6 Organizations Supporting Communities Across The US

All across the nation, many communities are struggling with issues such as poverty, homelessness, and hunger. Fortunately, there are numerous groups working to support the people living in and around their region. In no particular order, here are some organizations dedicated to empowering and providing relief for those in need.

First up, at #1, we have the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. Founded in 1991, it is a public charity that aims to positively impact the community by serving as a partner and resource for donors and area nonprofits. Through its Pathways to Progress Grants, the foundation works with other organizations to improve access to various public amenities.

Among the foundation's initiatives is United Community, which seeks to create a single point-of-entry system where individuals can receive referrals to services that meet their specific needs. The organization also offers scholarship opportunities to students throughout Southern Indiana.

Taking the #2 spot is the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic. Established in 1998, it provides comprehensive medical care and various social services to local performing artists and cultural workers. Its Makin' Groceries program provides weekly care packages, prepared meals, and community health education materials to the elderly and other medically vulnerable patients.

You Got This is the organization's mental health outreach program for New Orleans' creative community; it provides self-care activities and resources to those in need, as well as tips on how to support a friend or loved one suffering from depression. It also partners with the Blood Center to host blood drives in venues across the city.

Next up, at #3, we have the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, which aims to improve the quality of life in this area of Pennsylvania by improving access to economic opportunities. The organization created the Second Harvest Food Bank, which obtains and distributes food through local nonprofits.

Another one of its initiatives is the Seed Farm, which provides new farmers with valuable, practical experience and skills as well as the opportunity to launch their own sustainable businesses. In addition, the organization created the She Has Everything program, which aims to empower and assist girls in developing life skills that promote resilience, leadership, and interest in academic success.

Coming in at #4 is the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. It works with policymakers and financial institutions to champion fairness in banking, housing, and business. Among its initiatives is GROWTH, which promotes homeownership for families and seeks to create construction jobs and economic opportunities in mixed-income neighborhoods.

First Citizens Bank, Raleigh, N.C., will make $16 billion in loans and investments available for affordable housing, small business and community development financing between 2021 and 2025. The community benefits plan was developed in conjunction with the Washington, D.C.-based National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC).

The organization also operates the DC Women’s Business Center, which provides training and consultation to assist female entrepreneurs. It aims to bridge the racial and gender wealth gap through its Community Development Fund, which distributes loans to expand access to affordable homeownership and helps businesses thrive.

Next, at #5, is Fairfield County's Community Foundation, which aims to solve the region's challenges by eliminating disparities in income, education, employment, housing, and health. Through its Thrive by 25 initiative, the foundation seeks to empower young adults to achieve self-sufficiency by the time they reach their mid-twenties; this is achieved through grants, advocacy, and partnerships with educators and employers.

According to the organization, many families in the region struggle to afford housing, healthcare, transportation, and education. To address these issues, it launched Fairfield County's Center for Housing Opportunity. It also created the Fund for Women and Girls, which focuses on creating pathways to economic security for low-income women and their families.

Finally, at #6, we have the Moody Foundation, which funds projects that seek to improve communities in Texas. Its Moody Scholars program was launched in 1969; it provides financial assistance to qualified high school students who want to pursue an undergraduate degree in the state.

Among its projects is the Generation Moody Education Initiative, which supports programs focused on areas such as literacy, science, technology, and math. The foundation also established a Neurorehabilitation Institute, which offers services and care for individuals recovering from brain injury.