These are some of our favorite organizations to support.
EGBOK Mission
The concept: Started by a Cornell Hotel School grad, EGBOK (Everything’s Gonna Be OK) brings hospitality professionals, educators, corporate partners and volunteers together to educate and train young adults in developing countries so they can work in the hospitality industry.
Try this: Volunteer, donate, spread the word, and hire their students!
The concept: ”FilmAid uses the power of film and media to transcend language and literacy, bringing life-saving information, psychological relief and much-needed hope to refugees and other communities in need around the globe. With strong support from both Hollywood and the humanitarian communities, FilmAid has brought critical information, training and empowerment programs to more than two million people worldwide.”
Try this: Make a contribution, or get involved in one of their worldwide events!
Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust
The concept: “Preserving wilderness, wildlife and cultural heritage across the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem by creating sustainable economic benefit for the Maasai people.”
Try this: Travel responsibly! Explore the beauty of the Maasai Mara and learn about how your safari trip can make a meaningful contribution to their efforts.
Isang Litrong Liwanag (Liter of Light)
The concept: While most of us take sunlight for granted, many communities in the Philippines live in cramped living spaces with little to no light. This program has changed to way of life for many community members by developing a low cost and sustainable solar light alternative using plastic bottles, a little mineral water and a touch of bleach.
Try this: Make one at home with your kids, make a contribution to the organization, or just spread the word.
Heifer International
The concept: It’s simple enough – when resources are scare, giving a gift of livestock and training to families and communities helps improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. Donations start at USD 10 and can help transform lives.
Try this: When my sister got married, I donated 2 llamas to communities in Latin America instead of getting her a material gift.
Make your money go further: Heifer has a HUGE matching gifts program, so if you or a friend, or a friend of a friend works for a major corporation, you can get that company to match your donation. In addition, donations are tax deductible.
Water for People
The concept: “Around the world, 884 million people do not have access to safe drinking water and 2.6 billion are without adequate sanitation facilities.” My favorite solution they have is called Play Pumps, and builds merry-go-rounds that children play on while simultaneously pumping water from the water table!
Try this: Start a fundraiser at your company or local school.
Other organizations that offer great matching gift programs:
www.WWF.org
www.roomtoread.org
www.doctorswithoutborders.org
