A Giving Tuesday guide for helping Tallahassee-based nonprofits

Giving Tuesday brings both hope and service to scores of nonprofits in Tallahassee and the Big Bend area.

They’re depending on the generosity of others during the giving season. At Brehon Family Services, which provides shelter for pregnant women who are homeless, the day is critical.

Brehon Executive Director Halle Bush said she’s often reminded of the normalcy that many feel during the holidays that eludes those without a home or a bed to sleep in. Donations funded through Giving Tuesday, for example, allow the nonprofit to purchase gifts and give their clients some stability amid their circumstances.

“Everybody who’s in our house has something to open on Christmas. That’s something that’s really important to us,” said Bush, adding their shelter serves about six women at a time. “They’re all in a very high crisis situation, and so anything to kind of bring some normalcy to them is always the goal.”

This year, the Tallahassee Democrat has created a “Giving Tuesday” guide that highlights the needs of many local nonprofits.

▶Want your nonprofit included in the list? Follow the template below and email us at news@tallahassee.com.

From socks and clothes to donations and more, each of them are asking for residents to support their missions to serve men, women and children in meaningful ways. Here’s how you can help make a difference.

850 Kings 

Service provided: Organization uses athletics as a tool to mentor young men. The 850 Kings participates in 7 on 7 competitions which comprise of 7 athletes on each side in touch football. Established in 2017, the organization began serving 10 to 11-year-olds and has now expanded to serve ages 10 to 18.

How to help: Donations encouraged; email the850kings@gmail.com to learn more about sponsorships.

Website and donation link: the850kings.com and https://shorturl.at/98bN5

Ability1st

Service provided: Since 2005, Ability1st has prioritized adding and expanding programs that target the most vulnerable people with disabilities in our community. Their programs include A Place Called Home, which provides stable housing and support for chronically homeless people with disabilities; Crime Victim Assistance, which provides support and advocacy for people with disabilities who have been victims of crime or who have a disability because of a crime; and Access to Independence, which provides home modifications for people with disabilities to enable them to remain in their homes rather than moving to a more expensive and restrictive institution.

How to help: Volunteers needed for the Ramp Program, which builds ramps for local residents in Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor counties. Ramps are typically built throughout the week in the mornings and some weekends when necessary. Tools and gloves provided. Transportation is not provided. Jobs last from three to five hours. Volunteers can email contact@ability1st.info or call (850) 575-9621 to volunteer.

Website and donation link: ability1st.org

Achieve Academy

Services provided: Achieve Academy works with students, including those with autism, through individualized support, academic growth and meaningful enrichment experiences.

How to help: Contributions help provide specialized resources, a nurturing environment, and opportunities for students to thrive.

Website and donation link: theachieveacademy.org and www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/giving-tuesday-375

AddUs Incorporated

Services provided: Focused on expanding access to quality maternal health services, ultrasound services and support for underserved families in the community. Their Sound Beginnings Program provides mentorship, education and resources to empower women of all backgrounds.

How to help: Financial contributions.

Website and donation link: www.addusinc.com

Alliance Française de Tallahassee

Services provided: The mission of Alliance Française de Tallahassee is to promote knowledge of the French language and Francophone cultures through a cultural, intellectual, and artistic understanding in our Tallahassee community. They offer French language classes, host cultural events, and provide access to French resources.

How to help: Membership fees are $40 per person, $30 for seniors and $10 for students and provide access to $20 discount on French language classes, cinema soirée, French conversation evenings (twice a month on either Wednesday or Thursday), access to AFTally’s printed and online book collection, invitation to the members-only, annual celebration of French Independence. Contact memcco@gmail.com.

Website and donation link: aftally.org

Alzheimer’s Project, Inc.

Services provided: Organization provides support, education, and resources to individuals with memory disorders and their caregivers throughout the Big Bend region, ensuring no family faces dementia alone.

How to help: Financial contributions and volunteers needed for respite care companions, administrative support, event planning helpers and educational workshop assistants.

Website and donation link: alzheimersproject.org

Animal Shelter Foundation

Services provided: The Animal Shelter Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization created by volunteers to support the animals in the care of Tallahassee Animal Services, more commonly known as the Animal Shelter at Tom Brown Park. They exist, through the help of community events and donations, to make a positive difference in the lives of homeless animals.

How to help: Your Giving Tuesday donations will directly benefit shelter animals and a foster sleepover program, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic serving the Tallahassee area, special veterinary care needs and heartworm help.

Website and donation link: animalshelterfoundation.org/help/giving-tuesday (all donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $40,500.)

