One way to remember loved ones who have passed is to give back, or if you want to be remembered before you die, to leave a charitable legacy. It is not uncommon for people to start a philanthropic foundation or scholarship fund as a memorial for a deceased family member or friend. Or, you can contribute to a cause close to your heart, engage in other humanitarian acts and make a lasting impact on society.
Anyone can get involved with a non-profit or start their own, which is certainly one noble way to spend your limited time on earth. However, these charitable legacy-leaving endeavors are all focused around the theme of remembrance. This includes accidental fatalities, such as the Crowdrise campaign for Nepal earthquake victim Dan Fredinburg or street art raising awareness for cyclist deaths in New York City. Many of these initiatives are also disease-based.
19 Charitable Legacy-Leaving Initiatives
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19
Tragedy-Memorializing Tattoo Photography
Christopher Padgett Takes Snaps of Boston Bombing Tattoos
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Fatality Awareness Street Art
Right of Way Memorializes NYC Pedestrian Deaths with Street Stencils
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17
Tattooed Cancer-Fighting Charities
'Why We Ink' is a Charity That Battles Cancer with Creativity
16
WWII Veteran Celebratory Runs
The San Jose 408K Race Had a Very Special Guest Attending
15
Teen Bullying Awareness Tees
Bluenotes Unveils its 2013 Limited Edition Tee for Kids Help Phone
14
Marathon Memorial Sneakers
The Consortium Boston Super OG Shoes Honor the Boston Runners
13
Modern Genocide Remembrance Shrines
The Boardwalk Holocaust Memorial is an Abstract Sanctuary
12
Emoticon Flower Arrangements
FocusDriven.Org Tries to Raise Texting and Driving Awareness
11
Life-Saving Fundraising Initiatives
Friends Unite to Create 'Project Amelia' for Ailing Friend
10
Recycled Pacemaker Charities
Pace 4 Life Reuses Donated Pacemakers in the Developing World
9
Digital Blood Donors
Facebook Blood Groups are Turning Likes into Lives
8
Charitable Paywall Initiatives
Esquire's The Falling Man is Driving Donors to a Scholarship Fund
7
Tragedy-Commemorating Museums
The 9/11 Memorial Museum Honors the Lost Lives of Many
6
Remembrance Alcoholic Beverages
The 9/11 Memorial Commemorative Wine Raises Money for Charity
5
Bladder Cancer Pins
The Marvin Traub Associates & hook+Albert Aim to Raise Awareness and Money
4
Crowdfunded Charity Legacies
This Crowdrise Campaign Continues the Work Dan Fredinburg Started
3
Interactive Cancer-Fighting Campaigns
Puma 2012 Project Pink Asks 'Who Do You Wear Pink For?'
2
Charitable Journey-Sharing Glasses
3000 Miles to a Cure Won the Google Through Glass Challenge
1
Miracle Marrow-Registering Bandaids
Help Remedies Bandages Make Registering Convenient For You
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Food Waste Sneakers
Hellmann's Canada Launched 1352: Refreshed Sneakers with Food Waste Items
Aggressive Athlete Ads
Nike Launches the Winning Isn’t for Everyone Campaign
Autism-Supporting Athletics Brands
Nike Partnered with the NBA for an Autism Awareness Campaign
Mental Health Awareness Totes
ALDO and Kids Help Phone Join Forces on the HEARTTOTE
Boldly Tonal Patient-Designed Sneakers
Nike Unveils the 2024 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection
Athlete-Backed Shoe Campaigns
Nike Released Awaken Your Madness with International Soccer Players
Delayed Gifting Campaigns
Bloom & Wild's Delay the Delivery Prevents New Parent Overwhelm
Brand Heritage-Appreciation Campaigns
Timberlands Racy 'ICONIC' Campaign Honours Its Legacy
Elephant-Inspired Charitable Fashion Lines
LOVE BRAND & Co. Partners with Elephant Family USA
Charitable Streaming Service Pop-Ups
All Proceeds from 'As Seen on Netflix' Support Mental Health
Vison Loss Research Fundraisers
