The end of the year is officially upon us. December is widely regarded as a month of giving, a time when we tend to think of those important to us and how we can show appreciation for them being in our lives. Whether celebrating Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah or any general celebratory occasion happening over the time left until New Year’s Eve, each inspires a version of giving thanks through multiple means.

In that same mindset, even without the holidays in play, there are nonprofits from around the city of Charlotte that mindfully give back to the community throughout the year. During a season when the practice of gift giving is done the most, keeping these organizations in mind not only helps them prosper, but also allows them to continue with the important work of serving those in need in our community.

Here’s a short list of organizations you can give back to this holiday season. More details on all of these and more are listed on the QNotesCarolinas website, accessed by clicking on the Life tab and scrolling down the menu to Community Resources.

Arts & Science Council (ASC)
What They Do: ASC was founded as a cultural hub back in 1958, with the mission of helping sustain and support art in Charlotte along with the rest of Mecklenburg County. The organization’s main mission is to make arts and cultural experiences accessible to everyone and bring about the benefits of an enhanced quality of life. Along with supporting organizations like the Mint Museum of Art and the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, ASC also helps sponsor LGBTQ+ activities like the Pride festivities in June and August, Charlotte’s own Pride month.
How You Help Them: The main way to give back to ASC is by financial means. On their website, under the Ways To Give tab, there are subtabs labeled for Recurring Gifts, Stock Gifts and Matching Gifts, which multiplies the impact of your donation by any employer promising to match the amount.

Carolinas LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (CLGBTCC)
What They Do: Beginning as the Charlotte Business Guild in 1992, CLGBTCC officially became what it is today in 2021, emerging as the voice of LGBTQ+ and allied businesses in the greater Charlotte region. The Chamber focuses much of its work on making an impact in the community by way of public policy, LGBTQ+ advocacy and an unwavering commitment to elevating LGBTQ+ businesses and equity-supporting organizations.
How You Help Them: Currently, CLGBTCC is helping with many of the relief efforts in Western North Carolina, as the process of restoring the way of life to many of its residents is constant. You can support CLGBTCC by giving to one of the many organizations it is also helping, which are linked under the “Helene Disaster Relief – WNC” on their main website page.

Time Out Youth
What They Do: Time Out Youth is an LGBTQ+ youth-directed organization, founded in 1992, that provides not only a safe space for LGBTQ+ teens and adolescents, along with their allies, but also provides programs that include weekly peer support and identity-based discussion groups, individual and family counseling, therapy sessions and emergency financial assistance.
How You Help Them: While the “Get Involved” tab on their website does include a link for financial donations, the second link gives those wanting to give to the organization an Amazon wishlist for the top seven most needed items, which include floss, socks, soap, deodorant and body wash.

RAIN
What They Do: RAIN is an organization, established in 1992, that dedicates itself to helping people living with HIV, along with those at risk, to lead healthy and stigma-free lives. Much of what RAIN does is (or is related to) assisting clientele find vital medical care and medications, offering emergency assistance for essentials like rent and food, and addressing overall issues that impact individual well-being.
How You Help Them: On RAIN’s main website, there is a tab labeled Giving. Under that is a list of ways to help the organization, ranging from financial means to Amazon wishlists. Of the lists given, those who want to donate can choose between RAIN and organizations directly in partnership with it, including The Drop and The Havens.

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