We need your help to prepare for next week's DU Fund Drive -- Nominate your favorite charity!

[Skinner]

As you may know, next week is the Democratic Underground fourth quarter 2009 fund drive. With Thanksgiving coming up soon, we have decided to do something different for the DU fund drive this year -- in the spirit of giving thanks and giving back.

During next week's fund drive Democratic Underground is going to donate 10% of the funds we receive to a selected group of charities. Here's how it's going to work:

This week, with the help of the DU membership, we are going to select six charities to support. Each of the charities will be assigned a day: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday/Sunday. Each day of the fund drive, 10% of funds donated to Democratic Underground will be donated to that day's assigned charity. A list of charities will be made available to DU members who wish to donate so you can plan your donation to benefit the charity of your choice.

The process to select the six charities is going to be fairly casual. If you are interested in suggesting a charity, you should do so in this thread. If you like someone else's suggestion in this thread, please feel free to reply to their post to say so. If necessary, we will open additional threads throughout the week in order to solicit more suggestions and narrow down the choices to the final six.

Our intent is to come up with a list of six charities that, taken together, broadly represent this community and its values. Obviously, we will not be able to accommodate everyone's favorite charity. But we hope that everyone will find at least one charity that you want to help support (while you support DU). With this in mind, we intend to select the charities so their missions do not overlap. In other words: We're not going to select multiple charities that do basically the same thing. So, for example, if we have an environmental charity on the list, we're not going to select two or three of them -- there will just be one.

One more thing: The charity CANNOT be political. No political parties or candidates or PACs or other organizations intended to influence campaigns. It is against the law for Democratic Underground (a corporation) to donate money to political organizations.

So, let's get started... Tell us your favorite charities!

[rucky]

1. Heifer.org

http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.201470/

[derby378]

37. I second that!

:hi:

[Brickbat]

39. I *love* Heifer International. They're an excellent idea.

[onestepforward]

88. +1

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

93. Thirded. Or fourthed. Or whatever. n/t

[tekisui]

96. I support this.

[Blue_In_AK]

104. I was going to suggest that.

Excellent charity. My mom and dad always used to gift us kids at Christmastime with donations of pieces of animals for the Heifer Project. I didn't appreciate it much at the time - being a kid - but now I see the wisdom of their ways.

[patrice]

126. My second choice. Great organization!

[The Straight Story]

2. Health Insurance companies

:)

[mmonk]

111. And Goldman Sachs.

;-)

[rucky]

141. They are doing God's work, after all.

[JANdad]

3. Children's Make-A-Wish Foundation

[lpbk2713]

8. My favorite charity as well.

They brightened my grandson's life without even being asked.

[JANdad]

16. I'm glad

and sad for you at the same time...:hug:

[redqueen]

4. Feeding America

They used to be called Second Harvest.
http://feedingamerica.org/default.aspx?SHOW_SHOV=1

[babylonsister]

9. Oops! I like your idea; didn't know the name had changed. Here's

a link:

http://feedingamerica.org/default.aspx?show_shov=1/

[graycem]

62. I vote Feeding America too...

It's amazing what the food banks can do with every dollar.

[ohtransplant]

102. +1 for Feeding America

Love Them. Great charity and most needed right now.

My other choices would be;

National Association of Free Clinics

Heifer

USO

Best to all

[intheflow]

124. This one is my choice, as well. n/t

[TommyO]

145. An absolutely must to support in the fund raiser!

[Sisaruus]

175. I agree.

[LynneSin]

5. Red Cross

With everything that is happening around the globe, Red Cross is the one group there.

[babylonsister]

6. Second Harvest, and great idea, Skinner! nt

[sinkingfeeling]

7. Feeding America (was Second Harvest)

[Beaverhausen]

57. yes, these wonderful people get my vote, too

[peace13]

10. Planned Parenthood. n/t

[eShirl]

18. seconded!

[Hatchling]

24. Thirded!

If Stupid amendment is added to the Senate bill they will need it!

[LynneSin]

23. I asked Skinner about this and this was his reply (and oh - 3rd)

Re: Can you support Planned Parenthood
From: Skinner
Date: Nov-10-09 10:26 AM
I believe so. We can support Planned Parenthood, but we cannot support the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (a PAC).

