!) or as little as you want (once a year).
Community Servings — Massachusetts— “Community Servings is a not-for-profit food and nutrition program providing services throughout Massachusetts to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses. We give our clients, their dependent families, and caregivers appealing, nutritious meals, and send the message to those in greatest need that someone cares.”
Donate: https://www.servings.org/donate/
Volunteer: https://www.bostoncares.org/become_a_member
Trish thoughts: This was one of my first volunteer opps when I joined Boston Cares many moons ago, and I’ve done everything from working in the kitchen, to helping with their yearly fundraisers (Pie in the Sky is happening now!).
Daily Table — Dorchester, Massachusetts — “Daily Table is a not-for-profit retail store that offers our community a variety of tasty, convenient and affordable foods that will help you feel and be your best; food that will keep you moving forward, not hold you back. We provide both “grab-n-go” ready to eat meals, and a selection of produce, bread, dairy and grocery items all at prices that will put a smile on your face, and designed to fit within every budget. Many of our items are prepared fresh daily in our own kitchen onsite.”
Donate: http://dailytable.org/donations/
Volunteer: http://dailytable.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Trish thoughts: I haven’t had the opportunity to volunteer here yet, but this opportunity showed up on the Boston Cares calendar and it looked pretty awesome. Let me know if you end up volunteering there or have any insight by leaving a comment!
EPIC(Empowering People for Inclusive Communities) — Massachusetts — “Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) prepares young people with disabilities to be actively engaged community leaders through education, leadership development and community service.”
Donate: https://www.epicleaders.org/donate
Volunteer: https://www.epicleaders.org/get_involved
Trish thoughts: A friend shared this with me recently and the programming looks amazing. There are several opportunities to volunteer for people of all ages and for different group sizes.
Flutter — Massachusetts — “Flutter raises money for local charities by creating local experiences that people donate $10 to for the chance to win.”
Donate: https://www.experienceflutter.com/experiences/giving-tuesday-boston-2017 (they’re hoping to raise $5K for local charities on #GivingTuesday!)
Volunteer: Not on the site, but email admin@experienceflutter.com if you’re interested!
Trish thoughts: While Flutter itself isn’t a non-profit, they spotlight and raise money for charities in a fun way.
Greater Boston Food Bank — Massachusetts (although they’re a part of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief org) — “GBFB is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. Last year, we distributed 60.7 million pounds of nutritious food to people who struggle to have enough to eat. We are committed to increasing our food distribution to provide at least one meal a day to every person in need in Eastern Massachusetts while supporting healthy lives and healthy communities. Our progress toward this goal is documented by town on our interactive map.”
Donate: They’re doing a holidays meal campaign right now… https://my.gbfb.org/holiday-meal-drive?_ga=2.65526958.1216449156.1511245308-681868116.1511018458 …but general donations can be made here: https://my.gbfb.org/donate?_ga=2.65526958.1216449156.1511245308-681868116.1511018458
Volunteer: https://www.gbfb.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Trish thoughts: When people ask me about volunteering at GBFB, I always reference that chocolate episode from I Love Lucy. Let’s just say it’s fun, fast-paced, and you learn a lot!
Hands On, now All Hands and Hearts (this is a bit of a cheat since I was actually calling them by the wrong name!… but still wanted to include them)— Global, but based in MA —
Donate: https://give.allhandsandhearts.org/ContributeToOurEfforts
Volunteer: https://www.hands.org/volunteer-with-all-hands-volunteers/
Trish thoughts: I was recently at a Hurricane Harvey fundraiser and met someone from All Hands. Totally inspired by her work, I signed up to volunteer with them in St. Thomas early next year. They provide food and a place to stay while you’re volunteering, so you just pay for your flight there and any other expenses incurred. They currently have spots open in Florida, USVI, Texas, Peru, Louisiana, and Nepal.
Inner City Weightlifting — Massachusetts — “InnerCity Weightlifting reduces youth violence by connecting proven-risk young people with new networks and opportunities, including meaningful career tracks in and beyond personal fitness. We use the gym to replace segregation and isolation with economic mobility and social inclusion, disrupting the system that leads to urban street violence.”
Donate: https://innercityweightlifting.networkforgood.com/
Volunteer: https://www.innercityweightlifting.org/get-involved
Trish thoughts: I first heard about ICW through a TUGG event and have been a fan of theirs ever since. I also know a few folks that have trained with the ICW crew with some great results. For more info on their personal training, check this out: https://www.innercityweightlifting.org/training-service
Jane Doe Inc — Massachusetts — “JDI is a coalition of 60 local member programs working together with our allies to find lasting solutions that promote the safety, liberty, and dignity for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. We work for social change to help create a world free of violence and abuse.”
Donate: http://www.janedoe.org/donate/donate
Volunteer: http://www.janedoe.org/how_you_can_help
Trish thoughts: I picked Jane Doe Inc. because it’s a huge resource for people that have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence. It’s made up of 60 programs and organizations in Massachusetts, so it’s a great umbrella org for you to know to benefit your community.