Apalachee Center

Services provided: As the largest provider of mental health services in the Big Bend Region, Apalachee Center offers a full spectrum of care for families and individuals seeking help and recovery from psychiatric or substance use crises in Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla Counties. Services range from acute inpatient psychiatric evaluation and treatment through residential and intensive home-based services, all the way to outpatient psychotherapy and medication management. Apalachee Center serves those with and without insurance or the ability to pay. 

How to help: Monetary donations help provide wraparound mental health treatment for neighbors in the Big Bend

Website and donation link: ApalacheeCenter.org/Donate

Big Bend Hospice Foundation, Inc.

Services provided: Supports compassionate end-of-life care for patients and their families throughout the Big Bend community. Established in 1995, the foundation ensures that the unfunded and underfunded programs such as charity care, community bereavement services, and music therapy continues to thrive. 

How to help: Financial contributions can help provide charity care, grief support, and essential programs for those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Also looking for trained volunteers.

Website and donation link: bigbendhospice.org/foundation/

Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend

Services provided: The best way to predict the future is to create it. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend (BGCBB), creates a new and brighter future for thousands of young people (ages 6-18) in Leon, Gadsden and Jefferson counties. The goal is to help them reach their full potential through a program of youth development that emphasizes career and academic preparedness, healthy lifestyles, and character and good citizenship. There are 11 clubs throughout the service area that are open each weekday after school from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and for extended hours during the summer. Their membership is approximately 2,551 strong and each day about 550 kids come to one of their club locations. Membership is open to all young people and costs only $10 per child per year.

How to help: This Giving Tuesday launches the organization’s mission to build the Boys & Girls Club at the Champions Ranch, a space that will transform the lives of thousands of Tallahassee youth.

Website and donation link: https://bgcbb.networkforgood.com/projects/264190-boys-girls-club-at-champions-ranch

Brehon Family Services

Services provided: Shelter for pregnant homeless women. Since 1978, Brehon Family Services has been a leading provider of support for homeless, pregnant women and at-risk families in Northern Florida. 

How to help: Volunteer or donate money and basic needs items (household goods, canned goods, produce, proteins, comforters, blankets, slippers, etc.)

Website and donation link: brehonfamilyservices.org

Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition 

Services provided: Focused on improving the health of infants and their families by connecting new or expecting moms, fathers, and families with young children to community resources that help with pregnancy and parenting. The goal is to educate parents and healthcare providers, eliminate barriers, and empower families through programs, initiatives and community partnerships.

Website and donation link: capitalareahealthystart.org

Capital City Youth Services (CCYS)

Service provided: CCYS promotes the healthy development of youth and families by providing guidance, shelter and support. When youth or families have a problem, the organization’s team works to understand their needs and develop a plan where they can best serve them. 

How to help: In kind needs for their Emergency Crisis Shelter, Group Home and Drop In Center (hygiene items, survival aid and gift cards) can be delivered to 2407 Roberts Avenue. Financial contributions help CCYS provide all of the resources and support to the families they serve.

Website and donation link: www.ccys.org

Capital Medical Society Foundation, Inc.

Services provided: Support the charitable efforts of physicians and others, increase access to healthcare, promote education and serve the community’s health needs through innovative projects that are exemplary, affordable and dignified.

How to help: Donations support the mission and initiatives, the We Care Network program, Scholarship Fund, Physician Wellness Program, Access to Care Grants, and other innovative projects that address the health care needs of the underserved in the community.

Website and donations: capmed.org

Clean Start Initiative

Services provided: The most critical time for an individual being released from incarceration is the first 72 hours of freedom. It is during this time that they can be lured into bad decisions by bad influences in their life. The Clean Start Initiative is there to support, encourage and guide them through this critical stage. This organization assists individuals with obtaining a clean start in life to positively impact their family, community, nation and eventually the world.

How to help: Financial support to help at least 125 kids with Christmas gifts. These kids have a parent or parents incarcerated and are considered at-risk youth.

Website and donation link: https://www.cleanstartinitiative.org/

Charlie Ward Champions Ranch

Services Provided: The Champions Ranch is slated to be a multi-sport facility in southeast Tallahassee that will include several buildings, fields and an indoor turf court.

How to help: The project, backed by the Charlie and Tonja Ward Foundation, is inviting supporters to make history and help build the first phase of the Charlie Ward Champions Ranch by participating in the Champions Plaza Paver Campaign. 

With three paver sizes to choose from, the donation gift becomes a meaningful step of faith that helps lay the foundation for transformation. Engraved paver will become a permanent part of Champions Ranch and donations will directly support Phase 1 construction, which includes the multisport field and the Champions Café. The Giving Tuesday goal is to raise $150,000.

