It's that time of year again: What charities do you give to?

[stillmovingforward]

Purely out of curiosity, what charities and why (if you are inclined to say) do you donate to?

For us, we don't tithe for religious reasons as we are not at all religious but the concept works well for us. We firmly believe that we (personal, not global) have a responsibility to support those who are not as well off.  We are realistic in that we don't donate when we ourselves are in need (such as when the kids were very young and we were very broke, we lost our jobs during the start of COVID, etc.). I just received a HUGE bonus. I have now maxed out my 401(k), DH's IRA, some went into savings and the two places below will each receive 5% of the bonus. 

What:

1. Local food bank
2. Youth shelter in the next major city south. They have a shelter that specializes in getting and keeping LGBTQ youth off the streets. 

Why:

1. My DH and 2 of my children starved when they were young. We firmly believe that food is a fundamental right and no one, for any reason, should be deprived of it. The food bank we support is one that serves our entire county and we have a lot of homeless locally and not a lot of services for them. 
2. 40% of the homeless youth are LGBTQ and many are forced out of their homes when they 'come out' or are 'found out'. To us, it's wrong and sad. We've been fosters for LGBTQ kids so we like to continue to support them. 

[nidena]

The YMCA--they do so much for the community
The Bail Project--lots of people in jail simply because they can't afford bail
Equal Justice Initiative--too many innocent people in jail (watch Just Mercy to see how this got its start)
The Joyful Heart Foundation--Mariska Hargitay's charity that began as a result of her work on L&O SVU
The Ross Foundation--a local charity that helps the community just around the corner from mine

[Deleted]

SO many good ones out there. My largest recipient is my church, which I know some people believe shouldn't count- is paying the heating bill on a building a worthy cause? Others-

-Doctors without Borders
-Planned Parenthood (they're the reason my sister and I as well as other girls in our Roman Catholic HS, were able to postpone pregnancy till we wanted babies and were equipped to provide for them)
-International Rescue Committee (supports refugees)
-A local organization (SingleMoms KC) that supports single mothers, helping them with interviews, access to training programs, education, workshops to help them and their children recover form trauma, etc.

I'm also looking at some of the less-glamorous ones, specifically the World Toilet Organization and those supporting girls/women and their periods. The lack of toilets in the developing world disproportionately affects women; many are raped when they take bathroom breaks in the field and many young women stop attending schools when they reach puberty because they have no access to the products the rest of us could always find in the cupboard under the kitchen sink.

My share of the money inherited from Dad is money I don't need and roughly 10% will go to more charitable giving and 90% to the grandchildren's education over the next 10 years. I'm trying to focus more on organizations that help people get out of their impoverished circumstances even though I know we still need the ones that feed the hungry.

[NastyWoman]

While I have occasionally donated money when a natural disaster has struck, my go-to charity was, is, and always will be the food bank.

[susana1954]

Church - It encompasses several charities such as the Methodist Children's Home, a food ministry, and Christmas gifts for local school kids. We also did backpacks for them when school started.

An animal shelter - I give a relatively small donation to this monthly.  Penny came from here, but I donated before that.

Wreaths Across America - I actually made 2 donations this year, one local and one national

My grandchildren's schools' fundraisers.  Right now they are selling wreaths. I don't need a wreath, but I bought one that I am giving to my daughter.  Similarly, I bought mums.  Hit Grandmother up. 

Once upon a time I gave to a women's cause in Africa (I think) where women were ostracized because of a discharge from their vagina or something like that.  Yes, TMI, but I wish I knew the name of it because I would give again.  I was horrified at how these women were treated.

[Deleted]

Nov 21, 2021 16:33:01 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

Once upon a time I gave to a women's cause in Africa (I think) where women were ostracized because of a discharge from their vagina or something like that.  Yes, TMI, but I wish I knew the name of it because I would give again.  I was horrified at how these women were treated.

