8 Impactful Nonprofits to Support in Philadelphia this Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a time to come together and support the causes that make a real difference in our communities. In Philadelphia, these dedicated nonprofits work to improve lives and create opportunities. Whether they’re fighting hunger, supporting education, or helping homeless animals, these organizations rely on the generosity of people like you to continue their vital work. 

For this upcoming Giving Tuesday, let’s shine a spotlight on some of the incredible nonprofits in Philly that could use your support to keep making an impact. Together, we can help the City of Brotherly Love live up to its name.

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The Philadelphia Foundation

For more than a century, the Philadelphia Foundation has been one of the region’s leading community foundations, supporting a wide range of local initiatives that focus on education, health, arts and culture, and economic development. Donations to this organization help fund various grants and programs that benefit the city’s most underserved communities.

With the recent launch of their Philly Gives initiative, the  Philadelphia Foundation will support nine selected local nonprofits that address affordable housing, food security, healthcare, education, and workforce training. This initiative will run through the end of January 2025. 

Medical Students for Choice (MSFC) 

The post-Dobbs atmosphere can be daunting for students seeking a career in reproductive medicine. Medical Students for Choice is dedicated to ensuring that future physicians are equipped to provide comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion services. Founded in 1993, MSFC addresses a critical gap in medical education by advocating for and providing training in family planning and reproductive health to medical students and residents.

In a time when access to reproductive health care is under constant threat, your donation can have a profound impact. By supporting MSFC, you’re investing in medical education and ensuring patients have access to compassionate, skilled reproductive care in the next generation. 

Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society 

The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is all about giving our furry friends the love, care, and second chances they deserve. As Philly’s largest rescue partner, PAWS is on a mission to save homeless and at-risk pets while helping families find their four-legged companions. Through their no-kill shelters and foster care network, PAWS works tirelessly to reduce the city’s homeless pet population and make Philadelphia a place where every animal has a safe and loving home.

Supporting PAWS means joining a movement of kindness and compassion in Philly and helping pups, like Philly Phil, and cats, like Dr. Tom thrive while they await their forever homes. Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate every little bit helps these amazing animals. 

Broad Street Love

Located on Broad Street, this community hub creates a safe, welcoming space for those experiencing homelessness, poverty, or other challenges.

At Broad Street Love, meals are served restaurant-style to foster respect and connection. BSL also provides a range of services from access to medical care to mail distribution, clothing, and assistance with housing and legal issues. Their volunteers focus on meeting basic needs while empowering individuals to regain stability and move forward in their lives.

By donating to BSL, you’re supporting a community that believes in the power of hospitality to uplift lives and inspire hope. Every act of kindness helps fuel their mission to transform lives in Philadelphia.

Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia 

The Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia is a community of hope and healing for individuals and families affected by cancer. Serving the Greater Philadelphia area, this nonprofit provides free emotional and social support to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis, from patients to caregivers and loved ones.

CSCGP offers support groups, educational workshops, counseling, wellness activities like yoga and meditation, and fun community events to help people navigate their cancer journey with other members. Their welcoming environment fosters a sense of belonging and empowers participants to face challenges together, not alone.

With multiple locations, including the iconic Gilda’s Club in Warminster, CSCGP ensures that life-changing resources are accessible to as many people as possible. By supporting this nonprofit, you’re helping to provide a crucial lifeline to individuals and families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. 

Youth Service, Inc. and HopePHL

Now part of HopePHL, Youth Service, Inc. (YSI) has been a lifeline for children, teens, and families in Philadelphia for over 70 years. This nonprofit is dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth and families through a wide range of programs designed to prevent crises, stabilize families, and empower young people to thrive.

HopePHL offers emergency housing for homeless and runaway teens, parenting support programs, and in-home crisis counseling. They provide a safe, nurturing space for young children when their families face emergencies, helping to prevent neglect and abuse. Through their dedication, volunteers create a safety net that helps families navigate tough times while keeping children safe and cared for.

Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, your support helps YSI and HopePHL continue to be a source of hope and stability for Philly’s most vulnerable youth.

The Food Trust

The Food Trust is a powerhouse nonprofit in Philadelphia dedicated to ensuring that everyone — regardless of income — has access to healthy, affordable food. For over 30 years, The Food Trust has worked to improve food systems and promote nutrition education across the city, tackling issues like food insecurity and diet-related health disparities.

The Food Trust takes a multifaceted approach to its mission. They’ve pioneered farmers’ markets in underserved neighborhoods, healthy corner store initiatives, and supermarket development projects to eliminate food deserts. Their school-based nutrition education programs help kids to make healthier choices, laying the groundwork for wellness.

When you support The Food Trust, you’re fueling lasting change. Donate, volunteer, or visit one of their markets to be part of the solution for a healthier, stronger Philadelphia.

The Attic Youth Center

The Attic Youth Center is Philadelphia’s only organization exclusively dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth, offering a safe space where young people can thrive as their authentic selves. Since 1993, The Attic has been a place of hope and community for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults.

At The Attic, LGBTQ+ young people can access a wide range of free services, including life skills workshops, mental health counseling, career readiness programs, and peer support groups. The center also hosts creative arts and social activities, giving young people a place to express themselves, connect, and grow. Beyond direct services, The Attic is committed to education and advocacy, working with schools and organizations to create more inclusive and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ individuals.

By supporting The Attic Youth Center, you’re helping to empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders while providing a lifeline to those who may feel isolated or unsupported. Your donation, volunteer time, or advocacy helps ensure that every LGBTQ+ young person in Philly has a space to feel seen, celebrated, and loved.

These nonprofits are making a significant impact in Philadelphia, and donations can help further their important work. On Giving Tuesday, your contribution can directly support their efforts, whether they’re providing meals for the hungry, offering educational resources for children, supporting animal rescues, or helping the homeless find stability. Every donation helps create a stronger, more compassionate community in Philadelphia.