How support from businesses can empower local charities for a better future
Credit: Unsplash
Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.”
On a human level, it puts things into perspective. For some of us, helping another person comes naturally. It’s in our DNA. For others, it takes some getting used to. The age-old adage applies, “Why should I help others if no one helps me?”
True. But did you know altruism has its emotional rewards? A study in Evolutionary Psychology found that altruistic individuals feel more compassion for those in distress.
Researchers at the University of Bern also found a connection in the animal kingdom. Adults that helped others to raise their young generated an evolutionary advantage.
When they say, “Charity begins at home,” it could translate to, “Charity begins in your community.” Giving back to the community can take various forms. Law firms, schools, salons, gyms, and local businesses are doing their part to support initiatives, big and small.
If they can do it, so can you. Volunteering your time or helping out with donations goes a long way. It matters more to charities than you think.
Below, we’ll discuss local charitable organizations that need help and how support from local businesses empowers their communities.
Greentrike
Initially founded as the Children’s Museum of Tacoma in 1985, Greentrike is a nonprofit that advocates for equitable access to playful experiences for all kids.
The organization supports children’s museums and early learning initiatives in Pierce County. One of its biggest success stories is Pay As You Will. The donation-based admission model at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma and Joint Base Lewis-McChord was designed to make playful spaces accessible to all children.
Why they need our help
Freeman Law Firm is a supporter of the charity. The law firm says Greentrike offers nutritious food and support services to those in need with compassion. Only with your donations, are they able to do so.
York Street Project
Established in 1989, the York Street Project’s main purpose is to break the cycle of poverty for women and children. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace played a key role in launching the project.
Today, the association has a network of four programs designed to take care of the basic needs: housing, education and childcare. With its roots firmly in Jersey City, the York Street Project oversees The Nurturing Place, St.Joseph’s Home and St. Mary’s Residence.
Why they need our help
The York Street Project provides shelter, feeds and cares for in-need families. It is however in critical need of donations, mainly new and gently-used items such as toiletries, cleaning supplies and diapers.
Animal Welfare Fund
The Animal Welfare Fund is a global charity that advocates for animal well-being. The fund supports corporate and policy campaigns for farm animal welfare, from Argentina to Hong Kong.
The fund has also been a key player in supporting research into alternatives to animal proteins.
Why they need our help
Animal advocacy doesn’t get spotlighted very often. When it does, most charitable donations go to animal shelters.
Because of the fund’s work, they’ve made significant grants to Wild Animal Initiative. With their help, the initiative is moving forward with research into interventions to improve the welfare of wild animals.
The Cancer Research Institute (CRI)
Millions are affected by cancer in one way or the other. Years of research into immunotherapies have put CRI at the forefront of discoveries.
The institute’s main and only goal is to transform all cancers into curable diseases. They believe it can be done during our lifetime.
Their work in the field of immunotherapy treatment is astronomical. About 4 million patients globally have thus far benefited from CRI’s research, but none of this is possible without CRI-funded scientists.
Why they need our help
The cancer mortality rate in the U.S. is 146.0 per 100,000 men and women per year. According to the National Cancer Institute, by the end of 2024, about 2,001,140 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the country.
CRI wants to stop all cancer for good. They have saved millions of lives by focusing their research on the immune system.
None of it is possible without the scientific minds working on groundbreaking innovations. You can donate via a donor-advised fund or donate on behalf of others.
Thousands more charities need help. If you want to focus specifically on your local community, get hold of community leaders in your area and they’ll alert you to projects that would appreciate your support. Moreover, these steps can bolster the reputation of your business for philanthropy.