PHILANTHROPY
Philanthropic efforts are not dependent upon budget, age, class, or geographical constraint. In fact, charitable impact can start just by being present.
There are endless ways to help your community, from volunteering time and donating services or expertise to leveraging social media currency, purchasing memberships, and providing monetary gifts.
Here is a round-up of organizations and media outlets that are important to Kelly. Please support them in whichever way makes most sense to you.
ANIMAL WELFARE
Lawrence Humane Society: The Lawrence Humane Society provides shelter, care, and advocacy to over 4,500 animals every year. Follow here; Donate here
Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter: We shelter orphaned dogs and cats, provide the best care possible and find them loving homes. Follow here; Donate here
ARTS
The Ravinia Festival: The Ravinia Festival is an outdoor music festival held in Highland Park, Illinois. It is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States. The festival features a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. Follow here; Donate here
Gen Art: Gen Art is an arts and entertainment organization that showcases emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists. Follow here
WFMT (98.7): Hear superlative classical programs, concerts, and live events you cannot hear anywhere else – broadcasts your favorite orchestras and festivals — and more. Follow here; Join here
EDUCATION
826Chi: 826CHI is a non-profit creative writing, tutoring, and publishing center dedicated to amplifying the voices of Chicago youth. Follow here; Donate here
Deerfield Public Library: We provide the community with open access to the world of information and ideas, encouraging lifelong learning and personal growth in a welcoming environment. Follow here; Donate here
Northwestern University: Northwestern University is a private institution founded in 1851. The school has campuses in Evanston, IL, Chicago, IL, & Doha, Qatar. NU's approximately 190,000 alumni include leaders in government, law, science, education, medicine, & performing arts. Follow here; Donate here
Orr Academy: Rezin Orr Academy High School is a public four-year high school bordered between the neighborhoods of West Garfield and Humboldt Park located on the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is a part of the Chicago Public Schools district and is managed by the Academy for Urban School Leadership. Follow here; Donate here
Parsons School of Design | The New School: For more than a century, Parsons has been inspired by the transformative potential of design. Today, the school's groundbreaking academic programs carry forward that mission, making Parsons the number one design school in the U.S. and among the top in the world. Follow here; Donate here
School Of The Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): Internationally esteemed as a school of art and design, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers a comprehensive college education centered in the visual and related arts. Follow here; Donate here
University of Kansas’ William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications: The William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications has a national reputation of excellence for teaching critical and creative thinking and preparing students for careers in media, communication, public relations, advertising and marketing. Follow here; Donate here
ENVIRONMENT
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods: Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods promotes the importance of nature for nurturing personal and community wellbeing, cultivating creativity, and inspiring learning. Follow here; Donate here
Chicago Botanic Garden: The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands featuring 27 display gardens and surrounded by four natural areas. It has matured into one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers. Follow here; Join here
Riverwoods Preservation Council: The RPC is a 501c(3) community organization that works to protect what makes Riverwoods IL unique – its ancient trees, plants, and animal inhabitants. We strive to attain and preserve an ecologically sound balance of animals, plants, and development in Riverwoods and nearby areas. Follow here; Donate here
FAITH
JCC Chicago: JCC Chicago is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring a strong and vibrant Jewish life and community for generations to come. Follow here; Donate here
The Community Church of Lake Forest & Lake Bluff: The Community Church provides inspiring worship, spiritual growth and compassionate service for the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff communities. Follow here; Donate here
St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center: The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center is the Catholic Church serving the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Kansas. Follow here; Donate here
St. Malachy Parish: St. Malachy + Precious, are a united Catholic faith community serving as a beacon of hope on the West side. Follow Here; Donate here
FOOD INSECURITY
Feeding America: Feeding America’s mission is to advance change by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all in partnership with food banks, policymakers, supporters, and the communities we serve. Follow here; Find local food banks here; Donate here
World Central Kitchen: Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. Follow here; Donate here
GENDER EQUALITY
Junior League of Chicago: Junior League of Chicago is a non-profit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Follow here; Join here
HEALTH
American Live Foundation: ALF provides education and support services to the 30 million Americans affected by the disease. Follow here; Donate here and volunteer here
