Charitable Gold Stars: A Giving Guide

To My Community of Hope,

Since the diagnosis of my testicular cancer recurrence in June, I’ve been continually humbled and awed at the outpouring of support, in the form of kind words, uplifting prayers, and contributions to my fundraiser. Ongoing gratitude to you all!

Today, instead of asking for another donation to me, I want to share some of the causes that I support. 

I am a firm believer in charitable giving. Even in times of financial strain and struggle (including this most difficult year of undergoing treatment for cancer), I do my best to donate at a portion of my resources to those less fortunate, and to causes that inspire me. That includes a cut of the income and gifts I’ve received this year.

Spiritual traditions the world over encourage devotees to give. The Christian tradition encourages tithing, or donating a tenth of one’s wealth back to the common good. The principle of zakat, systemically giving 2.5% of one’s wealth annually to the poor, is the third pillar of Islam. Judaism’s tenet of tzedakah is a philanthropic form of social justice in which donors benefit from giving as much as the recipients. Similarly, in Buddhism and Hinduism, the central tenet of dana encourages believers to continually cultivate generosity by givng what they can, and the related concept of karma reminds adherents that all actions have consequence.

In the spirituality of many indigenous cultures, the concept of “charity” doesn’t even exist, as all surplus is held in common, ensuring through rich traditions of sharing that nobody slips through the cracks or becomes “needy” to begin with.

And for those not spiritually inclined, the mere existence of happiness and suffering, the universal notion of fairness, and an acknowledgement that we are each dependent on one another and all sharing a common planet forms a solid basis for the practice of giving.

I strive to share a sizable portion of my resources with the less fortunate and to support causes of social, environmental and economic justice — both by providing material financial donations to organizations like those listed below, and by taking direct action locally in service to those in need.

My daughter Satya has been my charitable companion for many years now. I give her a weekly allowance, which is ritually split between three envelopes: one for discretionary spending (so she can learn the value of a dollar by being responsible for buying things on her own), one for saving long-term for larger projects like buying her first car and attending college, and one for giving (which includes gift-giving as well as making regular charitable offerings).

My young partner in giving often leads the way when it comes to more engaged form of giving back locally. Before we moved to Cotati last year, Satya and I lived for three years in downtown Santa Rosa, right across the street from a highway overpass that often served as an encampment for the unhoused, three blocks away from the local Redwood Gospel Mission that provides services for those in need, and a about mile from the town’s largest encampment of our home-free brothers and sisters. 

This year, we brought two large deliveries of freshly purchased socks and underwear (the most in-demand items, according to staff) to the local mission where they are distributed — and we started a clothing drive in our school community that will continue through the end of 2021. Last year, we prepared over 100 bag lunches (sandwiches, chips and fruit) and hand-delivered them to people dwelling in tents and makeshift tarp structures in the large encampment along a creekside trail. The year before that, we ran a lemonade stand on a sweltering summer day, netting hundreds of dollars for one of our favorite charities.

I’m sharing these anecdotes not to brag or because I think we’re special, but to inspire and encourage more charitable giving and direct action in a world that increasingly needs it. I also humbly hope to plant and nurture the seed of this idea (as expressed in spiritual traditions like tzedakah and karma) that the act of giving actually benefits the giver just as much as the recipient. What goes around really does come around. 

Giving is as much a statement of our solidarity and interdependence as anything else — an acknowledge of our oneness in this often unjust and scary world in which we all need a little help sometimes. It is a receipt to Great Sprit for whatever blessings we have been given. It not only feels good and right; it helps to create a world in which all can flourish and brings us ever-closer toward common justice and our mutual liberation.

In the words of Murri indigenous artist and activist Lilla Watson, “If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

Also, on some level, giving is a declaration of abundance to the Universe. Even if we have a story that we can’t afford it — and perhaps especially if that is the case — it is imperative that we give. It shows the unnamable force that moves in all things that we are active conduits of wealth, that resources will not stagnate in our hands. After all, even the word “currency” is related etymologically to the flowing concept of current, from the Latin currere and the proto-Indo-European root kers, meaning “to run.” Like a river.

I have been living mostly paycheck-to-paycheck for my entire adult life, only beginning in the last few years to gesture in any meaningful way toward saving for the future, starting a college savings account for Satya and a retirement account — because, as Robert Kiyosaki reminds us, “It's not now much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” 

But this whole time, financially lean and scrappy though I may be, I’ve done my best to give what I can. And while I’ve continued to see my share of struggle, I’ve also seen a gradual increase in what I’ve been able to give over the years.

For many readers, I am likely preaching to the choir. If my healing fundraiser this year has been any indication of where most of you stand on giving, it is clear that I am in the company of some very generous human beings, indeed. And that makes me feel happy.

However much or little you’ve been able to give up to this point, I urge you for the sake of our mutual liberation to make some offerings this holiday season — to allow the current of wealth and abundance to flow through you — to be not a closed fist, but an open palm.

