Charity of the Day

Koryo Tours Helps the Blind Read in North Korea

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) — Oct 18th 2009 at 11:02AM

Charitable giving is an obvious casualty of any economic downturn. Even when people want to give - or maintain their previous rates of donation - the realities of a shrinking portfolio force themselves into the decision-making process. Of course, a rather unique charity is struggling with this issue now. Koryo Tours, which takes westerners on rare excursions into North Korea, is looking to raise a mere $6,700 for two projects to benefit the people of North Korea. One involves buying braille dictionaries (which haven't been available in that part of the world), and the other is to buy playground equipment for an orphanage in Wonsan, North Korea.

If Koryo Tours is able to raise the funds necessary for the dictionaries, which is the first priority, it will be the first time that North Korean blind children will have this type of resource available -- the books currently do not exist.

Tags: braille, dictionary, donation, donations, dprk, north korea, NorthKorea, philanthropists, philanthropy

Travelers' Philanthropy, Charity of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) — Feb 1st 2009 at 10:02AM

Visiting a foreign country, especially one in the third world, often prompts one's philanthropic desires to give back to the places they explore. It's hard to distinguish which causes are worthy of your funds and which giving opportunities truly use your funds for the project intended. Travelers' Philanthropy takes the guess work out of global giving by connecting travelers or simply interested donors to causes that positively impact local communities. Currently this organization is involved with causes in Costa Rica, South America and Africa encouraging travelers to combine their love of the global community with their ability to fund important programs and initiatives. Check out the gallery below for current opportunities and the people they impact.

Gallery: Opportunities through Travelers' Philanthropy

Mara Cheetah Conservation Project in Kenya

Infierno Community Fund, supported by Rainforest Expeditions in Peru

NatureKids, supported by Nature Air in Costa Rica

Tags: charity, costa rica, CostaRica, dominican republic, DominicanRepublic, giving, global giving, GlobalGiving, kenya, peru, philanthropy, tanzania, travelers philanthropy, TravelersPhilanthropy

WellGood, Charities of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) — Jan 31st 2009 at 10:02AM

As the force behind multiple non-profit initiatives, WellGood has been instrumental in impacting hundreds of charities through the creation of ChangingthePresent.org providing an avenue for donors to share their philanthropic interests with friends as well as purchase gifts for others in the name of charity. Assisting charities in maximizing the benefit of modern business practices and the internet in particular, WellGood's consulting efforts are helping to change giving from just a transaction to the expression of one's own values.

Their latest creation, ClassWish.org, matches classroom needs with interested donors to ensure necessary supplies and equipment are available for the benefit of children in school.

Tags: changingthepresent, classwish, Well Good, WellGood

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Chef Eric Ripert Projects $100,000 Donation to 'City Harvest', Charity of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) — Jan 16th 2009 at 10:02AM

Known as the first food rescue organization in the world, City Harvest pledges to bring fresh produce and other local foods to the hungry of NYC. Over the past twenty-five years they have been instrumental in providing high quality food to needy individuals expecting to rescue and deliver twenty-three millions pounds of excess food in 2009 which is a million pounds more than last year. Many city restaurants, corporate cafeterias and food vendors are already committed to the cause by donating unwanted and surplus food items to City Harvest but on Tuesday a particularly esteemed venue made a significant pledge.

Gallery: Le Bernardin Supports City Harvest

Chef Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin), Driver Dave Marshall, and Jilly Stephens (Executive Director of City Harvest)

Jilly Stephens, Executive Director of City Harvest, and Chef Eric Ripert, Le Bernardin

Tags: chef eric ripert, chef ripert, ChefEricRipert, ChefRipert, city harvest, CityHarvest, eric ripert, EricRipert, food rescue, FoodRescue, jilly stephens, JillyStephens, le bernardin, LeBernardin, on the line, on the line book, on the line cookbook, OnTheLine, OnTheLineBook, OnTheLineCookbook, the salons, TheSalons

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The Trust for Public Land, Charity of the Day

by Tracy Chait (RSS feed) — Dec 31st 2008 at 10:02AM

Now that the economy has forced so many Americans to enjoy the simpler pleasures in life, public green space is, unlike your 401(k), more valuable than ever. Since 1972, nonprofit land conservation org Trust for Public Land has protected over 2.5 million acres of land in 47 states -- forests, farms, community gardens, parks and wildlife habitats.

The Trust for Public Land recently helped a small Florida city get its first public park and negotiated the re-opening of a free-fallling waterfall and favorite ice climb in Telluride, Colorado (Bridal Veil Falls, above).

The nonprofit has 45 regional offices across the country to work with local residents and organizations intent upon conserving particular properties. Contact The Trust for Public Land if you have an inquiry about a particular piece of property that needs protection. Or support The Trust for Public Land, which has been recognized for its efficient use of individual donations.

