GivingTuesday in Syracuse: 3 Nonprofits to Support

GivingTuesday, observed every year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is a global movement that encourages philanthropy and giving back to the community. In the midst of the holiday season's consumerism, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the true spirit of generosity and compassion. On last year’s GivingTuesday, donors in the U.S. gave $3.1 billion, shattering records with a 15% increase over 2021(GivingTuesday, 2022).

On GivingTuesday, it is particularly important to support your local nonprofits. Nonprofits play a crucial role in enriching our communities and addressing vital issues such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. Nonprofits understand the unique challenges and needs of their specific communities, enabling them to implement targeted and impactful solutions. By supporting local nonprofits, you help bolster their capacity to make a meaningful difference. 

There has never been a greater need for support for youth education in our hometown of Syracuse, NY. The Syracuse City School District contains 30 schools and 19,148 students and of these students, the district’s minority enrollment is 80% and 58.1% of students are economically disadvantaged (U.S. News). Mercy Works, and our fellow Syracuse nonprofits, are meeting the very real needs of our city’s youth by empowering their personal growth and development. Learn more about our missions:

1) United Way of Central New York 

United Way of Central New York drives solutions to the most pressing human service community needs of Central New York. Unlike non-profits that focus their efforts on one problem or group, United Way works to strengthen the whole community. They help donors have the most impact with one gift, improving the lives of thousands of people each year.

2) The Dunbar Association

The core mission of the Dunbar Association is to enhance the quality of life, break the cycle of generational poverty, and develop racial equality in our community. They have filled the gaps created by the color division in Syracuse and have helped to maintain African American culture in the city by acting as a location for the black community’s social events like dances, youth groups, meetings, and weddings.

3) Mercy Works

Mercy Works believes that empowering youth and under-served individuals will improve our community and enable them to reach their highest potential. Our partnerships with the Syracuse City School District, local agencies, local leadership, and worksite partners bolster our efforts to effect change at a local level with vision-based programs. We can make a difference by providing pathways out of poverty for Syracuse City children and youth.

By supporting a Syracuse nonprofit, you contribute directly to the betterment of your own community. GivingTuesday is an opportunity to join a global movement of giving and empower positive change right in your own backyard. Let's come together to make a difference and build stronger, more compassionate communities.

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Joelle Harleston