Did you know these 7 local businesses give back with each purchase you make?

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Birmingham, Royal Cup, coffee, fundraisers, businesses give back
Royal Cup is partnered with an organization to provide clean water across the globe. Photo via Royal Cup on Facebook

As the season of giving approaches, it’s easy to become overwhelmed trying to determine how and where to donate money. One of the easiest places to start is by simply switching your shopping habits so your dollars make a direct impact. Whether it’s by donating funds from each purchase or having an overarching mission statement to give back, these Birmingham businesses are fueling good into the world.

1. Sojourns

Soujourns
Sojourns Fair Trade recently moved to a new location in Crestwood. Photo via Pat Byington for Bham Now

As a fair trade shop, Sojourns’ products aren’t the result of child, sweatshop or forced labor. You can shop guilt-free from over 400 artisans knowing they were paid fair living wages and work in safe conditions. Your purchase makes a difference because it’s supporting these artisans, many of whom are women liberated or protected from sex trafficking.

2. Studio By the Tracks

Studio by the Tracks
Discover cool art from local artists and more at Studio By The Tracks in Irondale. Photo via Studio By The Tracks’ Facebook page

This nonprofit already does amazing things by serving as a studio and gallery for adult artists with autism spectrum disorders. However, in addition to providing social opportunities and a career path for its artists, each Studio By the Tracks artist receives 60% of all sales. Browse from one-of-a-kind items like T-shirts, cards, ceramics and more.

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3. Royal Cup

businesses give back
Royal Cup won the 2019 Manufacturing Innovation of the Year Award for their commitment to sustainability. Photo via Royal Cup

Royal Cup, a Birmingham-based coffee company, partners with Neverthirst, a nonprofit providing clean water to communities around the world. If you choose to brew ROAR coffee or tea at home or in the office, be aware that every cup poured helps provide clean water to underserved communities.

4. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

businesses give back
You may be surprised to find out that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is a certified B Corporation. Photo via Bham Now

Although Jeni’s isn’t strictly a local Birmingham business with 14 locations nationwide, I did find it interesting to learn they’re a certified B Corporation. Jeni’s is committed to meeting higher social standards and environmental performance. In short, the company’s bottom line is not just profit, but also people and our environment.

5. ARC Realty

businesses give back, ARC
When you’re working with ARC Realty, you’re working to better Birmingham’s community. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

ARC Realty has a lot of community partnerships throughout Birmingham that involve giving back to various organizations and nonprofits, including the Alabama Kidney Foundation and UAB. During the month of October, ARC Realty made a donation for every new listing they have.

6. Basic

Birmingham, a basic shop
Sweater weather, but make it sustainable. Photo by Jett Walker/Photography via @abasicshop on Instagram

You can already feel good shopping at Basic with the knowledge in your pocket that the team only sources ethically-made garments from partners that disclose their production processes. But, the business takes it a step further and donates $5 of every sale to the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Human Rights Watch in support of the fight for equality.

7. Rojo

businesses give back
Great food and a great example for other business to follow. Photo via Birmingham Restaurant Week

Rojo often hosts fundraisers and give-back nights for vital organizations in Birmingham like the Black Warrior River Keeper. Another special initiative they’ve taken on since the COVID-19 pandemic is partnering with Independent Presbyterian Church to provide meals to those who are suffering during the crisis.

Birmingham is a cool place, and so are its companies. 👏 Take a look at who else is doing good in our community:

Did we leave someone off the list? Share it with us on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.

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Irene Richardson
Irene Richardson
Articles: 385

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