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As 2024 winds down and we head into the busy season of holiday giving, donors are facing an overwhelming array of choices when deciding where to direct their charitable contributions. This time of year, nonprofits are sending appeals through emails, social media, and direct mail campaigns, hoping to capture the attention of generous individuals who want to make a positive impact. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to give. So, why should you consider supporting organizations that prioritize racial justice and gender equity, such as YW Boston, especially this year? 

The Urgency of Supporting Racial Justice and Gender Equity Now 

Racial justice and gender equity are urgent, ongoing issues that require consistent, long-term commitment—not just a one-time donation after a high-profile event or tragedy. In recent years, we’ve seen spikes in charitable giving following pivotal moments in the news, such as the Black Lives Matter movement or the #MeToo movement. As Robin Whitney, Vice President of Advancement at YW Boston, notes, there’s often a rush to support causes when they are front and center in the media, but true, sustainable change requires ongoing investment in organizations like YW Boston that are in it for the long haul. 

“The work doesn’t stop just because the headlines do,” Robin says. “When there’s an unfortunately horrific event that happens, people want to put their money where their values are. While that’s important, they need to continue to give, even if something isn’t being shown on the news because the work is still happening, the work still needs to be done.” 

Robin believes that this year, more than ever, it’s crucial to support organizations working to advance racial justice and gender equity. She explains that many nonprofits working on racial justice and gender equity, like YW Boston, as well as nonprofits that support immigrant rights, are bracing for certain funding challenges. The incoming administration and changes to federal funding policies will directly affect organizations that rely on government grants and corporate donations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This is why individual donors have a particularly important role to play—because the stability of these organizations depends on support from people who believe in their mission. 

The Power of Individual Giving 

While many foundations and corporations provide critical funding for nonprofits, there are limitations on what they can support, especially as DEI efforts face political pushback. This makes individual donations even more important. As Robin points out, there are fewer restrictions on where individuals can direct their funds, which gives people the power to support organizations whose missions align with their personal values, regardless of political or corporate shifts. 

“If you’re looking for a place to give this year, consider supporting organizations that are working for lasting change,” Robin suggests. “Look for those that are addressing systemic issues like racism and gender inequity, and whose work isn’t just about a short-term fix, but about creating a better future for all of us.” 

Donors who care about justice should think about what their contribution can achieve in the long run. It’s not just about making a difference today, but also about supporting an organization whose work is part of a larger movement for a better world. At YW Boston, the focus is on systemic change that will outlast temporary trends or political administrations. Giving to such organizations helps ensure that the work continues, even when it’s not in the spotlight. 

Let Your Own Story Guide You 

When deciding where to direct your giving this year, Robin suggests that donors reflect on their own life experiences and let those guide their decisions. “Think about your own story and what values matter most to you,” she says. Whether it’s a personal connection to a cause or a sense of responsibility to make the world more just for future generations, your story can be a powerful motivator for choosing where to give. 

For Robin, her identity as a woman of color and her experiences as an immigrant have shaped her commitment to racial justice and gender equity. “YW Boston, with our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, is dedicated to two things that are very important to me personally, as an immigrant, as a woman. We’re providing a better future for the next generations, and that’s something I would like to have for my future.” 

While a personal connection can be a great motivator for deciding where to give, it’s important to remember that the fight for racial justice and gender equity is not just about advancing the rights of one group over another, but about the collective liberation of everyone. “When we work to eliminate racism and empower women, we’re not just making life better for one group; we are transforming society for everyone,” Robin says. “Our liberation is interconnected. When one person is oppressed, it diminishes the freedom of all of us,” she explains. This is why supporting organizations like YW Boston, which focus on systemic change, benefits not just those directly impacted by racial or gender injustice, but society as a whole. 

Take Action: Invest in a Just Future for Us All 

Make no mistake; the work of organizations like YW Boston is under threat. As you consider your year-end giving, remember that racial justice and gender equity are not just issues for the moment—they are ongoing struggles that need urgent, continuous support. Organizations like YW Boston are at the forefront of this work, tackling issues that affect everyone in our community, not just those directly impacted. Donating to these causes is not only an investment in immediate change, but a long-term commitment to making the world a more just, equitable place for generations to come. 

Use your values and experiences to guide your giving this year. And if you believe, as Robin and so many others do, that eliminating racism and empowering women should be a top priority, consider supporting YW Boston, which has been dedicated to this vital work every day since 1866. 

“We’ve been doing this work for over 166 years, and we’re not going to stop now,” Robin says. “We’re asking our community to continue standing with us, because the work we do today will make the difference for tomorrow.” 

Make a Gift to YW Boston 

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