The greatest thing about the Thanksgiving season is giving. Nothing encapsulates that more than #GivingTuesday, a movement that was started by the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y in 2012. Not only does the movement bring the focus back to the idea of philanthropy, but, for the organization, #GivingTuesday is a way of focusing on the ideals of civic generosity that’s at the core of the American holiday.
The focus of which has been on people’s minds more so recently because of the election. Giving to charities and public organizations has risen sharply. Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and many others have received a swell of cash in their coffers. People are feeling active, no matter what their politics.
The hashtag also harnesses the power of social media to stake a claim for philanthropy, building a massive following in just a little under four years. #GivingTuesday was responsible for over 114 billion impressions on Twitter and an overall 1.3 million social media mentions last year— which helped result in $116.7 million for charities all over the world. Of course, no one cause is better to give to than another. All of these organizations are doing very important work within their communities, their nations, and in the world at large.
That said, here are just a few we think you should give your time and money to:
Animal Equality
An international farmed animal advocacy organization dedicated to protecting animals through investigations, campaigns, and public education. Animal Equality is actively taking donations. Their in-depth investigations into the treatment of animals in facilities and farms have been viewed by millions of people worldwide.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude is famous, sure, but that’s no reason to ignore their dedicated research into diseases that affect children. Their work in the fields of gene therapy, cancer treatment, and influenza are on the scientific bleeding edge. Their work affects us all, giving us a glimpse of what the world without some of these diseases might be like.
Feeding America
Hunger in America is one thing we often hide under the rug, focusing instead on social worth and ideologies around work ethic and desert. The rub is still with a grumbling stomach, however, because a state of constant hunger makes the ability to thrive virtually impossible. Feeding America is on the forefront in the fight against hunger in children, hunger in rural areas, and more. They also do work around food availability, an often overlooked aspect of the ability to eat well.
Nothing But Nets
Last year’s NBA MVP Stephen Curry has lent his face to the cause of Nothing But Nets, an organization focused on helping protect vulnerable populations in countries where malaria is a health crisis.
Give Directly
If you’d like something more direct, then take a look at this nonprofit that allows you a way to give straight cash. It’s one of GiveWell’s recommended charities and it gives you the option of seeing just how cash transfers are making an impact.