Kennedy Donovan Center — Massachusetts — “KDC is a nonprofit organization that supports people with developmental delays, disabilities or family challenges to pursue their personal potential and success in the community. We provide a wide range of effective supports to individuals and families through prevention, advocacy and intervention services that are person-centered, innovative, and compassionate.”
Donate: https://www.kdc.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/
Volunteer: https://www.kdc.org/about-us/volunteerism/
Trish thoughts: Another reference from a friend with programs all over MA!
Lovin’ Spoonfuls — Massachusetts — “We pick up wholesome, fresh food that would otherwise be thrown away from grocery stores, produce wholesalers, farms and farmers markets, and distribute it to community non-profits that feed Greater Boston’s hungry.”
Donate: Current campaign — https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/lovin-spoonfuls/lovinspoonfulsinc …Generation donation — https://lovinspoonfulsinc.org/donate/
Volunteer: https://lovinspoonfulsinc.org/volunteer/
Trish thoughts: I love what LS does and the people behind the scenes. It’s also been extra cool to see their food donations come in while I’ve been volunteering at another org! Another option of giving back is joining their Friends of Lovin’ Spoonfuls group which is made up of philanthropic professionals in their 20s/30s/40s.
MSPCA — Dorchester, Massachusetts — “We are a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine, and provide direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year.”
Donate: https://www.mspca.org/donate-now/
Volunteer: https://www.mspca.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Trish thoughts: While I’m not a pet-owner (someday… someday), I know many people that have adopted through the MSPCA or have volunteered there. Definitely a must for animal lovers out there!
Newton Athletes Unlimited — Massachusetts — “Newton Athletes Unlimited offers high quality recreational programs to encourage physical, social, emotional and intellectual development to individuals with disabilities. Programs strive to expand our participants independence and improve their quality of life. Newton Athletes Unlimited believes recreational activities should be accessible to all and are an integral part of the full and happy lives of our participants.”
Donate: http://www.newtonathletesunlimited.org/donate/
Volunteer: https://athletesunlimited.volunteerhub.com/events/index
Trish thoughts: Another org that I’ve seen on the Boston Cares calendar but haven’t had the privilege of volunteering for. I decided to add NAU to the list because they’ve got some pretty incredible programming. Definitely a must for folks that consider themselves outdoorsy / athletes!
Out of Darkness Walks — Nationwide— “Held in hundreds of cities across the country, they give people the courage to open up about their own struggle or loss, and the platform to change our culture’s approach to mental health.”
Donate: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1197&eventGroupID=9AA117B3-F522-BB6D-359D1AA2D75A7958&cmsContentSetID=21937E3D-C299-258B-B47FF6955996ED6C
Volunteer: Same as above
Trish thoughts: The Out of Darkness Walks are run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The name comes from their focus on bringing the issues of mental health and suicide to light. I’ve been a volunteer when they’ve been in Boston, and while it can be quite heavy on the walk, it can be uplifting at the same time.
PJ Library — Global— “PJ Library sends free Jewish children’s books to families across the world every month. We know that something magical happens when parents sit down together to read with their children. PJ Library shares Jewish stories that can help your family talk together about values and traditions that are important to you.”
Donate: https://pjlibrary.org/donate
Volunteer: n/a
Trish thoughts: A friend of mine works for this org, and I’ve gotta say I’m a sucker for organizations that encourage reading / giving of books to kids.
Quincy Asian Resources — Quincy, Massachusetts — “QARI’s mission is to foster and improve the social, cultural, economic and civic lives of Asian Americans and their families to benefit Quincy and its neighboring communities. Through collaborations and partnerships, we provide culturally competent services including adult education programs, youth development, and cultural events as well as information and referrals to public and other community organizations.”
Donate: https://quincyasianresources.org/give/
Volunteer: Email info@quincyasianresources.org
Trish thoughts: I heard about QARI when I was volunteering with ASPIRE. Even though it primarily serves the Quincy community, I love their programming (Asian American Role Model series? AH-mazing, wish I had that growing up), and hope other communities take note!
Resilient Coders — Massachusetts — “Spreading code literacy to young people from traditionally underserved communities.”
Donate: https://www.paypal.me/resilientcoders (also check notes below)
Volunteer: http://www.resilientcoders.org/get-involved/volunteer
Trish thoughts: I’m a huge fan of Resilient Coders as an org, and the people that run it. They don’t just have a Bootcamp, they run a digital agency that employs their recent grads! They’re currently running a program through the end of Q1 in 2018 to raise $50K and get 30 commitments to get their Bootcamp grads in temp-to-perm apprenticeships. Check it out: https://resilient-labs.github.io/end-of-2017/
Sociedad Latina — Massachusetts — “ Sociedad Latina is a citywide organization that focuses on supporting the unmet needs of youth and families from Boston’s Latino and Mission Hill/Roxbury communities. Through our Pathways to Success model we pioneer new and innovative solutions to the most pressing issues facing Latino youth today to end the destructive cycles of poverty, health disparities, racism, and lack of educational and professional opportunities in our community. We support positive youth development from age 11–21, creating a community that supports young people, and training all youth to advocate for themselves and their communities.”
