After spending my summer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, I now realize the true value of nonprofit support. I’ve researched different organizations, presented projects and completed service hours for hundreds of nonprofits. However, after seeing the impact of fundraising first hand, I am now determined to make sure people understand how important it is to support nonprofit organizations.
I know I’ve written countless articles and posts about my love for St. Jude and how honored I am to have worked for such a great institution, but there are so many organizations in this country alone that are truly saving the world. Sure, you can donate to someone’s Facebook birthday fundraiser and feel like a charitable person, but what exactly are you donating to? In order to save you a google search, here is a list of some of the most successful, beautiful and dedicated nonprofits in the country:
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Reproductive Health and Treatment- Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Planned Parenthood is one of the most misunderstood nonprofits in the history of women’s reproductive health. PPFA spreads awareness and provides services for reproductive health. This organization works with medical institutions across the globe, specializing in treatment and prevention methods for STIs, contraception, emergency contraception, and abortion. They do not encourage women to abort their children or become sexually active. However, they do encourage women to take control of their sexuality and make decisions that benefit their personal lifestyle choices. As a woman or as a supporter of human rights, there is no better way to fight for change than to support this beautiful institution.
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Wilderness Preservation- World Wildlife Fund
WWF aims to conserve all aspects of nature and to reduce threats to wildlife. They work in over 100 countries in the following categories: food, climate, fresh water, wildlife, forests, oceans. With the current threats of climate change, it is so important for us to support these well-rounded wildlife efforts. WWF is incredibly proactive in their efforts to stop climate change and save our planet. A donation to WWF helps not only save gorgeous animals across the globe, but the very planet we live on!
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LGBTQ Suicide Prevention- The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for individuals under 25 in the LGBTQ community. Developed after the short film “TREVOR” was released in 1998, The Trevor Project offers 24/7 hotlines, resources, training, and services to troubled LGBTQ youth. In lieu of Suicide Prevention Month, it is so very important that we support life savings organizations like this. The Trevor Project is not only creating a safe space for LGBTQ individuals, but making them feel more comfortable living in their own skin. Love will always prevail!
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Sexual Assault Prevention and Support- RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network)
The Rape Abuse Inest National Network (RAINN) is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the nation. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) and has over 1,000 sexual assault service providers across the United States. This organization also helps the department of defense operate the DoD Safe Helpline. RAINN not only provides sexual violence prevention, but helps survivors overcome their abuse and bring their perpetrators to justice. As college students, it is crucial that we are not only aware of organizations such as RAINN, but help them in their fight to put an end to sexual violence.
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Violence Against Women and Children Prevention- NWCAVE (National Women’s Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation)
NWCAVE is an organization that is dedicated to informing, educating, and preventing violence against women and children. They work on issues such as human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual violence, missing children, hate crimes and so much more. NWCAVE is a volunteer operated non-profit that works to spread awareness of these prevalent issues. Above all else, their goal is to promote a society free of violence. These crimes are all too common and all too frequent in today’s world. NWCAVE is making huge moves to change the world for the better!
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Animal Cruelty Prevention- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
The ASPCA is one of the largest humane societies in the world. This organization believes that animals deserve love, kindness, and respect under the care of humans. Recognized as a national animal welfare organization, the ASPCA works hard to promote anti-animal cruelty and to save the lives of animals every day. They work under three efforts: animal rescue, animal placement and animal protection. Animals serve humans in so many ways and deserve all the love and care in the world. You don’t have to have pets to support this incredible cause. Just look at that good boy face!
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Childhood Catastrophic Disease Research and Treatment- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital/ ALSAC
Last but certainly not least, my heart and soul, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude is a hospital, a research institution, and a nonprofit. All patients at St. Jude are treated and housed for free so that families can put all of their energy into keeping their child strong. St. Jude is changing the face of medicine, research, and fundraising; while simultaneously finding a cure for cancer. I cannot think of a better place on earth to love and support. St. Jude is finding cures, saving children, and defeating cancer once and for all.
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