Give NOLA Day is one of my absolute favorite days of the year. The people of New Orleans come together to raise money for local non-profits on May 1st. Every time I find a new non-profit to fall in love with and support.
While that day has come and gone, these organizations need help year-round. Since sharing is caring, I am filling you in and these awesome organizations.
Photo Credit: Electric Girls
Founded only a few years back, in 2015, by Flor Serna & Maya Ramos – they wanted to help girls develop leadership roles in computer programming and electronics. They started out as a small summer camp and have expanded into after school programs, weekend programs, workshops, & in-school programs. They are helping young ladies from ages 5-14.
Girls who have completed at least one program have an opportunity to become mentors for others.
To ensure that all girls have the opportunity to be tech leaders, Electric Girls provide scholarships for families who can’t afford the full registration.
Girls can earn badges & learn new skills in a field dominated by men. Consider making a small donation to a group that is making a difference in hundreds of young girls who live in the metro area.
Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative
Photo Credit: Jace Place
This is a New Orleans organization after my heart. They recently did a huge study on the Air BnB impact in our community and housing shortage.
JPNSI is working for more affordable housing options, especially for our low-income residents. They are doing so by “encouraging resident-controlled development and promoting community-building initiatives that advance equitable housing patterns, neighborhood stability, and community-driven land-use planning.”
Jane Place is seeking real results for our housing issues. They recently received 3 parcels of land to build 6 more units of permanently affordable housing in Mid-City. Think about adding them to your list of places to send a donation.
Photo credit: Compost NOW
I’ve been familiar with this organization for a while, but thought they deserved some more of the spotlight. New Orleans tends to leave people with very little yard space, which make composting a very difficult venture. Compost NOW makes it much easier for you. As of this moment, they have 7 sites per week for you to be able to bring your frozen food waste to.
All the scraps of food your have that end up in the trash – the end of an onion, egg shells, the oranges your forgot about in the fruit drawer – throw in the freezer. After that, pick a day or location that’s most convenient for you and dump it all in their bins. If you freeze it in a brown paper bag, that can also be composted!
They partner with Schmelly’s Dirt Farm and other urban farms to create nutrient-rich compost.
Even if you’re low on funds, you can help make the Earth a better place by reducing emissions too. Follow them on Facebook for all their drop off locations and times.