I have $50.00
1. The Global Fund for Women is the largest non-profit foundation in the world funding women's human rights. You'll have to go slightly over (or under here) to donate, but first take a look at all of the projects they are doing. One that I like is the BreakThrough Project which works to advance gender quality in Asia and the Pacific. Updated 6/25/14: This was a three year program and you can read about the accomplishments on that page. Meanwhile... why not put your $50 to work on one of their other projects. Donate here.
2. Parlez-vous another language? Stop and think for a moment about how speaking another language has impacted your life. How's your pronunciation? Have you ever wished you'd had an opportunity to start learning another language earlier? 97% of public elementary schools don't have the funds to start teaching a foreign language during these crucial years, but the Global Language Project is working to change that in disadvantaged schools in New York City by funding comprehensive and effective language programs to give these children the skills to succeed in an increasingly global world. For $50 you can open up the world just a little bit wider for some of these children.
3. AMREF is an international African organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya and is the largest African health organization in the world. It was founded in 1957 and has a solid history of providing health products and services to African people. In fact, you should read their history to appreciate how they have changed over the years to effectively meet the needs of the African people. A donation of $50 could vaccinate 40 people against polio. Click here to donate after you do your reading.
4. Action for Healthy Kids is an a great organization that aims to make both kids and schools healthier places. This is a website you will want to explore, especially their Resources section which will guide you to local (state level) resources. If you have or work with children, I highly recommend checking this organization out. Your $50 donation will provide a health and awareness fair kit for a school. There are, of course, other donation options as well.
5. Isn't Friends Without Borders a lovely name? It just makes you want to smile. And I hope it will want to make you make a $50 donation. Specifically Friends Without Borders operates in Cambodia to improve the health and well-being of Cambodian children through Angkor Hospital for Children. Their website also simply says, "Healing Children. Healing Cambodia." If you are in the medical profession, also see opportunities to volunteer.
6. I love it when a group of people with a common interest team up to do something using their special interest. And if you ride a motorcycle, or even just dream of riding a motorcycle, this one is for you. Check out Riders. They work in Africa where reliable transportation and infrastructure just doesn't exist for many people. Think about it. Say you have medical supplies and personnel available, but they have no way to get around. This is where this organization can help. Updated 6/25/14: Donation page has changed and I can only see it in pounds. Roughly speaking, it looks like your donation of $34 could help provide gas for a rider to reach remote locations. Take a look and do your own math.
7. If you're visiting a site like this, you've probably heard of Malala. She now has her own fund set up and is beginning some important work. I recommend watching a few of her speeches here so that you can understand the potential she has to create change. I feel sure that a $50 donation would go far.
8. NEW! We are all very concerned about Ebola in Africa. If you'd like to make a difference and have your difference automatically doubled then please visit the Save The Children site right now while an anonymous donor is offering to match every donation dollar for dollar. Read about it here. Limited time only, but hey... you'd want to give anyway, right? This is a well-known organization with a solid history. You can feel good that your money will be doubled and put to use wisely and effectively. But... hurry up, please!