Our vetted nonprofits have both urgent and ongoing needs for volunteers, items, and monetary donations to support the critical work of their organizations.
We encourage media to source and share these recommendations, connecting audiences with the needs of deserving nonprofits. See examples published by Better and Marin Magazine.
Contact nonprofits directly with any questions.
&Rise
Where We Serve: Chicagoland
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: December
How you can help: Kindly consider donating since our organization is growing and we are adding more programming. Your donations allow us to continue to offer women free counseling, free support groups, and free or affordable events for women in need of help.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(773) 733-3411
http://www.womenrisechicago.org
Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center
Where We Serve: Chicagoland
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: October
How you can help: Because we provide a high level of competent care to the homeless, we rely solely on the donations of those people who are moved by our mission. We cannot do what we do without donations, both monetary and in-kind (food and clothing). We EMBRACE donors and curiosity seekers to visit our beautiful facility so we can give personalized tours (they take an hour) so PLEASE STOP BY!
2942 West Lake near the intersection of Sacramento and West Lake. Mail donations to 2942 W Lake, Chicago 60612. We are a block from the California stop on the CTA GreenLine. Our hours are daily from 8:30 AM to 5 except on Fridays when we close at 4.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(773) 940-2960
http://www.anb.today
Austin Childcare Providers Network
Where We Serve: Chicagoland
Give Things (donations)
Preferred Month: September
How you can help: Currently, with children learning remotely in our community- based programs receiving support from childcare providers is critical as they are struggling to catch up and progress. A in-kind donation of a laptop of Chrome Book will help the children with the challenges of remote learning.
Please contact Ruth Kimble at [email protected] to coordinate drop off times.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(773) 316-0066
http://www.austinchildcare.org
Breakthrough
Where We Serve: Chicagoland
Give Time (volunteer opportunities)
Preferred Month: On-going
How you can help: Breakthrough has a myriad of volunteer opportunities offered for individuals and groups, one-time or recurring, during the day or in the evening. Examples include:
-preparing meals to serve in the shelters
-food distribution in the food pantry
-youth tutoring, sports, arts, and technology
-garden care
-sorting donations
-special event support
Meals are prepared three times a day, every day, in two different shelters. Volunteer dates can be requested on the website.
The food pantry is in need of volunteers on Wed 10am-2:30pm, Thu 9:30am-2:30pm, Fri 10am-4pm, and Sat 9:30am-12:30pm.
After school tutoring is needed on Mon-Fri 4-6:30pm. Other youth activities vary on a seasonal basis.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(773) 346-1772
http://www.breakthrough.org/volunteer
Breakthrough
Where We Serve: Chicagoland
Give Time (volunteer opportunities)
Preferred Month: July
How you can help: Breakthrough’s Fresh Market food pantry welcomes volunteers to help unload deliveries, organize groceries and household essentials, and package up food for families. Volunteers may also help with food distribution at the Fresh Market and door-to-door delivery in the local community.
Hours:
Tuesday 12:30pm-4:30pm
Wednesday 11:30am-3:30pm
Thursday 9am-2:30pm
Friday 11:30am-3:30pm
Saturday 9am-12:30pm
Location:
Breakthrough Fresh Market
3334 W Carroll Ave
Chicago IL 60624
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(773) 346-1783
http://www.breakthrough.org
C24/7: Father’s Arms Ministries
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: On-going
How you can help: Your financial donation will directly impact the lives of children and families in Rogers Park. Our neighbors often struggle with a lack of opportunity and resources and therefore fall behind in education and employment. Together we can offer them the support and dignity they deserve.
The easiest way to donate is at www.c247fam.org/donate. You can also mail checks to C24/7, at 1348 W. Howard St. Unit 1, Chicago, IL 60626.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(312) 866-5878
http://www.c247fam.org
CASA Lake County
Where We Serve:
Give Time (volunteer opportunities)
Preferred Month: On-going
How you can help: CASA Lake County is in need of more volunteer advocates to meet our goal of providing an advocate to every foster child in Lake County. Readers can help our cause by applying to become a volunteer if they meet our criteria, and/or spreading the word about our organization to friends and family.
Interested volunteers should submit an application on our website www.casalakecounty.com, after which they will be contacted for an interview. If selected, volunteers would attend a 40 hour pre-service training. Once volunteers are matched with a child(ren), they should expect to commit to a minimum of one visit with the child(ren) per month, (currently virtual.) In addition, we ask for a minimum two-year commitment from volunteers, as we try to keep advocates on their case until case closure – which can be anywhere from months to years. Though most visits are being conducted virtually due to Covid, once back in person, volunteers can expect to travel to the child(rens) placement – anywhere within Lake County or surrounding counties.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 383-6260
https://www.casalakecounty.com/
Center for Independent Futures
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: November
How you can help: Monetary gifts from readers would be invaluable to Center for Independent Futures. These gifts would support the community we serve by providing scholarships for social activities, life skills tutoring and the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to reach their hopes and dreams.