dance4life: Dance4Life works worldwide on the fastest growing health risk: unprotected sex. We use the power of dance, music and we talk about AIDS/HIV, sexual health and reproductive rights to empower young people. Follow here; Donate here
Infant Welfare Society of Chicago (Auxiliary): The mission of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago is to provide financial and volunteer support to the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Infant Welfare Society of Chicago is focused on providing a continuum of integrated, quality, and preventive health care services to children and their families, enabling them to lead healthy and productive lives. Follow here; Donate here
Planned Parenthood of Illinois: A trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Follow here; Donate here
(RED): (RED) was founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to turn companies into a cavalry to fight the AIDS pandemic. Today, that cavalry is proudly fighting the urgent threat of COVID and its devastating impact on the most vulnerable communities, answering the need for a truly global response. Follow here; Donate here
Relay For Life | American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to saving lives from cancer. For over 35 years, communities across the world have come together to honor and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change. Follow here; Donate here
HOUSING
Habitat For Humanity: Helping to build a world where everyone has a decent place to call home. Follow here; Donate here
LGBTQIA+
The Pinta Pride Project: The Pinta Pride Project was inspired whole heartedly by the community that it serves. We aim to increase LGBT+ awareness within suburban communities and hope you will join us on this journey. Follow here; Donate here
MEDIA
Chicago Star Media: Chicago Star Media is an organization dedicated to delivering upbeat useful news that inspires readers within their community to love where they live, work and play. Follow here; Subscribe here
Chicago Sun-Times: We report and share Chicago news important to the people who live and work here. The Chicago Sun-Times is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the city. Follow here; Subscribe here
Chicago Tribune: Founded in 1847, and formerly self-styled as the "World's Greatest Newspaper", it remains the most-read daily newspaper of the Chicago metropolitan area. Follow here; Subscribe here
MENTAL HEALTH
Amita Health: Inspired by faith, driven by commitment. Bringing dignity, hope and innovative health care to every patient. In sickness and in health. Follow here; Donate here
Jewish Child & Family Services of Chicago:
Our mission is to provide help, healing, and caring services infused with Jewish values to strengthen lives in our community. Follow here; Donate here
Josselyn Center: Josselyn’s outpatient mental health services are available to children, adolescents and adults experiencing psychological, emotional, and/or social difficulties and impaired functioning in handling life’s challenges. Josselyn provides a breadth of services supporting a model of person-centered, comprehensive and compassionate clinical care. Follow here; Donate here
To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA): TWLOHA is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope & finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, & suicide. Follow here; Donate here
POVERTY
World Bicycle Relief: Mobilizing people through bicycles. Follow here; Donate here
SEXUAL ASSAULT/HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE): We teach innovative, evidence based, and engaging curriculum across Chicago to empower students to become active allies in the movement to end gender-based. Follow here; Donate here
Institute for Non-Violence Chicago: Dismantling violence & building peace in our communities through the principles & teachings of Kingian Nonviolence. Follow here; Donate here
#MeToo Movement: From a viral hashtag to a global organization, we are working towards eradicating sexual violence by shifting culture, policies, and institutions. Follow here; Donate here
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): We are the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. Created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) and DoD Safe Helpline. Follow here; Donate here
Resilience (formerly Rape Victim Advocates): Resilience (formerly Rape Victim Advocates) supports survivors of sexual violence today & creates a society intolerant of rape tomorrow! Follow here; Donate here
The Brave Way Self-Defense Training: The Brave Way has self-defense training programs for schools, companies, realtors, girl scouts, park districts, churches, clubs, and individuals. Follow here; Find classes here
The Voices And Faces Project: The Voices and Faces Project is a Chicago-based non-profit organization created to bring the names, faces and stories of survivors of sexual violence and trafficking to the attention of the public. Follow here; Donate here
SPEAKERS
Adrienne Rosel: Adrienne is an award-winning motivational keynote speaker for youth and adults, specializing in school and corporate events. She is also Miss Kansas 2005. Follow here; View here; Buy book here; Hire here
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo: Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo is the authority on how to crush your inner critic so that you can live a life of purpose, fulfillment and True Success™. She’s America’s most trusted celebrity psychologist with over 100 national media interviews including The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, Fox Business News, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and countless others. Follow here; View here: Buy books here;