List of Charities and Ways to Donate
CORPORATE DONATION MATCHING: For those who are employed, it's possible that your company/institution will match your donation. Please do inquire if you wish to see if that's possible to maximize your contribution. If there is a matching program and you would like us to log that for our totals, please provide some sort of receipt/proof from your employer.
NOTE REGARDING CHARITY LIST: I have done my best to compile an accurate list of the organizations Lisa Edelstein has worked with over the years. By no means though is it a complete list. If there's a group she has worked with in some capacity that you would like to include, please comment here. I will do my best to keep updating this post.
ORGANIZATIONS YOU CAN DONATE TO:
* AIDS Research Alliance: In 2010, Lisa offered her support for the AIDS Research Alliance, an organization that is dedicated to curing AIDS. Since 1989, they have worked hard to develop medical strategies to prevent new HIV infections and better treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS. To learn more about them and/or to make a donation, please visit their website.
* AmberWatch Foundation: Having worked with Lisa for this PSA, the AmberWatch Foundation works to keep children safe from abduction and molestation. You can learn more about them and/or make a donation via their website (US only) or text "AMBER" to 90999 to make a donation of $5.
* Amnesty International: In 2004, Lisa attended the Artists for Amnesty to Support the Bushmen of Botswana event. As part of Amnesty International, Artists for Amnesty works with musicians, actors, and artists around the world to spread their message of human rights. But this is only one part of what AI does, and in the field of human rights, the organization is thought of by many to be the organization that set the standards for the movement as a whole. To learn more about Amnesty or to make a donation, please go to their website. International donations are okay.
* Best Friends Animal Society: As one of their acclaimed ambassadors, Lisa has partnered with Best Friends Animal Society, one of the country's leading animal welfare rescue groups, many times. Best Friends works with other shelters and rescue groups to provide care for homeless or unwanted animals, promote pet adoption, spay and neuter animals, and offer humane education throughout the country. You can learn more about this organization and/or make a donation via their website.
*Common Ground - The Westside HIV Community Center: In 2012, Lisa Edelstein was honored by Common Ground. Blessed with flawless taste, Common Ground in Santa Monica offers vital services, such as free HIV testing and needle exchange. They extend their services with few barriers and most importantly without judgment. To learn more about this organization and/or to make a donation, please visit their website. Donations are US only.
* Courage Campaign: In 2011, Lisa Edelstein teamed up with the Courage Campaign and MoveOn.org for the "Dance for Equality" Event. The Courage Campaign is a grassroots organization that, like MoveOn.org, works on a variety of progressive causes, including fighting for full rights for the LGBT community. That means, for instance, allowing gays and lesbians to marry and have equal protections under the law. To learn more about this organization and/or to make a donation, please visit their website. International donations are accepted.
* Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation: Attending their Kids for Kids Carnival, Lisa lent her support to this organization in 2006. As its name would suggest, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV and elimination pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention/treatment programs. As of 2009, the foundation has provided more than 9.2 million women with the resources needed to prevent transmission of HIV to their children. To learn more about this group or to make a donation, you can visit their website (international donations okay).
* Farm Sanctuary: With Lisa attending their gala back in 2008, Farm Sanctuary advocates for the better treatment of farm animals. It promotes laws and policies that support animal welfare and vegetarianism/veganism through rescue, education, and advocacy. You can learn more about them and/or make a donation via their website. There you may also inquire about what goods you could donate to support the organization.
* Humane Society of the United States: Having attended their Chefs for Seals event, Lisa has supported the Humane Society of the United States, the largest animal advocacy organization in the world. The group's current major campaigns target five specific areas: puppy mills, dog fighting, the fur trade, factory farming, and wildlife abuse. To find out more information or make a donation (international donations accepted), please go to their website. You can also text "ANIMALS" to 20222 to make a $10 donation.
* Human Rights Watch: On May 6, 2012, Lisa teamed up with Human Rights Watch to perform "Cries from the Heart." Human Rights Watch, as its name would indicate, is an international, non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. They work to give a voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors responsible for their behavior. To find out more information or to make a donation, please go to their website. They accept international donations and let you donate in your native currency as well.