Website and donations: https://championsranch.causevox.com

Connection First

Services provided: Cultivates peace and healing through human connection. The Restorative Justice Program in Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit offers free, voluntary dialogues between people who have caused harm and those impacted. These conversations focus on accountability, repairing harm, and preventing future harm — boosting satisfaction, reducing recidivism, and strengthening community safety.

How to help: Financial contributions help support more restorative justice opportunities and the Peer Mentor Program, along with engaging young adults in the teen diversion program. Donate or volunteer in the Restorative Justice conferences. Email janelle@connectionfirst.org to find out more about volunteering. 

Website and donation link: www.connectionfirst.org

Conservation Pathways

Services provided: Help future conservation leaders find their direction by bridging the gaps between college and career. They provide students with field research, science communication, and professional development experiences

How to help: While they don’t have many opportunities for general volunteers, they are always open to partnering with other conservation organizations and environmental professionals and can always use help spreading the word about the organization. 

Website and donation link: www.conservation-pathways.org

Delta Kappa Omega Foundation

Services provided: The Delta Kappa Omega Foundation, in conjunction with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, provides weekend and holiday meals for children within local communities. 

• The Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP) is targeted to be Alpha Kappa Alpha’s most ambitious childhood hunger program to date. 
• Providence Community Garden Project — The Delta Kappa Omega Foundation, sorority and the Providence Neighborhood Association are working on a garden project.  It educates kids and families about gardening from the soil to the fruit. Families can attend the upcoming Seed Social from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. at the Delta Kappa Omega Providence Community Service Center, 1908 Highland Street.

How to help: Families wishing to participate in the gardening project and those wanting to volunteer can contact Karen Miller via email at Karen.Miller1958@gmail.com.

Website and donation link: www.facebook.com/DKOFoundationInc and https://shorturl.at/fj55n

Diamonds In The Rough Sports, Entertainment & Education

Services provided: Create a career pathway program that assists young people with overall development. Established in 2010, their goal is to provide youth with the tools and skills they need to succeed in life, regardless of their circumstances. Participants learn how to be compliant to authority and learn the importance of becoming self-sufficient.

How to help: Financial donation to help fund programs, such as tutoring, mentorship, summer camps, travel expenses, college and career preparation, financial literacy, youth incarceration prevention, participation scholarships and more.

Website and donation link: DIRSEE.ORG – on CashApp: $Dirsee2010 and Zelle: (904) 234-8076

ECHO Outreach Ministries

Services provided:  ECHO Outreach Ministries puts faith into action by serving people in crisis and poverty in Leon County since April 1981. They provide emergency relief and family sustainability to impoverished and homeless residents through four programs: Emergency Resources, Family Services, Housing Assistance and The Furniture Bank of Tallahassee.

How to help:

• Volunteer by keeping food pantry and professional clothing closet stocked and organized (Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at https://echotlh.org/volunteer/.
• Mentor – invest your time to watch and play with the children of the parents in their ‘Breaking Ground’ class (Thur 6-8 p.m.) at https://echotlh.org/breakingground/
• Donate – drop off non-perishable groceries, business attire, housewares, and kitchen utensils/countertop appliances at our main office, 548 E. Bradford Rd (Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.), or schedule a free pickup of your gently-used larger furniture (phone 850-224-3246 extension 205, email dspitler@echotlh.org, also see https://echotlh.org/needs)

Website and donation link: www.echotlh.org

Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC)

Services provided: Since 2001, ELC has been providing access to affordable, high-quality child care, supporting early childhood educators through professional development, and ensuring children have the early learning foundation needed for lifelong success.

How to help: Community contributions help give children safe and enriching learning environments and equip educators with the tools they need to thrive. Donors’ generosity creates bright starts for families, children, and early learning educators across seven Big Bend counties, and builds the bold futures they deserve.

Website and donation link: www.elcbigbend.org. Financial contributions for Giving Tuesday can be made via Venmo or PayPal. Please be sure to include “Giving Tuesday Donation” in the notes.

Elder Care Services, Inc.

Services provided: For over 53 years, Elder Care Services has been Improving the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers in the Big Bend area through comprehensive services, including Elder Day Stay, In-Home Services, meals and senior outreach services.

How to help: Contact their offices (850) 921-5554 or email them at info@ecsbigbend.org to volunteer for:

• Meals on Wheels Delivery: Delivers over 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to Tallahassee seniors each year.
• Elder Day Stay Volunteer: Makes an impact through music therapy, arts and crafts activities, companionship and more at the Elder Day Stay adult day care center.
• Senior Volunteer Program: Become a foster grandparent and mentor school-aged children, offer socialization to a senior through the senior companion program, or transport seniors to their doctor’s appointments as a retired and senior volunteer.

Website and donation link: www.eldercarebigbend.org

Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend

Services provided:  Since 1989, EABB has served epilepsy patients and their loved ones within a 14-county region with case management and programs that include the provision and payment of diagnostic, treatment and pharmaceutical services and community education.

