Tiny Libraries Connect Neighborhoods, One Book at a Time
A small nonprofit has spread a creative way to encourage reading to 40 states and countries.
By Molly Peterson
Contributor
Enjoying America’s Pastime as It Was Played in the 1800s
The Vintage Base Ball Association has recruited 75 teams to play according to old-school rules and methods.
By BRENNEN JENSEN
Contributor
Silence Is Golden for an Acclaimed Va. Theater Company
Men in leather vests sneer. Women with feather boas preen. Constant motion. No words. Welcome to Synetic Theater’s version of “The Taming of the Shrew.”
By nicole lewis
Contributor
Teaching Children to Swim to Keep Them Safe
The USA Swimming Foundation focuses its work on minority children. Among those spreading the word about the charity is Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, who is part of the U.S. Olympic swim team this year.
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Giving Street Children in East Africa a Chance to Be Kids Again
Retrak, a project that grew out of a pickup game of soccer in Kampala, has returned a thousand boys to their families. Plus: Explore other innovative nonprofits featured in our “Face of Philanthropy” section.
By Caroline Bermudez
Contributor
Planned Parenthood’s 5 Lessons for Attracting Social-Media Support
Stay on top of the news, act quickly to shape the message, keep the conversation flowing, and more tips for online communication.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
An Urban Charity Pulls Up Pavement to Create ‘Paradise’
Depave recruits volunteers to transform parking lots and other spots to green spaces that beautify communities and reduce runoff of pollutants into streams and rivers.
By Michelle Gienow
Contributor
A Charity Helps Students Aim for Higher Education
First Graduate prepares students academically for college and helps their families navigate the admission and financial-aid process. Its goal is to help students whose family members have never attended college.
By nicole lewis
Contributor
A New Project Seeks to Solve the Need for Household Fuel
The Paradigm Project hopes to sell five million of its inexpensive and efficient cook stoves in developing countries by 2020 to reduce the burden of collecting firewood and reduce the risk of injuries from open fires.
By Noelle Barton
Contributor
African Newcomers Get Help Adjusting to American Life
For individuals and families struggling with relocation issues, the Colorado African Organization offers not just English, computer, and civics classes but help in navigating health, transportation, and housing systems.
By nicole lewis
Contributor
Film Festival Spotlights People Striving for a Greener World
The 180 productions featured in Washington’s Environmental Film Festival come from 42 countries and tell diverse tales, some of them offbeat.
By nicole lewis
Contributor
A Charity Bravesa Shadowy Industry to Rescue Children
The GoodWeave Foundation tries to persuade carpet retailers it’s not in their financial interest to buy from suppliers who use child labor, and its random inspections at factories have allowed it to help thousands of youngsters escape harsh labor.
By Caroline Bermudez
Contributor
Military Widows Find Solace and Supporti n Group Activities
The American Widow Project sponsors frequent retreats in which small groups congregate to share their grief and memories while participating in activities such as skydiving, rock climbing, and sailing.
By Michelle Gienow
Contributor
A Seattle Charity Helps Poor Families Lay Claim to the Land They Farm
The rural development group Landesa says providing secure title to patches of land creates capital and helps families improve their income and their diets.
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
A Nonprofit Protects American Indians From Poverty’s Chill
National Relief Charities help residents of reservations in the Southwest and Great Plains get winter fuel, as well as health services, college scholarships, and other aid.
By Marisa López-rivera
Contributor
The Top 15 Fundraising Efforts for Haiti
After two years, here are the groups that have raised the most.