Donate: https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=04-2678255&vlrStratCode=PrRX42xdtWOiCDVpuckUKv8m%2b%2bUcJ%2bEu9NrL%2bYc48KBZMDserRjvZ4n6jOhWmsLx
Volunteer: http://www.sociedadlatina.org/volunteer/
Trish thoughts: I recently volunteered at Sociedad Latina through a program they were running for families that evacuated from Puerto Rico. They helped the families transition their kids to Boston Public Schools, sign up for MassHealth and SNAP, get winter clothes and food, and more. It was awesome to see their other year-round programming as well!
Technovation Challenge — Global — “Technovation offers girls around the world the opportunity to learn the skills they need to emerge as tech entrepreneurs and leaders. Every year we invite girls to identify a problem in their community, and then challenge them to solve it.”
Donate: http://technovationchallenge.org/donate/
Volunteer: Find your local chapter first — http://technovationchallenge.org/chapters/
Trish thoughts: One of the first programs I mentored for in my tech career, and one of the most important programs out there. You may or may not find a video on the MA website of me saying, “If you want more women in tech, you have to get more girls in tech.” If you can’t donate, I strongly encourage you to sign up to be a mentor OR even just message some friends’ with daughters / schools you know to get the word out.
United South End Settlements — Massachusetts — “As United South End Settlements celebrates its 125th year, we are now reaffirming our founding vision of an inclusive community where neighbors from all walks of life work together so that all can thrive, while implementing a bold, new model designed to promote economic mobility and social capital to break the generational cycle of poverty.”
Donate: http://www.uses.org/get-involved/donate/
Volunteer: http://www.uses.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Trish thoughts: Another suggestion from a friend because of how impactful (over 3,000 people served annually) and robust (from workforce readiness to early childhood ed) the organization is.
Victory Programs — Massachusetts — “Victory Programs opens doors to recovery, hope and community for individuals and families facing homelessness, addiction or other chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS.”
Donate: https://www.vpi.org/victory/giving-options/supportvictory-this-givingtuesday/
Volunteer: https://www.vpi.org/victory/careers-volunteers/volunteer/
Trish thoughts: I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with Victory Programs through 2 of their programs, Boston Living Center and Revision Urban Farm. Besides donating, read up on both programs when you’ve got a chance. Incredible (and yes I know, I’ve probably used that word a lot in this piece).
Women’s Lunch Place — Massachusetts — “We welcome approximately 225 women each day, most of whom have experienced trauma, abuse, and loss without judgment or requirements for assistance.”
Donate: https://womenslunchplace.org/support-us/donate/
Volunteer: https://womenslunchplace.org/support-us/volunteer/
Trish thoughts: I’ve volunteered with WLP a handful of times, and it astounds me how much they do… from incredible food to medical care to creative arts to hot showers.
X-cel Education — Massachusetts — “X-Cel’s mission is to make high school completion, post-secondary study, and sustainable career paths more accessible to underserved communities in Greater Boston, by providing flexible, customized instruction and career readiness development at no cost in convenient community locations.”
Donate: http://www.x-celeducation.org/support/
Volunteer: Same as above
Trish thoughts: Another org that I heard about through Boston Cares, but this time through someone I was volunteering with! As a young professional, he raved about the program and students.
Y2Y Harvard Square — Cambridge, Massachusetts — “Y2Y Harvard Square, a student-run overnight shelter, employs a youth-to-youth model to provide a safe and affirming environment for young adults experiencing homelessness.”
Donate: https://www.y2yharvardsquare.org/get-involved/#donateform
Volunteer: https://www.y2yharvardsquare.org/get-involved/
Trish thoughts: I first heard about Y2Y by Flutter (scroll up!). It takes a village to take care of our kids, and I think the youth-to-youth model is pretty awesome.
Zumix — Massachusetts — “ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building our community through music and creative technology. A core belief is that music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, under-served neighborhood.”
Donate: https://www.zumix.org/donate
Volunteer: https://www.zumix.org/community/work-with-us
Trish thoughts: This wouldn’t be a proper Trish-list without a music org on it. Also, One Night Band is coming up, one of my favorite musical events of the year (it was on hiatus, but now it’s back): https://www.facebook.com/events/518418035176859/
And one more for good measure, 826. It starts with a number, so I figured I could slip it in.
826Boston — (but it’s also National )— “826 Boston is a nonprofit youth writing and publishing organization that empowers traditionally underserved students ages 6–18 to find their voices, tell their stories, and gain communication skills to succeed in school and in life.”
Donate: https://give.826boston.org/checkout/donation?eid=144479
Volunteer: http://www.826boston.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Trish thoughts: I wouldn’t be a proper Emerson alum if I didn’t give a shout out to 826, and their amazing work. Empowering kids to be able to tell their stories, well, let’s just say I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I didn’t have my own version of 826 in my life.
Onward and upward! I hope this list was helpful for you. If there were orgs I missed (there are many!) that are your fave, please comment below (I’ll add and try to update an addendum list as I receive more info / am able!).
And for more info on #GivingTuesday, check out: https://www.givingtuesday.org/