How to help: Epilepsy is a neuro-disability that affects 1 in 26 people, yet stigma and financial hardship keep many from accessing the life-saving care and support they need. Your donation helps close that gap by underwriting the cost of neurology visits, diagnostic testing, seizure medication, and care coordination for your neighbors who have nowhere else to turn. It also strengthens their seizure first-aid and self-management programs.

Website and donation link: www.eabb.org

FAAST, Inc.

Services provided: A program designed to provide assistive technology to Floridians with disabilities.

How to help: Create a library of adaptive toys for children with disabilities to borrow, play, and develop with; support loan assistive technology devices so people can try and learn about what assistive technology will work the best for them; help refurbish and reuse durable medical equipment and provide demonstrations and support so people who have disabilities and their families understand what’s possible and how they might increase their independence.

Website and donation link: faast.org

Family Promise of the Big Bend

Services provided: Emergency shelter for families, housing for formerly homeless veterans and support services for low-income veterans.

How to help: In-kind needs at the emergency shelter are bedding (pillows, pillow cases, XL twin sheets. XL twin comforters, bath towels and washcloths). Organization is also collecting gift cards for families transitioning to stable housing (bus passes and Home Goods especially appreciated). In kind donations can be dropped off at HOPE: 2729 W Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, Fl 32304.

Website and donation link: familypromisebigbend.org

FAMU Community Garden

Services provided: This community garden offers unique opportunities for newcomers to Tallahassee to produce traditional crops otherwise unavailable locally. People from diverse backgrounds are often seen working side-by-side on common goals without speaking the same language. The FAMU community garden is a melting pot of members with varied ethnicity; there are gardeners from continents and regions from all over the world. The gardeners grow crops from their country of origin.

How to help: Donate at the FAMU give way by clicking on College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, General Support, CESTA – General Discretionary, and specify that your donation is for the FAMU Community Garden.Website and donation link:  www.facebook.com/share/1HBNmryeNF/ and engage.famu.edu/g/donate.

First Tee – Tallahassee

Services provided: A youth development organization teaching young people positive values such as honesty, integrity, confidence and respect while using the game of golf as a tool. First Tee lessons are taught in-schools programs (Sabal Palm Elementary) and various golf courses including Southwood Golf Course.

How to help: Financial contribution to support youth programs, especially for families who cannot afford participation.

Website and donation link: firstteetallahassee.org

IMPACT Academy

Services provided: IMPACT Tallahassee supports children and young adults with special needs (ages 6 weeks–22 years) through comprehensive education, therapeutic services, and workforce-readiness programming. IMPACT Academy offers individualized instruction, evidence-based therapies including speech-language, occupational, physical, music, and applied behavior analysis (ABA), and meaningful enrichment experiences. The Community & Career Readiness Program equips young adults with real-world skills, greater independence, and pathways to employment.

How to help: Contributions support specialized classroom resources, expanded therapy services, inclusive community programs, and the growth of IMPACT’s campus to meet rising local demand. Your gift helps reduce waitlists, provide high-quality instruction, and create opportunities for every child and young adult to thrive. Contact Mr. Brett Lee (brett.lee@impacttlh.org) for more information on how to get involved and support IMPACT’s mission

Website and donation link: impacttlh.org

Impact at FAMU Wesley

Services provided: Campus ministry for all students regardless of denomination or church affiliation at Florida A&M University.

How to help: Financial contribution in any amount help fund The IMPACT house, which is designed to serve the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the students, faculty, and staff at Florida A&M University.

Website and donation link: famuwesley.org

Inclusion Cafe

Services provided:  The academy specializes in providing restaurant job training to individuals with intellectual disabilities, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the culinary industry. Their goal is to employ up to 30 individuals with intellectual disabilities learning multiple positions in a fully functional restaurant open during lunch hours.

How to help: Donations and volunteers. Asking local chefs and restauranteurs to volunteer their time teaching restaurant skills to prepare workers for employment throughout our community.

Website and donation link: 1lnk.page/inclusioncafe

It’s Meow or Never

Services provided: Whether it’s a community cat in need, a lost stray, or an orphaned kitten, we work tirelessly to ensure cats are cared for and find their way home. Sometimes it is back to their colony, to their families, or to a safe new place. We also provide free vaccines for pets in our community. The organization specializes in foster and adoptions to find loving homes for rescued cats, Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNR/TNVR) to manage and reduce feral cat populations, colony management to support the well-being of community cat colonies.​​How to help: Donation, volunteers and foster families needed.Web site and donation link: itsmeowornevertally.com

Foundation for Leon County Schools

Services provided: Bring enrichment programs and resources to public schools served by the Leon County School District through business, individual and community engagement; increased public awareness and dedicated fundraising.