Just look up "period charities" and you can at least find some that address the issues women in developing countries have with menstruation, even though they might not address whatever issue that charity did.  And no, it's not TMI.  Somehow the issues people don't discuss because "it's not polite" disproportionately affect women.  If we don't talk about the they're too easy to ignore.

[stillmovingforward]

Nov 21, 2021 16:56:01 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

Nov 21, 2021 16:33:01 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

Once upon a time I gave to a women's cause in Africa (I think) where women were ostracized because of a discharge from their vagina or something like that.  Yes, TMI, but I wish I knew the name of it because I would give again.  I was horrified at how these women were treated.

Just look up "period charities" and you can at least find some that address the issues women in developing countries have with menstruation, even though they might not address whatever issue that charity did.  And no, it's not TMI.  Somehow the issues people don't discuss because "it's not polite" disproportionately affect women.  If we don't talk about the they're too easy to ignore.

Fistula is the word you are looking for. 
fistulafoundation.org/
This is a huge problem in less developed countries that lack basic OB care. Happens during childbirth when the baby sits too long in the vaginal cannel and causes the tissue to die and creates a hole/fistula between the vagina and the rectum (area, I'm giving the high level, layperson's view). That's a good charity!

[stillmovingforward]

What a fun question this is turning out to be. All are good charities; some I would not have thought of. 

[Deleted]

Nov 21, 2021 18:01:29 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

Fistula is the word you are looking for. 
fistulafoundation.org/
This is a huge problem in less developed countries that lack basic OB care. Happens during childbirth when the baby sits too long in the vaginal canal and causes the tissue to die and creates a hole/fistula between the vagina and the rectum (area, I'm giving the high level, layperson's view). That's a good charity!

I read about this- and, sadly, it's even more prevalent among young girls who give birth before their bodies are ready for it (even though they're capable of pregnancy). They're left with permanent incontinence due to the holes.  It can be repaired with fairly simple surgery.

[nidena]

Brings to mind another charity that I give to, just not money: Free the Girls.  They take bra donations and then provide them to women in Mozambique to resell as a business.  These women are then less likely to be trafficked because they provide income to/for their families.

[susana1954]

Nov 21, 2021 18:01:29 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

Nov 21, 2021 16:56:01 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

Just look up "period charities" and you can at least find some that address the issues women in developing countries have with menstruation, even though they might not address whatever issue that charity did.  And no, it's not TMI.  Somehow the issues people don't discuss because "it's not polite" disproportionately affect women.  If we don't talk about the they're too easy to ignore.

Fistula is the word you are looking for. 
fistulafoundation.org/
This is a huge problem in less developed countries that lack basic OB care. Happens during childbirth when the baby sits too long in the vaginal cannel and causes the tissue to die and creates a hole/fistula between the vagina and the rectum (area, I'm giving the high level, layperson's view). That's a good charity!

Thanks for the info. I just made my (small) donation.

[weltschmerz]

Nov 21, 2021 16:33:01 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

Church - It encompasses several charities such as the Methodist Children's Home, a food ministry, and Christmas gifts for local school kids. We also did backpacks for them when school started.

An animal shelter - I give a relatively small donation to this monthly.  Penny came from here, but I donated before that.

Wreaths Across America - I actually made 2 donations this year, one local and one national

My grandchildren's schools' fundraisers.  Right now they are selling wreaths. I don't need a wreath, but I bought one that I am giving to my daughter.  Similarly, I bought mums.  Hit Grandmother up. 

Once upon a time I gave to a women's cause in Africa (I think) where women were ostracized because of a discharge from their vagina or something like that.  Yes, TMI, but I wish I knew the name of it because I would give again.  I was horrified at how these women were treated.

Is this it?

fistulafoundation.org/what-is-fistula/

[susana1954]

Nov 21, 2021 19:43:16 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Nov 21, 2021 16:33:01 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

Church - It encompasses several charities such as the Methodist Children's Home, a food ministry, and Christmas gifts for local school kids. We also did backpacks for them when school started.