Center for Independent Futures
1015 Davis Street
Evanston, IL
60201
*Readers can also visit our website and donate gifts online.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 328-2044
http://independentfutures.com
Chicago HOPES for Kids
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: November
How you can help: A donation to Chicago HOPES for Kids will help us make a lasting impact in the lives of some of the city’s most vulnerable students. By providing direct, individualized academic support, we help improve educational outcomes and emotional resilience in the face of traumatic circumstances.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(312) 690-4240
http://www.ChicagoHOPESforKids.org
Chicago Run
Where We Serve:
Give Things (donations)
Preferred Month: December
How you can help: Chicago Run provides equitable access to the healing power of sport and physical activity in under-resourced Chicago neighborhoods that lack the opportunity for safe and affordable recreation. By meeting children where they are — at their schools and community centers — we bring movement to the school day and youth development programs to after school times. We need a reliable van or other vehicle to ensure that our staff are able to consistently be present for the youth in the communities we serve, primarily on the south and west sides of the city.
The Chicago Run office is 3611 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago IL 60618. We provide programs throughout the city.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(773) 961-8470
http://www.chicagorun.org
Cleveland Angels
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: May
How you can help: The Cleveland Angels Case Management team matches community members with fostering or kinship families to provide ongoing relational support. Research shows that healthy relationships can help children heal from the trauma they have experienced. Our programs empower fostering families to keep doing the important job of fostering to provide consistency for children. Additionally, our volunteers become healthy role models for children and youth to assist with relational healing.
We are currently serving over 100 children in the Greater Cleveland area, but have more than 150 children waiting to join our programs. Our Case Managers connect this community support and are at full capacity on their active caseloads. Your monetary gift will help us grow our team to serve more children!
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(216) 206-7172
http://CLEangels.org
Cycling Without Age North Shore Chicago
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: On-going
How you can help: We are seeking donations in order to purchase an additional Trishaw, so that we can serve Assisted living facilities in the North Shore.
Donations can be made at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=AP7BZUG95RS6U&source=url, or by mail, 315 Whytegate Ct., Lake Forest, IL 60045
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 609-6214
https://cyclingwithoutage.com/north-shore-chicago/
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Dec My Room
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: June
How you can help: At a budget of $325 per room, every donation has a huge impact on a hospitalized child. Since we are an all-volunteer organization, our expenses are low. Almost every dollar we receive goes to purchasing items to create awesome decorated hospital rooms for critically ill children.
Donations can be made online at:
Checks may be mailed to:
Dec My Room
PO Box 811
Tiburon, CA 94920
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(415) 233-1711
http://www.decmyroom.org
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Dress for Success San Francisco
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: October
How you can help: We are fundraising for our Sweet 16 campaign, asking new donors to support via $16 donations. This supports all our programs including our Career Center and new technology pilot.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(415) 362-0034
https://www.sfdress.org/
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Enriching Lives through Music
Where We Serve:
Give Time (volunteer opportunities)
Preferred Month: March
How you can help: ELM is a tuition-free youth music program for primarily first-generation Latinx students from the Canal that promotes social change through the ambitious pursuit of musical excellence. Our intensive music programming, coupled with a focus on family engagement and social/emotional well-being, helps our students develop discipline, self-esteem, leadership skills, and more – all skills needed to succeed in life.
Transform a local youth’s life – www.elmprogram.org/donate
We accept orchestral instrument donations. Please contact us for drop off times – www.elmprogram.org/contact.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(415) 505-2575
http://www.elmprogram.org
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Erika’s Lighthouse: A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: On-going
How you can help: Our programs are free to schools, always. We are growing rapidly, and our goal is to be in over 5,000 schools by 2025. With your support, we will provide even more schools with our impactful programming and give students the tools they need to talk to each other, their families, their teachers, and counselors. With your help, we can make sure that no child feels alone in their depression.
We are also always looking for volunteers to help us connect with schools. Join our Community Ambassador Program and help bring Erika’s Lighthouse to your community.