How to help: Your gift to students goes twice as far – all donations matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact on programs that help every child succeed.

Website and donation link: foundationforlcs.org

Girl Flo Project

Services provided: Promotes period equity and helps make menstrual products more accessible to Leon County Schools students. Program was launched in 2021 by Amaya J. Waymon, who was a student at Rickards High School.

How to help: Accepting menstrual product donations on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. Drop off your products to The Oasis Center for Women & Girls, 3064 Highland Oaks Terrace, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: foundationforlcs.org/the-girl-flo-project

Good News Outreach

Services provided: A faith-based organization that strives to reduce recidivism, hunger, homelessness and isolation through uplifting and collaborative efforts in the Big Bend region

How to help: Financial contributions that will go toward raising funds to refresh and redecorate Mercy House Men’s Home, ensuring the men they serve have a comfortable, dignified place to rebuild their lives. Also seeking support to renovate several units at Maryland Oaks Crossing, which will allow them to bring more affordable housing units online for families exiting homelessness.

Website and donation link: www.goodnewsoutreach.org

Goodwill of the Big Bend

Services provided: Education, career services, and support for individuals across the Big Bend. Just one donated item provides three hours of career training, and their Career Resource Centers are powered by the generosity of donors.

How to help: Donating goods, volunteering and financial contributions online. By donating items or your time, you are helping individuals find dignity and hope through the power of work. 

Website and donation link: https://www.goodwillbigbend.org/

Florida Sheriffs Association

Services provided: A Youth Learning Center, which gives young people a place to explore careers in law enforcement, learn about the 200+ year history of the Office of Sheriff in Florida, and discover the importance of service.

How to help: Financial donations toward the learning center.

Website and donation link: flsheriffs.org

Innocence Project of Florida

Services provided: Legal defense organization dedicated to representing individuals in Florida’s prisons who can prove their innocence through the use of DNA testing and other newly discovered evidence. Organization helped secure the release of 37 individuals (and counting) who collectively spent over 864 years in prison for crimes they didn’t commit.

How to help: Financial contributions make their work possible.

Website and donation link: https://www.floridainnocence.org/

Junior League of Tallahassee

Services provided: The Junior League of Tallahassee’s work focuses on improving the lives of children in the Tallahassee area by addressing essential needs such as clothing, and access to food. Through programs like Kids’ Boutique, an annual back-to-school shopping event for students at Title I schools in Leon County.  Along with Big Bend Bites, a spring break food distribution allowing 1,000 families to pick up food to support them through the week school is out for break.

How to help: Fundraising for our two big community initiatives, and the money received goes back into the lives of local families. The league does this through two community initiatives: Kids’ Boutique, a back-to-school shopping event for students at Title I schools in Leon County. Students are given a shopping experience to purchase clothing and shoes. Children also receive a backpack filled with school supplies. Another initiative is Big Bend Bites, which is a spring break feeding event to distribute food to 1,000 families to pick up food to support them through the week school is out. The League’s current fundraiser supports its Little Black Dress Initiative.

Website to donate: https://lbdi2025.causevox.com/

The Kearney Center

Services provided: The Kearney Center is the only 24-hour, comprehensive emergency services center for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Big Bend region. The Center provides immediate shelter and basic needs while connecting clients to supportive services, case management, healthcare, and housing-focused programs.

How to help: To support The Kearney Center, please consider volunteering or donating.

Website and donation link: kearneycenter.org.

Keep Tallahassee Beautiful

Services provided: Volunteer-based organization that organizes community cleanups and other efforts to remove litter.

How to help: Volunteer to help with cleanup events/fundraisers, joining the Board of Directors, joining the Adopt a Street program or making a donation on their website. For more information on how to volunteer, contact Diana Hanson at keeptallahasseebeaut@comcast.net

Website and donation link: keeptallahasseeleoncountybeautiful.com

KidSafe

Services provided: KidSafe saves lives by providing new child safety seats for infants and young children living in low income families. Every child deserves a safe ride. Each seat costs the agency $125.

How to help: Donations are needed to purchase safety seats.

Website and donation link: kidsafebigbend.org

The Less Fortunate Still Matters Foundation

Services provided: Dedicated to serving homeless individuals, low-income families, and children throughout the community with meals, clothing, shoes, school supplies. Hosts major annual events like a Back-2-School drive and Christmas toy giveaway at the North Florida Fairgrounds.

How to help: Volunteering, donating essential items and financial contributions.