Fighting Blindness Canada Held the 'Move for Sight' Fundraiser
Kind Gardening Pop-Ups
Mrs. Meyer's Compassion Store Trades Generous Acts for Garden Essentials
Mission-Driven Hiking Footwear
Merrell and BBBSA Collaborated on a Special Moab Speed 2
Iconic Character-Inspired Campaigns
Etsy's Christmas Ad Celebrates Personalized Gifting
Philanthropy-Inspired Collections
The I’m Library People Initiative Encourages Holiday Giving
Meditative Trash Campaigns
Hefty's Trash Time Out Provides Support During the Holiday Season
Mindful Athletic Brand Initiatives
Nike's 'Wellness Collective' Promotes 5 Key Wellness Pillars
Soup Giveaway Campaigns
Heinz Launches a New Soup Giveaway Campaign with Sam Thompson
Therapeutic Nature-Inspired Campaigns
Craghoppers Introduces Its Autumn/winter 2024 Campaign
Refuge Athlete Programs
Nike Joins Forces with the Olympic Refuge Foundation
Gen Alpha Fitness Influencers
ASICS' Little Reminders Inspires Adults to Make Movement Joyful
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Two-Person Seesaw Benches
Movember's A Problem Halved Bench Inspires Mental Health Conversations
Playful Hotel Campaigns
BWH Hotels Launches a Campaign to Reclaim Stolen Treasures
Ultra-Personalized AI-Backed Campaigns
The AWS x NFL My Cause My Cleats Campaign is Innovative
Mycelium-Made Biodegradable Urns
Mush and Furf Design Studio Creates the sail Funerary Urn
Streetwear Awareness Initiatives
Streetwear Brand, Worldclass Debuts on Giving Tuesday
Digital Memory Keepers
BlissBox Collects and Preserves Messages, Photos, and Memories Digitally
Heartfelt Christmas Campaigns
John Lewis Presents the Festive Gifting House Campaign
Inclusive Marathon Campaigns
adidas Worked with Marathons to Support Neurodivergent Athletes
Heritage-Honoring Collaborative Shoes
Birkenstock Presents a Special Filson Collection of Shoes
Farmer-Supporting Branded T-Shirts
Carhartt & The Farmlink Project Collaborate on a New Initiative
Charity Health-Tech Apps
Helpster Charity Connects Sectors to provide Essential Healthcare
Philanthropic Kid Fashion Brands
Mini Rodini Supports Doctors Without Borders for Black Week 2024
Family-Honoring Festive Campaigns
JD Celebrates all Forms of Family in 2024 Xmas Family Campaign
Wildfire Relief Initiatives
Beauty Together is A Collaborative Effort for Wildfire Relief
Footwear-Branded Heart Health Initiatives
Chinese Laundry Debuts the Wear Your Heart Campaign
Charity Organization Rebrands
Humane World for Animals Launches a Powerful Campaign
Philanthropic Cosmetic Brand Initiatives
Kiehl’s Open Doors Supports LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth
Suicide Prevention Campaigns
To Write Love on Her Arms Launches the Please Stay Alive Campaign
Creative-Centric Campaigns
CFDA and Swarovski Launch Re:Generation Fund to Empower Creatives
Breast Cancer Awareness Tees
SPRHRA’s Launched a Limited-Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Tee
Childhood Literacy-Promoting Initiatives
International Paper Has Reaffirmed Its Dedication
Mental Health-Supporting Campaigns
'The Last Photo' is a Suicide Prevention Initiative
AI-Powered Virtual Memorials
Mimorial Helps Users Create Customized Digital Tributes to Loved Ones
Mood-Enhancing Aromatherapy Devices
The Memoraphy Device Concept Dispenses Scents Based on Mood
Meaningful Jewelry Gifts
Bluboho X Fashionista Introduce a Timeless Gift for Your Future Self
AI Posthumous Digital Communication
ContinYou Sends Messages to Loved Ones After Their Passing
Community-Focused Movie Screenings
'Join or Die' Screenings Aims to Foster Real-Life Connections
Physical Activity-Promoting Initiatives
Cadillac Fairview Joins the Canadian Olympic Committee
Charitable Limited-Edition Snack Initiatives
SNAX-Sational Brands Debuts Its #SnackGiving Campaign
Recycled Soccer Player Sculptures
Lionel Messi's Cleat Sculpture Advocates for Sustainability
Commemorative Fatherhood Campaigns
