Nonprofits have always had a special place in my heart. While I can’t fully articulate it, nonprofits have the grit, determination, and passion to highlight areas of our communities that we need to pay attention to, and they often work tirelessly to get a job done. We are honored to work with so many nonprofits at Hemlock Strategy and Design. As Giving Tuesday approaches, we want to help our local nonprofits connect with you! This feature highlights many amazing organizations making a difference in Northeast Ohio and around the country! There are many ways to support nonprofit organizations – through donations, checking out their cause, following them on social media, and volunteering your time.
The Origins of Giving Tuesday
Each year, as the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday fades, another important day steps into the spotlight—Giving Tuesday. Created as a global generosity movement, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to shift the focus from consumerism to community, encouraging individuals, businesses, and organizations to give back in meaningful ways. But where did this day originate, and why is it so important?
Giving Tuesday was established in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. The vision was simple: to create a day that celebrates and encourages charitable giving after the well-known shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It began as a movement to inspire generosity and has since grown into a global phenomenon, touching every corner of the world.
On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, people everywhere are invited to donate to causes they care about, volunteer their time, and inspire others to take action. From local nonprofits to international organizations, Giving Tuesday provides a platform for individuals to make a tangible difference in their communities.
Local Nonprofits in Northeast Ohio
We’ve worked with these local nonprofits and can say they are amazing! From start-up to well-established, they have each made an impact and are ready to do more!
Meredith A. Cowden Foundation
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Serving: Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant recipients with a focus on those who have Graft-vs-Host-Disease (GVHD)
Location: Akron, Ohio
Description: The mission of the Meredith A. Cowden Foundation is to increase the number of blood and marrow transplant survivors, to raise awareness of transplant complications and late effects, and to reduce their impact.
The Meredith A. Cowden Foundation is committed to:
- Providing funding for research to prevent, treat, and cure Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD).
- Educating physicians, researchers, patients, and the general public concerning GVHD and late effects of transplants, their prevention, treatment, and cure.
- Providing general information concerning the blood cancers and their treatment, with a special emphasis on the treatment of leukemia with bone marrow and stem cell transplantation.
- Providing resources to support programs designed to enhance the quality of life of patients and their families during treatment.
Northampton United Methodist Church
Website (new site coming soon) | Facebook
Serving: kids, youth, older adults, and those who are lonely
Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Description: Northampton UMC is a faith-based organization that serves the community around it. It offers space to groups that need a safe place to meet and creates that same safe place for the kids, youth, and adults who attend and are actively engaged in it. Our focus is on creating a culture of care for those around us as we seek ways to Love God and love each other as we have been called to do.
Soldiers In Saddles
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Serving: Serving veterans and their families
Location: Amherst, Ohio
Description: Soldiers in Saddles is a 501 (c)(3) ministry that provides equine-assisted activities for veterans and their families. Our mission is to promote healing, learning, and growth for those who suffer from the wounds and scars of war, both visible and invisible. We hope to provide a sanctuary of peace and serenity from the chaos of the world.
Donate Online or checks may be mailed to Soldiers in Saddles c/o Christy Linden 12037 Baumhart Road, Amherst, OH 44001
Northampton Christian Preschool
Serving: Serving preschool children
Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Description: For nearly 30 years, Northampton Christian Preschool provides families with a play-based, age-appropriate preschool that is centered on the whole child: physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Please contact the preschool director to support Northampton Christian Preschool through donated items used in play!
Heart 4 Kidz
Serving: Children who have experienced abuse and neglect
Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Description: For over 20 years, Royal Family Kids Camp #133 has hosted a 5-day camp allowing life-changing moments for children between the ages of 6 and 12 where they get to be kids – often for the first time in their young lives. Heart 4 Kidz has been established and is dedicated to fundraising and supporting Chapter 133 of Royal Family Kids. Through this initiative, we aim to provide vital resources and support to cover the annual costs of camp each year.
Sponsor a camper or part of the camp or donate a custom amount here. Contact the leadership team to get involved as a volunteer!
Nonprofit Organizations We Love
We asked our clients to share their favorite local nonprofits – this is a partial list and it will continue to grow!
