2023 Cause Awareness Calendar and Holiday Planning

Aligning your brand with key cause awareness months and days is a powerful way to engage your customers and prospective customers through timely social impact initiatives. Today’s socially conscious consumers are looking to support brands who address pressing societal issues and take action to make a positive change.

Stay ahead of the curve with our 2023 Cause Awareness Calendar, and start planning campaigns around cause awareness dates more strategically.

January 

Poverty Awareness Month (January 1st - 31st)‍

January is Poverty Awareness Month, an initiative to raise awareness and call attention to the growth of poverty in America. This month brings attention to why poverty continues to impact so many people around the world, and how we can help decrease this gap. 

• Oxfam America (23-7069110) - Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice by offering lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action.
• CARE (13-1685039) - CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice, and put women and girls in the center because they know that we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities.
• World Neighbors (73-0707328) - World Neighbors is an international development organization striving to eliminate hunger, poverty, and disease in the most deprived rural villages in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. They invest in people and their communities through programs that combine agriculture, literacy, water, health and environmental protection.‍
• USA for UNHCR (52-1662800) - USA for UNHCR works to protect refugees and empower them with hope and opportunity from their greatest time of need – from emergency or crisis and beyond, they give refugees the hope they deserve, restore their dignity and help them rebuild their lives.

February 

Black History Month (February 1st - 28th)‍

Black History Month in February is committed to honoring the contributions, struggles and victories of African Americans throughout U.S history. It is essential that we understand the history that got us to where we are today and understand the issues that we still face in the United States.

• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (41-1750692) - TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. TMCF's mission is to ensure student success through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships.
• Race Forward (94-2759879) - Race Forward catalyzes racial justice movement building. They build strategies in partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. 
• Advancement Project (95-4835230) - Catalyst California advocates for racial justice by building power and transforming public systems. They partner with communities of color, conduct innovative research, develop policies for actionable change, and shift money and power back into our communities.‍
• National Urban League (13-1840489) - The mission of the Urban League movement is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity and power and civil rights at the local, state and national levels through direct services, advocacy, research, policy analysis, collaboration and communications.

‍National Cancer Prevention Month (February 1st - 28th)

‍February is National Cancer Prevention Month, intended to help create a world without cancer. In 2021, it was estimated that there were 970,250 new cancer cases in men and 927,910 new cancer cases in women in the United States.

• American Cancer Society (13-1788491) - The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. 
• National Breast Cancer Foundation (75-2391148) - The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) mission is to help women now by providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.
• National Foundation for Cancer Research (04-2531031) - The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) supports cancer research and public education relating to prevention, early diagnosis, better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for cancer. 

March

Women's History Month (March 1st - 31st) / International Women's Day (March 8th)‍

March is Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women throughout American history, and to continue the fight against global gender injustices.

• Women for Women International (52-1838756) - In countries affected by conflict and war, Women for Women International supports the most marginalized women to earn and save money, improve health and well-being, influence decisions in their home and community, and connect to networks for support. 
• ‍Equality Now (13-3660566) - Equality Now believes in creating a just world where women and girls have the same rights as men and boys, tackling the most difficult issues, challenging ingrained cultural assumptions and calling out inequality wherever they see it.
• ‍Girls On The Run International (56-2201835) - Girls On The Run International inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. ‍
• Global Fund for Women (EIN: 77-0155782) - Global Fund for Women is a nonprofit organization funding women's human rights initiatives through flexible funding and support to fuel collective action and create meaningful change that will last beyond our lifetimes. 

Water and Sanitation Month (March 1st - 31st)‍

As stated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human need for health and well-being, yet billions of people will lack access to these basic services in 2030 unless progress quadruples.

• charity: water (22-3936753) - charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries by inspiring giving and empowering others to fundraise for sustainable water solutions.
• WaterAid America (30-0181674) - WaterAid transforms lives by improving access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities. 
• Clean Water Fund (52-1043444) - CWF's mission is to develop strong grassroots environmental leadership and to bring together diverse constituencies to work cooperatively for changes that improve their lives, focused on health, consumer, environmental and community problems.‍
• Water Mission (57-1116978) - The Water Mission™ organization is a Christian engineering nonprofit that designs, builds, and implements safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) solutions for people in developing countries and disaster areas

April

Earth Month (April 1st - 30th) / Earth Day (April 22nd)‍

Every April, billions of people across the globe join together to raise awareness about environmental protection.Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its devastating impacts is imperative to save lives and livelihood, and key to mitigating climate change.

