There are a lot of great charities out there, but here’s 10 (in no particular order) that I suggest you donate to this Giving Tuesday. A lot of these organizations I either know the people behind them, have been a long time supporter myself, and are otherwise closely connected to what I believe in.
1. Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation
The first one is for the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, and my friend Joe Hall has put together this fundraiser drive. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are matching this one. OI is a group of genetic disorders that mainly affect the bones and causes them to be fragile and break easily.
2. Feminist Frequency
Feminist Frequency advocates for a more inclusive, intersectional media and increasing cultural conversation around gender, sexuality and race. They encourage being critical of media, and their most famous work is about tropes in video gaming. I also know some of the ladies behind the org, and they’re the raddest.
3. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and help them with the supplies they need to stop the pipeline #nodapl. This is my only non-501c3 suggestion because it’s incredibly infuriating to see the government bent to the will of corporations, once again using indigenous people as canon fodder for “economic growth” (of oil executives’ bonuses), and putting the environment (and more drinking water) at a great risk considering oil companies lack of any track record of actually cleaning up their messes, proper safety regulations, or government enforcement of safety measures.
4. GeekGirlCon
GeekGirlCon celebrates geeky women through events, including their annual convention which saw 11,000 people attending this year. I’m a co-founder and served on staff for from 2010-2013, so I can personally attest to their great work.
5. PAWS – Progressive Animal Welfare Society
Seattle-area based organization PAWS rescues domestic pets and rescues/rehabs wildlife as well. I’ve adopted both my current cats from them.
6. Hungry Hearts Foundation
Hungry Hearts Foundation feeds hungry school-aged children who are currently on the National School Lunch Program by providing them with supplemental food for the weekends and school holidays. This program started in Lake Stevens, WA and serves several schools now. My Aunt Anita Caffee is the founder and Vice President, who was Lake Stevens’ citizen of the year for her work.
7. Flint Water Fund
The United Way of Genesee County has set up this fund for the purchase of filters, bottled water, emergency support services and prevention efforts. Sadly, the people of Flint, MI have gone more than year without access to fresh, clean water after the uncovering of severe lead contamination in their city water.
8. Lambert House
The Seattle-based Lambert House is a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth that empowers youth through the development of leadership, social, and life skills. They are a safe place for queer youth ages 22 and under with a drop-in center that sees around 25 visitors every day.
9. Southern Poverty Law Center
The SPLC is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. They are one of the only groups in the US tracking hate groups and crimes. They also teach tolerance and helped the abused seek justice.
10. EB Research Partnership
EB Research Partnership seeks to find a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). EB is a group of rare diseases that cause the skin to blister. My friend Fes gave a talk at Seattle Ignite 30 about his personal experience as a father whose daughter has EB.