Tomorrow is everyone’s favorite capitalist holiday and I love buying myself ridiculous numbers of fabulous gifts as much as the next single millennial with no children. But, we live in the world, and it’s not great, so sometimes we have to give a little to someone else. Below are my favorite places to donate at the holidays or any time of year. I recommend giving a little to someone else, and then buying yourself that thing you’ve been eyeing because yes, you do deserve it.
Spread The Vote- Obviously I was going to list my own nonprofit first. But also, we’re pretty great.
Project ID Action Fund- Is this entire newsletter designed for shameless self promotion? Probably.
The Human Utility- This fantastic nonprofit does a very practical thing- helps people pay their water bills.
Modest Needs- Crowdfunded help with modest needs- paying the rent, a car repair, a medical bill.
Navajo Water Project- One day I would like to be able to do a lot more for the reservation where I was born but for now I give monthly to help provide A THING THEY SHOULD REALLY ALREADY HAVE- CLEAN WATER.
Women in Film- Women are out here making movies but with less money and support than men because the patriarchy. WIF is trying to change that. Plus they’re really nice.
Donor’s Choose- When I was a teacher, half of my classroom was funded by Donor’s Choose. The other half was funded by the dollar store. Help a teacher out, because no one else is.
Girls On The Run- Running has taught me more about life than almost anything else, and it makes me happier than just about everything. I can directly trace my self confidence and independence to a childhood in sports, and so can many studies. I can’t imagine a better gift to give to a girl than the gift of running.
So there you have it, a small list of great orgs that make real, immediate impact. Enjoy the giving and the getting of the season, and maybe we can make this apocalypse a little easier for everyone.