The COVID-19 pandemic has sadly forced many nonprofits to slow, or even halt the good work they do for their communities.
Fortunately, groups and individuals across the globe are uniting together to give back to the organizations that give so much.
In honor of #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5th, we’re sharing ways you can give back and express generosity right from your own home.
1.) Donate the money you may have spent on your YOC-subsidized round of golf to a local healthcare or food-related charity
It doesn’t take a lot to make a big difference. Consider donating the money you may have spent on playing a YOC round of golf this month to a non-profit in need, particularly those tied to healthcare, food banks or academic support to underserved groups.
To help you get started, here’s a list of non-profits responding to the COVID-19 pandemic from Charity Navigator.
2.) Spread the word about free frontline worker mask requests, or make your own
People across the globe are rallying together to sew medical masks for healthcare workers to help keep them safe while they’re on the job. To join in on their efforts, find a pattern or follow one of the many DIY tutorial videos on the web to learn how to turn fabric into a medical mask. Be sure to contact your local hospital or clinic to find out the best, and safest way to ensure your creation can be used.
Skeptical about your DIY skills? Youth on Course partner Seamus Golf, a golf accessories company, is stepping up to take mask support to the next level by creating and shipping complimentary masks to healthcare workers. Know someone in need? Point them to Seamus’ Online Mask Request form here to learn more and request a mask of their own.
3.) Start a community project (and apply for grant funding to support your work)
Do you already have an innovative idea in mind for giving back to your community? You can rally support for a community project of your own through the organization Peace First. The non-profit has created and launched Rapid Response Grants, mini-grants of up to $250 along with mentorship and project support for young people leading initiatives to address secondary effects of COVID-19 in their communities.
Learn more and apply here.
4.) Become a virtual tutor or babysitter
The rise of virtual schooling along with the struggle has placed added stress on families, students and teachers across the country. Now more than ever, there’s a demand for people proficient in various school subjects to lend a hand to students in need of additional academic help online.
YOC member Adora Wen has recently launched a nationwide virtual tutoring initiative and is actively seeking virtual tutors willing to volunteer. Learn more about her efforts and how to get involved here.
And while school work is one avenue parents are seeking help with, virtual babysitting requests are also on the rise. Virtual babysitters might read, teach a craft or offer mentorship to kids online to help moms and dads in need of responsible help. Consider offering your services to a family looking for virtual childcare.
5.) Express your gratitude to the people making a difference
During these stressful times, a little kindness can go a long way. Take some time to think about who, or what you may feel more appreciation for now more than ever then reach out to show some extra kindness or express your gratitude. Whether it’s a family member, grocery store clerk or teacher, now is a great time to let them know how much they’re appreciated.
While #GivingTuesdayNow is a day-long celebration, you don’t limit your generosity to a single day. Join us in taking on one or more of these ideas throughout the month of May (and beyond) to support those in need.