Start the Year with Purpose: January 2025 Giving Guide
January marks a fresh start, a time to set intentions that align with your values. One of the most powerful ways to begin the year is by giving back. By supporting meaningful causes, you help shape a more just, compassionate, and equitable world.
Each month, we highlight key cause awareness dates and nonprofit partners that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a shared blueprint for global peace and prosperity. Below is your January guide to causes you can support through Pledge.
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month
SDG Alignment: #3 – Good Health and Well-Being
Every January, leading blood donation organizations—including America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross—raise awareness about the importance of blood donations. Support by giving blood or donating to ensure lifesaving care is always available.
- America’s Blood Centers: Supports over 600 U.S. collection sites that provide nearly 60% of the nation's blood supply.
- American Red Cross: Mobilizes the power of volunteers and donors to provide relief and save lives in emergencies.
January 4 – World Braille Day
SDG Alignment: #10 – Reduced Inequalities
Celebrated on Louis Braille’s birthday, this day raises awareness about the importance of Braille literacy for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
- American Foundation for the Blind: Advocates for policy changes that promote accessibility and opportunity.
- Blind Children’s Learning Center: Supports children with vision impairments through education and family services.
- Guiding Eyes for the Blind: Provides guide dogs to individuals with vision loss.
- Therapeutic Living Centers for the Blind: Offers lifetime support for individuals with multiple disabilities and blindness.
January 11 – Human Trafficking Awareness Day
SDG Alignment: #16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
This day brings global attention to the fight against modern-day slavery. Millions around the world are trafficked each year for labor or sex, and nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to combat this injustice.
- Polaris Project: Operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline and works to dismantle trafficking networks.
- International Justice Mission (IJM): Protects people in poverty from violence by partnering with local authorities to rescue victims, bring criminals to justice, and restore survivors.
January 13 – Korean American Day
SDG Alignment: #10 – Reduced Inequalities
This observance celebrates the contributions of Korean Americans to society, culture, and public life in the United States.
- Korean American Community Foundation (KACF): Invests in nonprofits and community leaders advancing economic security and community empowerment.
- Council of Korean Americans (CKA): Builds national leadership and civic engagement among Korean Americans.
January 17 – World Religion Day
SDG Alignment: #16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
This interfaith celebration promotes dialogue and understanding across religions, highlighting common values and the possibility of spiritual unity.
- Interfaith Voices: Hosts conversations that foster interfaith understanding on public radio.
- Religions for Peace USA: Encourages multifaith collaboration for peace and justice.
- United Religions Initiative: Builds bridges between people of different beliefs to address global challenges together.
January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day & Day of Service
SDG Alignment: #16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
MLK Day honors the civil rights leader's legacy and calls on all of us to engage in acts of service in our communities.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Health Foundation: Supports healthcare access and equity in underserved areas.
- The King Center: Carries Dr. King’s legacy forward by training people worldwide in his philosophy of nonviolence (Nonviolence365®).
January 24 – International Day of Education
SDG Alignment: #4 – Quality Education
Education is a human right and key to building sustainable development. This day recognizes the importance of inclusive and equitable education for all.
- UNICEF’s Education Cannot Wait: Supports education for children affected by emergencies and prolonged crises.
- First Book: Provides educational resources to children in need across the U.S.
- Street Child: Creates educational opportunities for children in the world’s most vulnerable regions.
January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day
SDG Alignment: #16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
This solemn day honors the memory of the 6 million Jews and millions of others who were murdered during the Holocaust.
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: Educates about the Holocaust, inspires citizens and leaders to confront hatred, and promotes human dignity.
- The Blue Card: Provides financial assistance to Holocaust survivors living in poverty.
Explore More Causes
Looking to support other causes like climate action, racial justice, gender equity, or mental health? Browse thousands of nonprofits and create your own campaign or fundraiser directly through Pledge at pledge.to.
Here’s to a new year of impact, purpose, and generosity.
Happy New Year, and Happy Giving! 💜