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8 Team members. $4,000 in donations.
Delight & appreciation from all of us.
Stellaractive is excited to announce our fifth year of supporting non-profits through our Season of Giving initiative! This year, for the Season of Giving, our team of eight was each given $500 to donate to organizations they are passionate about.
With the holidays approaching, it’s an excellent time for us to reflect on our position and use our platform to promote those working to better the lives of others and improve the world we live in. This year features many great organizations with incredible causes.
Read on to see who each Stellaractive member has chosen to donate to and why. If you see any organizations you want to help, we encourage you to contribute and learn more about their cause.
You can also see who we have donated to in the past.
Check out our team’s picks below
Free Geek
Donation: $200
About the non-profit
Free Geek is a local organization that provides free refurbished tech equipment to folks in need, as well as support, education, and sustainable recycling.
I chose this organization because…
I give to these folks every year, and they continue to do great work. They suffered a fire a few months ago. The community’s awareness of and support for their mission reassured me that they will continue to provide a needed service and that their efforts are much appreciated.
GiveDirectly
Donation: $300
About the non-profit
GiveDirectly sends money directly and unconditionally to people living in extreme poverty to spend how they see fit. It’s really that simple.
I chose this organization because…
I heard about this charity, or one much like it, a few years ago and was touched by the impact such a relatively small amount of money can make on folks’ lives. Quite a few recipients started small businesses, self-sustaining ventures, and community-based projects. I’ve looked at micro-loans, but this is intuitively more helpful.
Without all the administrative costs, bureaucracy, and strings, simply giving money to people seems like the most direct way to address extreme poverty. Charitywatch.org gives them an A+ grade, with only an estimated 5% going to overhead costs.
Pueblo Unido PDX
Donation: $250
About the non-profit
Pueblo Unido PDX provides aid for communities with vulnerable immigration status by connecting them with legal, social, and Indigenous language interpretation services.
I chose this organization because…
Many immigrants are facing uncertainty and a lack of safety in this country. I believe people in these communities deserve fundamental human rights and should be provided the resources necessary to feel safe and supported.
Taking Ownership PDX
Donation: $250
About the non-profit
Taking Ownership PDX deflects predatory gentrification by renovating and reviving Black-owned homes so that the homeowners can age in place and generate wealth.
I chose this organization because…
Minority communities in Portland are constantly facing further marginalization through gentrification, which has made living and working in their homes and businesses difficult. Taking Ownership PDX can provide essential support for important members of our community facing these issues.
Reborn Bikes
Donation: $250
About the non-profit
The Reborn Bikes mission is to bring refurbished bicycles and bike education to underserved populations while lowering carbon emissions in the Portland area. They believe bicycles are a vital part of a thriving and sustainable community.
I chose this organization because…
I love the idea of getting more people on bikes. It’s a safe, affordable, and easy way to get around Portland without the stress of parking. I didn’t get started riding on my own, and many barriers could prevent someone from ever trying. Reborn Bikes has given away more than 10,000 refurbished bikes and provides safety clinics and summer camps to help children and adults build the confidence to get started.
Northwest Pilot Project
Donation: $250
About the non-profit
Northwest Pilot Project (NWPP) has been addressing the many needs of very low-income seniors in Multnomah County since 1969. They help seniors who are capable of independent living with rental housing that is safe, permanent and affordable to them by leveraging years of relationships with landlords, property managers, and community development partners to secure housing for those who are most vulnerable.
I chose this organization because…
Housing in America continues to be a crisis, so I chose to donate to the Northwest Pilot Project for their continued support for low-income older adults. They work with people on fixed incomes to find stable housing. I know a senior who benefits from affordable housing, and there seems to be a great need for these programs. Thank you for your hard work!
Freedom From Religion Foundation
Donation: $250
About the non-profit
Freedom From Religion Foundation protects the constitutional principle of the separation of state and church and educates about freethought.
I chose this organization because…
In an era where being non-religious is increasingly being labeled un-American, the right to be free from others’ belief systems is foundational.
WeShine
Donation: $250
About the non-profit
WeShine is addressing the homelessness crisis by building a new model of supported micro-village on leased private property in residential neighborhoods, with wraparound services and robust volunteer engagement.
I chose this organization because…
I have watched this organization grow and increasingly become a force of positive change since I first encountered it in 2022. Their dedication to the core principle of housing first is creating a visible impact on people’s lives.
United Nations Population Fund
Donation: $500
About the non-profit
UNFPA is the leading United Nations reproductive health and rights agency. Working in over 150 countries, they work to give women and girls everywhere access to safe childbirth & reproductive health care, end violence against women, and provide humanitarian response to areas most in need.
I chose this organization because…
All women and children deserve access to proper reproductive healthcare, protection against violence, and safe childbirth. I chose to donate to UNFPA because they’re passionately providing direct funding, supplies, and emergency services to help those who are the most vulnerable during times of crisis.
Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts
Donation: $500
About the non-profit
The Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) connects and supports local land trusts to conserve Oregon’s farms, forests, and wild spaces. Through their work, they protect habitats for wildlife, ensure clean water for communities, and preserve open spaces for recreation and reflection. COLT also champions equitable access to nature, ensuring all Oregonians can enjoy the state’s natural wonders.
I chose this organization because…
I chose COLT because their mission reflects my belief in protecting Oregon’s lands not only for their beauty but also for their importance to people and wildlife. Supporting COLT means contributing to a legacy of conservation that benefits everyone, now and in the future.
Ukandu
Donation: $500
About the non-profit
Ukandu is a Portland-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing hope, joy, and connection to families impacted by childhood and adolescent cancer. Their programs, including Camp Ukandu, Family Camp, and virtual retreats, provide opportunities for kids, teens, and their families to connect, heal, and create lasting memories. Ukandu has offered a supportive community and much-needed relief from the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of childhood cancer.
I chose this organization because…
Ukandu’s commitment to uplifting families during some of their most difficult times and their mission to spread joy and build connections resonates deeply with me. I’m inspired by the way they provide meaningful experiences for children and their loved ones.
National Indian Child Welfare Association
Donation: $500
* Jessica elected to have her youngest child choose who to donate to. The following is their selection and the reason for choosing them.
About the non-profit
The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) is a non-profit dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native children and families. Their goal is to help tribes prevent child abuse and neglect through systematic changes at the state, federal, and tribal levels.
I chose this organization because…
In the seventh grade, I read a book, Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac, which brings to light how much the Navajo tribe and the Navajo language contributed to American efforts during WW2. After Navajo veterans arrived home, they could not speak about how they served their country, instead being sentenced to silence for 25 years. Even though they were the turning point in the fight, they could not revel in their accomplishments and were pushed to the background, much like Indigenous people today. As much as it is not talked about, we live on Native ground, and since 1776, American Indian and Alaska Native tribes have lost over 99% of their original land. The NICWA is working to bring light to the struggles of Indigenous peoples today and to keep Native children safe and in Native households.