Supporting a local non-profit is one of the best ways you can positively impact your community. Whether you’re volunteering at an event, helping raise money, or giving up your vehicle as a car donation, local charities depend on people like you to fulfill their mission.

Those who support local charities are shown to have larger social circles, better health outcomes, and a deeper sense of ownership for their community. Ultimately, this leads to a better life for you and for others.

While there are countless local non-profit organizations in the Minneapolis area that are always looking for assistance, here are several that you might consider supporting.

The Newgate School

The Newgate School is an innovative program that works with at-risk adults. The school is essentially a free mechanic school that offers tuition-free mechanic training. Students in these programs are taught both hard and soft skills that make them valuable and desired employees.

While the Newgate School isn’t against taking donation, it primarily operates through car donations. People in the community can earn a tax credit for their car donation. These donated automobiles are then used to provide a hands-on learning experience for students. When the cars are complete, they are typically sold with the proceeds going back to fund the program.

If you have an old car sitting around, you might consider making a car donation to an impactful local non-profit called The Newgate School.

The Red Cross

Even though the Red Cross is a national organization, it operates much like a local non-profit with offices and chapters all over the country. This organization is known for doing everything from facilitating blood drives to disaster relief to safety education and training. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the American Red Cross is one of the cornerstones of this nation.

One of the best parts about supporting the Red Cross is that you have plenty of opportunities and avenues to assist. There are on-going opportunities and roles needed for one-time events. Check out your Red Cross website to learn more about how you can be part of this incredible organization.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a well-known charitable organization that helps build houses for people in need. Regardless of your construction experience or skill, there are always roles available for those who want to help. In some cases, you have to sign up well in advance as spots tend to fill up fast.

Beyond building new houses, Habitat for Humanity also helps preserve low-income houses and communities. This work could include anything from making repairs, assisting senior citizens at home, or even staffing the ReStore home improvement outlets. Whether you’d like to swing a hammer or shake a hand, Habitat for Humanity has a job for everyone.

Open Arms of Minnesota

The local non-profit Open Arms of Minnesota believes that people who are suffering from sickness shouldn’t have to also worry about their next meal. This program cooks and delivers free meals to people dealing with life-threatening diseases all across the Minneapolis area.

Without volunteers, this program wouldn’t survive. Those who want to support the mission can help cook in the kitchen, by helping at the urban farms, or even making deliveries. This organization also welcomes children as young as six years old, so it’s a great way to get your children to start on a path of compassion and service.