Here are 17 Organizations I recommend for a Year end Gift.
All of these organizations are ones that I'm invested in- both in terms of giving gifts and supporting them, as well as knowing the staff and the people behind these organizations. So as you think about year-end giving, I would recommend any of these organizations as a great place to invest.
Convoy of Hope – provided over 250 million meals to those in need the last 18 months in the US. Best in class in disaster response as well as feeding programs, with multiple programs globally focused on solving issues of hunger, and feeding children now all over the world. Seen it up close in Haiti where COH feeds almost 90,000 kids a day!
Alpha – an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about faith, life and God, allowing those outside the church to ask questions about faith.
charity: water – bringing clean drinking water to millions around the world. Scott Harrison and team have revolutionized the concept of a well run, artistically designed and powerfully delivered charitable organization.
Young Life - been involved with Young Life since college. No one creates better experiences for teenagers and introduces the Gospel in such a compelling and loving way.
Plywood People- great social innovation organization founded by my good friend Jeff Shinabarger. Including gathering social innovators, leading a community of startups “doing good,” and providing creative solutions to education and social issues. Initiatives such as Plywood Presents, Plywood Place, and coaching of young social innovators is part of the Plywood People mission.
New Story Charity - led by Brett Hagler, New Story is pioneering new ways to end global homelessness. One of the most innovative non profits in the world, including the creation of 3D printed homes.
AIM - Agape International Missions, working to end child sex trafficking, ultimately rescuing, healing and restoring young girls to freedom. Plus, partnering with these girls to create amazing jewelry that can be purchased to help rescue other victims.
Help One Now – empowering families in developing countries through a business launch program, education and restorative care, using the combined gifts and talents of high capacity local leaders and entrepreneurs to end extreme poverty.
International Justice Mission - Gary Haugen and the team at IJM have been fighting sex trafficking and human slavery for the last 25 years. Rescuing victims as well as bringing justice to areas where no justice exists.
Hope International - run by good friend Peter Greer, HOPE Int provides micro-finance loans all over the world, helping give dignity and lift people out of poverty. A $100 gift goes a long way.
The Bible Project – a non profit ed-tech organization and animation studio that produces 100% free Bible videos, podcasts, blogs, classes and Bible resources to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere.
IllumiNations - translating the Bible for all. One billion people still live in Bible poverty with access to the Scriptures in their language. Help provide all people access to God’s Word by 2033.
Operation Christmas Child - part of Samaritans Purse, an incredible ministry delivering boxes of joy to kids all over the world during Christmas time.
First Response Team of America - good friend Tad Agoglia and his team provide help and hope at times when communities need just that- following disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods.
Compassion - sponsor a child. I sponsor several. I've seen their work up close in Rwanda and Ecuador and Guatemala. Your money is being stewarded well.
A21 Campaign - headed up by Nick and Christine Caine, rescuing those trapped in human trafficking and modern day slavery all around the world, their goal is to end injustice in the 21st century.
World Vision – a Christian humanitarians organization helping children, families and their communities overcome poverty and injustice.
Bonus:
Bearings Bike Shop- run by friends Tim and Becky O'Mara, providing hope through bicycles for kids in the city of Atlanta, building community one bike at a time.
**and, don't forget Your Local Church- make sure you are giving regularly to your local church body. That is the place to start.
Also on the latest H3 Leadership Podcast- the December Top Ten List, featuring recs on podcasts, books, music and more. And recent conversations on the podcast include Jason Romano, former ESPN Producer, Peb Jackson, longtime friend and uber connector of global influencers, Steve Cockram, co-author of The Five Voices, and Charles Duhigg, best-selling author of The Power of Habit.