Celebrate National Nutrition Month by Supporting These Nonprofits
National Nutrition Month is an annual nutrition education and information campaign in March created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
Making wise food choices and being physically active are essential components of good health and wellness. During National Nutrition Month, registered dietitian nutritionists and other health professionals provide education and advice on how to keep up with your health. With their help, everyone can learn how to make informed food choices and create balanced meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable.
Donate to any of the organizations below using the Groundswell app.
List of nonprofits that support health and wellness for National Nutrition Month
The American Nutrition Association (ANA)
The American Nutrition Association (ANA) is devoted to educating and providing invaluable resources to nutrition professionals and health-conscious consumers alike. With the goal of helping people make informed decisions about their health and nutrition, ANA strives to provide evidence-based information, research, and services to those who seek it.
ANA also has a comprehensive website full of helpful information and resources that are designed to assist individuals in their journey toward a healthier lifestyle. The American Nutrition Association is a great resource for those who are looking to become more educated and empowered when it comes to their health and nutrition.
Table For Two (TFT)
Table For Two (TFT) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to reducing hunger and obesity, and promoting healthy and sustainable eating through its meal program. TFT works in partnership with a variety of institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias, to provide nutritious meals to those in need.
The program is designed to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, affordable meals, and to make sure that no one is left without a proper meal. TFT is committed to making a difference and creating a healthier, more sustainable food system that benefits everyone.
The Food Trust
The Food Trust is a national nonprofit organization that is committed to providing everyone with access to affordable, nutritious food and the knowledge they need to make healthy choices.
Through their work with communities, policymakers, and other national partners, The Food Trust strives to create and implement powerful programs that not only increase access to healthy food, but also provide opportunities for nutrition education and physical activity.
Wellness in the Schools
Wellness in the Schools (WITS) is a national nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the health and learning of students in underserved communities. Through working in collaboration with educators, communities, and organizations, WITS is able to provide comprehensive nutrition, physical activity, and wellness education to children in K-12 schools across the nation.
WITS is committed to creating a healthy and equitable school environment for all students, providing them with the opportunity to learn in an atmosphere of respect and safety.
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK)
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) is a national nonprofit organization that is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles among students. Through nutrition, physical activity, and other health-related initiatives, AFHK works to create a safe and healthy school environment.
With the support of schools, families, and communities, AFHK strives to help students develop lifelong healthy habits. AFHK's mission is to provide resources, support, and education to help students achieve their full potential by living a healthy and active lifestyle.
Alliance for a Healthier Generation
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation works to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and improve the health and well-being of children across the United States.
The Alliance works with schools, families, and communities to provide resources, education, and support to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits. They engage and empower young people to make positive changes to their individual health and the health of their communities.
Harlem Grown
Harlem Grown is dedicated to bringing positive change to the Harlem and surrounding community. By providing education and access to fresh, healthy food, the organization works to empower youth and create a healthier and more equitable food system.
They partner with local schools, businesses, and community organizations to create a more sustainable food system that will benefit the community for years to come.
Wholesome Wave
Wholesome Wave is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of low-income Americans across the country. Through their innovative programs, Wholesome Wave works to increase access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food.
Their initiatives also include nutrition education and training, as well as the promotion of healthy eating habits and lifestyles. Wholesome Wave's mission is to empower people to make healthier food choices, and to ensure that all Americans have access to the freshest, healthiest, and most affordable food possible.
City Harvest
City Harvest is a nonprofit organization that works to reduce food insecurity in New York City. They partner with food donors, volunteers, and community organizations to rescue, collect, and deliver food to those who are hungry and in need.
City Harvest aims to ensure that no one in the city goes hungry, and their efforts have gone a long way in helping to reduce hunger in the city.
Feeding America
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working to provide food and resources to those in need. They partner with local food banks, pantries, and meal programs to ensure that everyone has access to the food they need.
Through education, job training, and health and nutrition programs, they strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around the country.
National Health Freedom Coalition
The National Health Freedom Coalition (NHFC) is a nonprofit organization that works to protect and support the rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their health. NHFC is dedicated to making sure that individuals have access to safe, effective, and affordable healthcare options.
They work with policymakers to monitor changes in healthcare regulations and to advocate for the right of individuals to make their own decisions about their health. NHFC strives to ensure that the public has access to the latest research and information about healthcare so that they can make the best decisions possible for their health.
Donate to any of these organizations using the Groundswell app.
Related resources
Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses
Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today
In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.
Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy
Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism. Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.
1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact
One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.
2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice
Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.
3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions
“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.
4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change
Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.
Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?
Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.
Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
- Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
- Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.
Conclusion
An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.
5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday
Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity
Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.
For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.
At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.
1. Make Giving Easy:
A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.
2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:
Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!
3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:
Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.
4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:
Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.
5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.
12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask
In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.
Scroll down for a free survey template below.
Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.
Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?
Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.
How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?
Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.
Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?
Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.
Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.
Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?
The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.
Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.
Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?
With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.
Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?
This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.
How do specific benefit categories fare?
By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?
What additional benefits do employees desire?
Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"
If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.
How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?
While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.
There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.
What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?
Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact. Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?