>just curious



So this has my vote!

[Hatchling]

25. Jinx! Lol.

[peace13]

27. And... we can dedicate the donation to anyone we want!

That sounds like a contest!

[Soylent Brice]

92. my vote as well.

hard to choose.

[Le Taz Hot]

26. Count me in on this option.

[Heidi]

28. Agree 100 percent.

:kick:

[PeaceNikki]

33. Indeed.

I came to post this and glad to see it's already on the list. :)

[PeaceNikki]

34. ALSO... we need to name Sarah Palin as the honoree in this donation.

PPPuulleeze!!

[debbierlus]

117. Oh I do so love it!

Yes, yes, yes!

[Control-Z]

183. Double PPPuulleeze!!

And a personal and heartfelt "Thank You" note to Sarah for each and every penny donated would be a lovely touch, don't you think?

[nolabear]

53. Absolutely. Women need someone on our side, and the statement is great.

[JetCityLiberal]

91. Yes. DU women deserve this.

All women deserve this.

Paul

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

101. My choice too!

[EndersDame]

105. another vote for PP!

[dana_b]

114. +1

[bluetrain]

132. +1

[TommyO]

146. Count me in for Planned Parenthood as well

They're worthy of support, as is Feeding America.

[Renew Deal]

147. I don't think we should do this one.

Too political.

[peace13]

155. LOL! n/t

[Control-Z]

184. Women's health care services

are too political? Wow. My entire life I thought they were just necessary (the services) and, without insurance coverage, expensive.

Imagine that, though - a political board donating to a political charity. We might get a bad rep for backing one of our causes.

[NashVegas]

177. +1

[SIMPLYB1980]

11. Homes for Vets.

http://www.homesforvets.com/

[NYC_SKP]

12. ASPCA. For the kittehs and puppehs who keep us humble and sane.

http://www.aspca.org/

:P

[pipi_k]

54. Seconded. I'm such a sucker for the animals...

:loveya:

[RebelOne]

59. I will third that nomination.

[Ignis]

80. And my vote for it pushes it forward to four.

Forsooth! :P

[Jamastiene]

100. Five.

Animals are the best friends a person can have.

[dana_b]

113. gets my vote! n/t

[Fire1]

123. Dittto! n/t

[bluethruandthru]

139. Another vote for animals! n/t

[tencats]

168. Count me in on this one.

nm.

[Trailrider1951]

186. One more for our precious kittehs and goggies

Cheezburgers for all!

[chatnoir]

187. Another vote for ASPCA

[The Straight Story]

13. Make a wish foundation (nt)

[Bluzmann57]

I have two

American Cancer Society and it is personal, I admit. The second one is Habitat for Humanity, a great organization which helps out many people in need all over the world. And Jimmy Carter heads it up so they are definitely doing good work.
Just my two cents worth.

[WhollyHeretic]

14. Doctors Without Borders

[XemaSab]

74. +1

:)

[GeorgeGist]

169. +2

[GardeningGal]

15. Modest Needs organization.....link below

http://www.modestneeds.org/

[Peacetrain]

17. Heifer Project.

I would love to nominate ..Bread for the World, but I think it probably does not meet the qualifications

[mopinko]

29. i love heifer

teaching to fish, as they say. they do trees now, for those who don't like the idea of cows, etc.

[havocmom]

19. USO or other troop focused group with proven track record for meeting some of their needs

Some material, mental, support for the troops is a worthy endeavor for our little group here, as we work on the goal of getting them home safely.

[Heidi]

20. Appleseed: a network of public interest justice centers.

http://www.appleseeds.net/bAboutUsb/tabid/67/Default.aspx

[LynneSin]

21. Planned Parenthood. Not the PAC, just the general fund

Since Planned Parenthood will provide women's healthcare to those who can't afford it. I think this is a very noble progressive cause to support.

[tammywammy]

22. A Wish With Wings n/t

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

30. Kiva. No politics, no ideology, and it actually changes the world.

[dropkickpa]

31. St. Jude's

They donate to patient care and to research.