* Jewish World Watch: On May 20, 2012, Lisa joined with Don Cheadle and Josh Radnor to host Jewish World Watch's 2012 Walk to End Genocide. Jewish World Watch is a non-governmental organization located in Southern California and comprised of more than 60 synagogues with the objective of educating, advocating, and donating in order to combat genocide. Currently they have two major programs -- one which donates solar cookers to families (reducing the need for women to leave safe areas, which puts them at risk for rape and murder) and one which provides shoes, books, soap, and school supplies to children. To learn more about this organization or to make a donation, please go to their website. US only for donations.
* Malaria No More: Lisa has done a few PSAs for the organization over the years, and that makes sense as Malaria No More is an organization dedicated to ending death caused by Malaria in Africa by 2015. To learn more about the organization, you can go to their website, where you may also make a donation. You can also text "POWER" to 41010 to make a $10 donation.
* Move On: In perhaps a controversial move, Lisa filmed "We Won't Go Back" for Move On, a non-profit, progressive/liberal public policy group and political action committee. Their goal is to raise money for progressive and liberal candidates in American politics. Please go to their website to learn more about them or to donate.
* Much Love Animal Rescue: Much Love Animal Rescue exists to rescue abused, neglected and homeless animals from the streets and shelters of Los Angeles and place them in loving homes, so it's no wonder Lisa attended their Bow Wow Ciao Benefit in 2006. To learn more about this organization or to donate, please go to their website. They also list goods they are looking for, so you don't have to donate money.
* National Alliance on Mental Illness: The cast of House have paired with NAMI several times over the years -- with good reason. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. To learn more about NAMI or to donate, please go to their website.
* No Kill Los Angeles: Working with Best Friends Animal Society once more, Lisa has shown her support for No Kill Los Angeles. NKLA is a coalition of animal shelters and welfare groups interested in ending the euthanasia of healthy and/or adoptable pets, who through no fault of their own end up in shelters. To donate or to learn more about NKLA, please visit their website.
* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): If I have to tell you how Lisa worked with them, bless your innocence and Google, sweetie. PETA's slogan has always been "animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment," and that just about accurately sums it up. Since its inception, PETA has focused on four major areas: factory farming, fur farming, animals in entertainment, and animal testing. If you would like to learn more about this organization, please go to their website. You may also make a donation there if you wish.
* Pet Orphans of Southern California: With Lisa attending their Pet Spectacular in 2002, Pet Orphans of Southern California is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and helping companion animals. To find out more about Pet Orphans of Southern California or how to donate, please look at their website. They also have a list of goods they would like, so if money isn't an option, please check it out. They're looking for a lot of goods, from blankets to towels to CDs.
* Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Lisa is listed as a member of the honorary committee of PCRM, who has since 1985, been influencing advancements in medicine and science. We advocate for preventive medicine, especially good nutrition, conduct clinical research, and advocate for higher ethical standards in research. The group specifically promotes a vegan diet and is against animal testing. You can learn more about this organization and/or donate by visiting their website.
* Planned Parenthood: Along with MoveOn.org, Lisa teamed up with Planned Parenthood to create the "We Won't Go Back" ad. Part of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health and maternal and child health services. To learn more about this organization or how to donate (international donations okay), please go to their website. You can also donate $10 to Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region specifically by texting "ISTAND" to 501501.
* Red Cross: In 2008 alongside Kal Penn, Lisa Edelstein became a member of the Red Cross's National Celebrity Cabinet. The Red Cross is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education. To donate to the Red Cross, you will need to visit your national Red Cross or Red Crescent Society website. You can learn more about them there as well as find ways to donate that do not involve money if that applies to you. You may also text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to donate $10.
* Save the Children: With Lisa participating in their Knit One, Save One initiative, Save the Children is an internationally active, non-governmental organization that promotes children's rights. The organization was created in 1919 in order to improve the lives of children through better education, health care, and economic opportunities. To learn more about this organization, please go to their website where you can donate as well. You could even knit one, save one yourself. Additionally, you may text "SAVE" to 20222 to make a donation of $10.
* Shark-Free Marina Initiative: The single goal of Shark-Free Marina Initiative is to reduce shark mortality. Lisa teamed up with them for this PSA in 2011. SFMI also works with policy makers at local, state, and federal levels to create and enforce community conscious policy and increase the awareness of the need to protect our sharks and our ocean. You may go to their website to learn more about this initiative, as well as find a link to the Humane Society where you may donate.