Website and donation link: www.thelessfortunatestillmatter.com

Leon County Chapter of The Charmettes, Incorporated

Services provided: Raise funds aimed at supporting research and programming that targets the elimination of cancer at the local level and for the Cancer Research Center at Howard University as part of the national organization’s mission, which has raised more than $1 million for the university. The Leon County Chapter also provides a Debutante program, which allows high school seniors and college freshmen to learn life skills that include etiquette, professional development and more that coincides with the chapter’s signature Debutante Presentation and Ball.

How to help: Financial donations for the chapter’s overall mission and sponsorships for the Debutante Presentation and Ball.

Website and donation link: theleoncountycharmettes.org

Links Incorporated Beautillion 

Services provided: Serving the community for almost 75 years, The Links’ signature program is its Beautillion, designed to support, develop, and celebrate young men through mentorship, leadership training, academic enrichment, and community engagement. The program’s mission is to promote higher education while addressing the need for improved high school graduation rates, leadership development, character education and community service learning for students of diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

How to help: Contribute to the success of this year’s Beautillion with a financial donation.

Website and donation link: tallahasseelinksinc.org/

MOBS Collective

Services provided: Cultivate genuine community and connection for Mothers of Babies in the early stages of motherhood.

How to help: Donations go toward providing free events for local mamas to find community and connection, no matter their socio-economic status.

Website and donation link: www.mobscollective.com and www.instagram.com/tallymobs

Mount Olive Affordable Housing & Community Development Corporation

Services provided: Established in 1994, current program areas include economic development (Micro Enterprise Development Program), a micro-loan program, affordable housing, anti-tobacco, job readiness and workplace readiness, literacy (adult basic education and GED), youth drug abuse and crime prevention and intervention. Aims to expand educational and economic opportunities, reduces sickness, poverty, crime and environmental degradation.

How to help: Volunteers and donations are appreciated.

Website and donation link: www.mountoliveaffordablehousingcdc.com and shorturl.at/UbAnn

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Services provided: MADD’s mission is to end drunk and drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. Nonprofit works to support victims at no charge, advocate for stronger laws and create a future of No More Victims.

How to help: Financial donations

Website and donation link: https://madd.org/northwest-florida/

Motivating People through Arts and Crafts (MPAC)

Services provided: Vocational rehabilitation through a collaboration with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

How to help: MPAC enhances communication and social skills through art and career and professional development. Target population is 14 years and older who are on the autism spectrum, neurodiverse, and/or other disabilities. Donations welcome.

Website and donation link: https://www.mpacobs.org, Cashapp $mpac681 and PayPal

NAMI Tallahassee

Services provided: NAMI is a grassroots, nonprofit, education, self-help support and advocacy organization for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. They provide free mental health information and related services in Leon County and throughout the Big Bend area of Florida.

How to help: Financial donations for mental health programs and outreach. Every donation strengthens NAMI’s ability to provide hope, resources, and life-changing support for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Website and donation link: www.nami-tallahassee.org

Notable Impressions, Inc.

Services provided: Free professional clothing and accessories in partnership with ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization). Provides in-person and remote sessions on how to prepare for and navigate the professional world through personable and customized educational workshops, scenario-based learning and on-site implementation. Provides Pro-tique, a free professional boutique that offers new and gently used clothing, shoes, handbags and other accessories to assist with preparing for and staying in the workforce.

How to help: Volunteering and donations.

Website and donation link: www.notableimpressions.org; email info@notableimpressions.org or Cash App – $NotableImpressions.

Oasis Center for Women & Girls

Services provided: Women’s empowerment programs, counseling and support groups for moms raising children on their own, mother/daughter groups, girls’ empowerment programs, staff support for the Tallahassee/Leon County Commission on the Status of Women & Girls (CSWG) and distribution of period products to women.

How to help: Annual Virtual Holiday Silent Auction supports programs. Runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 7 and features more than 300 items. Bidding began Nov. 28. Link is https://bit.ly/2025OasisHolidayAuction. Another way to help the agency is through its Amazon Wishlist and monetary donations or in-person donations of supplies.

Website and donation link: https://theoasiscenter.net/

Omega Lamplighters

Services provided: Launched in 2008, Omega Lamplighters is a youth leadership and mentoring program for boys and young men in Tallahassee, focused on academic success, life skills, service, and character building.

How to help: Residents can support by volunteering as mentors, helping with workshops and events, providing meals or supplies for program days, sponsoring a Lamplighter, or partnering with Lamplighters to host enrichment opportunities for youth.

Website and donation link: www.omegalamplighters.org

Red Hills Small Farm Alliance

Services provided: The Fresh Food Fund is an initiative of the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance, which purchases fresh, locally grown foods that include produce, meats, eggs, dairy and more. Purchased foods are donated to three hunger-relief partners: Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Florida State’s Food for Thought Food Pantry and the Frenchtown Neighborhood Improvement Association.

