Team LuminAID is gearing up to celebrate Giving Tuesday! On this day of giving, which falls on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year, nonprofits raise funds to supercharge their ongoing projects. To get you in the spirit, we’re highlighting some of our nonprofit partners that you may not have heard of yet. Check out their stories below, and be sure to visit their websites to learn more about how to support them directly.
1. Off-the-Grid Missions
Off-The-Grid Missions is an organization that works to provide life-saving resources to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities around the world, particularly in remote or disaster-stricken areas. The organization provides emergency support to these groups and gives them tools to help them flourish as independent members of their communities. Angela Maria Nardolillo founded Off-The-Grid Missions after observing the difficulties that these communities face in receiving vital disaster relief information, which often travels via loudspeaker or by word-of-mouth, in addition to everyday dangers to which they can be susceptible. The nonprofit recently responded to areas of the Bahamas that were struck by Hurricane Dorian, donating water filtration systems, hygiene kits, LuminAID solar lanterns, and more.
Learn More | Off-The-Grid Missions’ Website
2. Iniciativa Comunitaria
Next up is Iniciativa Comunitaria, a nonprofit that provides social services and medical care to marginalized groups in Puerto Rico, including sex workers, the homeless, and those affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization runs rehabilitation centers and general health clinics around the island, in addition to educational and health service programs. After Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, Iniciativa Comunitaria launched emergency preparedness and disaster relief programs, and provided medical attention, shelter, and solar lanterns to vulnerable communities. Although the natural disaster added another obstacle to the lives of those already disadvantaged, Iniciativa Comunitaria is working to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Learn More | Iniciativa Comunitaria’s Website
3. The Waterbearers
Our third partner is The Waterbearers, a relatively new, yet hugely impactful organization. This women-led nonprofit works around the globe to uplift women whose societies task them with retrieving water for the family. By building reliable partnerships with larger nonprofits throughout the world, the Waterbearers are able to expand their reach. Two of the founders, Jane Brinton and Erin Toppenberg, recently visited Uganda to provide safe light and water filters to the Ugandan “water bearers,” who regularly risk their lives collecting water after the sun goes down. During their time in the country, the Waterbearers taught the women how to use the water filters and LuminAID solar lanterns, giving them knowledge that is traditionally provided to men. This direct outreach inspired Ugandan women to start a dialogue about the fear they feel on their water-collection trips, and gave them tools to help ensure their safety. The Waterbearers noted that in both supplying goods and providing education on how to use them, Ugandan women felt more safe, empowered, and ready to face the night. Recently, the organization has visited Ecuador, Nepal, and more, bringing clean water to women across the world. The Waterbearers' campaign for Giving Tuesday, #GivingWomenWater, is open for the entirety of December.
Learn More | The Waterbearers’ Website
LuminAID is proud to work with these three organizations, and the rest of our nonprofit partners, who all work tirelessly to brighten the lives of communities around the world. Check out these organizations and support their missions on Giving Tuesday by donating to their campaigns or spreading the word about their efforts. Have a wonderful Giving Tuesday, and spread some light in your community!
