7 Ann Arbor area nonprofits to consider on Giving Tuesday

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be all about buying and spending, but Giving Tuesday is a day to help out local organizations that help others.

Held on Tuesday, Dec. 1, this year, Giving Tuesday focuses on generosity and (you guessed it) giving.

Ann Arbor and the surrounding Washtenaw County has hundreds of nonprofits working for numerous causes. Whether it’s providing free literacy services, serving hot meals, helping with housing or providing safe spaces, nonprofits in the area have been working even harder this year to make sure community members are cared for.

Here are 7 nonprofits to consider giving to:

SafeHouse Center

SafeHouse provides assistance to community members impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in and around Washtenaw County. Currently, the nonprofit is able to offer virtual support groups and counseling, operates a residential shelter and 24/7 helpline.

Make donations here.

Avalon Housing Inc.

A nonprofit, real estate developer and property manager, Avalon Housing helps vulnerable community members find inclusive supportive housing. Gifts given on Tuesday, Dec. 1 will be doubled, according to its website.

Donations can be made here.

Ele’s Place

The nonprofit works with children and teens experiencing grief. While its facility is currently closed to in-person visits, Ele’s Place Ann Arbor offers free, ongoing peer support groups virtually through Zoom. Support groups are available for children, teens, and parents or guardians.

Make donations here.

Ozone House

Ozone House is a community-based agency using intervention and prevention services to stop at-risk youth from becoming homeless. Right now it operates a 24/7 crisis phone line, text and chat services, case management services, its 24/7 Transitional Living Program and counseling services.

Donate here.

✉  Like what you’re reading? Sign up for our email newsletter here!

Community Action Network

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, CAN is providing under-resourced families food, basic resources and out-of-school educational support. The organization wants to close socio-economic gaps through education and enrichment by helping families and youth while keeping neighborhoods clean and safe.

Donations will be doubled starting Dec. 1, according to its website.

Monetary donations can be made here or take a look at items CAN needs.

Growing Hope

Established in 2003, Growing Hope works to empower community members around Ypsilanti with an equitable and sustainable local food system. It’s urban farm and incubator kitchen provide entrepreneurs and local farmers an opportunity to grow, harvest and prepare their own food.

Find donation information here or donate here to have your gift matched through Facebook.

The Creature Conservancy

This Ann Arbor nonprofit promotes conservation through educational programs, tours, events and memberships. Many of its cute critters are rescued exotic pets or rehabilitated/injured animals that cannot be released. Right now the conservancy is closed to the public but private tours or virtual events can be scheduled.

Learn how to donate here or buy items from its Amazon wishlist.

Ready to give more?

There is a myriad of nonprofit and community organizations that are doing good (and hard) work right now. Some are providing food to the hungry, shelter to those without, and other resources for struggling community members in need.

Check out our 2017 and 2019 Giving Tuesday lists for more organizations.