These days, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost as big of a holiday as Thanksgiving is. People line up outside of retail stores for hours waiting for sales and spend thousands of dollars on everything from toys to appliances. Admittedly, participating in this can be fun, but it can also feel hollow and overly commercial.

That’s where GivingTuesday comes in. It was created in 2012 as a day that encourages people to do good and donate time and money to helping people. If you'd like to donate to a charitable organization that's working to make the world a better place, you've got a lot of opportunities in Rochester.

Local charities in Rochester, MN you can donate to

Why Donate on GivingTuesday?

GivingTuesday provides an incredible opportunity for local charities and organizations in Rochester, MN, to raise funds, attract volunteers and increase awareness about their work. By giving to local charities on GivingTuesday, you directly support the needs of your community and help address local challenges. The donations made on this day can support programs and services that benefit individuals and families, improve access to education, clean water and healthcare, as well as support local initiatives.

Furthermore, GivingTuesday helps foster partnerships between businesses, nonprofits and community organizations, promoting collaboration for the greater good. The impact of giving on GivingTuesday extends far beyond a single day--it's a world vision of inspire ongoing support, engagement, and advocacy within local communities.

List of Noteworthy Charities in Rochester, MN

If you'd like to donate to a cause on GivingTuesday, you're in luck. Rochester has one of the highest non-profit capita in the country. Here are some of the best local charities that would welcome your contribution. 

First Alliance Credit Union Foundation

The First Alliance Credit Union Foundation’s mission is to make financial success achievable for all. To that end, they provide financial support to organizations, including other Rochester, MN charities, that seek to relieve the financial stress of those in need, especially those that have been historically underserved. For some reason, we at First Alliance Credit Union really like this charity.

Donate to First Alliance Credit Union Foundation here!

Jeremiah Program

The Jeremiah Program is dedicated to changing the national conversation about single motherhood and generational poverty. They do this by not just providing stable and safe housing for single mothers and their children, but also educational daycare and counseling for parents.

United Way of Olmsted County

It might be shorter to discuss what the United Way doesn’t do instead of what it does. Their goal is to be an agent of community change, and to that end they offer

• Discounts on prescriptions
• Programs that help children do well in school
• Free tax preparation for low-income households
• Grants for everything from healthcare to housing

Women’s Shelter

The Women’s Shelter provides help to women impacted by domestic violence. In addition to providing emergency shelter and supportive housing, they also have a 24-hour crisis line, a resource center and also perform community outreach.

Family Service Rochester

Family Services Rochester provides several services to families, such as:

• Mental health services
• Social workers who provide guidance for a variety of issues
• Senior independence

They do charge for their services, but the services are available on a sliding fee scale, and fees may even be reduced or waived in certain circumstances.

Channel One Regional Food Bank

One of the worst things about poverty is not knowing where your next meal is coming from. That’s where the Channel One Regional Food Bank comes in. They provide food assistance for anyone having a hard time making ends meet, and are one of the largest hunger relief organizations in the region.

Boys and Girls Club of Rochester

The Boys and Girls Club is an out-of-school service open to youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12. They have programs that are designed to foster academic success, build character, promote healthy lifestyles and give children the chance to express themselves in the arts.

 The Landing

The Landing exists to provide assistance support towards stability for anyone experiencing homelessness. They run a day center to give the unhouses food and shelter, as well as access to showers and laundry facilities. They even provide onsite medical care. social services and a legal assistance kiosk.

Friends of the Library

The Rochester Public Library is a vital part of the Rochester, MN community, and the Friends of the Library work to support it. They raise funds through membership contributions, special events and the sale of donated books. 

Tips for Donating to Charities on GivingTuesday

Now that we've explored some incredible charities in Rochester, MN, let's discuss some tips on how to ensure your donation makes the greatest impact on GivingTuesday.

Don't wait until the last minute

A lot of donors wait until the very last minute to make their donations. When that happens, though, it’s a lot more difficult to react to a surprise such as needing more time for your donation to be accepted or needing to provide some additional information. 

Pick a charity you believe in

Giving to charities can seem like a sacrifice, but if you really believe in what the organization is doing you won’t feel like you’re having to give something up. Instead, you’ll probably feel like you’re making a difference and helping a cause you care about. 

Do your research

Before donating, take the time to research the charity to ensure it aligns with your values and goals. Look for charities that are transparent with their financial information and how donations are being used. Consider giving to local charities in your community, as they may have a greater impact. Be cautious of scams and fraudulent charities, and always verify the organization's legitimacy before donating. Additionally, consider donating your time or skills to the charity, as this can further support their work.

Don't give more than you can afford

Wanting to donate to a charity is nothing short of generous. However, before you donate to a charity, make sure you won’t miss any of the money you donate. In other words, make sure that giving money won’t interfere with your ability to pay your monthly bills, as well as saving money for any emergencies that might arise. 

Get a receipt

While giving to charity is a good way to help out the less fortunate in the community, you should also make sure to keep a record of how much you give. You may be able to claim this as a deduction when tax time comes. Make sure you get a receipt for everything you donate, and make sure you make a note of this with the IRS. 

Donate to the First Alliance Credit Union Foundation today! 

What are some ways to support local charities besides monetary donations?

Besides monetary donations, you can support local charities by volunteering your time and skills, donating goods or services, spreading the word about their work through social media or word of mouth, participating in fundraising events, and advocating for their cause to others.

Get Involved in Your Community With First Alliance Credit Union

If you’d like to give back to the community, GivingTuesday is an ideal time to do so. Rochester has several charities you can give to that will put your donations to good use for the entire Rochester community. Do some research to find out which are the best charities for you, and don't delay making a donation to them once you've made a decision.

You can also make giving to charity more efficient when you become a member of First Alliance Credit Union. You can use our free downloadable budget calculator to create a separate category for giving to charities, and even open up a club account that you can put a little bit of money into throughout the year until the holidays roll around. 

Do you have a favorite local charity? Let us know on Facebook!