General Philanthropy
- Undoubtedly the most important non-profit organization on the planet, The Committee to Protect Journalists "is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1981. We promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal." Based in New York City, this incredible organization was founded by a group of U.S. foreign correspondents who began working, tirelessly, for their own safety and for the safety of journalists all over the world--to protect against threats from totalitarian governments as well as from independent groups. Notable members on the board of directors include Christiane Amanpour, Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather and Andrés Oppenheimer. Without a free press, few--if any--other freedoms are possible. They are heroes. Follow them on Twitter @pressfreedom.
- From site: "amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy." Follow them on Twitter @amfar.
- According to the late Dr. Randy Pausch (The Last Lecture),of all Americans diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, only 4% make it to five years. This form of cancer is particularly deadly and is in desperate need of funding and attention. Follow them on Twitter @pancan.
- An incredible organization that has spent thirty years fighting the good fight against breast cancer. "Imagine life without breast cancer." Follow them on Twitter @komenforthecure.
- The American Diabetes Association. From site: "The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes." Follow them on Twitter @AmDiabetesAssn.
- The Muscular Dystrophy Association has been the number one source of support for those with MD and of funding for the research to find a cure. If it were not for the extraordinary efforts of Jerry Lewis and the Labor Day telethon he founded in 1966, I don't think this cause would be on most of our radars. Through his efforts, the children known as "Jerry's Kids"--along with thousands of adults--have seen the benefits of hundreds of millions of dollars, channeled not only into research but into medical clinics and week-long summer camps. I have loved watching the telethon every year for as long as I can remember but I remain hopeful that someday soon there will no longer be a need for it. I'm also proud to plug my cousin's union, The International Association of Firefighters (AFL-CIO, CLC), as "the longest and most generous donors to the MDA" (Harold A. Schaitberger, IAFF General President). The IAFF protect 85% of the United States population, and I'm proud to call Captain Thomas Krass, president of his local chapter in Dover, Delaware, my cousin. Follow the MDA on Twitter @MDAnews and follow member Jeni Stepanek (Mattie Stepanek's mom!) @jenistepanek.
-The Make it Right Foundation is Brad Pitt's non-profit organization that is helping to rebuild the New Orleans area (particularly the Lower Ninth Ward) as, three and a half years after Hurricane Katrina, her aftermath still plagues the Gulf Coast. New Orleans native Ellen DeGeneres is also a sponsor. Follow them on Twitter @MakeItRight_9.
- The St. Bernard Project is another fantastic organization dedicated to Katrina relief; this one concentrates on St. Bernard Parish in New Orleans. From site: "The St. Bernard Project is a grassroots nonprofit rebuilding organization whose mission is to remove barriers for families who want to return home." Co-founders Liz McCartney and Zack Rosenburg quit their jobs, picked up their lives and moved cross-country in March 2006 to start this organization, and since then they haven't looked back--they have since helped 240 families rebuild their homes and restart their lives. In November 2008, Ms. McCartney was awarded the CNN Hero of the Year award after a public online vote, and was presented with her award along with the rest of the Top Ten CNN Heroes in a prestigious ceremony in Los Angeles, California by CNN's Anderson Cooper. Follow them on Twitter @Stbernardproj.
- The Yellow Ribbon Fund is a non-profit founded in 2005 to assist wounded American servicemen and women in their recovery. It is based in Bethesda, Maryland. Celebrity patrons include Stephen Colbert and Mandy Moore. From site: "The Yellow Ribbon Fund was created in early 2005 to assist our injured service members and their families while they recuperate at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center.Our mission began when the father of an injured Marine introduced two of our volunteers to staff at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval and they told us what needs were not met by other donors."
- Save the Children is the world's largest independent organization for children, making a difference to children's lives in over 120 countries. From emergency relief to long-term development, Save the Children helps children to achieve a happy, healthy and secure childhood. Save the Children listens to children, involves children and ensures their views are taken into account. Save the Children secures and protects children's rights - to food, shelter, health care,education and freedom from violence, abuse and exploitation. Follow them on Twitter @savethechildren. Read about their plan for Haiti here.
- Doctors Without Borders is another of my favorite charities, and may I just say that their website is extraordinary. It is one of the best sources of information on the war in Eastern Congo, and on the situation in Darfur as well--considering that they are one of the aid organizations that were expelled from Darfur, resulting in Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir being indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court. From site: "Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971. Today, MSF provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe." Also check out another website sponsored by Doctors Without Borders, Condition Critical, for voices from the war in Eastern Congo. MSF has been one of the leading organizations on the ground in Haiti following the January 12th, 2010 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 and left more than 600,000 homeless. Follow them on Twitter @MSF_USA.
- This excellent non-profit provides livestock to needy people in both developed and lesser developed nations–providing milk and eggs for their own consumption and for profit. They also train people in entrepreneurial skills in true “teach a man to fish” style, providing them with the means to earn their own money and build their own self-worth. They teach farming and environmentalism. They also secure promises from the recipients of gift animals so that the offspring of these animals will be passed on to more people in need. They have strict animal well-being guidelines. Celebrity patrons included the late Walter Cronkite. Learn more about why you should support this organization in this blog entry of mine. Follow them on Twitter @Heifer.
- CARE International is an outstanding non-profit organization that is working on the front lines of the fight against global poverty. From site: "We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives. We seek a world of hope, tolerance and social justice, where poverty has been overcome and people live in dignity and security. CARE International will be a global force and a partner of choice within a worldwide movement dedicated to ending poverty. We will be known everywhere for our unshakable commitment to the dignity of people." Learn how you can support CARE simply by doing your routine online auction shopping here. Follow them on Twitter @CARE. Read about their plan for Haiti here.
- charity: water is an extraordinary, relatively new New York City-based non-profit that is dedicated to bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. This organization is active in 15 countries and has benefited an estimated 700,000 people. Dedicated donors cover administrative costs, so 100% of private donations go toward funding water projects. From site: "Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness and disease, and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Many people in the developing world, usually women and children, walk more than three hours every day to fetch water that is likely to make them sick. Those hours are crucial, preventing many from working or attending school. Additionally, collecting water puts them at greater risk of sexual harassment and assault. Children are especially vulnerable to the consequences of unsafe water. Of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation, 90% are children under 5 years old." Follow them on Twitter @charitywater. Read about their plan for Haiti here.
- AmeriCares is an American-based non-profit organization that has responded to humanitarian needs due to conflict, poverty and disaster in 137 countries including the United States. From site: "In times of epic disaster, daily struggle or civil conflict, AmeriCares restores health and saves lives by delivering donated medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to people in need around the world and here at home." They have pledged $50 million in aid to Haiti. Follow them on Twitter @AmeriCares. Read about their plan for Haiti here.
- Keep a Child Alive is an organization founded by the brilliant musician, songwriter and performer Alicia Keys, and it is dedicated to providing medical and other essential care to HIV/AIDS sufferers in sub-Saharan Africa and India. It is primarily an antiretroviral (ARV) program through clinics set up in eight countries. From site: "Keep a Child Alive is dedicated to providing life-saving anti-retroviral treatment, care and support services to children and families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India by directly engaging the global public in the fight against AIDS." Donate $5.00 USD by texting ALIVE to 90999, and follow them on Twitter @keepachildalive.
