To support their work and internal costs, human rights organizations depend on funding from various sources. Running a store is one method of raising money while also giving supporters something in return. At many organizations, they will focus on branded clothing, jewelry, and other goods encouraging people to show their support, while other organizations also want their stores to serve vulnerable groups in need. Many charity shops are online, but some organizations run brick-and-mortar locations, as well. Here are ten examples:
Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest civil rights organization in the US dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. They work for equal rights at state and federal levels through lobbying, grassroot campaigning, education, and elections. On their website, they operate an online store with a huge range of merchandise, such as clothing, jewelry, home + office supplies, and accessories. 100% of the net proceeds go to support HRC”s work.
American Civil Liberties Union
For a century, the ACLU has worked in legislatures, courts, and the community at large to ensure that everyone is given equal rights and liberties under the Constitution and American laws. This includes supporting the LGBTQ+ community, working to end mass incarceration, supporting reproductive rights, and more. The ACLU works in all 50 states, Washington D.C, and Puerto Rico. Their official store includes branded apparel, accessories, books, and more.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International, which was founded in 1961, focuses on six key issues such as women’s rights, the end of torture, abolishing the death penalty, and the rights of refugees. The organization says it doesn’t accept donations from governments or government organizations, so it depends on fees and donations from its membership. It is worth noting that AI has experienced controversy in recent years over pay, its workplace environment, and budget. The AI online store sells products such as clothing, hats, accessories, and bags. As a UK-based organization, they ship internationally. Buyers are responsible for any duties and taxes, as well as shipping. Doing Good Merch runs the store and a “guaranteed percentage of total sales” go to Amnesty International.
OXFAM
Oxfam is a confederation of independent organizations focusing on eradicating global poverty. They can be found in over 90 countries around the world. The UK branch of Oxfam has the largest number of charity shops in the UK with over 700 locations. Oxfam Bookshops is the largest retailer of second-hand books in the UK. They also operate an online store that sells donated items for women, men, and children, as well as books, collectables, and gifts. While items marked as “Sourced by Oxfam” can’t be shipped internationally, second-hand items and Oxfam Unwrapped items can be.
UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in over 190 countries. Their mission focuses on the rights and health of children by providing healthcare, immunizations, nutrition, education, and more. UNICEF USA runs an online store to support their vision, and in addition to products like personalized holiday cards, branded gifts, and more, you can buy Market gifts. These are handcrafted, fair-trade items like jewelry and clothing. You can search by region and price.
Save The Children
Established in 1919 as the Save the Children Fund, Save the Children is a UK-based organization that focuses on education, healthcare, emergency aid, and more for children around the world. They run community charity shops around the UK and accept donations from companies and individuals. They also have an online store that sells stationary, vintage gifts, gift wrap, candles, soap, and more. Save the Children is able to ship internationally.
Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is a Christian nonprofit organization committed to building homes for those in need. They are the largest not-for-profit builder in the world. Habitat ReStores are independently-owned stores that accept donations and sell home improvement items at a significantly lower price than retail stores. Items include furniture, appliances, building materials, and more. On their online store, they also sell merchandise and gifts. 100% of the profits go back to Habitat for Humanity.
Goodwill
Goodwill organizations are present in the United States, Canada, and 12 other countries. For over 117 years, they’ve been providing job training and helping people find employment. The majority of their funding is provided by their shops, which include retail thrift stores, by-the-pound outlets and high-end boutiques. You can find rare and used books at goodwillbooks.com, as well. On their online store, you can buy items and participate in gallery auctions.
Red Cross
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been around for well over a hundred years and is comprised of 187 national societies. The American Red Cross and British Red Cross are two of the most active members. The organization’s goal is to protect human life and health. The American Red Cross operates an online store where they sell apparel and accessories, books and DVDS, first aid supplies, and emergency preparedness supplies. The British Red Cross also has physical charity stores where they accept donations of clothing, books, furniture, and more.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army serves in 130 countries around the world and assists about 25 million Americans every year. They are most recognizable by their red buckets and bells during the holiday season, but they also have Family Stores that fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers. Items such as clothing, appliances, and even cars are donated and sold. The SA is both a church and charitable organization. In recent years, it has faced criticism regarding its stance on the LGBTQ+ community.
