14 Sep Giving During October
As the Giving Season approaches, October provides a great opportunity to explore key causes and charities. This month hosts Indigenous People’s Day, LGBTQ+ History Month, Mental Health Awareness Week, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Indigenous People’s Day, which takes place on October 9 this year, celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans. LGBTQ+ History Month occurs all month long and is hoping to create lasting change and more acceptance for the LGBTQ+ communities in the United States. Mental Health Awareness Week happens during the first week of October to create more awareness and support for those who are struggling with Mental Health. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also held annually in October with the goal of promoting disease screening and prevention. The charities we have selected for each of these causes are just a quick look into those who are supporting each of these missions. Our 2022 October blog post mentions some causes we didn’t discuss here, such as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Mental Health Day. We encourage you to look further into each cause and learn more about what charities are supporting each.
Indigenous People’s Day
Indigenous People’s Day takes place every year on the second Monday of October to celebrate the history and contributions of Native Americans. Although this day is not a Federal holiday, many states choose to observe it instead of Columbus Day. President Biden was the first President to acknowledge Indigenous People’s Day through an official proclamation he made in 2021. This day is now used to support and strengthen Native American communities through government initiatives, and economic development.
First Nations Development Institute
First Nations Development Institute is working to strengthen American Indian economies with the help of individuals, foundations, corporations, and tribal donors to support Native communities.
EIN: 54-1254491
The Native American Rights Fund is fighting to hold governments accountable and protect Native American rights, resources, and lifeways through litigation, legal advocacy, and expertise.
EIN: 84-0611876
Native Forward provides financial support to American Indians and Alaska Natives who are seeking higher education by partnering with Tribes, the federal government, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
EIN: 85-0222386
LGBTQ+ History Month
All of October is dedicated to LGBTQ+ History Month as it coincides with National Coming Out Day on October 11, and the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights. When the March on Washington occurred in 1979, participants hoped to create lasting change and more acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Today, LGBTQ+ History Month is continuing the mission of that first March through advocacy, empowerment, and support.
The Trans Empowerment Project is moving the Trans community out of crisis and into empowerment by focusing on abolishing white supremacy through educating allies and empowering the community to ensure that Disabled Queer and Trans* People of Color can thrive.
EIN: 81-5250758
GLAAD is focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation while also creating national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance.
EIN: 13-3384027
The Ali Forney Center is committed to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ youth by protecting them from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools they need to live independently.
EIN: 30-0104507
The Trevor Project hopes to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people by providing peer support, public education, and advocacy to create change.
EIN: 95-4681287
Mental Health Awareness Week
The first week of October has been proclaimed Mental Health Awareness Week since Congress established it in 1990. As Mental Health problems become more common, this week works toward providing better resources and more advocacy for those who need it. The selected charities are using research, education, and support to create a more positive future for those affected by, and struggling with, Mental Health.
Mental Health America has been working toward helping all people in the United States live mentally healthier lives through community education, research, advocacy, and many other techniques.
EIN: 13-1614906
To Write Love on Her Arms is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-harm, and suicide by providing support systems and advocacy.
EIN: 26-0789229
The Child Mind Institute is transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by providing help such as care, education, and science to help them thrive.
EIN: 80-0478843
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is held annually in October with the goal of promoting disease screening and prevention. The disease affects one in eight women in the United States each year and 2.3 million women worldwide. This month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and emphasize research efforts aimed at assisting those affected. Through medical advancements and support, charitable organizations strive to aid individuals battling breast cancer.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission is to assist women by providing support and inspiring hope for those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and supportive services.
EIN: 75-2391148
Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that provides trusted information and a supportive community, offering on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content that holds meaning for those who are impacted.
EIN: 23-2734689
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s mission is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most revolutionary research ranging from prevention to metastasis.
EIN: 13-3727250
While these vetted charities are by no means an exhaustive list of organizations you can support, we hope it can help serve as a starting point. If you’re a company interested in learning more about our giving tools and resources, please reach out to us via the form below.