Heart 4 the City
Serving: Offering worship opportunities for those seeking Christ, providing food distribution to Summit County residents, and a Community Store for those in need of household items
Location: Akron, Ohio
Description: We are a mission church located in the Goodyear Heights neighborhood of Akron, OH. We are a community where people are respected, find hope, feel encouraged, and can, therefore, experience the transforming, unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Heart 4 the City sponsors food ministries for the community. We partner with Akron Canton Regional Food Bank to bring their Direct Distribution program to the east side of Akron on the 1st Thursday of every month. From 9-11 am, we distribute approximately 16,000 lbs of food. Every Thursday night (except the 1st Thursday of the month), our Food Pantry will be open from 5-6:30 pm. The Community Store is a place where individuals in need of household items and clothing can come and obtain them for a very minimal charge.
Donate on Giving Tuesday and your donation will be matched. Please contact the organization to volunteer with the food distribution. A list of Community Store household items is located here.
LINC Worldwide (Love in Neglected Communities)
Serving: Kids in underserved communities – currently building a school in Awasi, Kenya (Pre-K thru 1st grade).
Location: Headquartered in Stow, Ohio, building in Awasi, Kenya
Description: LINC Worldwide’s mission to provide neglected communities with the support needed to alleviate hardships, promote well-being, and facilitate growth, giving them the chance to not only survive, but to truly live, love, and thrive. Their vision is to provide communities with five core resources that meet the needs of basic survival and self-fulfillment – clean water, sustainable food sources, health & sanitation, education, safety & security. LINC has grown into an ambitious team made up of volunteers, companies, and ministries all committed to uplifting suffering youth throughout the world.
Stewart’s Caring Place
Serving: Provides a caring, relaxed environment to those of all ages touched by any phase or stage of cancer. Offer services to individuals and families on their cancer journey at no additional cost.
Location: Fairlawn, Ohio
Description: Cancer Wellness Center provides non-medical support services to individuals and families on a cancer journey at no cost in a caring, relaxed environment. Stewart’s Caring Place serves over 1,700 individuals each year across 36 Ohio counties. They provide the following programs and services: Support Group & Counseling, Holistic Care, Group Fitness & Yoga, Wigs & Beauty Programs, Family Programs, Connectivity and Friendship, Financial & Legal Consultations, Food Pantry & Nutrition, Outdoor Activities, and Education & Screenings.
Why Supporting Local Nonprofits on Giving Tuesday Matters
While there are countless opportunities to give throughout the year, Giving Tuesday serves as a great reminder of the power of generosity. Here’s why supporting organizations on this day is so important:
Increased Impact
Nonprofits often see a surge in donations and engagement on Giving Tuesday, making it an important day for their annual fundraising efforts. By giving on this day, your contribution often goes further, as many organizations offer matching gifts or special fundraising campaigns that double the impact of your donation.
Strengthening Communities
When individuals give to organizations on Giving Tuesday, they help build stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities. Local nonprofits are the backbone of social services, education, environmental protection, and countless other areas that improve the quality of life for people right in our communities. Your support helps sustain the critical work these organizations do year-round.
Raising Awareness
Beyond the financial contributions, Giving Tuesday is also an opportunity to amplify the voices of local nonprofits and organizations doing important work. When you share their missions, stories, and goals, you help raise awareness and inspire others to give or get involved.
Creating a Culture of Generosity
Giving Tuesday fosters a spirit of collective generosity. It’s a day that unites people across the globe around the idea that we can all contribute to making the world a better place, no matter the size of the gift. By participating, you help to cultivate a culture where giving is celebrated and encouraged.
How You Can Get Involved
- Donate: Whether it’s a large or small amount, financial contributions are the lifeblood of many nonprofits.
- Volunteer: Time is often just as valuable as money. Consider offering your skills or support to a local organization.
- Advocate: Share your favorite nonprofits’ missions on social media or within your networks, helping to spread the word.
- Match Donations: If you’re a business or organization, consider offering matching gifts for your employees or customers who donate on Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday is a reminder of the importance of generosity in a world that sometimes feels focused on consumption. It’s a day where we can all take a step back, reflect on the causes that matter most to us, and give in whatever way we can. Whether through a financial donation, time, or advocacy, your support on Giving Tuesday helps ensure that local nonprofits can continue their critical work—and together, we can create a world rooted in kindness and compassion.