Here's Your Guide To Companies Giving Back In These Difficult Days

Ambar Pardilla
·2 min read

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Where you shop matters, so here's our guide to brands that are giving back right now. (Photo: vladans via Getty Images)
Where you shop matters, so here's our guide to brands that are giving back right now. (Photo: vladans via Getty Images)

Whether you only shop online or prefer purchasing everything IRL, where you spend your money matters, including supporting a small business or a Black-owned brand. And it’s important to know what the companies you’re buying from stand for.

After all, we’re living through tough times. There’s a pandemic happening that has turned our world upside-down, and the Black Lives Matter Movement is still fighting for racial justice and police reform. Just recently, an explosion in Beirut left the city scrambling to care for the wounded and figure out where to go from here.

Of course, these difficult days can feel overwhelming — what can you do when you’re supposed to stay home and socially distance whenever you’re outside?

One of the easiest ways you can do your part right now is to give back to organizations that are helping with coronavirus relief efforts, health care workers, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and giving aid to Lebanon.

It’s always best to donate directly: We suggest places like the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund; the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, GetUsPPE (which helps get personal protective equipment to health care professionals); and the Lebanese Red Cross. (If you donate by clicking on these links, 100% of your money will go directly to those organizations.)

But if you need to do some shopping anyway, we searched the internet for companies that are giving back in some way right now.

What do we mean by giving back? These brands are either donating a portion of their profits to organizations like the ones mentioned above or are making their own donation to nonprofits committed to relief efforts and fighting racism.

Think of this as our guide to brands that are doing good now, when it’s needed.

Check out these brands that are giving back now in these times:

Adidas

<a href="https://fave.co/2DcFGFP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Adidas</a> has an <a href="https://fave.co/2EVbYcl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">entire section of its site</a> dedicated to its efforts to help with coronavirus relief. The brand is helping make 18,000 3D-printed face shields per week for health care workers and donating over $3 million to the <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/donate" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WHO&rsquo;s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund</a>. The brand is also giving $2 for every pack of <a href="https://fave.co/2XARmfV" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">face masks</a> (which are currently out of stock) sold to the <a href="https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/emergency-response/coronavirus-outbreak" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Save The Children&rsquo;s Global Coronavirus Response Fund</a>. You can keep an eye out for when they're back in stock.  <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/3km8lwc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Find these shoes for $150 at Adidas</a>.

Alice + Olivia

<a href="https://fave.co/3kfXbcx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alice + Olivia</a>, known for its <a href="https://fave.co/39WBUjp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">florals and flounces</a>, has its own line of masks, like this <a href="https://fave.co/33wP5q6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">striped one</a> and another that's <a href="https://fave.co/3a0AjsO" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pink and has a plant print</a>. The brand's donating $1 from every mask sold to <a href="https://www.shareourstrength.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Share Our Strength&rsquo;s No Kid Hungry campaign</a>, which helps get meals to kids. And the brand says <a href="https://fave.co/31BIubp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">it's donating 100,000 masks</a> to health care organizations and essential workers. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/33wP5q6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out this face mask from Alice + Olivia for $13</a>.

Allbirds

<a href="https://fave.co/33uxFKD" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Allbirds</a>, known for its sustainable shoes, has already donated $500,000 worth of shoes to the health care community. As a part of its "<a href="https://fave.co/31lDt6C" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Together</a>" campaign, you can donate a pair of the brand's <a href="https://fave.co/2Xsd8m4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wool Runners</a> for $60 to a health care professional who has reached out to receive a pair.<br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/3icp8Qu" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">You can donate a pair of shoes to a health care worker for $60 at Allbirds</a>.

Billie

You might have seen <a href="https://fave.co/2X5RPa3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Billie's razors</a> that come in pastel colors. Recently, the brand donated $100,000 across Black Lives Matter and the <a href="https://www.naacp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NAACP</a>. Billie says that it'll now be focusing on giving 1% off its revenue to <a href="https://fave.co/3hE2HV6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">supporting BIPOC</a> (which stands for Black, Indigenous and people of color) women. Back a couple months ago, the <a href="https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/billie-are-we-doing-video-zoom-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">brand donated $100,000</a> to local food banks. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/2WnXQPm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out Billie's razor starter set that's $9</a>.

