Whether you’re a couple that already has everything they need or would rather see money go towards a cause you care deeply for, donating dollars to charities in lieu of gifts is becoming a bigger and bigger trend throughout the wedding world; and it’s a beautiful one at that!
You can either suggest that your guests choose a charity of their own choice to donate to or lend a helping hand by picking one or two that you feel strongly about. How do you relay this message though? And what are some good charities to choose from?
How To Send The Message
It’s all in the RSVP. Include some fine print on the invitations or RSVP cards that extend the appreciation for gifts but ask that guests donate to a specific cause or organization that speaks to you.
Maybe you lost a family member to breast cancer or have an undying love and passion for animals. Choose a charity that symbolizes the two of you in a deeper way then a new toaster or blender ever could.
10 Charities To Donate To
1. American Heart Association
Dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, The American Heart Association is one of the most well-known, voluntary organizations. Funding research and providing public education are two of their main goals. They’re also the leader in CPR training as well as setting examples for others to lead a healthy lifestyle.
2. Feeding America
Their mission:
“… to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.”
Their facts about child hunger in America alone will give you the urge to help – and that’s without learning about the adults and seniors living without the nutrition they need. 1 in 6 children may not know where they will get their next meal; doesn’t that make you want to donate?
3. Autism Speaks
Working for both individuals with autism and their families, Autism Speaks is an amazing organization dedicated to bringing a broader sense of understand and acceptance to those in this community. The organization also pushes for better research and solutions into the causes for autism spectrum disorder.
4. The Happy Hippie Foundation
Founded and brought to us by Miley Cyrus, The Happy Hippie Foundation is a non-profit organization meant to empower the homeless and LGBTQ youth. Working closely with other organizations like Suicide Prevention Lifeline and The Trevor Project, this cause pushes to work together and build a better world with those from all walks of life.
5. Susan G. Komen
Another very well-known organization, Susan G. Komen “is the ONLY organization that addresses breast cancer on multiple fronts such as research, community health, global outreach and public policy initiatives in order to make the biggest impact against this disease.”
Founder, Nancy G. Brinker, promise her sister, Susan, that she would do everything in her power to help end breast cancer. She turned that promise into the world’s largest, non-profit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer. And between 1989-2014 their efforts have helped to reduce deaths by 38%.
6. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
One of the largest humane societies in the world and the first in North America, ASPCA believes that animals are entitled to kindness protection by the law. Their mission “is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”
7. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross chooses to help so many people, from all walks of life. From relief efforts in times of crisis to they “roll up their sleeves” and provide time, blood, money and services to those that need it the most. And that’s what volunteers and donators can do as well. Volunteer to help, donate blood or donate some dollars, everything here goes to a greater cause.
8. Toys for Tots
Every holiday season, Toys for Tots goes around collecting new, unwrapped toys for to less fortunate children within the community. Headed by the U.S. Marine Corps, the organization also partners with other large companies such as Disney and Hallmark, making Christmastime a bit brighter for kids that oftentimes go without.
9. The Birthday Party Project
This time birthdays are the focus. Their mission “is to bring JOY to homeless children through the MAGIC of birthdays.”
They host monthly birthday parties, with the help of volunteers and donors, at homeless and transitional living facilities. Children from 1-22 are celebrated that have a birthday during that specific month. Each celebration lasts an hour long and includes the family and friends of those that also live at the agency. With over 4,500 birthday parties managed with over 30,000 children in attendance, it’s hard not to want to get in on the magic here.
10. Doctors Without Borders
Helping worldwide, Doctors Without Borders delivery emergency medical care where it’s needed the most. Whether it’s from natural disasters or epidemics, these medical teams are on the frontlines helping those that are suffering. This organization has provided care in 60 countries where both rapid help and long-term aid has been a necessity.