Visit erikasligthouse.org/get-involved/ for information on making a donation, or to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 386-6481
http://www.erikaslighthouse.org
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George Pocock Rowing Foundation
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: March
How you can help: Please consider attending our annual event! On April 16th, we will host our 13th annual Row to the Future Benefit breakfast, a fundraising event dedicated to athlete support for our youth programs that provide access to rowing, regardless of circumstances. Our initiative provides scholarships, coaching, equipment and transportation needs, so that more youth can benefit from the wonderful sport of rowing.
Or send checks to:
3320 Fuhrmann Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(206) 403-1195
http://pocockfoundation.org
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GRIP Outreach for Youth
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: March
How you can help: They can give financial donations to help pay for: 1) Full-time staff, 2) Training mentors, 3) Operating expenses (equipment rental, office space, gym rental), 4) College scholarships, 5) Special events.
Donations can be sent to:
GRIP Outreach for Youth
2934 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60612
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 630-1667
https://www.gripyouth.com/
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LINK Unlimited Scholars
Where We Serve:
Give Things (donations)
Preferred Month: October
How you can help: After months of virtual learning both at school and through our program, we continue to look for new ways to encourage our Scholars to show up and engage with our offerings. Incentives for participation go a long way! We are always looking for small gift cards (Visa, Target, food delivery services, etc.) or other new items that would be exciting to teenagers.
LINK Unlimited Scholars
2221 S. State St.
Chicago, IL 60616
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(312) 225-5465
http://linkunlimited.org
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Little City Foundation
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: December
How you can help: Stand up for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by taking action at Little City. By helping in various ways such as donating, volunteering, fundraising, attending an event, or joining a board, you help support the participants at Little City and our mission.
Executive Office: 1610 Colonial Parkway, Inverness, IL 60067
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 358-5510
https://littlecity.org/
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Meals on Wheels Northeastern IL
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: November
How you can help: Meals on Wheels NE IL ensures all clients have access to nutritious meals regardless of income level – some pay as little as $.25/meal delivered to their door. Donors offset the organization’s expenses to make this possible.
Donations can be made through the website www.mealsonwheelsnei.org or by mailing to 1723 Simpson St, Evanston, IL 60201
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 332-2678
http://www.mealsonwheelsnei.org
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North Chicago Community Partners
Where We Serve:
Give Time (volunteer opportunities)
Preferred Month: On-going
How you can help: Help children grow socially, emotionally, and academically by supporting NCCP classrooms during lunch, after school, and on Saturdays. Build transformative relationships while fueling enrichment programs with additional mentorship, tutoring, and caring adults. There are also opportunities to support families, teachers, and school renovations.
Email [email protected] today to sign up. Masks and proof of vaccination required.
NCCP’s greatest need is for volunteers to support our After School Enrichment program on a weekly basis (or more!) at the traditional K-8 public schools in North Chicago.
Elementary Schools:
M, T, Th, F | 2:45 – 5:15 PM
W | 1:45 – 5:15 PM
Middle School:
M, T, Th | 3:30 – 6:00 PM
W | 2:45 – 6:00 PM
S | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Volunteers are also needed during lunch, at food pantry preparations and distributions, and for office support.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 582-1358
https://northchicagocommunitypartners.org/
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PADS Lake County
Where We Serve:
Give Things (donations)
Preferred Month: November
How you can help: We have individuals and families in our shelter system that need your help. Will you consider holding a drive to help us make sure our neighbors have enough to eat?
We are also low on new sweatshirts, sweatpants, women’s underwear/sports bras, and boxers – please consider donating these items or grabbing some of them from our Amazon Wish List to make someone’s day!
Every item makes a tremendous difference for the people we serve!
In-kind donations gratefully accepted at our Day Resource Center (1800 Grand Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085) Monday – Friday, 8AM – 4PM.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 689-0641
http://www.padslakecounty.org
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Safe Place for Youth Inc
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: May
How you can help: Monetary donations are the best way to advance our mission forward. With your financial support, we can continue to provide the life saving services that young people need to exit the streets and achieve long-term stability. Your donations not only supports the cost of supplies (housing, meals, hygiene kits, socks, underwear, school supplies, workwear) but the incredible staff that administer our housing programs, counseling services, case management services, education and employment support, pregnant and parenting support, and our administrative capabilities.
Monetary donations can be sent to our PO Box:
Safe Place for Youth
578 Washington Pl #398
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
In-Kind Donations (new socks and underwear are always needed) In-kind donations can be dropped off at our Access Center on Mondays and Fridays at:
2469 S. Lincoln Blvd
Venice, CA
90291
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(424) 501-4162
http://www.safeplaceforyouth.org
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Sarah’s Circle
Where We Serve:
Give Time (volunteer opportunities)
Preferred Month: On-going
How you can help: Sarah’s Circle is in need of meal providing. This would include dropping off either a hot meal or sack lunches for approximately 30 women to one of our facilities.
