Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift might leave even the best shoppers scratching their heads. What do you get for the guy who has cornered the market on tools, grills, sports, or other hobbies? If you want to do something meaningful for Dad, Grandpa, or your favorite father figure who has it all, maybe it’s time to consider a gift that’s a little more “out of the box.”
How about a Father’s Day gift that gives back to the community? A donation made in the name of your loved one, accompanied by a heartfelt note telling him how important he is to you, can show what a difference he makes in your life while making a difference in the lives of others. Whether the man you’re celebrating Father’s Day for is with you or you’re honoring his memory, a donation to a worthy organization shows your love, respect, and admiration for who he is and what he means to you.
Looking for some ideas for your Father’s Day donation gift? Below are just a few to get you inspired. Find many more vetted, deserving nonprofits in our Guide to Giving.
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
Your dad does a fantastic job taking care of you—a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in his name will ensure other children and their families get essential medical care.
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital is one of the world’s leading hospitals that treats critically ill children and performs research to help cure and treat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Good Dads
This nonprofit organization’s mission is to create a network of resources for fathers to help them become more engaged parents. Studies show that children who have a strong connection with their fathers have better mental health and academic performance, as well as fewer behavioral problems.
So far, the Good Dads organization has served over 800 men with these resources and helped to recover more than $3 million in child support payments for the Missouri Department of Social Services-Family Support Division. The organization has a podcast, “Growing Good Dads,” and other resources to support building a solid family relationship.
WorldVision Family Fishing Kit
If your dad loves fishing, then reel in this opportunity to have him sponsor a family fishing kit.
For $75, WorldVision will provide a needy family with everything required to catch fish to feed themselves. This kit includes everything from nets and poles to hooks, lines, and a basket. This is a gift that will keep on giving year-round.
The National At-Home Dad Network
In 2003, three stay-at-home dads had a brilliant idea: to help at-home dads around the country find others to create playgroups and support networks. Today, the mission of the National At-Home Dad Network is “to provide advocacy, community, education, and support for families where the fathers are primary caregivers for their children.”
With everything from Facebook groups and webinars to podcasts and guides to help dads start a local networking group, The National At-Home Dad Network has everything a parent needs to thrive and grow as a central part of the family.
Feeding America
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 44 million people in the United States deal with food insecurity and 100% of American counties face this challenge.
Feeding America is part of a nationwide network of over 200 food banks and works in conjunction with 60,000 meal programs to help people have access to food “without judgment or stigma.” Plus, Feeding America’s mission aims to work with local organizations to identify and address causes of widespread hunger.
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