Etsy

In early June, <a href="https://fave.co/2NbW9kG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Etsy</a> &mdash; home to so many creative creators &mdash; donated $1 million to <a href="https://blog.etsy.com/news/2020/etsy-to-donate-1-million-toward-justice-reform-and-black-led-institutions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">organizations focused on justice reform</a> including the <a href="https://eji.org/">Equal Justice Initiative</a>. The company's been highlighting Black artists and artisans on the site, as well, in a guide to <a href="https://fave.co/2AETHxQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Black-owned Etsy shops</a>. You should definitely bookmark the page to support <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ultimate-roundup-of-black-owned-businesses-brands-to-support_l_5eea3b60c5b6a4bce77c2d31" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Black-owned businesses</a> always. <br /><br />You can find these <a href="https://fave.co/33t2jnG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">upcycled overalls for $150 on Etsy</a>, and check out <a href="https://fave.co/39WVn3t" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sustainablemaria's shop here</a>.

Everlane

<a href="https://fave.co/2ZFz8sY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Everlane</a>, a brand that's all about sustainable style, has a collection called "<a href="https://fave.co/3gy0rxI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">100% Human</a>" with a portion of the proceeds going to the <a href="https://www.aclu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ACLU's efforts for human rights</a>. And now, 10% of the sales for <a href="https://fave.co/2C0hr0n" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">face masks in the line</a> will go to the ACLU. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/2DAlHEk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out Everlane's pack of five masks for $25</a>. Keep in mind this pack's on backorder until Sept. 15. 

Glossier

Back in June, beauty brand <a href="https://fave.co/3kf25ql" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glossier</a> announced that it created a <a href="https://fave.co/33zXfxY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">grant initiative</a> for Black-owned beauty businesses, committing $500,000. The company also donated the same amount to organizations that are all about fighting racial injustice. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/2DCnlW8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">You can find this Vinylic Lip for $16 at Glossier</a>.

Food52

While you might turn to <a href="https://fave.co/3kf25q1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Food52</a> for cookware and kitchen gadgets, you might not have known that the the brand now sells its own <a href="https://fave.co/39YlA1v" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">face masks</a>. These masks are made out of cotton and include a built-in pocket. The brand pledged 10% of the retail price of these masks to <a href="https://www.nokidhungry.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">No Kid Hungry</a>, which is helping feed kids during the pandemic. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/39YlA1v" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out Food52's cloth face masks that are $22 each</a>.

J.Crew

During these difficult times, <a href="https://fave.co/33DZ8GS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">J.Crew</a> and <a href="https://fave.co/34Yr08C" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Madewell</a> (which are owned by the <a href="https://www.thecut.com/2020/05/j-crew-bankruptcy-madewell-future.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">same parent company</a>) have donated 75,000 single-use masks to <a href="https://www.montefiore.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Montefiore Health System</a> hospitals in New York. J.Crew's also supporting the <a href="https://fave.co/31ktmPr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Donors Choose Keep Kids Learning</a> program, which helps get supplies to teachers who are now teaching remotely. And besides donating, you can do your part and wear a mask, too. The brand has <a href="https://fave.co/2Xt4rYz" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">masks for kids and adults</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/30sBIoS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out this set of three masks for $18 at J.Crew</a>.

Levi's

In April, the <a href="https://fave.co/2XBbpuS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">jean company</a> promised $3 million to support communities that have been affected by the coronavirus crisis around the world. Levi's donated to organizations like <a href="https://caasf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chinese for Affirmative Action</a>, which has been fighting against racism towards the Asian community, and <a href="https://tippingpoint.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tipping Point</a>, which focuses on fighting poverty in the Bay Area in California. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/2XzZj5k" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out these jeans for $98 at Levi's</a>.

Madewell

Along with <a href="https://fave.co/33DZ8GS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">J.Crew</a>, <a href="https://fave.co/34Yr08C" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Madewell</a> has donated 75,000 single-use masks to <a href="https://www.montefiore.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Montefiore Health System</a> hospitals in New York. <a href="https://fave.co/3a00Ne7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Madewell's masks</a> are made with leftover fabric scraps and have three layers. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/3fEH8lb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out this set of three Madewell masks that's $20</a>.

ModCloth

<a href="https://fave.co/2ZDUOFF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ModCloth</a>, known for its vintage style and plus size fashion, said in a <a href="https://blog.modcloth.com/lifestyle/a-message-from-modcloth-we-need-to-do-better/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog post</a> that it would be donating to donating to <a href="https://blacklivesmatter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Black Lives Matter</a>, along with featuring more Black models on its site and partnering with Black-owned businesses. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/2ZDUOFF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out ModCloth</a>. 

