AJ stands for Andrew Jackson, our 7th president. His reputation for toughness earned him the nickname "Old Hickory." A hero of the War of 1812, Jackson has appeared on the $20 bill since 1928.

Before you spend, find out what your bucks will be supporting.

Nonprofit for a reason

Nonprofit organizations only work if people support the cause. They're called nonprofit for a reason—they don't make any money beyond what they need for expenses!

There are so many companies out there looking to help a good cause, but most of the time they have no one to help.

And a sad, but true, fact is that you can't change a lot in the world without money.

Pay what you say

We all say meaningful things that we believe. Perhaps:

• I'm an animal lover.
• Save the trees.
• I love nature.

Whatever you think, you should support it. And one way to do that is with your money.

Even if you don't say it, you support companies everyday. By purchasing something you're supporting the ideas and values that the company puts forth.

So, think about that with donations. What do you want to support? Find a group doing something about your cause.

Find a group

Here are some programs that I found. Some I've donated to before, and others I just recently discovered. You might think of using them, or they could give you some ideas. Check them out:

• Wildlife WorksWildlife Works

  Wildlife Works is an awesome company that is both stylish and determined. By making products, it gives poor families in other countries jobs, and helps contribute to conserving wild animals.
  
  Some projects Wildlife Works supports are: The Do Something Campaign, the Earth Day T-Shirt Project, and the Free Flora Campaign.

  Wildlife Works also supports communities in Kenya and other places, and builds schools. You don't just donate at this site, you buy. Look at the yummy clothes!

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• Monteverde Conservation LeagueMonteverde Conservation League
  

  The Monteverde Conservation League is dedicated to supporting the Children's Eternal Rainforest in Costa Rica.
  
  Swedish school children started a worldwide effort in 1987 by sending money to Monteverde, Costa Rica to purchase rainforest and protect its priceless natural treasures forever.
  
  Today children from 44 nations have helped the Children’s Eternal Rainforest become the largest private reserve in Costa Rica.
  
  Deforestation is a problem. From 1990 to 2000, the total area of forest lost in the Amazon rose from 41.5 million hectares to 58.7 million hectares.

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• Heifer InternationalHeifer International

  Heifer International sends animals to families in poverty who need a sustainable source of food and income.

  Heifer carefully teaches families how to care for the animals and keep them well. Heifer makes sure the animals will have a purpose to bring in income and food. For example: geese lay eggs that can be sold or eaten, and water buffalo can be milked and help with work.

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• Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Rescue is a cat sanctuary in Florida. It's devoted to caring for abused big cats and cats that cannot go back to the wild.

Volunteers teach the public about proper homes for big cats (not your pet cat!), and spread the statement that big cats cannot live in homes with people!

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But before you go headfirst into giving, consider where your money will go...

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