• One Tree Planted (46-4664562) - One Tree Planted is on a global reforestation mission with a goal to make it easy for people to understand the importance of trees and give them the ability to easily plant a tree in an area that needs support.‍
• The Nature Conservancy (53-0242652) - The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends with a vision for a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.
• ‍Coral Reef Alliance (94-3211245) - The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)  is on a mission to save the world’s coral reefs. By combining its community-centered conservation approach and scientific expertise, CORAL creates the conditions that give reefs around the world the best chance to thrive for generations to come.
• ‍Amazon Conservation Association (52-2211305) - The Amazon Conservation unites science, innovation and people to protect the Amazon—the greatest wild forest on earth, by partnering with Amazonian people to find a more sustainable path to development, build greater climate resilience, and support good governance to conserve the ecosystems and biodiversity.

National Autism Awareness Month (April 1st - 30th)‍

April is Autism Awareness Month, emphasizing the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us.

• Autism Speaks (20-2329938) - Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families by increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
• Autism Society of America (52-1020149) - The Autism Society supports the Autism community by creating connections and empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. 
• The Asperger-Autism Network (04-3376227) - The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) helps people with Asperger's and similar autism spectrum or neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives with information, education, community, support, and advocacy in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect.
• ‍Autism Research Institute (ARI) (95-2548452) - The mission of the Autism Research Institute is to support the health and well-being of people affected by autism through innovative, impactful research and education, and are working to find key symptoms and signs for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

May 

Mental Health Awareness Month (May 1st - 31st)‍

Mental Health Awareness Month in May raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities.

• The Mental Health Coalition (81-3992495) - The Mental Health Coalition is a coalition of the most passionate and influential organizations, brands, and individuals who have joined forces to end the stigma surrounding mental health and to change the way people talk about, and care for mental illness. 
• ‍JED Foundation (13-4131139) - JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults by partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems.
• ‍Nami Inc. (43-1201653) - NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to providing advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

June

Pride Month (June 1st - 30th)‍

Pride month in June is devoted to recognizing and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and supporting LGBTQ+ rights. To avoid the experience of discrimination, more than half of LGBTQ Americans report hiding a personal relationship, and about one-third have altered other aspects of their personal or work lives. 

• Outright International (94-3139952) - OutRight Action aims to secure the full enjoyment of the human rights of all people and communities subject to discrimination or abuse based on the basis of sexual orientation or expression, gender identity or expression, and/or HIV status.
• ‍It Gets Better Project (26-1906629) - The It Gets Better Project exists to uplift, empower and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe through inspiring media programming, educational resources, international affiliates in 19 countries, and access to an arsenal of community-based service providers.
• LGBTQ Freedom Fund (82-2069282) - The LGBTQ Freedom Fund pays bail to secure the safety and liberty of low-income individuals in U.S. jails and immigration facilities. They raise awareness of the criminalization of LGBTQ folks, who are three times more likely to be incarcerated than non-LGBTQ individuals.

July/August

Back to School

While parents and students are preparing for another school year, you can help make their back-to-school shopping better by supporting charitable causes that support students and teachers. *Activation recommendation— Reach out to your local schools and explore how you can donate funds to provide school lunches for students from food insecure homes.

• Pencils of Promise (26-3618722) - Pencils of Promise (PoP) believes every child deserves access to quality education. They create schools, programs and global communities around the common goal of education for all.
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (41-1750692) - TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. TMCF's mission is to ensure student success through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships.
• TEACH (81-3539826) - TEACH (Together Educating All Children in Hospitals) is an international not-for-profit organization that brings exciting, hands-on, educational programming to children in hospitals.

September 

Hunger Action Month (September 1st - 30th)‍

September is Hunger Action Month, an opportunity for people across the country to stand together to end hunger. Around the world, as many as 811 million people still go hungry, and in the United States alone, an estimated more than 42 million people, including 13 million children, may face hunger and food insecurity. 

• Heifer International (35-1019477) - Heifer International's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. For 75 years, they have provided livestock and sustainable agricultural training to struggling communities around the world. They currently work in 21 countries, including the United States, supporting local food producers to expand their businesses and earn a living income.
• Rise Against Hunger (16-1541024) - Driven by the vision of a world without hunger, Rise Against Hunger is growing a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives and responding to emergencies.
• Food Access Project (86-2508030) - Their mission is to decrease food insecurity and increase access to nutritious food through technology. The vision is to leverage technology to build equitable systems to help people thrive.

October 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 1st - 31st)‍

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of the disease and support those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States; about one in eight American women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. 

• Breast Cancer Alliance (06-1453500) - The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. 