How to help: Financial donation to support the Fresh Food Fund, which delivers high-quality food to neighbors in need and strengthens the farms that sustain the region.

Website and donation link: https://www.redhillssfa.com/donate/

REfire Culinary

Services provided: Free tuition for eight-week culinary training program for people with felony convictions. Graduates receive a manager’s ServSafe Certification, have access to in-house community support and have a rigorous curriculum that provides hands-on learning.

How to help: Organization has had 115 graduates in the last eight years. Asking for $115 gifts of any amount to support the services provided.

Website and donation link: www.refireculinary.org

Safe Families for Children

Service provided: Safe Families for Children is rooted in faith, fueled by radical hospitality, disruptive generosity, and intentional compassion, to build a network of caring and compassionate volunteers to support families facing social isolation. The organization’s goal is to support and strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and reduce the number of children unnecessarily entering the child welfare system. They do that through a “Circle of Support,” which includes concrete help, relational support and hosting children.

How to help: The organization is 98% volunteer driven.  You can apply to be a volunteer anytime of the year, and support families on your own time schedule. Start the process here:  https://tallahassee.safe-families.org/volunteer-application/

Website and donation link: safe-families.net

She Academy, Inc.

Services provided: Dedicated to empowering teen girls (ages 13–16) on their journey to young adulthood. Organization provides impactful mentorship, life skills workshops, and a supportive sisterhood to build confidence, healthy relationships, and leadership.

How to help: Financial contribution or shop the Executive Collection of merchandise. Every purchase and donation directly fuels mentorship, wellness support, and life-skill development for teen girls in our community.

Website and donation link: www.sheacademyinc.com

Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc.

Services provided: The Sickle Cell Foundation provides services to individuals and family members affected by the sickle cell disease and trait. Their services include case management, counseling, limited financial assistance, and free sickle cell trait screening. Offers peer support groups and community education and a wellness program that provides Reiki Massage and acupuncture services.

How to help: Financial contribution helps provide community outreach, supportive services, educational programs, trait testing and vital resources for those living with the disease, caregivers and the broader community.

Website and donation link: www.sicklecellfoundation.org or Text-To-Give by texting SCFDONATE2025to 269-89.

Southern Scholarship Foundation

Services provided: Increases access to higher education by providing students with rent-free living and learning communities, nurturing future leaders, innovators and changemakers. Since 1955, SSF has helped students achieve their dreams of attending their choice university through partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College. 

How to help: Financial contributions.

Website and donation link: southernscholarship.org

Special Olympics Florida

Services provided: Year-round sports, fitness, and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities — all completely free of charge.

How to help: Financial donations and volunteer opportunities.

• Coaching volunteer: Become a coach for one of more than 20 different sports programs. Coaches typically spend two to three hours per week volunteering during the three to four-month sport season. To learn more attend one of their no-obligation information sessions.
• Become a Unified Partner: Compete alongside the athletes on a team (ex. soccer, basketball) or doubles (ex. tennis, golf) sport. Unified teams compete in a special division of competition during all rounds of play. For more information about becoming a Unified Partner, go online and begin the necessary paperwork.
• Become a Health Volunteer: For those with medical training, volunteers are needed to provide medical screenings to athletes during competition as part of our Healthy Athletes Program. View upcoming opportunities and sign-up online.

Website and donation link: www.specialolympicsflorida.org/northwest

Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC)

Services provided: Coordinator and service provider for victims, survivors and those who are at-risk of human trafficking.

How to help: STAC is seeking donations to protect vulnerable people targeted by human traffickers, empower sex and labor trafficking survivors, and build a community where human trafficking and exploitation have no place. Donations provide essential services for emergencies and long-term needs, including housing, food, transportation, and other needs of survivors. STAC also offers free human trafficking training to workplaces, community groups, schools, and faith organizations, and maintains the Time to Thrivewebsite – a resource by survivors, for survivors. Donations also support STAC’s confidential human trafficking hotline. Call 850-597-2080 for help and support.

Website and donation link: https://surviveandthriveadvocacy.org/. Also, support Imagine Freedom 2026, STAC’s premier event on January 29 (to be a sponsor or purchase tickets).

Tallahassee (FL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Services provided: Community service, fundraising and programs, including the Kappa League, which is a youth-based mentorship program serving the community since 1946.

How to help: Donations need for Second Annual Holiday Sock Drive taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 at JoEllen’s, 215 W. College Ave. Socks will be distributed to those receiving services at The Refuge House, which provides direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to their children and families, and the Kearney Center, which provides housing for the unsheltered. Last year’s inaugural event allowed the chapter to donate more than 1,500 pairs of socks. This year’s goal is to donate 2,000 pairs.