An animal shelter - I give a relatively small donation to this monthly.  Penny came from here, but I donated before that.

Wreaths Across America - I actually made 2 donations this year, one local and one national

My grandchildren's schools' fundraisers.  Right now they are selling wreaths. I don't need a wreath, but I bought one that I am giving to my daughter.  Similarly, I bought mums.  Hit Grandmother up. 

Once upon a time I gave to a women's cause in Africa (I think) where women were ostracized because of a discharge from their vagina or something like that.  Yes, TMI, but I wish I knew the name of it because I would give again.  I was horrified at how these women were treated.

Is this it?

fistulafoundation.org/what-is-fistula/

Yes, stillmovingforward found it for me earlier, and I already donated. 

[Deleted]

We give to a dog rescue group focused on street dogs in a very tough neighborhood, educating residents on the importance of neutering and conducting free neutering clinics 

To a non-profit offering health and social service navigation plus food pantry and on-site health services regardless of immigration status

To a local church that partners with neighboring schools to provide those families access to food, clothing and other life needs

To a local non-profit that works with at-risk youth at the middle and high school level, mentoring these students to divert them from a gang-related lifestyle

[buystoys]

We give to a local food bank through out the year and a once a year check to The Gary Sinise Foundation.  We also make small donations throughout the year to the VFW and American Legion as events are being held.  There are a lot of one off donations, like donating to the volunteer fire department when they come around with the boot, money into the Salvation Army bucket during the holidays, things like that.  We don't track what we give, we just give as we can.

[Deleted]

Nov 22, 2021 7:25:59 GMT -5 buystoys said:

We give to a local food bank through out the year and a once a year check to The Gary Sinise Foundation.  We also make small donations throughout the year to the VFW and American Legion as events are being held.  There are a lot of one off donations, like donating to the volunteer fire department when they come around with the boot, money into the Salvation Army bucket during the holidays, things like that.  We don't track what we give, we just give as we can.

You should- in 2021 married couples can deduct up to $600 for charitable deductions even if they don't itemize.  It's $300 for individuals.  Even if you're donating cash, give it your best guess.

[saveinla]

Food bank and the rescue mission are the main ones. I also add in "Donors Choose" once or twice a year depending on matching contributions along with any charities providing food in disaster areas every few months or so.

[raeoflyte]

We have a very small org that works in our very localized community we like to donate to. They're religious but actually helping our neighbors and we know 1 of the founders.

We donate monthly to Greenpeace and heifer international.

Lots of great ideas! We will have extra to donate this year and are due for a rehaul of our budget anyway.

[buystoys]

Nov 22, 2021 7:55:21 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

Nov 22, 2021 7:25:59 GMT -5 buystoys said:

We give to a local food bank through out the year and a once a year check to The Gary Sinise Foundation.  We also make small donations throughout the year to the VFW and American Legion as events are being held.  There are a lot of one off donations, like donating to the volunteer fire department when they come around with the boot, money into the Salvation Army bucket during the holidays, things like that.  We don't track what we give, we just give as we can.

You should- in 2021 married couples can deduct up to $600 for charitable deductions even if they don't itemize.  It's $300 for individuals.  Even if you're donating cash, give it your best guess.

We give more than that in one donation.    But thank you for the reminder!

[finnime]

In addition to a few mentioned above, I give to a local charity that supports people transitioning from homelessness. They provide from donations furniture, household goods, work-appropriate clothing, babies' and small children's clothing, and seasonally, gifts for household members. Recipients go "shopping" on a scheduled day in their warehouse and select what they need for their new housing. Christmas gifts are given directly to the families. Each gift is labeled with the recipient's name and meets their wants in terms of size, color, need, etc.

I also give to the National Kidney Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association. I'm glad to read about the fistula foundation.