* Trevor Project/It Gets Better: The cast of House participated in The Trevor Project's "It Gets Better" campain aimed at reducing the number of suicides among LGBTQ teenagers. The project also provides guidance and vital resources to parents and educators in order to foster safe, accepting and inclusive environments for all youth, at home and at school. To find out more about this organization, you can go to their website where you can also donate. You may also text "TREVOR" to 85944 to make a $5 donation.
DONATE VIA LIVEJOURNAL:
Some of the organizations above are currently partnered with Livejournal. If you are choosing to bid on a buy it now auction, this is a great way to donate quickly. Gifting this Livejournal account is fast and an easy-to-prove way to donate. Your first step is to go to the Virtual Gift Shop. You have several options to choose from that support charities such as: The Trevor Project and Planned Parenthood.
EQUIVALENT DONATIONS:
Some of the organizations above only allow for donations from Americans. If you find yourself unable to donate to the charity of your choice, you can absolutely donate to the international equivalent or to your country's equivalent. Similarly, you can donate to local equivalents; perhaps you don't want to donate to Pet Orphans but rather to your local animal shelter. That's fine as well. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask lieueitak
I CAN'T DONATE MONEY DONATIONS:
If you find yourself unable to donate money for whatever reason, you are still welcome to participate. I have tried to note above which organizations take donations in the form of goods, but it is certainly not a complete list so feel free to research on your own. Here are some ideas as to how you support these charities or similar ones that do not involve money:
*Knit a hat for Save the Children
*Donate pet food, blankets, boxes, towels, etc to your local animal shelter. Please check with them first to see what they would use.
*Donate a pint of blood
*Volunteer at an animal shelter as a dog walker
*Become a clinic escort for Planned Parenthood
*Go vegetarian or vegan for a day or for a number of meals.
SO THEN HOW DO I BID?
You will still use dollars for a bid even if you plan on volunteering or donating in some other way.
* PHYSICAL GOODS: If you end up donating actual goods, the amount you would bid is the approximate cost of the items you are donating. Example: if I donated a towel to an animal shelter, my bid for an item would be the cost of that towel.
* VOLUNTEERING: $10 per 30 minutes.
* BLOOD DONATION: $10 for a pint of blood
* DIET CHANGE: $3 per meal
Please note that if you plan on volunteering, you will need to make sure that you are able to volunteer with that organization and schedule accordingly.
**Please let me know of any more vetted organizations (and whether or not they accept international donations) if you think of something. Thank you!
NOTE REGARDING CHARITY LIST: I have done my best to compile an accurate list of the organizations Lisa Edelstein has worked with over the years. By no means though is it a complete list. If there's a group she has worked with in some capacity that you would like to include, please comment here. I will do my best to keep updating this post.
ORGANIZATIONS YOU CAN DONATE TO:
* AIDS Research Alliance: In 2010, Lisa offered her support for the AIDS Research Alliance, an organization that is dedicated to curing AIDS. Since 1989, they have worked hard to develop medical strategies to prevent new HIV infections and better treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS. To learn more about them and/or to make a donation, please visit their website.
* AmberWatch Foundation: Having worked with Lisa for this PSA, the AmberWatch Foundation works to keep children safe from abduction and molestation. You can learn more about them and/or make a donation via their website (US only) or text "AMBER" to 90999 to make a donation of $5.
* Amnesty International: In 2004, Lisa attended the Artists for Amnesty to Support the Bushmen of Botswana event. As part of Amnesty International, Artists for Amnesty works with musicians, actors, and artists around the world to spread their message of human rights. But this is only one part of what AI does, and in the field of human rights, the organization is thought of by many to be the organization that set the standards for the movement as a whole. To learn more about Amnesty or to make a donation, please go to their website. International donations are okay.
* Best Friends Animal Society: As one of their acclaimed ambassadors, Lisa has partnered with Best Friends Animal Society, one of the country's leading animal welfare rescue groups, many times. Best Friends works with other shelters and rescue groups to provide care for homeless or unwanted animals, promote pet adoption, spay and neuter animals, and offer humane education throughout the country. You can learn more about this organization and/or make a donation via their website.
*Common Ground - The Westside HIV Community Center: In 2012, Lisa Edelstein was honored by Common Ground. Blessed with flawless taste, Common Ground in Santa Monica offers vital services, such as free HIV testing and needle exchange. They extend their services with few barriers and most importantly without judgment. To learn more about this organization and/or to make a donation, please visit their website. Donations are US only.
