Every year, I try to think up a good organization for my daughter and I to support during the winter holiday season. Usually, I look for something that's similar to what interests her at the time. One year, it was an organization that made sure children had access to books. Another time, it was a local homeless shelter that had recently made the news for its altruistic acts. Regardless of where the money goes, it's a lesson in itself. Holidays aren't just about getting — they're about making sure that you pay tribute to those who are in need.
In my yearly searches, I realized that there were a lot of organizations that I never knew about. Sometimes, focusing on smaller charities is best — they were often started because of a community need and are still trying to find their footing. Searching local charities is also a great way to feel more supportive of your neighborhood in general. Being aware of all the good that's being done around you is a great way to lift your spirits.
But it can still be tricky — especially if you don't necessarily know where your money is going. Here are 10 great organizations that you can feel good about financially supporting this holiday season.
1. Happier Lives Institute
Happier Lives Institute is a great organization to support since it cares about global well-being. If you had somewhat of a grim year, you may feel good supporting a charity that believes in life satisfaction around the globe.
The group was founded in 2018 and is research-based. It focuses on mental health and happiness around the world. Right now, its main focus is to use research to help identify and evaluate the most cost-effective ways to increase a human's well-being. Donations are tax-deductible and will probably make you feel pretty good about yourself.
2. Girls Who Code
Women are smart, strong, and powerful. So why are they often talked out of jobs that can make a huge difference in the world? Girls Who Code is a great organization that inspires young minds to really grasp onto the concept that jobs shouldn't have gender or sex attached to them.
"In 1995, 37% of computer scientists were women. Today, it’s only 24%. The percent will continue to decline if we do nothing. We know that the biggest drop off of girls in computer science is between the ages of 13 and 17," the organization's website states. It offers plenty of programs for young women looking to take on a new skill while simultaneously changing the field of technology, as well as history. Consider making a donation in honor of a loved one who also strongly believed that the future is female.
3. Heart to Heart International
If there's anything we've learned this past decade, it's that good health care can be hard to come by — especially without costing an arm and a leg. People shouldn't have to go into debt for an emergency surgery. Heart to Heart International is all about making important health services easier for people to access.
The organization is wonderful with distributing resources to those in need, especially vaccines. It has been known to be one of the most efficient charities in America.
You can donate money online or even consider volunteering this holiday season.
4. Centre for Effective Altruism
Did you know that there was an organization that's deeply rooted in empathy for others? The organization helps raise money to build more discussion spaces for students and professionals to teach and share the principles of effective altruism. You can also learn more by attending an event or starting your own local group. It might be a great way to connect with new people. The organization has offices in the United States and United Kingdom.
5. Planned Parenthood
It's important to know that Planned Parenthood offers far more than just abortions. For many young women, it's their first doctor and first place to learn about birth control and sexual education. The organization aims to provide services for all women, regardless of their insurance or income. And it can be the first place women go if they sense a lump in their breast or if they're worried about changes in their body. It's a helpful organization that's constantly at risk. If you'd like to do more than donate, you can also sign up to volunteer.
6. Room to Read
Room to Read focuses mostly on the education and literacy of young women. The organization focuses on low-income communities and makes sure they have everything they need to thrive. And it also helps motivate kids to stay in school and showcases the importance of a full education. You can join a fundraising team, fundraise on your own, or just make a one-time donation if you'd like to show some support.
7. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Any mom who has watched daytime television with a young baby at home has likely stumbled across a few heartbreaking ads for St. Jude. While it's great to have a healthy baby, many new parents realize something may be wrong. St. Jude aims to provide care and service without giving parents a financial burden.
Donations to St. Jude will go toward treatment, research, and cures that'll help save the lives of children. It focuses primarily on childhood cancer but is a loving and supportive organization for other severe illnesses in children that could be fatal. You can also donate in the name of a child who lost their battle as a beautiful tribute.
8. Marie Curie
Marie Curie isn't just the name of a famous physicist and chemist — it's also the name of a charity that hopes to make an equally profound impact. The organization provides end-of-life care for those in the UK, as not everyone has access to hospice care or emotional support.
The organization is a great way to make sure our elders and those with terminal health conditions have a peaceful end to their incredible life without having to worry too much about health care, finances, or family. It was founded back in 1948 and has helped thousands of people. You can donate through its website — or volunteer if you happen to live close to a site with opportunities.
9. World Central Kitchen
Food is one of the most important things to have — and it's also a great gesture to share with others. World Central Kitchen aims to provide meals for people in need, whether it's families who were hurt by the climate crisis or those who lost everything due to the pandemic. As far as emergency food relief efforts go, WCK is one of the best. You can make a one-time donation or donate throughout the year.
10. Equal Justice Initiative
The Equal Justice Initiative just opened the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in Montgomery, Alabama. But teaching others about American history is only one of the incredible things this organization does. It focuses on racial justice and criminal justice reform. It was founded back in 1989 by public interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson and is wonderful with providing legal representation to those who've been illegally convicted. The money you donate will help end mass incarceration and protect human rights.