Mitchell & Ness Highlights the Profound Influence of Fatherhood
Grief-Focused Voicemail Solutions
Missed Calls Lets People Save Irreplaceable Voicemails Forever
Multi-Generation Footwear Campaigns
Red Wing Heritage's Will Your Wings Stitches Wills Into Boots
Social Connection-Focused Initiatives
Meals on Wheels America Combats Loneliness Among Seniors
Pet-Equality Campaigns
Pet Ownership Rights Take Center Stage in Innovative Campaign
Kindness-Promoting Marketing Campaigns
Once Upon a Coconut Launches 1 Million Acts of Kindness
Kid-Focused Pizza Donation Campaigns
Domino’s Pizza is Running Its Thanks and Giving Campaign
Symbolic Mental Wellness Rings
CONQUERing Recognizes the Importance of Suicide Prevention Month
Branded Warm Clothing Donations
UNIQLO Stands Out with Its Heart of LifeWear Initiative
Cancer Awareness-Supporting Cannabis Initiatives
Ethos Cannabis Launches Colas for a Cure
Global Storytelling Initatives
Vans Announces its Narrative-Centric Always Pushing Campaign
Suicide Awareness Films
Heirlooms Short Film Shines Light on Suicide Bereavement and Hidden Grief
Digital Legacy Storybooks
Autobiographer Preserves Family History with a Personalized Touch
Charitable Coal Shops
The Christmas Coal Shop Supports a Charity Campaign
Commemorative Skateboarding Decks
DGK Pays Tribute to the Late Harold Hunter with a Special Debut
Sporty Minimal Bowling Sneakers
Brain Dead and adidas Join on the Monochromatic Lefty Shoe
Mental Well-Being Foundations
The AE Foundation Launched on World Mental Health Day
Tech-Advanced Family Memories Projects
HeirStory Relies on AI, Blockchain, and the Metaverse
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative To Save the Forests
Global Holiday Giving Journeys
Disney Sends Mickey Mouse on the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive
Prescriptive Mental Health Posters
Parkrun Encourages Movement on World Mental Health Day
Early Literacy Campaigns
Leapfrog Launched the Everything Starts with Reading Campaign
Philanthropic Diaper Partnerships
HealthyBaby Donated 750,000 Diapers to Families
Skateboarding-Inspired Ads
Vans Launched the ‘Always Pushing’ Ad Highlighting Skating Culture
Culture-Focused Crowdfunding Campaigns
NTD International Competitions Runs a Crowdfunding Campaign
Digital Canine Blood Registries
Bark Bank Aims to Make Blood Transfusions Easier for Pets
Displaced Families Initiatives
The HOPE Foundation Supports Those Affected by Wildfires in LA
Chronic Desease Advocacy Groups
A Coalition of Wellness Companies Form End Chronic Disease
Charitable Advent Calendars
24 Good Deeds Offers a Digital Advent Calendar with a Purpose
Digital Gifting Platforms
On Me Makes the Traditional Gift Card Experience Modern & Personal
At-Risk Youth-Targeted Initiatives
Victoria's Secret Notes Its Work with Pacific Links Foundation
3D Royalty-Based Museums
The Princess Diana Museum Features a Virtually Guided Experience
Personalized Keepsake Storybooks
My Life in a Book Captures and Preserves Personal Stories
Athlete-Backed Mental Health Campaigns
The Love, Your Mind Campaign Aims to Support Mental Health
Charitable Laundry Initiatives
Tide Expands Its Loads of Hope Program with a New Partnership
Anniversary-Celebrating Nonprofit Partnerships
LILYSILK Engages in Philanthropic Partnerships
Survivor Donated Fabric Kits
Grenfell Athletic FC, Nike, & Kitlocker Drop Fabric of the Community
International Awareness-Bringing Events
Illumina Recently Ran Its Steps Against Cancer Campaign
California Wildfire Relief Fundraisers
The Sazerac Company is Holding an Innovative Fundraiser
Tradition-Focused Digital Libraries
Nestlé Brands Introduced the Living Traditions Library
Upgraded Crowdfunding Platforms
Kickstarter Now Allows Users to Pledge for a Campaign Late
Parent-Honoring Olympic Campaigns
Molson'a Campaign Honors the Parents of Team Canada Athletes
Closet-Clearing Challenges
Traid's Closet Clear-out Challenge Boosts Garment Donations
