A Information to Grassroots, POC-led Strengthen on Giving Tuesday

Last year, $3.1B was donated by over 35 million people, but much of the funding is allocated to larger, well-known organizations that may not need the support as much as smaller, grassroots initiatives led by the communities they serve. We’ve collected some of the causes we recommend if you’re looking to make an impact. We’ve included ways to volunteer, too, so you can support without spending a dime. Here are our recommendations for where to start.

TAKE ACTION

• Use these practices to amplify your philanthropic efforts on Giving Tuesday and every other day!

– Give to smaller, grassroots organizations led by the communities most impacted  instead of large, multinational and well-established nonprofit organizations.
– Give on a recurring basis instead of one-time (unless the organization and or the
situation directly calls for that).
– Make proactive plans to volunteer instead of showing up last minute (when you
can!).

Abolition

Abolition gained traction in 2020, but since then, the promises made toward reimagining our criminal legal system have fallen far short. Police funding increased nationwide in 2022 compared to 2019, and our prison population increased for the first time in a decade. 

Donate

Volunteer

• Write letters to criminalized survivors. Survived and Punished offers addresses and templates to get you started.

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Reproductive Rights

It’s been a brutal year for reproductive rights as states move forward with their own decisions after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Since its passing, 14 states have made abortion illegal. Much-needed abortion funds are drying up, and people are increasingly criminalized for having an abortion, a miscarriage, or supporting someone else seeking care. Our bodily right to autonomy can’t be denied by mere legislation. This work can use your help.

Donate

Volunteer

• Support the movement to defend frontline defenders supporting people to access their right to abortion. You can amplify the voices of those directly impacted, or share a story you may have of protecting abortion rights directly, or your own experience with abortions. 

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Political Advocacy

We’re gearing up for a hotly politicized election with distinct differences in values, priorities, and beliefs. Trump, facing multiple charges, is leading the polls while leading a hostile and hateful campaign tour. Meanwhile, failed promises and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are leading to waning support from Black voters and other voters of color. This upcoming election will depend on mobilizing historically excluded voters to get to the polls. Here’s how you can help.

Donate

• Black Voters Matter Fund, which works to increase power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities
• Voice of the Experienced, an organization led by formerly incarcerated people dedicated to restoring voting power for communities impacted by incarceration

Volunteer

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Indigenous Sovereignty

From land rematriation to water rights, it’s been a pivotal year for Indigenous rights. The federal government has spent more than $8.5B on water rights settlements with Native tribes, forcing many to make tough decisions. And abroad, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is reigniting conversations here at home. Do your part to support.

Donate

Volunteer

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LGBTQ+ Rights

Although some progress was made for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. this past year, it was an overall sobering time. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of discrimination based on sexual orientation, which directly harmed queer communities but set a dangerous precedent for future court cases. Hundreds of anti-trans and anti-queer legislation was proposed and passed, and book bans are being used to silence LGBTQ+ education and stories in classrooms. And violence against trans people is on the rise. Here are our recommendations for how to support LGBTQ+ communities – on Giving Tuesday and year-round.

Donate

• The TransLatin@ Coalition, a trans Latina-led organization advocating for the needs of Trans Latina immigrants residing in the U.S.
• Zebra Youth provides support for LGBTQ+ individuals aged 13-24 in Florida, one of the most hostile states for LGBTQ+ communities.
• Trans Disabled Care Fund MN provides support for trans and nonbinary disabled people in Minnesota.
• Disability After Dark, a podcast dedicated to highlighting LGBTQ+ disability stories that are often ignored.

Volunteer

• Work with TGI Justice Project, a CA-based, trans-led organization voice, power, and leadership among transgender, gender variant, and intersex people, is looking for a wide range of support.
• Use these resources by the ALA to rally for banned books (yes, the link says Banned Books Week, but you can apply these best practices anytime)!

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Gun Violence

The U.S. is currently on track for 700 mass shootings this year, on track to match statistics from last year. Firearms caused more deaths of children under the age of 17 in the U.S. than any other type of injury or illness. Despite that, federal legislation in Congress has stalled, and the Supreme Court is reviewing a case that could limit Congress on gun control. Gun violence is difficult to curb without federal legislation, but here are a few causes addressing contributing factors – and offering ways to heal – in its absence.

Donate

Volunteer

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