Getting Involved: Philanthropic Opportunities In New York

Originally published on Tom Leydiker's website.

In the city that never sleeps, there are endless activities for you to become involved in. For many, New York is a place where individuals go to pursue their dreams or to discover new areas that can fulfill aspects of their lives they feel have been missing. To some, this could be furthering a professional endeavor or exploring a future in the arts. To others, it could simply be wanting to immerse themselves in an entirely different environment – a community that is constantly growing and filled with seemingly endless possibilities.

Not all seek fulfillment in their independent success, though. Some are captivated by New York for the world of philanthropy it opens up. There are so many organizations that have roots in New York. Not only do these organizations make a significant impact on the local community, but a number of them also make an impact on a global level as well. There is never an excess of resources available to these charities, so it is always inspiring to see the community come together to support these efforts with both their money and time.

If you’ve been wanting to give back but aren’t quite sure of where to start, here are a few charities that are very dear to my heart:

1. American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is dedicated to providing relief and even preventative services in order to aid suffering. Their services not only make a difference in the surrounding areas, but their outreach extends throughout the rest of the world as well. If you have had any relationship with the Red Cross in the past, you are already familiar with some of their services, like donating blood and safety courses. But their disaster relief services have quite an impact in helping to rebuild communities in third world countries and beyond.

2. Doctors Without Borders

With offices in twenty different countries, it’s no surprise how far the effects of this organization can reach. Doctors Without Borders revolutionized the way that victims of disasters and war received emergency assistance and were one of the first organizations who not only provided this service, but were able to grow it to such a large extent.

3. Habitat For Humanity

Another organization with roots in a variety of locations, Habitat For Humanity is one of the guiding forces responsible for improving the living situations of low-income families. Because of their vision, the resources they receive from their supporters, and the individuals who volunteer their time to help build the homes, they have been able to change the lives of thousands of families, promising them safety and security by putting a roof over their heads.

If any of these charities mirror causes that are important to you, consider donating to them or supporting their efforts. Without you, they would not be able to live out their missions.

Partnership Opportunities With Tikva Children's Home

My partnership with Tikva Children's Home started quite a while ago. Since then, it has become a staple in the organizations that I continually support.

When you find an organization like Tikva, it is one that will develop into a long-term relationship. Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of this specific organization, unlike many others, is that the money they receive through donations is actually used in accordance with their mission statement.

Since I first built a partnership with Tikva, I have not only seen the tremendous impact the contributions that I and many others have had on the children they work with, but I have actually been able to impact to get involved with the organization on a deeper level. For example, I was recently given the opportunity to sponsor Tikva’s Annual Gala at Espace NYC.

If you would like to work in partnership with Tikva's mission, here are a variety of opportunities for you to get involved:

Missions
Every year, Tikva Children's Home organizes a minimum of two to three missions to Odessa. Here, individuals have the opportunity to spend time connecting with Tikva's children, cradling infants or playing games with their teenagers.

Annual Young Leadership Retreat & Fundraising
Individuals who are between the ages of 20-30 from either North America or Western Europe have the chance to be hand-selected to travel to Odessa and immerse themselves in the home. In addition to spending time with the children, they are also educated on Tikva's programs. Through this insight and first-hand experience, these participants can help to spread the word about the importance of what this organization does to support Jewish children.

Virtual Adoption Program
If volunteering your time is not possible for you, consider sponsoring one of Tikva’s children. The monetary support that is given to these children helps to provide them with food, medical care, weather-appropriate clothing, a roof over their head, and a quality education. But through your support, they can also experience the genuine love of humanity.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program
If you can’t travel and have financial limitations, consider donating a smaller amount of money that will be used to help a Jewish child celebrate his or her Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This is a symbolic part of Jewish culture and your donations can help properly bring a child into adulthood.

Gifts
The children that are cared for in Tikva are brought out of poverty and neglect and into the loving arms of the staff at the home. Even something as small as a toy is enough to bring them utter joy. If you want to make a small contribution that will have a huge impact, consider sending a child a simple gift!

Not only will your financial contributions help to serve the children at the home, they will help Tikva to find and care for the hundreds of other abandoned or abused children who are living in undesirable, heartbreaking conditions. Learn more about Tikva’s partnerships online!

4 Free Ways To Make A Difference In The World

Supporting a need greater than your own is one way to find meaning in your own life. Not only are you creating purpose for yourself, but your contributions have a direct impact on the lives of others.

When individuals think of ways to give back, they immediately think of putting pen to paper and writing a check for an organization they wish to support. This mentality is not only limiting, it often causes people to opt out of giving altogether due to insufficient finances. If someone is forced to decide between putting food on the table or donating money, it is a no-brainer that feeding their family is a better use of money than giving it away.

What many people fail to realize is that philanthropic efforts do not have to be monetary. You can have a similar impact on an individual, a group, or an organization by simply giving of your time and resources without spending a single penny.

Here are 5 different ways that you can change the world - for free:

1. Idealist

For the idealists of the world, there is a place where you can meet other individuals who are just as interested in you as making a difference on both a local and global scale. Idealist.org is a website that brings individuals together, no matter where you are from.

2. Volunteer Match

This website will pair you up with other volunteers and organizations that want to give of their time to help people in need. Together, you can all find an opportunity that is close to your hearts where your services can make a huge impact.

3. Elder Helpers

Sometimes volunteer opportunities arise that may seem minimal, but are just as impactful as if you were volunteering for an entire organization. Elder Helpers connects volunteers with a senior in need. These services could be anything from helping them garden to driving them to a store for groceries once a week.

4. Dress For Success

If you have a very busy schedule, sometimes volunteering opportunities get in the way of other activities and obligations. Instead, use what you already have to give back. Dress For Success encourages women to donate their gently used business clothing to women in the workplace who don’t have the financial income to buy more expensive, professional business wear.