8 Charities to Donate to This New Year

Do you want to start the new year on a positive note? Why not adopt a charitable cause? Donating has multiple health benefits, including easing depression and increasing your life span. It also bathes your brain in happy neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. It can even lower your blood pressure at a time when heart disease remains the number one killer.

Are you ready to whip out your wallet and give to a worthy cause? From supporting kids with cancer to preserving the planet, plenty of organizations need your generous support. Here are eight charities to donate to this year.

1. Four Diamonds

No one deserves cancer, but this disease seems particularly unjust when it strikes children. In the U.S. alone, more than 16,000 receive this diagnosis, and more children die from cancer than from any other disorder.

Four Diamonds supports children receiving treatment at Penn State Health’s Children’s Hospital and their families. It takes a holistic approach and a desire to keep loved ones together as they navigate this difficult journey.

2. Planned Parenthood

Women’s health care is under attack. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive services to women regardless of socioeconomic status. They’re often the only option for reliable care, especially in rural areas.

The available services range from birth control and emergency contraception to gender-affirming hormone therapy. They have telehealth and in-person options, and your gift helps deliver care to those without recourse for their reproductive health needs.

3. Healthcare-Now

The United States remains the only wealthy country that fails to protect the health of all citizens with a comprehensive national coverage program. The lack shows in poorer health outcomes, with greater disparities in care than nearly anywhere else and a rapidly declining life expectancy, even as it increases globally.

Healthcare-Now advocates for a national Medicare for All program to address these disparities. It stood behind the 2022 Medicare for All bill, and your gift continues its legislative advocacy to catch the U.S. up with other nations regarding health care equity.

4. Global Footprint Network

Have you ever wondered what your ecological footprint is? You can discover it using the interactive tool on this charity’s website.

The Global Footprint Network does more than provide groovy online tools. They also engage with more than 50 countries and cities and 70 organizations to deliver scientific insights that drive climate policy and investment decisions.

5. Carbon 180

To hit global climate goals, we need to get to zero emissions and reduce two centuries of excess emissions. Carbon 180 works with policymakers, scientists, peers, and entrepreneurs to champion policies that design and implement carbon-removal solutions. Your tax-deductible gift helps this nonprofit organization clean the air.

6. Black Lives Matter

You’ve probably heard about Black Lives Matter on the news. This organization began in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Travon Martin’s killer. Their goal is to combat acts of violence while creating safe spaces for black innovation, imagination, and joy.

Although they do not accept direct donations, you can help their cause by gearing up at their store. You can also sign up for alerts of upcoming action.

7. The Trevor Project

LGBTQ+ youth face adversities their cis and hetero peers do not, and the cumulative effect of minority stress and social isolation from family and friends can create mental health crises.

The Trevor Project provides information and support to this population 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your generous gift helps them keep their talk, text, and chat lines staffed with trained counselors so those in need can hear a live, friendly voice in their darkest hours.

8. ACLU

The ACLU is one of the oldest and best-known charities on this list. They support everything from migrants’ rights to women, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community by working with the courts and legislatures to defend individual liberties.

Their site is a treasure trove of information for those concerned with possible rights violations, and you can sign up for action alerts to sign petitions and add your voice to urgent matters.

Charities to Donate to This New Year

Why not start your new year with a bit of good karma? You also benefit when you give to charity. Consider donating to the eight charities above to start the new year. You’ll feel good about giving back to your community and the planet and begin 2023 on a high note.