Connect Motherhood

Five Charities Making a Difference for Moms

Kristen Campbell  |  November 28, 2022

Learn how you can get involved with organizations working to make lives better for mothers and their families.

Everyone knows being a mom is amazing work. But it’s also hard work.  And many moms out there face far more challenges than others. 

Thankfully, organizations dedicated to serving mothers with the greatest needs are there to help. But those groups could use a hand too, especially in the midst of the ongoing pandemic and rising inflation.

“We saw … on average, an 86 percent increase in demand” during COVID, says Joanne Goldblum, the chief executive officer of the National Diaper Bank Network. Even during times of unprecedented demand, Goldblum and others who work with nonprofits supporting moms have plenty of reasons to hope, including the women they serve, the volunteers who support them, and the possibility of change itself. 

“Every day we are inspired by the grit and courage of young moms who overcome challenges like systemic racism, bias against adolescent moms, and historic disinvestment in communities of color to pursue thriving futures for themselves and their children,” notes Stephanie Held, marketing & communications for New Moms

Katherine Snider, chief executive officer of the Good+Foundation, lifts up their “incredible community of supporters.” As challenging as the situation is for many of the families served, she says, it’s incredible to see moms, dads and children having collection drives for the organization.

“The level and depth of generosity and empathy in this country can be amazing,” Snider says. 

Goldblum, co-author of “Broke in America: Seeing, Understanding, and Ending U.S. Poverty,”  says she believes “all parents want the best for their children, and that what we have in the United States is an uneven playing field from the start. And so what gives me hope is that we can change that. … Poverty is not gravity. It is a man-made construct, and as such, it can be deconstructed.”

As you consider donating time, money or goods, keep in mind that only 1.9 percent of all charitable giving in the United States goes to organizations dedicated to women and girls, according to research from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University. That said, philanthropic support for these organizations grew by 36.4 percent, compared to 26.5 percent for non-women’s and girls organizations, between 2014 and 2018, says Jeannie Infante Sager, the institute’s director.

Noting growth in women and girls’ organizations’ assets, revenues and expenses, Sager says, “we’re hopeful.”

If you’re looking for organizations to donate to, here are a few of our favorites, all of which are on the ground working for mothers, and incredibly highly rated by charity vetting and ranking organization Charity Navigator.

Black Women for Wellness

What they do: Noting its commitment to “the health and well-being of Black women and girls through health education, empowerment and advocacy,” Black Women for Wellness’ website identifies programs including the Black Maternal and Infant Health program, Kitchen Divas curriculum, Diabetes Prevention Program, Environmental Justice and more. 

How to give: Donate here and learn about volunteer opportunities here.

But wait, there’s more: Resources abound online, from this year’s wellness guide to a toxic-free beauty checklist. Find recipes, conversations about motherhood and more in the video gallery.

Charity Navigator rating: 100 of 100

Every Mother Counts 

What they do: Founded by Christy Turlington Burns, the organization’s website says it seeks to “make pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere.” You can read online about the nonprofit’s work with local organizations in the United States, Haiti, Tanzania, Bangladesh, India and Guatemala. 

How to give: Donate here and find opportunities for advocacy here; shop here to select gifts that make a difference. 

But wait, there’s more: Share your “arrival story” here.

Charity Navigator rating: 100 of 100

GOOD+Foundation

What they do: Founded by Jessica Seinfeld in 2001, the nonprofit’s website notes its mission to “dismantle multi-generational poverty by pairing tangible goods with innovative services for low-income fathers, mothers and caregivers, creating an upward trajectory for the whole family.” 

How to give: Give money here and goods here (including Amazon registries); learn how to volunteer your time here

But wait, there’s more: “When we don’t include fathers in the equation, it not only sidelines the dads … and hurts the children, but it also puts an extra burden on single moms,” Snider says. “Our goal in father inclusion is to make sure that we are supporting moms as best as we can.” 

Charity Navigator rating: 93.4 of 100

National Diaper Bank Network 

What they do: Noting its dedication to help “individuals, children and families access the basic necessities they require to thrive and reach their full potential,” the organization’s website also identifies its strategic priorities as including “ending diaper need, period poverty, and the lack of access to other material basic necessities in the U.S.” 

How to give: Learn about ways to give here, from making financial contributions to engaging in advocacy, volunteering for a basic needs bank or raising awareness.

But wait, there’s more: “We look at diaper need and period poverty as symptoms of poverty in the United States,” Goldblum says. The organization launched the Alliance for Period Supplies in 2018, according to its website

Charity Navigator rating: 100 of 100

New Moms 

What they do: A Chicago-based charity with a stated mission “to strengthen families by partnering with young moms as they progress toward housing stability, economic mobility, and family well-being,” New Moms pairs families with coaches in housing, job training and family support programs, Held notes. 

How to give: You can learn of many ways to give here, from financial contributions to in-kind contributions (in-person or by using an Amazon registry). Register to volunteer or shop here

But wait, there’s more: “We really come from a strength-based mindset,” Held says, adding that they want to help families tap into their potential and “provide them with resources to pursue the future that they envision for themselves.” 

Charity Navigator rating: 92.74

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