Tags: charity, charity of the day, CharityOfTheDay, land conservation, LandConservation, nonprofit, parks, trust for public land, TrustForPublicLand

The Warrick Dunn Foundation, Charity of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) — Nov 14th 2008 at 10:02AM

Warrick Dunn is certainly known for his performance on the football field but his actions in the community through his foundation are worthy of celebration. This special non-profit organization founded by the Tampa Bay Buccaneer is committed to 'providing opportunities for economically-disadvantaged single parents and children who have demonstrated a commitment to achieve financial independence and stability'. The cornerstone of its impact resides in the 'Homes for the Holidays' program which helps single parent families achieve the American dream of home ownership. Inspired by the determination and hardwork of his mother, Betty Smothers, Warrick Dunn's good works have supported 78 single parents and 205 dependents in the past ten years in four separate communities. Of course donations are always acceptable but if you're looking to play a little golf with celebrities the Golf Classic might be the way to go.

Tags: homes for the holidays, HomesForTheHolidays, warrick dunn, warrick dunn foundation, WarrickDunn, WarrickDunnFoundation

Share Our Strength, Charity of the Day

by Tracy Chait (RSS feed) — Oct 3rd 2008 at 10:02AM

Non-profit org Share Our Strength's three word mission says it all: No Kid Hungry. In college I read Share Our Strength founder Bill Shore's inspirational story about creating his organization amidst the existing models for successful giving back. It's called The Cathedral Within, and is highly recommended for anyone interested in how an entrepreneurial vision can mold public service. (Shore was an early adopter of strategic marketing partnerships with corporations that helped raise funds and awareness for childhood hunger.)

24 years later, Share Our Strength has raised over $200 million through high-profile events like Taste of the Nation, which draws support from many of the country's most exclusive restaurants.

In September, the organization wrapped up its inaugural Great American Dine Out event, sponsored by American Express. Participating restaurants from hard-to-snag reservations in Los Angeles to family-owned diners in Montana donated up to 5% of their sales over a week-long period.

The facts Share Our Strength tries to communicate are staggering -- a third of Americans served by food banks are under 18 years old; average food stamps provide only $1 per meal; this year more than 12 million American kids worried about going hungry. Seems we need Share Our Strength more than ever.

Tags: bill shore, BillShore, charity, childhood hunger, ChildhoodHunger, food crisis, FoodCrisis, share our strength, ShareOurStrength

The Point Foundation, Charity of the Day

by Tracy Chait (RSS feed) — Sep 20th 2008 at 10:01AM

The Point Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to granting scholarships to students who have been marginalized due to sexual orientation or identity. The group recently honored actress Kristen Chenoweth at its third annual Los Angeles gala, where it raised over $300,000. Wells Fargo additionally received a Point Inspiration award for its efforts to respect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in its corporation.

The star-studded event (including Grey's Anatomy star T.R. Knight, at right, center) was proof that this organization is doing important work to recognize academic excellence among LGBT students, as it strives to mentor this group of young talent and help guide these kids to college and beyond.

Tags: charity, greys anatomy, GreysAnatomy, kristen chenoweth, KristenChenoweth, lgbt, point organization, PointOrganization, sexual identity, sexual orientation, SexualIdentity, SexualOrientation, t.r. knight, T.r.Knight

V8 Make Every Serving Count, Charity of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) — Sep 18th 2008 at 10:02AM

The other day I saw Nick Lachey on TV promoting his recent support of V8's new charitable program, Make Every Serving Count, that donates to Feeding America (which was formally known as America's Second Harvest). His involvement in this worthy campaign certainly gives it some celebrity-level press which never hurts. Truthfully, I am really surprised this partnership didn't happen before with the need to feed so many Americans who are experiencing tough times and the human need for vegetables in order to lead healthier lives.

It's easy to be involved -- just purchase any V8 products which will support the company's $1 million pledge. Plus, you can donate directly online -- a mere $25 donation can provide either 850 servings of vegetables, 98 meals for a family of four, or nineteen weeks worth of food per person. Of course donating non-perishable items to local foodbanks is always a great way to lend a hand.

Tags: feeding america, FeedingAmerica, make every serving count, MakeEveryServingCount, nick lachey, NickLachey, v8, v8 juice, V8Juice

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, Charity of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) — Sep 16th 2008 at 10:02AM

Music is a universal, timeless tradition appreciated around the world. When thinking about a charity that deserves my hard earned money I am easily drawn to something that supports the arts, the introduction of music to others and access to musical instruments where it would otherwise be unavailable. Some of you may have seen the movie, Mr. Holland's Opus -- the film's composer, Michael Kamen, decided to create this foundation afterwards, hence the name, as a commitment to the future of music education. The MHOF's goal is to put instruments in the hands of children who otherwise would not have access to them closing the gap that exists in underserved communities and helping children achieve their musical potential. Whether donating an instrument of your own or money to fund their efforts, contributions will enhance young persons' lives in a myriad of ways through music and more.

