6 incredible non-profit organisations you can support in a snap

Looking for a way to do some good in the world, but don’t know where to start? Donate to a non-profit organisation.

Non-profits work tirelessly to make the world a better place and they’re always in need of assistance. Help them help others by donating to their cause. Your contribution can help put a roof over someone’s head, provide an education for those who can’t afford it or give comfort to those struggling with an illness.

Read more: Volunteer Wildfire Services: holding the line between fire and fynbos

To help you support a cause that’s close to your heart, we’ve put together this list of incredible non-profit organisations working hard to make a difference. They’ve all registered with SnapScan making it easier for you to donate in a snap!

1. Help children thrive with Cotlands

During the first five years of a child’s life, ‘play’ is not just an activity that keeps them entertained, it’s an essential activity that provides them with skills that will help them thrive later in life.

Established in 1936, non-profit organisation, Cotlands, firmly believes that all children should have equal access to quality learning opportunities. Cotlands aims to help all children reach their full potential by providing children from impoverished communities access to play-based learning programmes.

Cotlands provides vulnerable children with access to toy libraries and facilitates playgroups to help them develop their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. These skills allow them to thrive when they reach grade one, and prepare them for a brighter future. 

Help ignite a child’s potential here.  

2. Provide accommodation for the homeless with The Haven Night Shelter

Established in 1978, The Haven Night Shelter believes no-one should have to live on the streets. Their mission is to help the homeless get back on their feet. The non-profit organisation currently has 15 shelters across Cape Town.

Along with providing shelter, the non-profit organisation also employs a number of social workers, who work with the homeless to reunite them with their families, and provide job training and rehabilitation opportunities. 

By donating R75 to the Haven Night Shelter, you’re sponsoring a bed for one person for five days. 

Provide shelter here. 

3. Help educate children with special needs with the Special Wings Foundation 

Children with special needs find it harder to learn and do other activities. Often children with special needs need to enrol at private schools that cater to their needs. These schools are expensive, and many parents can’t afford to cover the costs on their own.

This is why the Special Wings Foundation was created in 2012. The non-profit organisation was initially established to sponsor the education of one child, but was able to support more children as it raised more funds. The Special Wings Foundation is now on a mission to sponsor education and therapy for as many children as possible, but to do this, they require financial support from the public. 

The money raised by the foundation is used as scholarships to provide children with a better and brighter future. Support the foundation by buying products from their store, or donating directly to them via SnapScan. 

Sponsor a child’s education here. 

Read more: More than QR codes: how to pay with your SnapScan app

4. Take care of an animal with Paws R Us

Non-profit organisation, Paws R Us(SA), is on a mission to care for animals that have been orphaned. This animal rescue and re-homing group provides shelter for abandoned animals, along with running campaigns to teach others how to treat animals with care. 

The non-profit’s shelter in Midrand, Johannesburg, houses around 150 orphaned dogs who are in need of new homes. While at the shelter, the rescues are fed, walked and taken care of until they’re adopted by a family.

Along with needing volunteers to help them look after the animals at the shelter, Paws R Us is also in need of financial contributions. Money donated to the non-profit allows them to buy food, pay for vet bills, and provide support for the animals in their care.  

Help them take care of some furry friends here. 

5. Provide a safe space for abused women and children with the Saartjie Baartman Centre

Gender-based violence is a widespread problem in South Africa. A problem covid-19 has made worse. During the initial lockdown last year, a call centre that deals with gender-based violence issues in Pretoria reported receiving over 1000 calls a day from abused women and children seeking help. 

One of the places women and children can seek refuge is the Saartjie Baartman Centre.  The centre opened its doors in 1999 to provide a safe space for women and children who are survivors of abuse.

The non-profit organisation provides temporary accommodation until those staying at the centre are back on their feet. The non-profit also offers counselling, legal aid, and job skills training so individuals can reclaim their lives. 

Help shelter women and children here. 

6. Support those affected by Dementia with DementiaSA

Dementia is caused by neurodegeneration in the brain and affects a person’s memory, language, and ability to perform basic tasks. As the disease progresses, people with dementia require more assistance to live meaningful lives. This often requires resources that not many families are able to afford. 

Karen Borochowitz discovered this firsthand while taking care of her mother. She founded DementiaSA to help others struggling to provide adequate care for loved ones diagnosed with Dementia. The non-profit works hard to spread awareness of how Dementia impacts those who are diagnosed and their families. DementiaSA also provides education and support services to those affected by Dementia. 

By donating to their cause, you allow them to assist more families who need guidance and support.  

Help DementiaSA give care to those with dementia here. 

Looking for more causes to support in a snap? Head to your SnapScan app to find a cause that’s close to your heart.