The holiday season is a time for giving. Whether that’s spending more time appreciating your loved ones or donating to a cause to help those in need, bringing a little extra warmth to others can easily put you in good spirits this holiday season. And if you’re looking to spread cheer to causes you care about, why not support organizations and charities during the holidays to bring giving to a new level?
Through monetary donations, volunteer work, and local contributions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work to make a difference in communities around the world. In the United States and internationally, there are thousands of organizations and initiatives that have change at their core, whether that’s working towards ending hunger, poverty, homelessness, or climate change. All of these organizations benefit from donations, which are then used to help further their cause in many ways, hosting fundraising events, giving medical care or essential items to those in need, or increasing awareness.
Get to know the mission of 10 different organizations that can benefit from your support during the holidays. With a single dollar donation or commitment of volunteering your own time, you can address the true meaning of the season and give back to your community.
1. Feeding America
As a nationwide network that feeds more than 46 million people through partnerships with food banks, pantries, and local food programs, Feeding America prides itself as the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States.
The nonprofit organization addresses hunger through programs that provide nourishing food to those in need and also targets disaster responses and research. They accept both one-time and monthly contributions — and $1 can provide up to 10 meals for those in need.
2. Oxfam International
A total of 19 organizations act together through Oxfam International, an initiative that works in local communities to help rebuild areas of conflict and offer support to those suffering from poverty. Oxfam International accepts donations on their website and is currently mobilizing help for the conflict in the Middle East.
3. The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. The organization offers 24/7 assistance for young LGBTQ+ people to talk with crisis counselors via chat, text, or phone call. The Trevor Project also conducts original research, advocates against laws that are detrimental to LGBTQ+ communities, and connects young people through their own social media platforms. You can help The Trevor Project by donating on their website or volunteering your time.
4. Greenpeace
Climate solutions, environmental efforts, and the fight for a greener planet are at the core of the international nonprofit Greenpeace. Founded in 1971, the organization pushes for awareness of environmental issues and pressures governments and corporations to take action. They also engage in political lobbying, as well as conduct and sponsor scientific research to protect the health of the planet.
5. Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Susan G. Komen for the Cure aims to raise awareness for breast cancer and support survivors in the United States. The organization’s mission is to end breast cancer by offering help hotlines and financial assistance to patients and inform the public about the disease’s risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
6. Ready to Stay
A coalition of several organizations including the American Immigration Council, the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, and Faith in Action, Ready to Stay is an initiative that fights for empowerment and justice for immigrants in the United States.
The national project provides support by connecting immigrants and refugees to existing federal programs. The organization also provides legal services in various languages, which allows those in need to access immigration information in their native tongue.
7. Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is a worldwide nonprofit organization that’s working to increase the number of women in computer science and tech. Its mission is to close the gender gap in technology by investing in fun programming clubs for female youth, as well as summer programs and college initiatives that help alumni build connections with other women in tech.
8. Kids In Need Of Defense
Devoted to the protection of unaccompanied and separated children, Kids In Need Of Defense (KIND) was founded in 2008 to address the gap in legal services for immigrant and refugee children in need.
Through partnerships with governments and international organizations, KIND provides care from psychosocial support — essential medical care, mental health care, access to education, and crisis intervention — to legal representation and aid, ensuring the safety and well-being of immigrant children.
To help migrant or refugee children, you can donate, become a social services volunteer, volunteer as a translator, and more.
9. Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
The mission of the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) is to — through education, training, advocacy, and creative arts — help remove the systemic barriers Black people experience when looking for mental health resources. The nonprofit aims to combat mental illness while addressing other systemic issues, such as economic reform, transphobia, and racism in the Black community.
10. Room to Read
Room to Read is a nonprofit that focuses on childhood literacy and gender equality in education across more than 20 countries, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. The organization has worked with more than 32 million children so far by helping those in low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading. Room to Read is currently accepting donations through their website.