[WI_DEM]

32. I go along with those who say Second Harvest.

[area51]

35. Remote Area Medical

How about Stan Brock's Remote Area Medical? His team comes to the U.S. to help us because we have no right to healthcare here.

[Loki]

72. I second this recommendation

Donate and volunteer if you can when they are in your area.

[LynzM]

36. charity: water

http://www.charitywater.org/

"WHY WATER.
Right now, 1.1 billion people on the planet don't have access to safe, clean drinking water. That's one in six of us.
WHO WE ARE.
charity: water is a non profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. We give 100% of the money raised to direct project costs, funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest need. Just $20 can give one person in a developing nation clean water for 20 years."

[Ohio Joe]

38. Breast cancer

http://www.pinkribbon.org/

[Brickbat]

40. Planned Parenthood, Heifer International, Operation Smile

[Mr. McD]

41. Holt International Children's Services

http://www.holtintl.org/

[Bluenorthwest]

42. Second Harvest is a great choice

as is Planned Parenthood. Kiva, Heifer, many ideas on this thread I have, do, and can support. I already like this fund raiser idea, and already wish I had much to give.

[Peregrine Took]

43. The wonderful Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY.

The stories that you read here could rip your heart out.


http://farmsanctuary.org/

[Hissyspit]

44. Kick nt

[Arkansas Granny]

45. Doctors Without Borders

http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

[Gormy Cuss]

122. +1 n/t

[bain_sidhe]

46. Waggin' Tails Dog Rescue! Or...ASPCA

Ok, Waggin' Tails is a local rescue group I volunteer for, and I know it's not really appropriate. It needs to be something national. So my vote is ASPCA

[closeupready]

47. The Near East Foundation.

http://www.neareast.org/main/default.aspx

[debbierlus]

48. NARAL Pro Choice America or is that a political organization?

Given the recent event in the House, I think this is the organization that DU should select. And, take a real stand.

[LynneSin]

99. NARAL is a bit too political - I'd go with Planned Parenthood

There is the non-PAC fund that goes to supporting the clinics.

[debbierlus]

119. Then, Planned Parenthood is my vote

Definitely

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

49. Mercy Corps

http://www.mercycorps.org/

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.


Over the last five years, we've allocated more than 89% of our resources directly to programs. America's premier charity evaluator gives Mercy Corps four stars in organizational efficiency.

[krispos42]

50. So DU can't give to political organizations, huh?

Gee, I wish ExxonMobile and UHC had to follow the same rules we do.




Anyway I'd like to nominate my cat for charity. She's had a tough time this year, moving three times and all. And that 10-week period with the three dogs.... ugh. Traumatic for the poor kitty hiding behind a TV set for days at a time.


After that, Planned Parenthood definately needs a boost. And the National Association of Free Clinics, the charity that KO was promoting on his show a few weeks ago.

[Meshuga]

51. www.mazon.org n/t

[A HERETIC I AM]

52. The Gesundheit Institute (Dr. Hunter Campbell "Patch" Adams)

http://www.patchadams.org/

[CBR]

55. I Love Mountains

http://ilovemountains.org/

Fight to End Mountaintop Removal

[Javaman]

56. Me.

:rofl:

[ChoppinBroccoli]

58. The Human Fund

Money for people.

I'm also a big fan of the "Pay Off Choppin's Student Loans" Foundation. They do good work.

[mmonk]

60. The Autism Society

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer

[Odin2005]

108. Seconded!

[Tikki]

61. The Ali Forney Center.....

The Center in New York that Bea Arthur bequeathed some of her estate for
LGBT homeless youths.


Tikki

[redqueen]

63. Kick!

:kick:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

64. As Always, I Stand FIRM On America's Second Harvest. All Around The Most Solid National Charity.

Not a hole can be found in it and it helps countless people.

[redqueen]

65. They're now called Feeding America.

That's six votes for them so far. :woohoo:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

69. I Saw That On Their Mailer The Other Day.

Figured most here would recognize the name I put more readily.

I hope it gets wider support. Everyone has their own pet charity, but charity is about helping the widest net of people as possible regardless of who, what or how they are. Feeding America does that; and does it better than any other charity I can think of.

I originally found them here; the first year DU did this. I've been a loyal fan of them ever since. What they do is amazing.

[flvegan]

66. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

[Chan790]

133. I'll give that a second. n/t

[InvisibleTouch]

164. Another vote for Sea Shepherd. That was going to be my suggestion too.

There are lots of great organizations that help the planet and endangered species, but no one has as much of my respect as the Sea Shepherd crew. They are actually out there in harm's way to make a positive difference.

[SidDithers]

67. NARAL...nt

Sid

[Control-Z]

182. Another good one.

I suggested Planned Parenthood.

[TransitJohn]

68. AIG

:sarcasm:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

70. PLANNED PARENTHOOD

do I really need to explain why?








PS. Great idea, Admins. :)

[nyc 4 Biden]

71. childfund

http://www.childfund.org/

[Tommy_Carcetti]

73. Any organization that deals with poverty or hunger.

Whether it is in this country or any other country. It's especially important in these times.

[redqueen]

78. Pssst...

how about Feeding America (was Second Harvest)?

:7


(also, your avatar is so nice. :))

[Tommy_Carcetti]

87. Sounds great to me!

Thanks!

[BeHereNow]

89. We have such a place here in the Lakota Nation...

Please take time to visit their web site.

The poverty on the Lakota Rez is unparalleled in the US.

http://www.friendsofpineridgereservation.org/

BHN

[XemaSab]

75. Kiva

I think we should get a rolling donation going there. :)

[Lifelong Protester]

170. I agree, DU needs a 'group' there

I vote that one of the charities should be Kiva. There are struggling small business folks in this country they support also. In case anyone here doesn't know about them, they are a microlending organization. You can go to their website www.kiva.org and check out who you are lending to, making it specific to a part of the world, gender, type of business, etc. I support it!

[Betsy Ross]

76. Free Clinics n/t

[CTyankee]

77. Planned Parenthood

Heifer International would be my second choice.

[jus_the_facts]

79. The Humane Society of the United States

[Prism]

81. PFLAG

A contribution to acceptance of LGBTers and full equality would not steer this place entirely wrong.

[Divine Discontent]

95. +1

we know Feeding America will probably get chosen, and some other obvious popular ones. So, I thought, what was a good pro-rights group, and, since Gay people are by far the most discriminated against (not allowed to adopt children for God's sake!) group, I think the group that helps THE family of their Gay child, would be great. These are the people who help break down barriers with other people in getting them to accept GLBT people a lot more so than us Gay folks typically could. Because they're not Gay - and that's very important. I know when I stand up for people not like myself, I get a bigger amount of time alloted my way to speak up. The same goes for our friends who support GLBTQ folks. What a helpful group they are!

[stephinrome]

82. Iraq Veterans Against the War

http://www.ivaw.org

They've been consistent in their calls for withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan, for taking care of the soldiers when they get home and for reparations to the peoples of the countries we've destroyed.

Let's give these young men and women some help in continuing their work!

[deminks]

83. National Association of Free Clinics

http://www.freeclinics.us/

http://www.freeclinics.us/events.php

Healthcare is not political.

[marlakay]

94. I second this nt

[BeHereNow]

84. Friends of Pine Ridge( Lakota Nation)

I can think of no more poverty stricken region in the United States.
http://www.friendsofpineridgereservation.org/

They need us.
Truly.

BHN

[Brother Buzz]

85. Fresh Start

I know it's regional (SF Bay area) but it has been growing and expanding and does tremendous work. Heck, even something as mundane as box of new underwear goes a long way towards turning some lives around.

Wish list:

http://login.npwebsiteservices.com/Fresh_Start_Walnut_CreekAXSCXS/FreshStartWishList.asp


Snoop around their site and see what the can and will do.

Dearly departed Alice had a dream, worked tirelessly, and made it a reality.

http://www.freshstartwc.org/WelcometoFreshStartWa.asp

[NikolaC]

86. Food & Friends

Food & Friends is in the DC area and they provide meals for people living with diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.

[Ocracoker16]

129. Go Food and Friends!

I know that it is too regional to be picked, but it deserves mention. On Thanksgiving they provide a Thanksgiving meal to their clients which feeds 4 people so that the client can invite family and friends over for a turkey dinner.

7,800 pounds of turkey are distributed

I do strongly support Feeding America.

[redqueen]

90. Kick!

:kick:

[peacebaby3]

97. Equal Justice Initiative

The Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama is a private, nonprofit organization that provides legal representation to indigent defendants and prisoners who have been denied fair and just treatment in the legal system.

We litigate on behalf of condemned prisoners, juvenile offenders, people wrongly convicted or charged with violent crimes, poor people denied effective representation, and others whose trials are marked by racial bias or prosecutorial misconduct. EJI works with communities that have been marginalized by poverty and discouraged by unequal treatment.

EJI also prepares reports, newsletters and manuals to assist advocates and policymakers in the critically important work of reforming the administration of criminal justice.


Your support makes our work possible. Your contribution is critical to our efforts to reform the administration of criminal justice, challenge poverty in the Deep South and address the legacy of racial apartheid, segregation,and prejudice, and educate the public and policymakers about problems facing the poor and the imprisoned. Your support makes it possible for us to confront the hopelessness, fear, and anger that result in excessive punishments, imprisonment, and greater marginalization of the poor, people of color, children, and the mentally ill.
The Equal Justice Initiative is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and does not represent payment for goods or services rendered.


<http://www.eji.org>

[cayanne]

98. Hospice

All others recommended are great too.

[akbacchus_BC]

103. Excellent idea Skinner. My first choice is Feeding America and

second is PFLAG.

Wishing that this fundraising quarter is the best ever.

Thank you

[BR_Parkway]

106. Wine to Water - and don't forget to vote for the founder on CNN's Heros

for 2009 list

They are bringing clean drinking water to communities all over the world - ordinary people making a big change in people's lives

http://www.winetowater.org

[MerryBlooms]

107. ASPCA and Feeding America

n/t

[Skinner]

109. Kick. (nt)

[Lisa0825]

110. Modest Needs

www.modestneeds.org

[Broken_Hero]

112. American Indian College Fund.

http://www.collegefund.org/

[glinda]

115. Environmental Defense fund

[Lorien]

181. Another great one

amazing how those defending the planet we all live on get so little notice around here, isn't it?

[blaze]

116. Great idea!

Feeding America tops my list (they support my favorite local charity, Food Bank of the Rockies)

Then I'd go with

Planned Parenthood
Freeclinics
Heifer
ASPCA

Damn.

I'm gonna hafta donate all week long....

[ourbluenation]

118. The Cosmetic and Reconstructive Support Program from the Nat'l Coalition against Domestic Violence

http://www.ncadv.org/
http://www.ncadv.org/programs/CosmeticandReconstructiveSupport.php


Cosmetic and Reconstructive Support
The Cosmetic and Reconstructive Support (CRS) Program is the only direct service program that the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) offers to survivors. The NCADV works closely in partnership with three medical associations to assist survivors of domestic violence who cannot afford the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and dentistry needed to repair the injuries they have received from a spouse or intimate partner. Facial plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists and dermatological surgeons from across the country volunteer their services to assist survivors in removing the physical scars of abuse.

FACE TO FACE is a program that was started in 1994 by the Educational and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). The FACE TO FACE Program offers facial plastic and reconstructive surgery to domestic violence survivors to repair injuries on the face, head and neck caused by an intimate partner or spouse. The toll-free number for the FACE TO FACE Program is 1-800-842-4546.

Give Back A Smile (GBAS) is a program that was started in 1999 by the National Humanitarian Program of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and the AACD Charitable Foundation. The GBAS Program offers cosmetic dentistry to domestic violence survivors to repair injuries to the front teeth in the “smile zone” caused by an intimate partner or spouse. The toll-free number for the GBAS Program is 1-800-773-GBAS (4227).

The program sponsored by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) was formally known as the Skin Care Outreach Empowers Survivors or S.C.O.R.E.S. Program and was started in 1999. This program is no longer recognized by ASDS as of 2004 although they still provide volunteers from their membership that offer dermatologic surgery to domestic violence survivors to repair skin injuries (scars, burns, tattoos) on the body caused by an intimate partner or spouse. The toll-free number for the program formally known as S.C.O.R.E.S. is 1-888-892-6702.

[tbyg52]

120. Ten whole percent? To a *group* of charities? How much do you take in on these things?

Oh, that's right - you are neither a public corporation nor a PAC (you're an LLC, last time I looked - which was just now), so you don't have to tell anybody. Just sayin.....

Yeah, I know I don't have to be here (or donate, or post) if I don't want to. Just sayin.....

Edited to add that I am not intentionally being Scrooge here - just making a comment on something I noticed a long time ago. And I do my own charitable donations, so that I know exactly how much goes where.

[Skinner]

138. If historical donation patterns hold...

...the total value of donations to Democratic Underground next week will be about $20,000. (That is only 1/4 of the $80,000 that Free Republic raises every quarter.) Which means the total donated to all of the charities will be only about $2,000. Obviously $2,000 spread among six charities is not a particularly large amount of money. Believe me, I wish we raised more -- then we could donate even more to charity.

At the grocery store, I frequently see products that say they will donate money from each purchase to go to charity. I don't think many of them say they will donate 10% of the purchase price. Typically it's more like 5% or less.

Yoplait yogurt says they will donate 10 cents to fight breast cancer for each lid that that you mail in to Yoplait. How much does Yoplait yogurt cost? Maybe a buck? And what percentage of those yogurt lids actually gets put into the mail and sent to Yoplait? I'm guessing they get fewer than 5% of their lids back. Which means they're donating about 1% or 2% to charity, which is less than we're doing. Of course, Yoplait yogurt sells millions of tubs of yogurt, so they probably raise millions of dollars. Obviously a that's a good thing, and it'll make more of an impact than our little $2,000 donation. But I don't think Democratic Underground or our members come off looking like a bunch of cheapskates in the comparison -- after all, we're giving 10% while the The Mighty Multinational Yoplait Yogurt Corporation is only giving 1%.

To state the obvious: This is a fund raiser for Democratic Underground. The DU admins put our heads together about a month ago to try to come up with a fun idea that ties in with Thanksgiving. We thought the idea of donating a percentage to charity fit with the spirit of Thanksgiving. A number of our members have suggested this in the past.

If members want to give more money to any charity, they are (of course) welcome to do so by donating to that charity directly. Who knows, by giving a few charities some prominent placement on our website for a week, a few of our visitors (of which there will probably be about a million next week) might learn about a charity they never heard of before, and might be motivated to donate directly to that charity -- or even become a lifetime supporter of that charity.

[Renew Deal]

151. I understand that you're trying to do a good thing

I wonder if you should do this differently. Maybe you should make this a regular fundraiser. Then do a seperate week where you raise money for six charities to split evenly. I think they will each do much better that way.

I hate doing this to you Skinner. This is the kind of discussion that pops up when you try to do a good thing.

If you go through with this plan, I will probably have to increase the amount I normally donate. I'm sure you're expecting that. :)

[Skinner]

157. We typically do a donation drive at the end of the year for one charity.

That is a separate thing, and does not benefit DU in any way. Typically we raise about $20,000 for that charity (usually America's Second Harvest/Feeding America). We will probably do it again this year.

[Control-Z]

173. Can you set it up so we can make our donation to DU

and then add an additional amount to go directly to the charity?

[NightWatcher]

121. another vote for feeding the less fortunate amongst us

[patrice]

125. American Friends Service Committee

http://www.afsc.org/

Some of the smartest, best informed, most broadly educated, inclusive, open, deeply committed to Economic & Social Justice people around. They also produce EXCELLENT education resources.

[Motown_Johnny]

127. Planned Parenthood

[saltpoint]

128. Amnesty International.

[DainBramaged]

130. I nominate..............

Big Apple Bull Terrier Rescue


http://www.bigapplebullies.com/

We are a small, independent Bull Terrier rescue group in New York City. We find homes for English Bull Terriers who have been abandoned, surrendered or otherwise need a new living situation.


Yes I donate regularly in memory of my beloved 14 year old Corey who passed over the bridge in 2008,


and if I could have another Bullie in my apartment, I'd adopt another in a heartbeat. I realize this is not even conceivable here, but I just wanted people to know where my heart is.

[Auggie]

131. Planned Parenthood

[enigmatic]

134. Planned Parenthood

[liberalla]

135. Feeding America.

[dogday]

136. American Heart Association

More people die of Heart Disease than any other illness. Number 1 leading killer in this country..

[Kind of Blue]

137. Can we nominate a fellow DUer who lost his very young son,

marriage and job while caring for another son and whose dad is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease? I'm sure this DUer has donated many times in the past and it just seems fitting to me for DU to give back to him in a time of dire need.

[japple]

140. Remote Area Medical Foundation. This is the group that held free medical/dental

clinics all across the US this year. They have an excellent reputation and they really strive to keep down administrative costs, and to use most of their donations for patient care. If you saw the reports on TV of the free medical clinics in Los Angeles, West Virginia and Texas earlier this year, this group is responsible.

The Remote Area Medical® (RAM) Volunteer Corps is a non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world.

Founded in 1985, Remote Area Medical® is a publicly supported all-volunteer charitable organization. Volunteer doctors, nurses, pilots, veterinarians and support workers participate in expeditions (at their own expense) in some of the world's most exciting places. Medical supplies, medicines, facilities and vehicles are donated.

Remote Area Medical Foundation
1834 Beech Street
Knoxville, TN 37920
1-877-5RAMUSA
865-579-1530

http://www.ramusa.org/index.html

Accomplishments
As of June 16, 2008, your efforts have enabled RAM to deliver the following free medical, dental, vision care and veterinary care to the underserved:
Total patient encounters 357,368
Total value of free care donated by RAM to the underserved $33,079,038
Total number of participating ram volunteers 36,675
Total glasses given 70,704
Total teeth extracted 109,555
Total veterinary care 63,785 animals

Special Project Guyana:-

In addition to the above statistics, the Wings of Hope REMOTE AREA MEDICAL® RAM AIRBORNE free air ambulance service in Guyana S.A., has evacuated over 1,217 emergency patients from isolated Amerindian villages to medical facilities.

[Lifelong Protester]

171. I also recommend this organization

n/t

[Vinnie From Indy]

142. The Human Fund

George Costanza's personal favorite!

The American Civil Liberties Union!

[LynneSin]

149. YES!!!! Money for the People!!!

[conscious evolution]

143. Lake Claire Community Land Trust

www.lcclt.org

The Lake Claire Community Land Trust (LCCT) was initially founded by a visionary group of neighbors who bought red clay and kudzu covered land from MARTA with the intention of creating a “greenspace” for community use and enhancement. With time, energy and love it has evolved into the wonderful haven it is today. To read about our history and credo click here.

People come from all over to walk their dogs, play with their kids in the sand pile, garden, enjoy the greenspace, the sunsets and the shade of the magnificent trees; to celebrate community through festivals, craft fairs, drum circles, taking saunas and sharing food. Our neighbors are encouraged and welcome to enjoy the Land Trust gardens and play areas. See one vision of How to build a Land Trust, click here. The LCCLT continues to evolve with our efforts. We invite you to GET INVOLVED.

[G_j]

144. great environmental org:

http://wilderness.org/

[Renew Deal]

148. There should probably be one AIDS charity and one Veterans charity

I don't think we've ever done an AIDS charity and it's been a long time since anything was done with a vets charity. The Vets (like others) need it.

List of National top rated AIDS charities: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?keyword_list=aids&bay=search.results&overallrtg=4&scopeid=2

List of Veterans Charities: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=280

[Renew Deal]

150. The six types of charities we should donate to.

Domestic support group: American Red Cross www.redcross.org
International support group: OXFAM www.oxfam.org
Veterans: Fisher House Foundation www.fisherhouse.org
AIDS: National Aids Foundation www.aidsfund.org
Puppies and Kitties: ASPCA www.aspca.org
And two days for domestic hunger which is a huge issue right now. Our old favorite: Feeding America www.feedingamerica.org

[lumberjack_jeff]

152. ARC of the US n/t

[lonestarnot]

153. From me to them, that way I know they get it. Sorry Skinner.

[Skinner]

158. You know, I do not mind if you do not donate.

But I am bothered very much by the implication that I might pocket the money for myself and not make the donations to the selected charities.

[lonestarnot]

160. That is not at all what I meant! It is the admistration in charity that I worry about! Not for one

instant you silly wabbit!

[Skinner]

161. I am sorry for misunderstanding.

Thank you for the explanation.

[lonestarnot]

162. Haste in posting is not a good thing.

Mea culpa. So I guess I'm forgiven. :shrug:

Thanks for all you do! :hug:

[Skinner]

166. Of course you are forgiven.

:hug:

[Robb]

174. Get a room you two!

:D :hi:

[lonestarnot]

176. Best part of falling out of good graces, is

getting back in them! :hi:

[Renew Deal]

154. There's an organization that rates these charities

Lots of interesting info: www.charitynavigator.org

Some of our favorites aren't the most efficient.

[Missy Vixen]

156. Treehouse

Treehouse helps foster children actually have a childhood by underwriting items such as tutoring, sports fees, music lessons, and even helping with clothing and toiletries.

They're not huge, but they do great work.

http://www.treehouse4kids.org/

[Tikki]

159. Thanks for the link...I want to learn more...

Tikki

[Paper Roses]

163. I would like to nominate Animal Umbrella. A No Kill shelter.

This organization does great work and is not as well known an the Animal Rescue League. They are hurting now with all the homeless kitties.

http://www.animalumbrella.org/

[barbtries]

165. Justice for Murdered Children

http://www.jfmc.org/

go to the billboards, my daughter's on one.

[redqueen]

167. Kick!

:kick:

[Control-Z]

172. PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Could the time be more appropriate? We will be needing PPs services more than ever. Women's lives depend on them.

Women need representation in a big way. I can't think of a better one than helping to provide for women's essential health needs, including abortion services.

[undergroundpanther]

178. On Our own and mindfreedom

on our own creates peer run drop in centers for people with mental illness. I call them sanctuaries. The Drop in I work with is SPIN.
They also run a thing called the stigma project,reach out to the GBLT community,and educate the members of the drop in offers peer support in a whole lot of ways,and teaches the community at large about mental illness.
Check out On Our Own
http://www.onourownmd.org/asp.html
http://www.onourownmd.org/history.html#


Also I nominate Mind Freedom they fight for human rights for the mentally ill. And mindfreedom is who puts on the Mad pride gatherings.
http://www.mindfreedom.org/

[glinda]

179. VetDogs. They pair injured Vets with service dogs.

[Lorien]

180. Protecting the one thing we all depend on: National Resources Defense

council: http://www.nrdc.org/ they step up against the corporate interests to keep our air and water clean and protect what little wilderness is left. They are on the front lines when it comes to climate change and clean, green energy. It ain't as sexy as some other groups, but all life on earth-including yours and mine-depends on what they protect.

[thepeopleunited]

185. The ACLU is fighting some vital but thankless human rights battles

against illegal rendition and torture of innocent detainees. Possibly that could be considered political, but I don't think they actually endorse political candidates. Here's how they describe their work:

"The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country."

http://www.aclu.org/our-work

Anyhow, I didn't see them mentioned, so I thought I'd put in a plug. :)

[Boojatta]

188. Even without torture, I hear that imprisonment can be bad.

There's an organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people through DNA testing:

www.innocenceproject.org

[IdaBriggs]

189. Preemie Growth Project - please read disclaimer.

I am the Executive Director of this group. We are conducting a study in southeastern Michigan to determine if we can help premature infants "catch up" in 2-6 months. We are a non-profit, but still awaiting word about our 501(c)(3) status from the good folks at the IRS (which could be months). We begin accepting participants in mid-December (if everything goes well).

You can read about us at www.preemiegrowthproject.org (keeping in mind our website isn't scheduled to be available to the public until December 1, 2009).

Mods, if my personal involvement in this project is too much of a conflict of interest, please delete my post.

:)

[Thickasabrick]

190. World Wildlife Fund nt