Nonprofits face ongoing challenges of improving quality of life or extending lifespan through fundraising. Those involved are often silent avengers or unsung heroes. This list includes a few of the many organizations making a difference.
One of their three programs 4Relief, distributes donated shoes and clothing to those in need in areas of crisis or natural disaster.
4Opportunity helps those in developing countries set up a sustainable business with donated shoes and clothing. Since 2006, together with partners and donors, they have created thousands of jobs in 53 countries.
4EveryKid initiative provides unhoused children with new shoes, boosting self-confidence and a sense of belonging at school. Statistically, that sense of belonging takes the focus off of their living situation and redirects it to learning.
To learn more, visit Soles4Souls
In 2013, Crossroads Campus opened Crossroads Pets Shop & Adopt in Nashville’s historic Germantown neighborhood.
This program acknowledges “at risk” young adults who are working to overcome poverty, homelessness, or time in the foster care system.
In order to prepare participants for the workplace, Crossroads provides paid job training in all aspects of care for dogs and cats available for adoption.
Their affordable housing program consists of a four-bedroom unit with a shared kitchen and living space. To prepare them for independent living, workshops on financial literacy and self-advocacy are provided.
To learn more, visit Crossroads Campus
The Nashville arm of the Austin-based nonprofit was established in 2007.
Like other food banks, the NFP works with local restaurants, grocers, markets, and farmers to repurpose food that would otherwise go to waste. The NFP goes beyond and partners with other organizations to grow organic food.
NFP partners with more than 50 community-based organizations. The recovered food, along with garden-grown produce, is prepared into fresh meals in their kitchens and shared with community groups.
Acknowledging that more than 40% of Nashville's food goes to waste, the organization is working toward a just and sustainable food system.
In 2018, PENCIL Board Member Blake McDaniel became aware of kids and their families who as a result of their living conditions, lacked access to washing machines or the ability to afford the use of public machines. Wearing unclean clothes caused a stigma and embarrassment for students, leading to absences.
Blake created “Clean Clothes for Kids” and partnered with PENCIL to raise funds for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of washer-dryer sets in Metro schools identified by the district. Access enabled faculty and parents to discreetly wash kids’ clothes at school for free.
To date, 50 washer-dryer sets have been placed. Absenteeism improved by 90% when access was facilitated.
William Oscar Smith Music School
Established in 1984 by jazz bassist William Oscar Smith. He wanted to make learning music affordable to children ages 8 to 18 from low-income families in the Metropolitan Nashville area. Those eligible to participate in the program meet income guidelines.
An instrument of choice, volunteer teaching artist, and materials needed are provided. Group classes and private lessons are available. Lessons are 50 cents each, and lunch is subsidized.
Volunteers come from various disciplines of music.
Members of the Executive Committee as well as the Board of Directors, include respected music industry executives and community leaders to oversee the compliance and control.
In 2005, experiencing her son’s friend battle brain cancer, Dean Crowe created the Rally Foundation and made it her mission to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects, with an ultimate goal to find cures.
The movement, recognized nationwide, empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
She and her husband have dedicated their lives to advancing pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer treatments.
The annual Fundraiser Rally on the Runway is being held Thursday, April 10, at the Marathon Music Works.
Visit the Rally Foundation website for details on how you can become involved.