The causes, charities, and nonprofits selected by artists are the heart of Part of It. Whether local, regional, or international, the work of these organizations targets issues that matter to the artists. Consumers are another part of this equation. When you purchase a product, your money goes to supporting the cause and to continuing the Part of It project. We encourage you to learn more about the organization that benefits from your purchase and support them directly.
The Algalita Marine Research Foundation is dedicated to protecting the marine environment through research, education, and restoration. The health of the world's marine environment is an international issue which deeply affects people around the world. AMRF is currently focused on the impact of plastic pollutants on the Earth's oceans, examining the scope of contamination, and studying the biological impact of plastics on marine life and on the human food chain.
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), a national trade association, promotes wind power growth through advocacy, communication, and education. Wind power is a renewable, clean, and alternative energy source to toxic fossil-fuel-derived non-renewable energy resources.
The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo is a non-profit organization that fosters the visual, performing, and literary arts in Northwest Ohio. Responsible for a range of programs, services, competitions, and events that support and highlight ToledoÕs artistic community, the AGCT sponsors public art projects; coordinates art exhibitions for students, local, and regional artists; and is responsible for ÒYoung Artists at Work,Ó a six-week summer program which gives 75 at-risk youth the opportunity to acquire employment skills in an arts and cultural environment.
The ASPCA (the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is dedicated to preventing the abuse of animals and ending cruelty to animals. The oldest humane organization in the United States, the ASPCA provides a range of national programs and services, including relief services for domestic animals after natural disasters. The ASPCA also acts as a lobbying body, and actively promotes the passage of humane and Òanimal-friendlyÓ legislation in the United States.
The Fresno Arts Council (FAC) is a California arts-based non-profit serving the Central San Joaquin Valley-- including the city of Fresno itself, which in 2005 was identified as the United States city with the highest concentration of poverty. FAC's mission to create an "Alliance for the Arts," to provide active support and advocacy for arts and culture in the City and County of Fresno is particularly important given the poverty which faces community members. FAC moves forward public art initiatives, awards grants, sponsors workshops, and facilitates a civic life that values the literary and visual arts.
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, they promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Free Press believes that media reform is crucial not just for creating better news and entertainment, but to advancing every issue you care about. A vibrant, diverse and independent media is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Friends of P is a project set up by Yvonne Jukes, Garrett Morin, and Ryan Waller to raise funds for the Lupus Foundation of America in honor of their friend "P." Lupus is a disease that turns the body's auto-immune defenses against itself, creating anti-bodies that can't distinguish healthy cells and tissue from harmful foreign substances like viruses. Lupus affects over 1.5 million people in the United States alone, and can cause serious, painful, and life-threatening damage. The Lupus Foundation of America funds research into a finding the causes and a cure for the disease; educates health professionals about treatment options; and actively supports individuals and families affected by lupus.
The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor community art environment in Detroit created from recycled materials and found objects, mainly salvaged from local streets. Begun by native Detroit artist Tyree Guyton in 1986 as a response to the ongoing blight and decay of Detroit neighborhoods, each work of art in the HP tells a story about issues plaguing society. The HP actively engaged in community reclamation, and promotes arts and education through classes, lectures, and "Art in Da Hood," an impromptu weekend art program for local youth.
Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen is the largest soup kitchen in New York City and a vital lifeline for many of the City's under-served inhabitants. In addition to providing basic nourishment and over 1100 warm meals a day to the hungry and poor, the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen hosts numerous programs, including writers' workshops, legal and health clinics, creative arts workshops, and counseling to sustain the hearts, souls, and spirits of the most needy.
The International Dyslexia Association is a non-profit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to the study and treatment of the learning disability, dyslexia, as well as related language-based learning differences.
Make It Right NOLA was founded by Brad Pitt in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's destruction in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. Developed in partnership with Global Green, MIR's mission is to act as a catalyst for the redevelopment of New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward, building safe and healthy homes for local families and former residents. The foundation works with local neighborhood non-profits and local, national, and international architecture firms to "make it right"-- to revitalize and rebuild one of the most vibrant cultural communities in the United States.
NARSAD: The Mental Health Research Association (formerly known as the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression) funds scientific research on psychiatric disorders, focusing its efforts on finding better treatments forÑand ultimately on preventingÑsevere mental illness. Scientists from across the globe are annually awarded research grants to investigate depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, childhood disorders and numerous other related conditions, determine and profile early onset signs and symptoms, and develop intervention strategies. Their research underpins the development of new treatments, which can dramatically improve the life quality of those afflicted with mental illness, and may eventually lead to cures for psychiatric brain disorders.
The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York is one of the worldÕs foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. Held in trust for the world, this cultural heritage reflects the complexity, beauty, and diversity of contemporary artistic vision. MOMA collects, preserves, and interprets its permanent collection, mounting exhibitions, installations, and hosting educational programs that encourage an ever-deeper understanding and appreciation of modern art, for a public that ranges from scholars to children.
The New York Public Library, visited and used annually by more than 15 million people, is a vital resource for New York City residents, and through its digital collections, makes cultural heritage materials available for people throughout the world. With more than 85 individual libraries, including four acclaimed research centers and a library for the blind and physically handicapped, NYPL offers the public free access to print and online resources, as well as to rare and unique archival and manuscript materials.
RightRides For Women's Safety is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization in New York City that provides free, late-night rides home to women, transpeople, and gender queer individuals traveling to or through high-risk areas. Conceived to reduce the risk of harassment, hate crimes, and sexual assault by offering a transportation alternative, RightRides also offers a range of educational programs, including self-defense classes, and a SafeWalk program that provides escorts for those who don't want to walk alone.
WWF (formerly the World Wildlife Federation) is an international conservation organization focused on the protection and restoration of the worldÕs natural environment, protecting endangered species and their habitats. Recognizing the delicate and complex set of relationships between species, people, habitats, governments and global market forces, the WWF also seeks to advance knowledge about conservation through research, advocacy, and education initiatives. Currently working in over 100 countries, the WWF protects natural areas and wild animal and plant populations; encourages sustainable use of renewable natural resources; and addresses global threats like toxic pollution, over-fishing, and climate change.