It’s Giving Season! And there are so many great organizations out there, doing real help, creating real change, and are worthy of extra funds. If you caught my “Shop Here? Getting the Most Out of Donation Bucks” you know not all charities are created equal, so I wanted to share a few of my favorites and give some of my thoughts on getting the most bang for a buck.

Donating doesn’t always have to be just s straight cash transaction! Sometimes, just shopping as you already need to can bring some help and this may be the easiest to pull off year-round. If you haven’t already, make sure to use Smile.Amazon.com and set it to the charity that speaks to your heart. They give a percentage straight to your charity of choice. Sometimes you can even pick your kiddo’s schools! Your church, your organizations! Do it! 😉

Before I start my list to help your donating brain on a track, if by any chance there’s a charity you are already eyeing and just came for validation, feel free to use sites like Charity Navigator or Charity Watch for a Charity Rating. I actually highly recommend you do so. Not all, especially some of the smaller or newer ones will be easy to find, but it definitely helps with those big name ones.

Now for the Giving List, just some ideas for Donating:

* Word of caution, some of these are a 3 out of 4 stars on their fiscal rating, but not nearly as high advisory as some chapters of local American Red Cross or “charities” like Goodwill, but I would look into it for your location before handing over anything if possible.

LGBTQ+ Themes –

• TransFamily Support Services
• House of Resilience SD
• GLSEN
• Marsha P. Johnson Institute
• Brave Trails
• Human Rights Campaign
• Free Mom Hugs
• The Trevor Project
• PFlag

Animal Help –

Find your LOCAL Animal Rescue! I personally, always seek out smaller and local before bigger Government ran program ones.

Examples for San Diego Area:

• Dogs – The Rescued Dog, Frosted Faces, Second Chance Dog Rescue
• Cats – Friends of Cats
• More Animals – Lions, Tigers, & Bears, Farm Animal Refuge, House Rabbit, & Horses of Tir Na Nog …etc! Honestly, this could become its own list easily!

Environmental –

• Surfrider Foundation
• Rainforest Action Network
• Environmental Defense Fund
• Save Coastal Wildlife
• Waterkeeper Alliance

Find what speaks to your soul!

Really the most important thing is to think about what impacts your life. Think of the things you are passionate about, your loves, your family. Find what fits for you and just make sure to research. Nothing worse than finding out what you are donating to doesn’t align with your values. I hope my tips can help you avoid that.

Though there is “Giving Tuesday” and a “Giving Season” remember you have the power to help year-round.

I know I missed a TON of great places to donate to, but if I missed one you are passionate about, please, please comment below! We would love to hear them! I am always wanting and trying to spread the word about where giving is most important.