Nordstrom

<a href="https://fave.co/3feQzbt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nordstrom</a>, a favorite of HuffPost readers and Finds' editors, has its <a href="https://press.nordstrom.com/gallery/41136/grid/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">alteration teams across the country</a> &mdash; from Washington, D.C., to Illinois and Oregon &mdash; sew nearly 1 million masks for health care workers. The company now has <a href="https://fave.co/3gwUGjz" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">packs of masks</a>. For every package of masks purchased (those that have the <a href="https://fave.co/3kep4Sj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nordstrom name</a>), the brand says it's donating masks to families in its communities.<br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/2XxedsL" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out this pack of four masks for $20 at Nordstrom</a>.

Parachute

When you buy a <a href="https://fave.co/3ke8LEY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">set of Parachute's masks</a>, the brand will donate a set to those in need through <a href="https://getusppe.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GetUsPPE</a>, which helps get health care workers get much-needed personal protective equipment, and <a href="http://www.safeplaceforyouth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Safe Place for Youth</a>, a group that helps homeless youth. These masks are made with cotton and a CDC-recommended design. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/3ke8LEY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out Parachute's set of five masks for $30</a>.

Patagonia

<a href="https://fave.co/2Qznm0v" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Patagonia</a>'s probably best known for its sustainability efforts, including a <a href="https://fave.co/31F61Iv" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">self-imposed Earth tax</a> that helps support environmental nonprofits. At the end of May, the brand <a href="https://fave.co/3gzS9VP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">donated</a> $100,000 to the <a href="https://www.naacpldf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NAACP's Legal Defense Fund</a>, which advocates for racial justice. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/3kjWXkE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out these socks for $22 at Patagonia</a>.

Sephora

In June, we spoke to <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/black-owned-beauty-brands-at-sephora-beauty-director_l_5ee94218c5b6dfbb03864cfa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sephora's Beauty Director</a> about how the company's committing more shelf space to Black-owned businesses. There are currently only a few Black-owned brands at <a href="https://fave.co/2N2VkuW" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sephora</a> right now, including <a href="https://fave.co/2JyeTa6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Rihanna&rsquo;s Fenty Beauty</a> and <a href="https://fave.co/38zATMt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Pat McGrath Labs</a>. The company also <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8JZHxlAoT/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">donated</a> $1 million to organizations like the <a href="https://www.naacp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NAACP</a>. And you can use your Beauty Insider points to <a href="https://www.sephorastands.com/giving/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">donate to a charity</a> that the company features each month, too. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/2XD91Uu" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out this Pat McGrath Labs' lipstick for $38 at Sephora</a>.

Society6

Just recently, <a href="https://fave.co/2KLq3ei" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Society6</a> launched <a href="https://fave.co/31ovuFP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">face masks</a> that are designed by its independent artists that are multi-layered and machine-washable. A <a href="https://help.society6.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045050671-Face-Mask-FAQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">portion of proceeds</a> from these masks portion will be donated to <a href="https://www.wck.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">World Central Kitchen</a>, which is providing food relief during the pandemic.<br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/3fAYFdV" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out this mask for $14 at Society6</a>.

Soko Glam

If you don't know, <a href="https://fave.co/2KoSkVY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Soko Glam</a> is one of your best bets for finding Korean skincare products. The company has its own clean and cruelty-free line of buys called "<a href="https://fave.co/3ig5WSb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Good (Skin) Days</a>" that features four items, including a toner and cleanser. The collection is also a part of the <a href="https://fave.co/3i4r5i2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Good Days for All program</a>, which gives back to causes that customers care about (and can vote for). The brand picked the <a href="https://blacklivesmatter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Black Lives Matter Global Network</a> as its first charity partner, donating a portion of profits to the organization. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/3gKgyIJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out Soko Glam's "Good (Skin) Days" collection</a>.

The Odells

<a href="https://fave.co/2zqNhlT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Odells</a> has been <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/where-to-buy-cloth-face-masks-for-coronavirus-online_l_5eb9776dc5b665d677b8e1df" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">one of the companies</a> we've seen making lots of masks during these tough times. Each face mask that the brand sells donates 10 meals to <a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Feeding America</a>, which helps with hunger-relief efforts across the country. These masks are made in Los Angeles and have adjustable behind-the-ear straps. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/3ihNRmN" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out this face mask from The Odells that's $10</a>.

Uncommon Goods

All of the profits from Uncommon Goods' "<a href="https://fave.co/2EMdai6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rainbow Face Masks</a>" will be donated to <a href="https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/about-nyc-health-hospitals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NYC Health + Hospitals</a>, the largest public health care system in the country. These reuseable rainbow masks are made of cotton and designed by kids and have little labels on them with messages like "keep smiling." So you'll be doing your part to stop the spread by getting a mask and giving back to health care workers who are helping patients during this pandemic. <br /><br /><a href="https://fave.co/2EMdai6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out Uncommon Goods' set of two masks for $25</a>.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.