F(ph)ilanthropy
January 24, 2015 marks the beginning of the 40 day countdown to my 40th birthday. During those forty days, as part of my celebration, I am asking everyone to choose an organization and donate at least $40. Here are some noteworthy organizations, many of which I regularly support. Click on each one for a description and a link to donate directly to that organization. If you are unable to contribute financially, please consider pledging 40 hours of your time between now and the end of the year to volunteer anywhere there is a need.
*Note spending time with your own children does not qualify as volunteering; that's parenting.
After donating, let me know which organization you supported (not the dollar amount please) by leaving a comment. Have a charitable organization you want to encourage others to support? Leave a comment with a link to that organization.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is an 1890 land-grant institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, resolution of complex issues and the empowerment of citizens and communities. The University provides a student-centered environment consistent with its core values.
Open Books is a nonprofit social venture that provides literacy experiences for tens of thousands of readers each year through inspiring programs and the creative capitalization of books. Through the Instructional Programs, they cultivate the literacy skills of thousands of children and youth each year, from those who need intervention to those who desire enrichment. Through the Book Grant Programs, they provide readers of all ages with engaging, appropriate, and high-quality books.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans, and must be protected under the law. The organization provides local and national leadership in three key areas: caring for pet parents and pets, providing positive outcomes for at-risk animals, and serving victims of animal cruelty.
The Common Ground Foundation’s mission is to use creative arts to expose youth to new opportunities. CGF targets inner city youth, ages 13-15, through programs, partnerships, and volunteerism.
Children International has been providing critical assistance to children and families struggling in terrible poverty. Through their one-to-one child sponsorship program, Children International reduces the burden of poverty on impoverished children, invests in their potential, and provides them with opportunities to grow up healthy, educated and prepared to succeed and contribute to society.
DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on the site, and you can give any amount to the project that most inspires you.
The Lupe Fiasco Foundation focuses on food justice, interdisciplinary arts and youth leadership and empowerment. The Foundation provides healthy produce to people who live in the city’s “food deserts”, funds community-based workshops, campaigns, and events that promote healthy eating in “food insecure” communities.It also works to infuse elements of hip-hop music into common core education standards through an eight-week teacher certification training program and community-based speaking events.
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable youth ages 6 to 18 to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis envisions a future in which success is within reach of every child in the St. Louis region, empowering themselves and influencing future generations toward making a difference for themselves, their community and the global community.
The Chicago Food Depository is a nonprofit food distribution and training center that provides food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in the community. The Food Depository makes a daily impact across Cook County with a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile programs, children’s programs, older adult programs and innovative responses that address the root causes of hunger.
House of the Good Shepherd serves women and children affected by domestic violence by offering a safe place with opportunities for emotional, educational and spiritual growth. Through personalized comprehensive services, House of the Good Shepherd promotes healing for survivors of domestic violence and enables them to achieve independence and self-sufficiency, while restoring the belief in every woman and child that they are worthwhile and deserve to live a life free from violence and poverty.
Wine To Water™ is a non-profit aid organization focused on providing clean water to people in need around the world. Wine symbolizes fortune in our society.The goal is to give the fortunate population an opportunity to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. You can purchase of bottle of wine which in turn provides water for someone in need, or you can donate financially.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the only organization mandated to act as a safety net and protect over 51 million of the most vulnerable people in the world. As the United Nations refugee agency, we care for refugees by providing a tent for shelter, clean water, sanitation and vital health care. Without UNHCR, many refugees would not survive.