The Give Guide (Guide)
Portland's favorite way to give back.
There are lots of inspirational quotes and calls to action circulating on social media right now. To add to the conversation, here are some words of wisdom from my friend’s mom:
In all seriousness, I will be channeling my post election anxiety by donating to local nonprofits through Willamette Week’s Give Guide.
Give Guide is an end-of-year tradition that highlights nonprofits in the Portland area and challenges Portlanders to donate. Since 2004, it’s raised more than $64 million.
Donations are incentivized through a series of “Big Give Day” prizes and nonprofit-specific bonuses. It’s a great way to support nonprofits while maybe winning a prize or two.
I’ll be donating to the nonprofits below, but you can find a full list here. They span categories like civil rights, animal welfare, community, creative expression, education, the environment, and health. Minimum donation is just $10.
The Give Guide is also focused on building a culture of philanthropy through initiatives like the “Under 35” program that rewards an extra $1,000 to the nonprofit with the most young donors. If you have kids at home, this is a great way to help get them in the habit of donating by letting them pick where your donation dollars go.
Big Give Days
Donate on a Big Give Day, and you’ll be entered to win a prize. If you are 35 or younger, the days with a * will double your entry. Winners are notified immediately, which is kind of fun.
Nov 13: Big eBikes Day. Win a custom-fit ebike from Skidmore bikes.
Nov 20: Big Bird Day. Win a $500 gift card to Backyard Birdhouse.
Nov 26*: Big Books Day. Will $500 to Powell’s Books.
Dec 3: Big Portland Day. Win gift cards to places like Knot Springs, Hollywood Theater, and Screen Door.
Dec 11*: Big Drinks Day. Win $200 to John’s Marketplace and a tasting at Soter Vineyards.
Dec 18: Big Groceries Day. Win $500 to New Seasons.
Dec 26: Big Flights Day. Win an aerial tour from Envi Adventures.
Dec 27: Big Music Day. Win a pair of day passes to Pickathon.
Dec 28*: Big Coffee Day. Win a six-month Nossa Familia coffee subscription.
Dec 29*: Big Garden Day. Win $500 to Portland Nursery.
Dec 30: Big Culture Day. Win a package that includes a stay at the Oregon Coast, Southern Oregon, and the Wallowas.
Basic Rights Oregon
Category: Civil & Human Rights
Mission: Basic Rights Oregon will ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians experience equality by building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion, and achieving policy victories.
Incentive: Supporters who give $50 or more will receive a $10 coupon to a Double Mountain Taproom.
Learn more: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/bre
Milk Crate Kitchen
Category: Hunger
Mission: Overcoming barriers to food security by cooking and delivering cost-free family meals to those in need, no questions asked.
Incentive: several, including a 750ml bottle of New Deal Distillery vodka or gin for every $100 donation.
Learn more: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/mck
Bark
Category: Environment
Mission: Bark’s mission is to transform Mt. Hood National Forest into a place where natural processes prevail, wildlife thrives, and local communities have a social, cultural, and economic investment in its restoration and preservation.
Incentive: All donors who make a gift by 12/14 get a free ticket to the Do Good Get Down dance party on Saturday, December 14th at Left Bank Annex.
Learn more: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/bark
Kickstand Comedy
Category: Creative Expression
Mission: To transform and enrich the lives of performers and audiences through comedy. We work to eliminate the historic barriers that have kept folx from seeing and doing comedy, addressing the ongoing needs of our community and its diverse perspectives through dynamic shows, and community outreach events—creating equity across our organization and beyond while providing opportunities for performance, education, and laughter.
Incentive: n/a
Learn more: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/kickstand-comedy
Hacienda CDC
Category: Community
Mission: We are on a mission to provide affordable housing and holistic services to individuals and families in Oregon. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves safe, stable housing, and the chance to achieve their dreams. As a Latin(o/a/e/x)-led organization, we bring forth a rich culture and an unwavering commitment to support communities of color and low-income families and individuals across Oregon.
Incentive: Lime will donate credits to low-income Lime riders as part of Give Guide.
Learn more: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/hacienda-cdc
Street Roots
Category: Civil & Human Rights
Mission: Street Roots creates income opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and poverty by producing a newspaper and other media that are catalysts for individual and social change.
Incentive: Our first 50 donors who give $100 or more will receive a limited-edition Street Roots hot sauce plus your donation will be matched twice between Dec 1-10.
Learn more: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/street-roots
Friends of the Trees
Category: Environment
Mission: Friends of Trees inspires people to improve the world around them through a simple solution: Planting trees. Together.
Incentive: The first 300, $10+ donors to Friends of Trees get a pint from Level Beer and a slice from Ranch Pizza (they’re only at 70!).
Learn more: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/friends-of-trees
Voz Worker’s Education Project
Category: Civil & Human Rights
Mission: Voz is a worker-led organization that empowers diverse day laborers (including domestic workers) and immigrants to improve their working conditions and protect civil rights through leadership development, organizing, education and economic opportunity.
Incentive: The first person to donate over $25 on Giving Tuesday (Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024) will win a gift certificate for Escape Games PDX.
Learn more: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/voz
Show your favorite nonprofits some love and donate on Willamette Week’s website from now until December 31.