International Day of The Girl (October 11th)

‍International Day of the Girl amplifies the voices and rights of girls everywhere, and is an opportunity to fundraise and advocate for all girls' right to: quality education, empowerment, access to health, a life free from gender-based violence, and investment as leaders of social change. 

• VOW for Girls (83-1964328) - VOW for Girls is a growing global movement that partners with brands, individuals, engaged couples, and the wedding industry to end the international child marriage crisis. 
• StepUp (95-4701468) - Step Up believes all girls should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of success. By offering free mentorship programs, the nonprofit works with teens facing systemic barriers on becoming confident, career-ready, connected and empowered to join the next generation of leaders.
• Girls On The Run International (56-2201835) - Girls on the Run International, and their many local chapters, inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
• Malala Fund (81-1397590) - Malala Fund is working for a world where every girl can learn and lead. Malala Fund’s Education Champion Network supports the work of educators and advocates and helps bolster girls’ secondary education around the world.

‍School Safety Month (October 1st - 31st) / Safe Schools Week (October 15th - 21st)

‍October is School Safety Month, a time to raise awareness for reducing violence in schools and promoting safe learning environments for kids. 

• Safe Schools For Alex (83-0544377) - Their mission is to provide the most current school safety best practices and resources to students, parents, school districts and law enforcement so that all children can learn in a safe environment. 
• Safe and Sound: A Sandy Hook Initiative (46-2723169) - Founded by parents who lost children at Sandy Hook School, Safe and Sound is a national non-profit school safety advocacy and resource center that provides research based tools and support for crisis prevention, response, and recovery, helping to protect every school, every student, every day.
• Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence (52-1285097) - Brady is uniting Americans, coast to coast, gun owners and non gun owners alike, to end the gun violence epidemic that plagues America by working across Congress, the courts and communities to fight for common sense gun laws, holding bad actors accountable, and to educate everyone on the issues so we are all part of the solution.

November 

National Alzheimer's Awareness Month (November 1st - 30th)

‍November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer's disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it.

• Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation (86-0735832) - The ARPF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and early intervention of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease through an integrative medical program. 
• Alzheimer's Association (13-3039601) - The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
• Alzheimer's Disease Research Foundation (Cure Alzheimer's Fund) (52-2396428) - The mission of Cure Alzheimer's Fund is to fund research with the highest probability of slowing, stopping or reversing Alzheimer's disease.

‍Transgender Awareness Week (November 12th - 18th)

‍Trans Awareness Week is a moment for allies to interrupt cycles of transphobia and violence against trans people by raising the visibility about transgender people and addressing issues members of the community face.

• Trans LifeLine (47-2097494) - Trans Lifeline is a national trans-led organization dedicated to improving the quality of trans lives by responding to the critical needs of our community with direct service, material support, advocacy, and education. 
• Equality Federation Institute (81-0670151) - Equality Federation Institute is the movement builder and strategic partner to state-based organizations advocating for LGBTQ people. 
• LA LGBT Center (95-3567895) - The Los Angeles LGBT Center is building a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal and complete members of society by caring for, championing, and celebrating LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. 
• OutRight Action International (94-3139952) - OutRight Action aims to secure the full enjoyment of the human rights of all people and communities subject to discrimination or abuse based on the basis of sexual orientation or expression, gender identity or expression, and/or HIV status.

‍Giving Tuesday (November 28th)

‍GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. *Activation recommendation— Kick off the holiday season by giving back extra to support the causes that mean the most to you.

December 

National Human Rights Month (December 1st - 31st)

‍December is Universal Human Rights Month, a time to reflect on the way we treat others, and to do what we can in the fight for equality, especially in a time when topics such as systemic racism are widely being addressed.

• Human Rights Foundation (20-2669700) - Their mission is to ensure that freedom is both preserved and promoted around the world, with a focus on the founding ideals of the human rights movement. 
• The Fund for Global Human Rights (75-3029336) - The Fund for Global Human Rights equips grassroots activists across the globe with the financial and strategic support they need to improve lives, mobilize movements, and build a better future for their communities.
• Amnesty International USA (52-0851555) - The organization’s vision is of a world in which every person – regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity – enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other internationally recognized human rights standards.
• Equality Now (13-3660566) -  Equality Now believes in creating a just world where women and girls have the same rights as men and boys, tackling the most difficult issues, challenging ingrained cultural assumptions and calling out inequality wherever they see it.

Holidays

The holiday season, also known as the season of giving, is the perfect opportunity to make a positive impact where it’s needed most. Support people and communities who face extra need during this time of year, and end the year with positive good will. 

How You Can Take Action with this Monthly Recognition Calendar

Get started on planning your cause campaigns by downloading the ShoppingGives Donation App, or by connecting with our team of experts.