[hopetoberich]

I watch a girl on YouTube from Uganda. Sallatourist. I plan on donating to her she gives everything to her community.

[kadee79]

I give to our local shelter for abused women & children.  I also donate things they might need when they are ready to start out on their own again...ALL house hold items are needed...linens, curtains, kitchen utensils, furniture of all sorts, toys for the kids & even books.
We also donate books to the VA clinics where DH goes.  The facility in Tallahassee even added a bookcase in their lobby due to us donating so many books.  There is a sign, "take one, return one".  Many of the guys are starved for anything to read.  I also donate old books & magazines to the local nuring homes....especially the state run one.  Those folks also enjoy reading nearly anything.

[giramomma]

This time of year, I usually look for tags of the Christmas tree. I thought a tree would be set up in the mall, but it hasn't been, yet.

There is an outfit looking to distribute 12K books for christmas this year. I'll donate to that.

I have a small box of odds and ends (hats, scarves, washclothes, and bibs) that I've knitted/crocheted that needs ends woven in. It might not make it to folks this winter.

Otherwise, I opt for more giving throughout the year.

And don't forget to volunteer your time after the new year as well.  Our rhythm tends to volunteering from Jan-June and then donating items July-Dec.

[bean29]

I wrote a check this am to the Salvation Army for $50.00 for Christmas Meals.

I usually give to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission they do a lot with homeless and drug addicted populations.

I don't usually take names for gifts - this year especially parents have that extra tax credit they are getting.  Does not feel really important to me.

[Lizard Queen]

We give to our church throughout the year, and the local rescue mission. Also, school sponsored stuff.

[tcu2003]

DH donates to church.

I donate to my professional organization, ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) for their K-12/STEM education programs to get STEM programs in low income schools.

We also donate to the kids’ school district foundation - they have projects needing funding so I let the kids choose one or two each and make a donation.

The local food bank is another one.

Kids’ school does a fundraiser for foster kids - each class adopts a boy and a girl and the kids donate gifts based on the wants and needs of the kids. We contribute to that each year.

Donations to causes our friends and family raise money for throughout the year, whether that is a run/walk/stair climb, bike race, or FB fundraiser.

I’ve given small, nominal amounts my undergrad Alma Mater in the past, but I’m feeling disenfranchised with them right now, so we’ll see if I give them anything next year. I made a small donation earlier this year, so I’m not making another one this year.

United WE - they’re local to me, but their work supports women outside the Midwest as well. From their website: United WE tackles barriers to women’s economic growth and unlocks women’s economic potential through research, policy solutions and civic engagement.

I’m probably forgetting something but those are the main ones.

[TheOtherMe]

I also make small loans to people around the world who need help getting businesses started through Kiva.  It's crowdsourcing to get the funds together to loan the money.

I have also loaned to women.  I have had one loan that only half the funds were paid back.   It was to a woman in Iraq.  My assumption is that she was killed or her village over run.  That was several years ago.

I've had women who are very slow to make the loan payments, but eventually they came through.  One woman got ill in the middle of her loan repayment.  She apparently got better and back to her business because she eventually paid the loan back.

It's not really a donation but I leave the repayments in my account and loan the money back when it gets to $25.

[kadee79]

Our local VFW provides & supports a bus that takes Veterans in this area from here to VA facilities...they take them to Tallahassee, Gainesville, Fl. & a couple other facilities...where ever the proper specialist is that each Vet needs to see.    DH also donates to that.

Do ya'al know about ordering thru a particular site from Amazon & making donations that way...I'll get a link....


smile.amazon.com/ref=nav_logo

I have specified that our donations should go to the Disabled Veterans.  It's not a lot, but any tiny amount adds up to help.  You can choose where the $$$ are donated.

[Deleted]

We love Amazon Smile and currently direct it to a local food bank

[stillmovingforward]

I do kiva loans also! It was a great way to get my kids involved when they were little and helped them see how other people lived.