And in the spirit of this giving project, I now humbly offer an index of causes I’ve shared with most recently. Most of them are 501c-3 nonprofits, meaning your donations are tax-deductible. But the benefits you’ll receive from giving are much greater than a write-off.

Do it for future generations. Do it for our mutual liberation. Do it for your soul.

Whatever you do for the common good, thanks for doing it. 

Yours in mutuality and eternal kinship,

Nils

Democracy Now!

Actual Independent News you can trust.

Democracy Now! produces a daily, global, independent news hour hosted by award-winning journalists Amy Goodman and Juan González. As an independent news program, Democracy Now! is audience-supported, which means that our editorial independence is never compromised by corporate or government interests. Since our founding in 1996, Democracy Now! has held steadfast to our policy of not accepting government funding, corporate sponsorship, underwriting or advertising revenue. https://www.democracynow.org

Transition US

Building resilient local community across the country

Transition is a movement of communities coming together to reimagine and rebuild our world. Transition is about communities stepping up to address the big challenges we face by starting at the local level. We seek to nurture a caring culture, focused on connection with self, others and nature. We are reclaiming the economy, sparking entrepreneurship, reimagining work, re-skilling ourselves and weaving webs of connection and support. We are engaging in courageous conversations; extraordinary change is unfolding. Every Transition Initiative is independently run, responding to the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in our communities.  https://www.transitionus.org

American cancer society

the largest organization working for the cure

At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. All so you can live longer — and better. https://www.cancer.org

KPFA

Listener-supported radio

94.1, KPFA is a community powered radio station that creates and curates a unique mix of music, informed public affairs, culture, and news. For nearly 70 years KPFA has investigated the contemporary intersections of class, race, distribution of wealth and its effects on the citizens of our Northern and Central California coverage area. Over the years we’ve advanced the discussions and told the truth about historical moments of political impasse, racial tensions and economic inequality. Our mission and hope is to provide diverse programming that provokes thought and reaction on a complexity of issues for our community of listeners. www.kpfa.org (Or donate to your local community radio station!)

KQED

public media for the bay

We are here for everyone who wants to be more. Our television, radio, digital media and educational services change lives for the better and help individuals and communities achieve their full potential. We celebrate diversity, embrace innovation, value lifelong learning and partner with those who share our passion for public service.  https://www.kqed.org/

Redwood Empire Food Bank

feeding the north bay

Since 1987, the Redwood Empire Food Bank has been feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger. We distribute food through our own programs and our partner organizations in Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties. As the largest hunger-relief organization in our area, we work on the front lines of emergency food assistance in our region, playing a crucial role in helping individuals, families, seniors, and children. https://refb.org (Or donate to your local food bank!)

Ceres Community Project

healing, food and education

We provide beautiful, delicious and medically tailored meals made with love for those facing a serious illness like cancer, diabetes or congestive heart failure. We mentor teens to learn about growing, cooking and eating healthy foods and about their power to make a difference. The ingredients for our meals are 100% organic and locally sourced - including from our gardens. https://www.ceresproject.org

The Bail Project

bringing people home

The Bail Project National Revolving Bail Fund is on a mission to combat mass incarceration and reshape the pretrial system in the United States. 100% of online donations are used to bring people home and will be recycled for someone else when their case closes. https://bailproject.org

350.org

fighting climate change

 350 is building a future that's just, prosperous, equitable and safe from the effects of the climate crisis. We're an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all. www.350.org

Black lives matter

ending white supremacy & racism

#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. BLM Global Network Foundation, Inc. is a global organization whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives. https://blacklivesmatter.com/

center for constitutional rights

upholding rule of law

The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. CCR is committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change. We do that by combining cutting-edge litigation, advocacy and strategic communications in work on a broad range of civil and human rights issues. https://ccrjustice.org

Southern poverty law center

human rights for all

The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. https://www.splcenter.org

movement for black lives

strategy for liberation

The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) formed in December of 2014, was created as a space for Black organizations across the country to debate and discuss the current political conditions, develop shared assessments of what political interventions were necessary in order to achieve key policy, cultural and political wins, convene organizational leadership in order to debate and co-create a shared movement wide strategy. Under the fundamental idea that we can achieve more together than we can separately. https://m4bl.org

American Civil Liberties Union

Keeping it Constitutional

The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees. For more than one hundred years, ACLU lawyers have been at the center of one history-making court case after another, participating in more Supreme Court cases than any other private organization. With attorneys nationwide, we handle thousands of cases each year on behalf of clients whose rights have been violated. https://www.aclu.org

Amnesty International USA

human rights worldwide

We work to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth, and dignity are denied. Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people demanding human rights for all people – no matter who they are or where they are. We are the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. https://www.amnestyusa.org

Planned Parenthood

protecting choice, providing care

At Planned Parenthood our mission is to ensure all people have access to the care and resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures. Founded in 1916, Planned Parenthood is a trusted health care provider, educator, and passionate advocate here in the U.S. as well as a strong partner to health and rights organizations around the world. Each year, Planned Parenthood delivers vital sexual and reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Color of change

until justice is realized

Color Of Change helps people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by 7 million members, we move decision makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people, and all people. https://www.colorofchange.org