Tags: MHOF, Michael Kamen, Michael-Kamen, MichaelKamen, mr hollands opus, Mr Hollands opus foundation, MrHollandsOpus, MrHollandsOpusFoundation

St. Baldrick's Foundation, Charity of the Day

by Tracy Chait (RSS feed) — Sep 11th 2008 at 10:04AM

The St. Baldrick's Foundation raises awareness and funds to combat children's cancer. Its main awareness-raising activity starts with a razor and some shaving cream. The non-profit org hosts events all around the world, where volunteer barbers and "shavees" shave off their hair in a statement of solidarity with those suffering from cancer. Since 2000, St. Baldrick's has held events in 48 states and 18 countries. Over 71,000 volunteers have shaved their heads and raised almost $50 million in support of cancer research, either on their own or in a team of volunteers.

To find an upcoming event near you -- often held at schools, barber shops or the local Irish pub, where St. Baldrick's founders first conceived of the idea -- go to St. Baldrick's site. And if you're not quite ready to say goodbye to your long locks, you can help organize an event near your hometown.

[Thanks so much, Rob, for this great tip!]

Tags: bald, cancer research, CancerResearch, charity, cildrens cancer, CildrensCancer, st. baldricks foundation, St.BaldricksFoundation

International Rescue Committee, Charity of the Day

by Tracy Chait (RSS feed) — Sep 7th 2008 at 10:02AM

The International Rescue Committee is one of the prominent non-profits advocating for refugee rights in the U.S. where newcomers often feel displaced and lonely. The IRC has responded to humanitarian emergencies and has fought against human trafficking and gender-based violence. Four of IRC's workers were killed in an August 13th ambush in Afghanistan; yet the organization continues to strive for peace all over the world, in war-torn Lebanon and rescue efforts in post-earthquake Pakistan. Above all, the organization founded in 1933 at Albert Einstein's behest has aimed to reorient displaced refugees and fight for refugee rights in multiple environments.

Tags: afghanistan, crisis, international rescue committee, InternationalRescueCommittee, irc, lebanon, refugee

The Arc of the United States, Charity of the Day

by Tracy Chait (RSS feed) — Sep 2nd 2008 at 10:02AM

The Arc of the United States is the largest organization dedicated to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It's the group behind the outcries against the controversial film Tropic Thunder and has effectively lobbied for public policy that will support individuals living with autism, epilepsy and various other developmental disabilities. The national org facilitates smaller chapters all over the country, offering community-based support to the over 7 million people with intellectual disabilities in the U.S.

Its National Convention -- open to anyone interested in learning more -- will take place this November in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Participants can sign up now and until mid-October.

Tags: albequerque, arc, autism, developmental disabilities, DevelopmentalDisabilities, epilepsy, the arc of the united states, TheArcOfTheUnitedStates, tropic thunder, TropicThunder

One World Running, Charity of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) — Aug 29th 2008 at 10:02AM

This morning I decided the running shoes I've had for almost a year need to be replaced -- time to buy a new pair! I love the bounce of a brand new pair of shoes...unspoiled and ready for everything I plan to put them through. I wanted to find a place to donate my less bouncy pairs to the benefit of others and came across One World Running, a non-profit organization based in Boulder, Colorado. Collecting and donating thousands of new and 'nearly new' shoes to needy individuals across the U.S. and the world this ambitious organization is supported by Scout troops, individuals on a mission, shoe companies and even local store drives. With an international scope they have provided shoes to children and adults alike, athletes and humanitarians too from Belize to Africa. Whether you donate your sneaks or funds you will ensure that others can stride in comfort and continue along their own journeys whatever terrain it takes them over. (The photos in the gallery below really showcase their efforts).

Gallery: One World Running

Tags: boulder-colorado, donate-running-shoes, one world running, OneWorldRunning, shoe-drives

Monkeybiz Beaded Creations Help Women, Charity of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) — Aug 28th 2008 at 10:02AM

Exquisite, handmade, one-of-a-kind beaded creations are the product of Monkeybiz but the non-profit organization does much more than these crafts. Offering women in Southern Africa the opportunity to earn an income from home while encouraging entrepreneurship and developing skills is Monkeybiz's end goal. Providing materials for these unique projects free of charge and ensuring a sustainable income through growth of new markets and retailers means women can help provide for their families. There is even an associated health clinic for HIV+ women, a soup kitchen to fulfill nutritional needs and funeral financial assistance. Donate funds or materials, purchase their handcrafted works or volunteer your time if you feel passionate about the mission of Monkeybiz.

Gallery: Creations by Monkeybiz