1. Red Cross

This one definitely tops the list of great philanthropies to get involved with. Being one the largest volunteer organizations in the world, the Red Cross works to provide humanitarian relief to people in need across the globe. They respond to natural disasters, organize blood drives, provide health and safety education, and so much more. You can donate money to the Red Cross as well as volunteer your time and effort. Check out their website at redcross.org to find out more ways to help.

2. Make a Wish Foundation

The Make A Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with serious medical conditions. This foundation provides these children with whatever they wish for, whether it be a trip to Disney World or a meet and greet with their favorite celebrity. What makes the ability to help this foundation unique is that along with donating money, you can donate airline miles, hotel loyalty points, electronics and more. They make it so easy for you to impact the life of a child. It's definitely one of the best non-profit organizations to volunteer with.

3. Susan G. Komen

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so what better time to get involved with the Susan G Komen For the Cure Foundation? This philanthropy works towards providing support for women with breast cancer and funding research to provide a cure. One of the most popular ways to get involved with the Susan G Komen Foundation is to run in the Susan G Komen Race for a Cure, which is held across the nation. Find out more information at komen.org.

4. UNICEF

Similar to the Red Cross, UNICEF is a worldwide humanitarian that focuses on the gender equality, education, child protection, and HIV/Aids relief, especially in third world countries. Go to unicef.org to donate online and help make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate.

5. Doctors without Borders

Here's another one of the great philanthropies to donate to, whether you donate time or money. This organization is dedicated to providing medical aid to those in need. It sends doctors across the world to help those suffering from malnutrition, epidemics, and wartime crises. You can make a tax deductible donation online at doctorswithoutborders.org or donate your time by working in the Doctors Without Borders office. Or you can work in the field and travel around the world as a medical doctor, field coordinator, and so much more.

6. WWF

WWF stands for the World Wildlife Foundation and is committed to protecting the world’s natural environment. Their main concern is with the protection of endangered species and working with businesses to teach them sustainable methods. On their website, wwf.panda.org, they provide ways to live a green and sustainable lifestyle. You can also donate money to WWF or volunteer with them.

7. Girls Scouts

I was involved in Girls Scouts when I was younger and I thought it was so much fun. The Girl Scouts organization works with young girls to instill a sense of confidence, courage, and empowerment in girls across the nation. As fellow women, we can all appreciate the mission of this organization. You can volunteer your time as a role model to these young girls by going on the website girlscouts.org.

8. THON

As a Penn State student, I can’t talk about philanthropies and not mention THON. THON is a year round effort to emotionally and financially support families who have a child with cancer. All of our efforts come to end at our 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping, dance marathon. I am proud to say that this past year, THON raised more than $10.6 million dollars, making it the largest student run philanthropy in the world. To learn more about THON and to donate money, go to thon.org.

As you can see, there are many great philanthropies to get involved with, whether you want to help those less fortunate or help fund a cure for a disease. Why do you like to be involved? Let me know of other great philanthropies and non-profit organizations to volunteer with that matter to you.

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