Giving Tuesday is a worldwide movement, takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The goal is to inspire people to donate, volunteer, or perform other acts of kindness. If you’re looking to make an impact with local connections, consider these nonprofits that would greatly appreciate and benefit from your generosity, time, and participation.
CATCH A LIFT FUND
catchaliftfund.org
THE MISSION
In 2010, Lynn Coffland founded Catch a Lift (CAL) in memory of her brother, Army Cpl. Chris Coffland, who lost his life in November of 2009 in Afghanistan. The charity’s mission is rooted in her brother’s lifelong belief that through fitness, one can reach their highest potential both mentally and physically. CAL has helped thousands of post-9/11 combat-injured veterans regain mental and physical health through gym memberships, in-home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs, and a peer support network.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION
For more than 15 years, CAL has supported over 14,000 veterans and caregivers nationwide, including in Westport. Their approach centers on four pillars—nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness, and community—delivered through coaching teams. These teams connect veterans across the country who are recovering from injuries like amputations, severe burns, brain damage, and PTSD. CAL invests approximately $2,400 per veteran annually, covering programs, equipment, and continuous support. Notably, CAL is also one of the few veteran organizations to offer a dedicated Women's Veteran Initiative.
LOCAL PRIDE
For the past 11 years, Westport has proudly hosted an annual golf benefit for CAL, a deeply cherished local tradition. However, CAL's greatest achievement lies in its ability to unite the community—police, fire, VFW, town government, local gyms, businesses, and residents—in support of veterans. This spirit of unity is exemplified in various ways, including the Westport Police Department welcoming combat-wounded Veterans to CAL’s Warrior Weekends and 9/11 Memorial events. And Staples Football Gridiron Club organizes a “Murph Challenge” workout for every high school football player. This event not only raises money for veterans but also challenges the athletes physically, and a veteran speaker addresses the team annually.
Source: Adam Vengrow, Vice President of the Board
LIVE LIFE TO THE MAX
westportct.gov/donate
THE MISSION
Marcus Harper remembers his son Max as a young man with an "enormous heart" who also "felt the rules didn't apply to him." Marcus recalls frequently showing up at Staples High School to “apologize” on his son’s behalf. Tragically, Max died in a road accident on September 11, 2024. Later that same day, Max was supposed to meet with the Causeway Collective, a departure from traditional therapy (which hadn't been effective) that aimed to help Max develop practical life skills, planning, and coaching. In his son's honor, Marcus established Live Life to the Max. This grassroots initiative, a partnership between Causeway Collaborative and Westport Human Services, offers personalized support, mentorship, and scholarships to young men with ADHD.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION
Live Life to the Max aims to provide vital, life-changing support for teenagers with ADHD, particularly those who might otherwise be overlooked. Marcus is dedicated to shifting the narrative around ADHD, including fostering greater parental involvement and support. Donations directly benefit young men aged 16-19, helping them develop self-efficacy skills and explore long-term academic and career paths through hands-on learning and mentorship. Structured in partnership with the Town of Westport, Live Life to the Max operates without any overhead, legal, or accounting costs, ensuring that every dollar donated directly funds the services provided.
LOCAL PRIDE
In just one year, Live Life to the Max collaborated with Staples High School, offering support to four local senior students with ADHD and financial needs. One of these students, who had previously dropped out, is now attending a local community college, and another, initially hesitant about higher education, is now enrolled in college with a full scholarship.
Source: Marcus Harper, founder, Live Life to the Max
PINK AID
pinkaid.org
THE MISSION Founded in 2011, Pink Aid addresses a critical need: supporting breast cancer patients facing financial hardship. Despite advancements in research and treatment, one in three patients experiences financial collapse, potentially leading to job and home loss, and delays in life-saving care. Pink Aid's mission is multifaceted. They offer support to ensure underserved breast cancer patients receive treatment with dignity. Pink Aid provides financial aid to those in need, and empowers breast cancer survivors to heal by paying it forward, inspiring and assisting others.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION
Since 2011, Pink Aid has been dedicated to supporting underserved patients across Connecticut through their Local Community Grants, and through their core initiative, the flagship Pink Purse emergency financial assistance program which launched in 2020. Through the Pink Purse program, Pink Aid provides crucial support and financial assistance for essentials such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Pink Aid collaborates directly with hospital social workers who identify patients in need and submit applications on their behalf. Once approved, financial relief is provided within 48 hours. Beyond emergency assistance, Pink Aid also provides local grants to hospitals and nonprofits, funding free screenings, outreach, education, and covering diagnostic testing costs for uninsured and underinsured individuals.
LOCAL PRIDE
Pink Aid receives hundreds of thank-you letters from patients who have benefited from the compassion and financial support. Among these grateful recipients is Joan Miller, a Connecticut resident and military veteran. Diagnosed with breast cancer while nine months shy of her Doctoral degree, Joan had already exhausted her savings battling cervical and endometrial cancers. As a full-time student with no income, Pink Aid stepped in to cover her water and electric bills and provided a food card, helping her through a difficult period. Joan has since earned her degree and, in turn, shares her story at Pink Aid fundraisers to "pay it forward." Locally, in Connecticut, Pink Aid has supported over 3,500 patients through programs like the Pink Purse emergency financial assistance and Pink Posse Bags of Compassion, provided to patients undergoing mastectomy or chemotherapy. Nationally, Pink Aid extends its support to over 8,500 patients, having distributed more than $4.5 million to those in need through the Pink Purse Financial Assistance Program.
Source: Amy Katz, co-founder of Pink Aid
THE NEST EGG FOUNDATION
nesteggfoundation.org
THE MISSION
Founded in 2015 by a compassionate group of Fairfield County doctors, healthcare providers, and community members, The Nest Egg Foundation addresses a critical gap in fertility care access. Its mission is to offer financial grants to residents of Connecticut and New York experiencing primary infertility who cannot afford the high cost of assisted reproductive technology. They believe that everyone deserves a chance to build a family, regardless of financial circumstances. The Nest Egg Foundation’s goal is to support hopeful parents on their journey with dignity, empathy, and community support.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION
The Nest Egg Foundation understands that in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg retrieval, and embryo transfers are incredibly costly and frequently not covered by insurance. Through the generosity of donors and sponsors, financial grants are awarded that cover a significant portion of these medical expenses. That support provides a crucial path forward for families who might otherwise be unable to pursue these vital treatments. Every donation directly contributes to making those dreams of starting a family a reality.
LOCAL PRIDE
Since its inception in 2016, The Nest Egg Foundation has proudly awarded 35 grants, including eight in 2025 alone—their most impactful year yet. These grants have directly led to the birth of 18 babies, transforming families' lives. As a 100 percent volunteer-led and donor-supported organization, The Nest Egg Foundation relies entirely on the local community. All board members reside in Fairfield County, and every contribution, regardless of size, helps families in Connecticut and New York build their futures.
Source: Dana Gilland, President, and Amy Matton, Vice-President, of The Nest Egg Foundation