Please schedule a day and time with Jojo for drop offs: [email protected].
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(773) 751-7475
https://sarahs-circle.org/
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SpeakSafe
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: On-going
How you can help: Take a training from our team, learn about exploitaton and how to prevent. Next Steps: start talking with your community in making this available to everyone, so youth know they are not invisible, they matter.
SpeakSafe, 6017 Shelter Bay Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(415) 608-1350
http://SpeakSafe.org
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The Gray Matter Experience
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: October
How you can help: Readers could volunteer to mentor our budding entrepreneurs, volunteer for corporate office-days/tours, in-kind donations can become a monthly recurring donor.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(217) 721-2021
http://www.graymatterexperience.com
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The Honeycomb Project
Where We Serve:
Give Time (volunteer opportunities)
Preferred Month: April
How you can help: The Honeycomb Project hosts a variety of volunteer projects each month to help families get out of the house and into the community. Consider sorting and packing donations of clothing, diapers and toys to ensure new moms have everyday essentials for their children or pack and distribute fresh produce and pantry items at an outdoor food pantry. For a full list of volunteer opportunities and to register, visit thehoneycombproject.org.
The Honeycomb Project partners with more than 50 nonprofit organizations and together they plan family volunteer projects. These opportunities are held every weekend, and the hours and locations vary based on the partner’s schedule and facilities. Details can be found on Honeycomb’s website.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(773) 750-7120
http://www.thehoneycombproject.org
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The Nora Project
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: February
How you can help: At The Nora Project, every February is Friendship February, and our students spend the month raising money for their schools and the organization by completing friendship challenges designed to strengthen their empathy muscles. Not a Nora Project student? Not to worry–everyone can participate by downloading our list of challenges and completing them throughout the month. Supporters can encourage our students by making a donation or pledging $1, $2, or $5 for every challenge completed.
We will publish information about how to participate on our blog (https://thenoraproject.ngo/nora-notes-blog), and on our events page (https://thenoraproject.ngo/events) in early January 2022.
Here is coverage of last year’s campaign: https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/02/10/the-nora-project-promoting-random-acts-of-kindness-during-friendship-february/.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 736-3148
http://www.thenoraproject.ngo
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Urban Autism Solutions
Where We Serve:
Give Things (donations)
Preferred Month: On-going
How you can help: Our students can always use jackets, gloves, hats, socks, and boots, especially for the winter months. We also love having volunteers help out at our Growing Solutions Farm in the Illinois Medical District. Individuals or groups of volunteers are welcome to come out to help weed, harvest, wash and prepare produce for sale, and more.
Readers can drop off items at our UAS West Side Transition Academy between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday at 1224 W. Lexington Street in the Little Italy neighborhood.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(773) 377-5691
http://www.urbanautismsolutions.com
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Willow House
Where We Serve:
Give Support (monetary donations)
Preferred Month: May
How you can help: May is Mental Health Awareness Month and grieving the death of a loved one creates complex thoughts and feelings that can effect ones mental health in a negative way. Especially for children and teens, unaddressed grief can have negative consequences, such as depression, anxiety and the feeling of isolation. Your readers can help our mission by giving monetary donations to support our Expressive Arts Program for youth ages 3-18. Activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting, creating memorials, song writing, dance and yoga aid in developing healthy coping skills. Art can give a voice to a child’s grief. This program (and all of our programs) is offered at no cost to grieving families because of the generous donations made by individuals, corporations and foundations. Due to COVID-19, our Expressive Arts sessions are currently held virtually one time per month.
Donations can be made at www.willowhouse.org or by mailing a check to: Willow House, 2231 Lakeside Dr., Bannockburn, IL 60015.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 236-9300
http://www.willowhouse.org
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YWCA Evanston/North Shore
Where We Serve:
Give Time (volunteer opportunities)
Preferred Month: November
How you can help: YWCA Evanston/North Shore is in need to volunteers to assist in the preparation and serving of dinners for the residents of our new Family Support Center for survivors of domestic violence. Volunteers will be supervised by a professional chef.
We seek two (2) volunteers for each of two shifts (2:00-4:30PM and 4:30-6:30PM), Monday – Friday. WE ask that volunteers commit to at least one shift, every week, for 12 weeks.
Contact Information:
[email protected]
(847) 864-8445
http://www.ywca-ens.org
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