* Courage Campaign: In 2011, Lisa Edelstein teamed up with the Courage Campaign and MoveOn.org for the "Dance for Equality" Event. The Courage Campaign is a grassroots organization that, like MoveOn.org, works on a variety of progressive causes, including fighting for full rights for the LGBT community. That means, for instance, allowing gays and lesbians to marry and have equal protections under the law. To learn more about this organization and/or to make a donation, please visit their website. International donations are accepted.
* Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation: Attending their Kids for Kids Carnival, Lisa lent her support to this organization in 2006. As its name would suggest, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV and elimination pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention/treatment programs. As of 2009, the foundation has provided more than 9.2 million women with the resources needed to prevent transmission of HIV to their children. To learn more about this group or to make a donation, you can visit their website (international donations okay).
* Farm Sanctuary: With Lisa attending their gala back in 2008, Farm Sanctuary advocates for the better treatment of farm animals. It promotes laws and policies that support animal welfare and vegetarianism/veganism through rescue, education, and advocacy. You can learn more about them and/or make a donation via their website. There you may also inquire about what goods you could donate to support the organization.
* Humane Society of the United States: Having attended their Chefs for Seals event, Lisa has supported the Humane Society of the United States, the largest animal advocacy organization in the world. The group's current major campaigns target five specific areas: puppy mills, dog fighting, the fur trade, factory farming, and wildlife abuse. To find out more information or make a donation (international donations accepted), please go to their website. You can also text "ANIMALS" to 20222 to make a $10 donation.
* Human Rights Watch: On May 6, 2012, Lisa teamed up with Human Rights Watch to perform "Cries from the Heart." Human Rights Watch, as its name would indicate, is an international, non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. They work to give a voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors responsible for their behavior. To find out more information or to make a donation, please go to their website. They accept international donations and let you donate in your native currency as well.
* Jewish World Watch: On May 20, 2012, Lisa joined with Don Cheadle and Josh Radnor to host Jewish World Watch's 2012 Walk to End Genocide. Jewish World Watch is a non-governmental organization located in Southern California and comprised of more than 60 synagogues with the objective of educating, advocating, and donating in order to combat genocide. Currently they have two major programs -- one which donates solar cookers to families (reducing the need for women to leave safe areas, which puts them at risk for rape and murder) and one which provides shoes, books, soap, and school supplies to children. To learn more about this organization or to make a donation, please go to their website. US only for donations.
* Malaria No More: Lisa has done a few PSAs for the organization over the years, and that makes sense as Malaria No More is an organization dedicated to ending death caused by Malaria in Africa by 2015. To learn more about the organization, you can go to their website, where you may also make a donation. You can also text "POWER" to 41010 to make a $10 donation.
* Move On: In perhaps a controversial move, Lisa filmed "We Won't Go Back" for Move On, a non-profit, progressive/liberal public policy group and political action committee. Their goal is to raise money for progressive and liberal candidates in American politics. Please go to their website to learn more about them or to donate.
* Much Love Animal Rescue: Much Love Animal Rescue exists to rescue abused, neglected and homeless animals from the streets and shelters of Los Angeles and place them in loving homes, so it's no wonder Lisa attended their Bow Wow Ciao Benefit in 2006. To learn more about this organization or to donate, please go to their website. They also list goods they are looking for, so you don't have to donate money.
* National Alliance on Mental Illness: The cast of House have paired with NAMI several times over the years -- with good reason. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. To learn more about NAMI or to donate, please go to their website.
* No Kill Los Angeles: Working with Best Friends Animal Society once more, Lisa has shown her support for No Kill Los Angeles. NKLA is a coalition of animal shelters and welfare groups interested in ending the euthanasia of healthy and/or adoptable pets, who through no fault of their own end up in shelters. To donate or to learn more about NKLA, please visit their website.
* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): If I have to tell you how Lisa worked with them, bless your innocence and Google, sweetie. PETA's slogan has always been "animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment," and that just about accurately sums it up. Since its inception, PETA has focused on four major areas: factory farming, fur farming, animals in entertainment, and animal testing. If you would like to learn more about this organization, please go to their website. You may also make a donation there if you wish.
* Pet Orphans of Southern California: With Lisa attending their Pet Spectacular in 2002, Pet Orphans of Southern California is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and helping companion animals. To find out more about Pet Orphans of Southern California or how to donate, please look at their website. They also have a list of goods they would like, so if money isn't an option, please check it out. They're looking for a lot of goods, from blankets to towels to CDs.
* Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Lisa is listed as a member of the honorary committee of PCRM, who has since 1985, been influencing advancements in medicine and science. We advocate for preventive medicine, especially good nutrition, conduct clinical research, and advocate for higher ethical standards in research. The group specifically promotes a vegan diet and is against animal testing. You can learn more about this organization and/or donate by visiting their website.
* Planned Parenthood: Along with MoveOn.org, Lisa teamed up with Planned Parenthood to create the "We Won't Go Back" ad. Part of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health and maternal and child health services. To learn more about this organization or how to donate (international donations okay), please go to their website. You can also donate $10 to Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region specifically by texting "ISTAND" to 501501.
* Red Cross: In 2008 alongside Kal Penn, Lisa Edelstein became a member of the Red Cross's National Celebrity Cabinet. The Red Cross is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education. To donate to the Red Cross, you will need to visit your national Red Cross or Red Crescent Society website. You can learn more about them there as well as find ways to donate that do not involve money if that applies to you. You may also text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to donate $10.
* Save the Children: With Lisa participating in their Knit One, Save One initiative, Save the Children is an internationally active, non-governmental organization that promotes children's rights. The organization was created in 1919 in order to improve the lives of children through better education, health care, and economic opportunities. To learn more about this organization, please go to their website where you can donate as well. You could even knit one, save one yourself. Additionally, you may text "SAVE" to 20222 to make a donation of $10.
* Shark-Free Marina Initiative: The single goal of Shark-Free Marina Initiative is to reduce shark mortality. Lisa teamed up with them for this PSA in 2011. SFMI also works with policy makers at local, state, and federal levels to create and enforce community conscious policy and increase the awareness of the need to protect our sharks and our ocean. You may go to their website to learn more about this initiative, as well as find a link to the Humane Society where you may donate.
* Trevor Project/It Gets Better: The cast of House participated in The Trevor Project's "It Gets Better" campain aimed at reducing the number of suicides among LGBTQ teenagers. The project also provides guidance and vital resources to parents and educators in order to foster safe, accepting and inclusive environments for all youth, at home and at school. To find out more about this organization, you can go to their website where you can also donate. You may also text "TREVOR" to 85944 to make a $5 donation.
DONATE VIA LIVEJOURNAL:
Some of the organizations above are currently partnered with Livejournal. If you are choosing to bid on a buy it now auction, this is a great way to donate quickly. Gifting this Livejournal account is fast and an easy-to-prove way to donate. Your first step is to go to the Virtual Gift Shop. You have several options to choose from that support charities such as: The Trevor Project and Planned Parenthood.
EQUIVALENT DONATIONS:
Some of the organizations above only allow for donations from Americans. If you find yourself unable to donate to the charity of your choice, you can absolutely donate to the international equivalent or to your country's equivalent. Similarly, you can donate to local equivalents; perhaps you don't want to donate to Pet Orphans but rather to your local animal shelter. That's fine as well. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask lieueitak
I CAN'T DONATE MONEY DONATIONS:
If you find yourself unable to donate money for whatever reason, you are still welcome to participate. I have tried to note above which organizations take donations in the form of goods, but it is certainly not a complete list so feel free to research on your own. Here are some ideas as to how you support these charities or similar ones that do not involve money:
*Knit a hat for Save the Children
*Donate pet food, blankets, boxes, towels, etc to your local animal shelter. Please check with them first to see what they would use.
*Donate a pint of blood
*Volunteer at an animal shelter as a dog walker
*Become a clinic escort for Planned Parenthood
*Go vegetarian or vegan for a day or for a number of meals.
SO THEN HOW DO I BID?
You will still use dollars for a bid even if you plan on volunteering or donating in some other way.
* PHYSICAL GOODS: If you end up donating actual goods, the amount you would bid is the approximate cost of the items you are donating. Example: if I donated a towel to an animal shelter, my bid for an item would be the cost of that towel.
* VOLUNTEERING: $10 per 30 minutes.
* BLOOD DONATION: $10 for a pint of blood
* DIET CHANGE: $3 per meal
Please note that if you plan on volunteering, you will need to make sure that you are able to volunteer with that organization and schedule accordingly.
**Please let me know of any more vetted organizations (and whether or not they accept international donations) if you think of something. Thank you!