As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible organizations making a difference in our communities. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of interviewing amazing “philanthropists next door” on my podcast, You Are A Philanthropist. Their stories inspired us all, and the charities they represent are doing incredible work every single day.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to make an impact while also benefiting from a year-end tax deduction, I invite you to explore and consider supporting the following nonprofits. Let’s spread generosity together as we close out the year.
Organizations Featured on You Are A Philanthropist
1. Episode 37: Dr. Vinnie Cappetta
- Mission: Check Your Compass: “At Check Your Compass, we believe that mental health support should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing counseling services to individuals who may not be able to afford the full cost of sessions.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Dr. Vinnie’s commitment to faith, family, and the well-being of his community underscores his passion for helping individuals find peace and resilience through the transformative power of counseling and spiritual guidance.
- How to Donate: Check Your Compass Scholarship Fund
2. Episode 39: Leoma Gilley
- Mission:
- Wycliff Bible Translators: “Serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation so people can encounter God through His Word.”
- SIL International: “Inspired by God’s love, we advocate, build capacity, and work with local communities to apply language expertise that advances meaningful development, education, and engagement with Scripture”.
- Why They’re Amazing: Leoma Gilley served in Africa with Wycliffe Bible Translators and SIL International for over 30 years, twenty years in the Sudan. She has a Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of London. She facilitated the translation of the entire Bible for the Shilluk people, 3rd largest language community in the South Sudan.
- How to Donate: Wycliff Bible Translators and SIL International
3. Episode 40: Holly Morrell
- Mission: Heartfelt: “Heartfelt is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to saving lives from this nation’s number one killer, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, through early detection, education, and increased public awareness.”
- Why They’re Amazing: In 2021, Heartfelt reached an incredible milestone, having screened a total of 55,000 adults and children. Heartfelt’s screening events have resulted in approximately 6,600 individuals being referred for further evaluation, and over 1,000 lives have been saved.
- How to Donate: Heartfelt
4. Episode 41: Eric Goodman
- Mission:
- Ronald McDonald House Ministries: “At RMHC, we provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare.”
- American Heart Association: “To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”
- Junior Achievement: “Junior Achievement USA is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Eric is a businessman who has served or is serving on several nonprofit boards. These are just three he mentioned in our episode together.
- How to Donate: Ronald McDonald House Ministries, American Heart Association, and Junior Achievement
5. Episode 42: Natalie Silverstein
- Mission:
- Riley’s Way Foundation: “Riley’s Way invests in and supports the next generation of kind leaders. We provide young people with the programs, support and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers.”
- Doing Good Together: “Doing Good Together™ (DGT) is a Minnesota-based national nonprofit that works to make volunteering and service, along with daily kindness, easy for every family.”
- George Jackson Academy: “George Jackson Academy is New York City’s only independent middle school for academically talented boys from families of all incomes. We challenge our boys’ minds, nurture their hearts, and empower them to be leaders and change-makers.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Natalie Silverstein, MPH is an author, speaker, consultant, nonprofit founder and passionate advocate for family and youth service. She is either a board member or volunteer for these organizations. For more of Natalie’s favorite charities, you can find her podcast Simple Acts, Big Impact wherever you listen or for more information you can visit her website, here.
- How to Donate: Riley’s Way Foundation, Doing Good Together, George Jackson Academy.
6. Episode 43: Glen Carnahan
- Mission: Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua: “The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua is the leading youth organization in Greater Nashua area since 1971 and their mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Glen highlighted the importance of kindness in this episode, community involvement, and the importance of role-modeling future generations—these values are reasons he supports the Boys and Girls Club of Nashua.
- How to Donate: Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua
7. Episode 44: Michelle Valiukenas
- Mission: Collette Louise Tisdahl Foundation: “To improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, prematurity, and infancy, as well as aid grieving families through financial assistance, education, and advocacy.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Their flagship program provides crucial financial support to families dealing with the complexities of high-risk pregnancies, NICU stays, and loss.