Homelessness-Supporting Blanket Designs
LANY's Paul Klein & Sackcloth & Ashes Debut a Chic Blanket
Disaster Relief-Supporting Pr Initiatives
Publicity for Good Supports Hurricane Helene Relief
Awareness-Raising Apparel
The Hats for Hope Movement Introduces a Stylish Crewneck to Its Campaign
AI Obituary Composers
This Tool Helps People Write Loving Tributes to Family and Friends
Prolonged Activism Campaigns
Oxfam's Stay In The Fight Encourages Lasting Social Influences
Keepsake Family Legacy Books
Kindred Tales Turn Family Memories into a Book to Cherish Forever
Kindness-Promoting Flower Sharing Initiatives
Heirloom Roses Joins Growing Kindness Project
Purposeful Brand Transformations
Decathlon Unveils a New Brand Identity, Logo and Brand Purpose
Empowering Wish Campaigns
Make-A-Wish® Canada's 'Women for Wishes' Campaign Has a $1 Million Goal
Vote-Encouraging Coin Campaigns
The Community Creates the Limited Electoral Coins
Non-Perishable Food Exchanges
Nando’s Initiative will Offer PERi-PERi Chicken on Mandela Day
Lung Health Awareness Campaigns
The Lung Health Foundation Teams Up with Maggie Mac Neil
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Community Wellness-Focused Initiatives
The Life Time Foundation Reinforces Commitment to Wellness
QSR Book Initiatives
SONIC Drive-In Donates to Expand Book Access Across America
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Anonymous Letter Sending
Letters is a Charming Tool Allowing People to Send Letters in Secret
Paralympic Fundraising Initiatives
CPC & PFC Debut IGNITE the Light Virtual Seats Initiative
Health System Improvement Initiatives
Eli Lilly and Company Has Announced a Donation to UNICEF
Charity Donation Discovery
CharityExplorer Helps You Find, Donate To, and Track Charities Easily
Charitable Food Donation Initiatives
Nando's Mandela Day Dash Honors Underserved Communities
Imaginative Children's Holiday Campaigns
Aretto and Hamleys Partner on an Engaging Campaign
Charity Contest Campaigns
Momcozy Recently Announced the Love in Action Campaign
Travel Company Charity Initiatives
Redtag.ca Partnered with the SickKids Foundation
Awareness-Raising Pancreatic Cancer Campaigns
PanCAN Debuts the Change the Course Campaign
Female Orphanage Initiatives
OTB Foundation Supports an Orphanage with Jil Sander Initiative
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Posthumous File Sharing
Bequeath Let's Users Store and Share Digital Files After Their Passing
Wish List Creators
WannaGift Allows Users to Create and Share Wishlists with No Registration
Charitable E-Bike Initiatives
Lectric Bikes Partnered with Mr. Beast to Give Away 600 Bikes
Blood Center Campaigns
Markham Yard Releases the Blood Center Campaign to Inspire Donations
Digital Time Capsules
LastCapsule Users Can Upload Content Like Photos, Videos, and More
Children-Focused Literacy Campaigns
Scholastic Focuses on Expanding Access to Books
Charitable Seafaring Snack Branding
Burts and RNLI Partnered to Showcase Heroes
Family-Supporting Restaurant Initiatives
White Spot Partners with Variety – the Children’s Charity
Senior Care Ambassador Partnerships
Memory Lane Games Has Partnered with Lance A. Slatton
Connective Altruistic Apps
Heart 2 Help Uses Tech Can to Foster Positive Relationships
Important Sharing Apps
The FinhApp Let's You Share Wills or Messages with Loved Ones
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
Accessible Christmas Initiatives
The Santa Reads Braille Initiative Ensures Inclusivity
Graveyard-Transformed Public Parks
SOA Architekti Designs the Transformed Park of Memories
Charitable Candy-Inspired Pins
The Love Hearts Pin Badges Benefit the Alzheimer's Society
Cooling Relief Fundraisers
Family Eldercare and Roger Beasley Mazda Host the 2024 Summer Fan Drive
Alumni-Celebrating Club Initiatives
BGC Canada Introduces Its Inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame