Looking for ways to support your community this Giving Tuesday? New Jersey Monthly is here to help.
For anyone who may not know, Giving Tuesday—the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year—encourages people to give back however they can. Such contributions are of course always welcomed by charitable causes, but Giving Tuesday provides nonprofits and similar organizations with a special day to rally support.
Below are some New Jersey groups that could use your help on Giving Tuesday. There are many more that could use donations and volunteers, though, so think of this list as a brainstorming opportunity for various causes if you don’t see a nonprofit that resonates. And feel free to direct readers to your favorite Giving Tuesday initiatives in our replies and comments sections on social media!
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Hillside
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, a member of Feeding America, is New Jersey’s leading anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization. The organization has set a Giving Tuesday fundraising goal of $75,000, which would help provide hundreds of thousands of meals to those in need.
Eva’s Village, Paterson
Eva’s Village offers an array of social services and behavioral health programs to help people suffering from hunger, poverty, homelessness and addiction. Donations help the organization stock a community kitchen, provide fresh linens and towels to mothers and newborns, and more.
Garden State Equality, Asbury Park
Garden State Equality is New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ advocacy and education organization. Multiple Giving Tuesday fundraisers benefiting the nonprofit can be found on its Facebook page, in addition to donating via Garden State Equality’s website.
EarthShare New Jersey, Trenton
This organization aims to protect New Jersey’s land, water, air and wildlife, all the while making the state a healthier place to live, work and play. EarthShare New Jersey hopes to raise at least $1,500 on Giving Tuesday.
American Dream Partners With Make-A-Wish New Jersey, East Rutherford
Looking for a thrill ride and a good cause? A portion of American Dream’s attraction sales on Giving Tuesday are being donated to Make-A-Wish New Jersey. Patrons can also donate directly to Make-A-Wish New Jersey at “Giving Trees” located throughout American Dream throughout the month of December, among other related initiatives at the East Rutherford complex.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, East Hanover
Giving Tuesday is for more than people. At Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter and similar facilities, even a small gift can help neglected dogs and cats while they wait to find their forever homes.
The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, Trenton
The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey helps at-risk infants, children, youth, and families strive for stable, permanent and loving homes. The nonprofit uses Giving Tuesday donations to fund community programming.
Bridge Of Books Foundation, Rumson
Bridge of Books Foundation is a volunteer-led organization that provides books to underserved children throughout New Jersey with the goal of developing literacy skills and a love for reading. The organization accepts donations of time, money and, of course, books.
Disability Allies, Woodbridge
Disability Allies is hosting a charity Texas Hold’Em Tournament on Giving Tuesday at Monmouth Park Race Track in Oceanport. A $100 buy-in gives participants a chance to win a $4,500 grand prize—and donate to an organization that strives to create a more inclusive community by connecting young adults with and without special needs.
Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Brigantine
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals and sea turtles along all of New Jersey’s waterways. Donations help injured/sick animals and fund the center’s public education programs, which teach people how to preserve the state’s ecosystem.
Walk In Sunshine, Westfield
Walk In Sunshine provides assistance, such as helping with funeral costs, to families that have lost a young child in the New Jersey area. In addition to financial donations, the organization is welcoming volunteers this Giving Tuesday.
Rutgers Spotlights Four Organizations
The Rutgers University Foundation is amplifying four local organizations this Giving Tuesday: Braven (Newark), Embrace Kids Foundation (New Brunswick), Rutgers Hillel (New Brunswick), and Women of the Dream (Camden). Braven strives to equip underrepresented young people with the skills, networks and experiences they need to succeed professionally. Embrace Kids Foundation tries to lighten the burden for New Jersey and New York City-area families whose children are facing serious health challenges. Rutgers Hillel is a Jewish community dedicated to exploring and celebrating Judaism, while Women of the Dream provides programs and services to young women that prepare them for personal, professional and economic success.
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