- How to Donate: Collette Louise Tisdahl Foundation
8. Episode 47: Dr. Kirk Adams
- Mission: American Foundation for the Blind: “The mission of the American Foundation for the Blind is to create equal opportunities and expand possibilities through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Helen Keller—the world-famous author, activist, and advocate—helped to raise AFB’s profile when she began working with the organization in 1924. Keller remained active with AFB until her death in 1968, by which time she had radically changed perceptions of blindness and left a rich legacy upon which AFB continues to expand.
- How to Donate: American Foundation for the Blind
9. Episode 48: Meghan Whitney
- Mission: Feeding America: “Feeding America is a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries and local meal programs. Our common goal is simple: help people get the food and resources they need to thrive.”
- Why They’re Amazing: As Megan said, “They are committed to helping people get the resources they say they need to thrive—and that includes food.”
- How to Donate: Feeding America
10. Episode 49: Erin Cummings
- Mission:
- Wichita State University: “The mission of Wichita State University is to be an essential EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL and ECONOMIC DRIVER for Kansas and the greater public good.”
- Special Olympics: “The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”
- Southern Smoke Foundation: “Southern Smoke takes care of our own by putting dollars directly into the pockets of food and beverage workers when it’s needed most.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Erin shared that she created two funds at Wichita State University for future business owners. She also remembers fondly her time as a child volunteering for the Special Olympics, which set her on the path of philanthropy. She appreciates her local organization, the Southern Smoke Foundation, that supports restaurant workers in her area.
- How to Donate: Wichita State University, Special Olympics, Southern Smoke Foundation
11. Episode 50: Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami
- Mission: Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC): “Provide innovative arts, education, and therapy programs to low-income and special needs families that unlock potential, nurture creativity, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Dr. Ana is the Founder and Executive Director and her passion for children and the arts is palpable in this episode. OCCTAC is a beacon of hope for at-risk youth and children with special needs in Orange County.
- How to Donate: Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC)
12. Episode 52: Will Murley
- Mission: NET Ministries: “We challenge young Catholics to follow Jesus Christ and embrace a life of community in the Church.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Will served with them for three years—one as a missionary “on the road” and two years for staff. He says, “They are transforming lives.”
- How to Donate: NET Ministries
13. Episode 53: Jonathan Jacobs
- Mission: Rawkstars: “Rawkstars has offered free music lessons and instruments to kids and young adults throughout New England.
We see access to music as a basic human right. It’s as critical as the air we breathe and the water we drink.” - Why They’re Amazing: Jonathan Jacobs (JJ) is the Founder and Executive Director and he has such a passion for music and supporting those less fortunate, including serving youth in juvenile detention centers.
- How to Donate: Rawkstars
14. Episode 53: Jennifer Cunningham
- Mission:
- Rotary International: “Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
- CAT-Coalition for Appropriate Transportation: “CAT–Coalition for Appropriate Transportation strengthens our Lehigh Valley community and our environment through bicycling, pedestrian accessibility, and public transportation.”
- Why They’re Amazing: Jennifer serves with both of these organizations. She loves the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self” and CAT’s mission to get more people active for both environmental and health reasons.
- How to Donate: Rotary International and CAT—Coalition for Appropriate Transportation
Why Giving Matters
Supporting nonprofits doesn’t just help those in need—it’s also deeply fulfilling for the giver. Studies show that generosity boosts your mood, reduces stress, and even improves your overall health. Plus, donations made by December 31st can be deducted on your 2024 taxes, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
How to Make the Most of Your Donation
- Research: Ensure the nonprofit aligns with your values and is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
- Be Intentional: Focus on causes that resonate with you deeply.
- Share the Love: After donating, encourage others to support these incredible organizations by sharing on social media.
Join the Movement
I’d love to hear about the organizations you’re supporting this year. Share your giving story in the comments or tag me on social media so we can celebrate the spirit of generosity together. Let’s end 2024 on a high note by making a difference in the lives of others.
Thank you for being part of the You Are A Philanthropist community. Your generosity makes the world brighter, one act of kindness at a time. Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season and a fulfilling start to the new year.