Should I Spend Money Here? Should I Shop Here? Donate Here?

With it being Pride Month and the current Black Lives Matter Movement, we are all trying our best to help the causes, but it can get confusing. So, here are a few thoughts on how to get the most out of your good intention spending.

• Are they profiting off this cause/organization or helping them???

First, I always check, especially when buying specific items directed towards a cause that important question. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t always, but I always set out with this intention first.

A good example is in the case of Target‘s #TakePride Collection. It is directly marketed at the LGBTQ+ Community, but they take it further and win my dollars because they actually put $100,000 back into the community. Not only that, but that donation goes to GLSEN, an amazing non-profit that I have personally seen in action.

Every day GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together, we can transform our nation’s K-12 schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.  -GLSEN

Another good example is Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream or even Lipslut for their work during BLM, though both tend to do charity work not just during this moment.

• Donate or Not to Donate? Where does this money go?

This one is pretty easily summed up, LOCAL IS BEST!!! It’s easier to see the help and influence directly in your community. Think about it, small local animal rescues, I guarantee those dollars are stretched further and appreciated so much more. Go where you see their/your dollars at work. Don’t be afraid to look up that Non-profit’s Report Card.

• Shop Small!

Honestly, this one goes hand and hand with all the previous questions.

Shopping small, you know exactly who you are supporting. This means more than that box store. Supporting artists does so much more than just collect dollars, you are paying to keep those dreams alive. You are putting smiles on someone’s face! It is understandable everything can’t be done that way. But, it doesn’t hurt to give a search before just making that Amazon/Wish purchase. A lot of those types of online stores are known for selling stolen artwork. Try to support the real artist if you can find them. Buying small also keeps those small shops open! Support your local mom and pops. Pay full price for friend’s work! Give that crafter you found on Instagram a shot. You are getting more than just that item, and don’t forget to share.

Sharing is carrying. Odds are, you have a FB/IG/TikTok, use it! You never know when friends in your feed may be looking out for just that same item too. I know that’s how I have stumbled across many of my favorite tiny shops.

Have a Favorite Non-Profit? Please leave them a plug in the comments. I would love to look into them and I am sure many others would love to as well.