Website and donation link: www.Tallynupes.com. Monies can be donated to $TallyNupes on CashApp for the purchase of socks or they can be shipped directly to PO Box 6895, Tallahassee, FL 32314.

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Foundation

Services provided: Being in the hospital can be scary, especially for children. Each year, 2,000 children in TMH’s emergency centers and pediatric programs find courage through Rikki SuperPup, a plush pup who comforts them in the hospital. The stuffed toy serves as a helpful tool for clinical teams, a companion for children and a source of courage.

How to help: Give one Rikki SuperPup for $40 (This covers the cost of the pup, shipping, distribution to TMH facilities and printing). Give 2 for $80. Give 5 for $200. Give a “litter” of 10 pups for $400.

Website: TMH.ORG/SuperPup. Check out other ways to give at www.tmh.org/tmh-foundation/ways-to-give

Tallahassee Region Environmental Group, Inc.

Services Provided:  Provides research, advocacy, education and transparency on water quality in the four counties of Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, and Jefferson from South Georgia to the Gulf Coast. 

How to Help:  Donations are encouraged to help with water quality analyses, plus, creation of education programs in middle and high schools as well assisting student projects at local universities. Want to experience a glass-bottom boat ride at Wakulla Spring?  A recent legal challenge has been made of state government’s lack of progress in cleaning up our beloved Wakulla Springs and donations are needed to meet legal expenses. Volunteers sought on numerous projects.

Website and donation link: www.treg1.org

TallyRobotics

Services provided: TallyRobotics provides opportunities for students in Northwest Florida to compete in a program that inspires young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators. It engages them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

How to help: Financial contributions for programming and volunteering opportunities at www.tallyrobotics.org/volunteer. Sponsor the organization, a team or an event.

Website and donation link: www.tallyrobotics.org

The School of Arts and Sciences Foundation

Services provided: Tuition free, independent charter school in Leon County serving grades kindergarten to eighth grade at the School of Arts and Sciences on Thomasville Road (SAST) and the Centre of Tallahassee (SASC) locations. Provides an education deeply rooted in the love of learning.

How to help: Although public funds are used to support charter schools, the funding falls short of what traditional public schools receive. Financial donations help create equitable and sustainable pay for teachers and administrators and facility enhancements.

Website and donation link: schoolofartsandsciences.org

United Way of the Big Bend

Services provided: Nonprofit organization that raises money and resources for their programs and provides support to local nonprofits to address various community needs.

How to help: Volunteer and donate time to agency’s initiatives:

• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Helping those in need get their taxes prepared quickly and easily at no cost by an IRS certified volunteer for a full refund.
• ReadingPals: Love reading and working with young children? ReadingPals might be a great fit for you. 
• MathPals: Creates a creative and encouraging environment for learning math by matching caring mentors one-to-one with students who are in need extra help developing essential mathematical skills. 
• The Reality Store: A financial simulation where students are assigned careers and make decisions about their budget and lifestyles. The event is a fun and effective way for teens to learn about personal financial responsibility and life choices.

Website and donation link: uwbb.org

Wakulla 4-H

Services provided: Youth development activities for children ages 5 to 18 in Wakulla County. 4-H empowers youth to grow and reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults. 4-H youth learn to do the right thing, break through obstacles and push our community forward by making a measurable difference right where they live.

How to help: Financial donations. Contact Rachel Pienta at r.pienta@ufl.edu or (850) 926-3931 for volunteer opportunities.

Website and donation link: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/wakulla/4-h-youth-development and shorturl.at/Dzgkm

WFSU

Services provided: WFSU radio provides Tallahassee, Panama City and the surrounding communities with daily up-to-date news and information on both 88.9 FM (Tallahassee) and 89.1 FM (Panama City). WFSU operates two FCC-licensed broadcast stations: WFSU in Tallahassee and WFSG in Panama City. Both stations commonly use the name WFSU Public Media.

How to help: Donate cash or become a sponsor to ensure programming can continue even as funding is eliminated by the state and federal governments. The Knight Foundation is matching donations to WFSU up to $80,000. Vehicle and real estate donations are also welcome.

Website and donation link: wfsu.org/donate/

Women Empowering Each Other Inc. (WEE)

Services provided: Maternal health and crisis relief organization serving families across North Florida. Nonprofit provides diapers, housing stability support, delivery assistance through partnerships, emergency relief, and wrap-around services for mothers and children facing financial hardship.

How to help: Financial donations or items, such as diapers and food.

Website and donation link: www.womenempoweringeachother.org

Contact Economic Development Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com and follow @TaMarynWaters on X.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: A Giving Tuesday guide for helping Tallahassee-based nonprofits