Human rights campaign

winning the fight for equality

The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law. We empower our 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in our community. https://www.hrc.org

Human Rights Watch

international justice advocates

Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world. We are roughly 450 people of 70-plus nationalities who are country experts, lawyers, journalists, and others who work to protect the most at risk, from vulnerable minorities and civilians in wartime, to refugees and children in need. We direct our advocacy towards governments, armed groups and businesses, pushing them to change or enforce their laws, policies and practices. We partner with organizations large and small across the globe to protect embattled activists and to help hold abusers to account and bring justice to victims. https://www.hrw.org

Food and Water Watch

protecting essential resources

To protect our food, water, and climate, we organize people around the country to build political power. We mobilize at the local, state, and federal levels to win the fights others are afraid to even take on. From banning fracking, to shutting down factory farms, to making sure communities across the country have access to clean water, we’ve fought against greedy corporations and reckless government agencies and we’ve won time after time. We fight — and win — in the courts, in the halls of Congress, and on the ground in every state.  Corporations may have the money, but we believe people have the power to make real change. That’s why we win. https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org

Justice Democrats

building an unstoppable squad

We need a Democratic Party that fights for its voters, not big corporate donors. Our goal is to build a mission-driven caucus in Congress by electing more leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, who will represent our communities in Congress and fight for bold, progressive solutions to our current crises. Justice Democrats is recruiting and supporting progressive Democrats all over the country, starting with Congress. We’re working to transform the Democratic Party while building independent power. We do this by running primary challengers against out-of-touch Democratic incumbents and organizing to hold the party accountable. https://justicedemocrats.com

Sunrise Movement

youth-led climate solutions

The Sunrise Movement is a youth movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. We’re building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent priority, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel on politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the wellbeing of all. www.sunrisemovement.org

first descents

Out Living it

First Descents provides life-changing, outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. We are a recognized leader in outdoor experiential programming. Through outdoor adventures, skills development, and local adventure communities FD improves the long-term survivorship of young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. Our participants experience free outdoor adventure programs that empower them to climb, paddle, and surf beyond their diagnosis, reclaim their lives, and connect with others doing the same. https://firstdescents.org/

doctrs without borders

international humanitarian action

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) translates to Doctors without Borders. We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Our teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, logistic and administrative staff - most of them hired locally. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality. https://www.msf.org/

maps

advancing psychedelic research & Safe access

Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - MAPS - is a leader in psychedelic research. Since 1986, MAPS is on a mission to create safe and legal opportunities for the uses of psychedelics in society. https://maps.org/ 

daily acts

sustainability in action

Voted 2020 Best Nonprofit of Sonoma County, Daily Acts is a small but mighty grassroots non-profit. We inspire individuals to reclaim the power of their daily actions to create a regenerative, resilient and just world. https://dailyacts.org/

W.O.L.F. Sanctuary

wolves offered life and friendship

W.O.L.F’s mission is to improve the quality of life for wolves and wolf dogs through Rescue, Sanctuary, and Education. We save captive-born wolves and wolf dogs in need and find them appropriate placement at a sanctuary or other qualified site, provide them with a lifelong home in a natural habitat that considers each individual’s physical, medical and emotional needs, and provide the public with education about the plight of wolves and wolf dogs (both captive-born and wild) to help foster a greater understanding of them and their value. https://wolfsanctuary.co/ 

presente

latinx organizing hub

Presente’s mission is to advance Latinx power and create winning campaigns that amplify Latinx voices; expand the political imagination and traditional boundaries; and foster inspiration for freedom, equity, and justice. Presente is the largest national Latinx online organization advancing social justice with technology, media, and culture.

future coalition

Listener-supported radio

Future Coalition is a national network for youth-led organizations and youth organizers across the country. With a focus on supporting BIPOC young people, queer young people, and young people on the frontlines, Future Coalition works collaboratively to provide youth-led groups with the resources, tools, and support they need to create transformative change in our communities and in this country. From supporting youth climate justice movement infrastructure to facilitating local coalition building around elections to providing fiscal sponsorship to youth-led, grassroots groups, Future Coalition aims to lower the accessibility barrier to youth organizing and amplify the impact young people have. https://futurecoalition.org/

What are your favorite organizations to support? Drop me a line with your recommendations!

Let's Get GIVE It!

A guide to rippling out our impact and increasing abundance for all!

This “Season of Giving,” I’m sharing some of my favorite organizations and charities to invite my friends to join me in rippling out our impact.

Declare your abundance by donating to some of these worthy causes today!

Featured Organizations

Every cause listed below is one that I have personally contributed to this year as part of my tithing/zakat/ tzedakah practice.

Most of them are 501c-3 nonprofits, meaning any donations you choose to give will be tax-deductible. But the benefits you’ll receive from giving are much greater than a write-off!

Scroll down for the mission statements and descriptions of all these organizations, or just follow the links directly to the organizations below.

Please give generously : )