The days following Thanksgiving are key in the world of retail. Stores go into markdown mode for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. But then comes Giving Tuesday, an tradition kicked off in 2012, at which time we turn the tables and donate money to worthy causes instead of handing over cash for discounted presents. If you’re looking for some charities to contribute to, here are seven nerdy-ish ideas:
First Book
Since First Book launched in 1992, they’ve benefited schools and programs catering to children from low-income families. They reach an average of three million children every year. Read more and take action.
Iridescent Learning
Empowering young people around the world is Iridescent’s main mission. They support the underrepresented and help them get education in STEM fields, encouraging children to be curious and creative. Learn more from the above video and donate.
Best Friends
Best Friends is all about being kind to animals, working toward the ultimate goal of eliminating pet homelessness. What isn’t great about that? They operate no-kill sanctuaries and provide adoption opportunities, educational programs, and work to end the killing in animal shelters. They’re matching 100% of donations for the rest of Giving Tuesday. Donate here.
Child’s Play Charity
If combining the idea of games with raising money is your thing, then Child’s Play is the charity for you. They work with hospitals to fulfill children’s wish lists, and they accept cash donations to provide games, consoles, etc. for hospitals and therapy facilities. See testimonials, learn about upcoming events, and donate at their website.
Project UROK
Project UROK, founded in 2014, focuses on creating videos for teens struggling with mental health issues in order to open conversations and destigmatize mental illness. They have an anonymous donor who matches all donations dollar-for-dollar, so your contribution will count for double. Get more information and donate.
The Harry Potter Alliance
Besides having a magical name, The Harry Potter Alliance aims to turn fans into heroes. They bring activism into fandom and work with causes to donate books, raise funds for life-saving supplies, take action against bigotry and hate, and more. Read about their current campaigns and donate.
Girls Who Code
Founded five years ago, Girls Who Code’s mission is “to close the gender gap in technology.” They use contributions to help girls across the United States learn computing skills and gain access to high quality computer science education. Learn more and donate.
Do you have other recommendations for charities to donate to today (or any day, really)? Share your picks in the comments and let us know on Twitter.
Images: Child’s Play, The HP Alliance, Girls Who Code
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