The Heart of Community Giving
Support local nonprofits this holiday season
By Erica de Flamand
The holiday season is often a time of generosity and gratitude when many people choose to give back, not only to family and friends, but also to their communities. One of the most meaningful ways to do this is by supporting nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofits play an important role in society. They provide food to families in need, shelter for those without homes (including animals), educational programs for children, medical care for vulnerable populations, and countless other services that improve lives—the impact of which is often felt directly by people who may otherwise go without support.
This year, many nonprofits are facing significant challenges with fundraising. Rising costs, increased demand for services, and donor fatigue have made it harder for organizations to meet their goals. As a result, even programs that provide essential support to communities are at risk of being reduced or paused. Every bit of help—whether through time, resources, or donations—has a real impact and can make a critical difference for those they serve.
Giving to nonprofits at the end of the year is also practical and beneficial for donors, as it often provides tax benefits. As you plan for your own holiday giving, it is important to make sure your donation goes to an ethical and trustworthy organization. Here are a few things to look for:
Transparency: An ethical nonprofit openly shares how donations are used. They publish annual impact reports and financial statements that explain where donor dollars go.
Accountability: Look for organizations governed by a board of directors, guided by clear policies, and pursuing credentials in their field. This ensures decisions are made responsibly and with the safety of others in mind.
Mission Focus: The nonprofit should have a clear mission statement and stay true to it, rather than spreading resources too thin or chasing trends.
Reputation: Check independent sources such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar/Candid, or community feedback to see how the organization is rated and perceived.
Supporting nonprofits during the holidays is more than just writing a check—it’s a way to strengthen communities and make a lasting difference in people’s lives. By giving thoughtfully and choosing ethical organizations, your generosity can help bring hope and joy to others at a time when it is needed most.
Ways to Support Nonprofits Beyond Money
If you don’t have extra funds to give this season, you can still make a meaningful difference. Nonprofits thrive not only on donations but also on the time, skills, and voices of their supporters. Here are some impactful ways you can help without opening your wallet:
Volunteer your time: Many nonprofits rely on volunteers to help run events, organize donations, mentor participants, or assist with administrative work. Even a few hours can make a big impact.
Donate goods or services: Instead of money, consider giving items nonprofits need. You can also donate professional skills like graphic design, marketing, or legal support. Ask for an organization’s wish list!
Share their message: Use your social media or community connections to amplify a nonprofit’s mission. A simple share, tag, or conversation can reach someone who is able to give or get involved.
Attend events: Showing up matters. By attending a fundraiser, educational program, or community event, you’re helping to build a
sense of connection around the nonprofit’s mission.
Join a board or committee: Nonprofits need thoughtful leadership.
If you have expertise in areas like finance, strategy, or communications, consider serving in an advisory role to guide the organization forward.
Offer space or resources: If you have access to meeting space, vehicles, equipment, or office supplies, offering them can save nonprofits money and help them serve more people directly.
Ask what they need: The best way to help a nonprofit is to ask what their biggest need is from the list above.
To help guide your end-of-year and holiday giving, here’s a short list of hardworking, registered 501c3 nonprofits in each southeastern state traveled by Backroad Portfolio.
North Carolina
Designed ForJoy
designedforjoy.com
Provides women in crisis stability through immediate employment and support.
Equuvation
equuvation.org
Provides no-cost nature-based therapeutic services for those living with a disability and/or navigating trauma.
Cancer for College
cancerforcollege.org
Provides college scholarships, medical debt relief, and educational experiences for cancer survivors.
Triad Restorative Justice
triadrj.org
Empowers people through restorative practices, advocacy, and community building to minimize further harm.
South Carolina
Bridged
bridgedsc.org
Supports parents navigating disability; and works to foster empathy, awareness, and inclusion among students.
Let There Be Mom
lettherebemom.org
Dedicated to serving local moms and dads who are battling a life-threatening illness.
Village Engage
villageengage.com
Works to build a more just and compassionate Greenville through connecting people and programs.
Triune Mercy Center
triunemercy.org
Triune Mercy Center’s Greenville Homeless Alliance ignites change to address homelessness in Greenville County.
Georgia
The Sheltering Arms
shelteringarmsforkids.com
Works to transform the lives of children and their families through high-quality, affordable, early childhood education.
LifeLine Animal Project
lifelineanimal.org
Helps over 45,000 pets each year through low-cost spay and neuter services, affordable vet care, and pet retention services.
Park Pride
parkpride.org
Helps communities enhance parks and greenspace through advocacy, volunteerism, and capital improvements.
Hand, Heart + Soul Project
handheartsoulproject.org
Serves as a boots-on-the-ground organization for healthy kids, families, and communities.
Tennessee
charity: water
charitywater.org
Works to bring clean and safe drinking water to every person on the planet, with global headquarters in Tennessee.
Soles4Souls
soles4souls.org
Turns unwanted shoes/clothing into opportunity—providing relief and creating jobs to break the cycle of poverty.
Jordan Thomas Foundation
jordanthomasfoundation.org
Helps kids get the prostheses they need to lead healthy and active lives.
Sharebuilt Inc.
sharebuilt.org
Connects nonprofit design and construction needs with professionals who can help.
Virginia
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Inc.
brafb.org
A community food bank that is the largest hunger relief organization in central and western Virginia.
Navy SEAL Foundation
navysealfoundation.org
Provides critical support for the warriors, veterans, and families of Naval Special Warfare (NSW)
HumanKind
humankind.org
Strengthens individuals, families, and communities through care, counseling, and education.
Hooves and Paws
hoovesandpaws.org
Provides a safe haven for unwanted, abused, and homeless animals, including adoption and sanctuary efforts.
Hurricane Helene Aftermath
It’s been a year since Hurricane Helene devastated our region, yet many communities are still struggling to rebuild. Families remain displaced, businesses recover slowly, and critical infrastructure needs repair. The best way to help is by supporting nonprofits working daily on the ground. In addition to the local groups above, the organizations listed below continue serving this region and responding to other disasters nationwide. Please consider supporting them this holiday season.
Appalachia Service Project, Inc.
asphome.org
BeLoved Asheville
belovedasheville.org
Carolina Emergency Response Team
carolinacert.com
Cajun Navy 2016
cajunnavy2016.org
Mission Mules
missionmules.org
Operation Airdrop
operationairdrop.org
Rescue Ranch
rescueranch.com
We hope you’re enjoying our weekly email and that you always remember to …
Take the long way home.
