Make your money work for you this summer and support local businesses that support your community!
While the dollar amount of donations has increased year over year, 2024 is the fourth consecutive year that individual donor numbers to nonprofits have declined, according to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project.
Ann Arbor Sewing Center
Ann Arbor Sewing Center is a family-owned hub for sewing materials, classes and machine repair services. The Sewing Center hosts a drop-off spot for Project Linus, a nonprofit that provides blankets to children and teenagers in need. All homemade, smoke-free and washable blankets are accepted.
Fleet Feet
Fleet Feet services the running community by selling shoes and accessories. Fleet Feet is a partner with Black Girls RUN!, a nonprofit organization that motivates healthy movement for Black women. They have hosted races, promoted fitness challenges and launched (and sold out) the first Black Girls RUN! X Saucony sneaker collaboration.
Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library
Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library is a nonprofit organization founded to support the Ann Arbor Library and now directly funds the library’s children’s programming. Volunteers operate a bookshop with affordable books, posters, DVDs and more. FAADL accepts donations for their bookstore; check out their website for a complete list.
Fustini’s
Fustini’s is home to an array of gourmet cooking oils and vinegars, plus a tasting room to experience their products. Fustini’s Ann Arbor location donates 1% of every sale to Food Gatherers, a nonprofit food bank committed to saving quality food from waste.
Himalayan Bazaar
Himalayan Bazaar is a family-owned, fair-trade seller of Nepali craftsmanship and gear from the Himalayan region. The store originally started as a travel company and still hosts tours of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Himalayan Bazaar donates 10% of net profits to Education Elevated, a nonprofit that aims to break down economic barriers for children to attend primary and secondary school in Nepal.
Joob Wear
Joob Activewear boasts sustainability inside and out with select items employing recycled materials and compostable packaging towards a zero-waste goal. This outdoor apparel brand donates at least 1% of yearly revenues to the Huron Watershed Council, a nonprofit coalition dedicated to clean water and land protection in Southeast Michigan, and other global environmental organizations.
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Schuler Books
Schuler Books is an independently owned bookstore selling new, used and discounted books. Nonprofits can sign up to promote a week-long “Book Days Fundraiser” in all stores and online, receiving 20% of purchases. In June 2025, Schuler Books hosted a fundraiser for Lansing Pride.
SCRAP Reuse
SCRAP Reuse is a center for pre-loved and inexpensive craft, office and miscellaneous supplies. They also host educational, hands-on experiences for young students, Girl Scouts and eager adults. A large array of items is accepted for donation to give your supplies a new home. Nonprofits and schools are encouraged to apply for a donation of supplies or gift certificates for events.
Yourist Studio Gallery
Yourist Studio offers classes and open studio access for pottery students and experts. To promote equity opportunities, they offer two scholarships towards community programming and tuition support for students: The Stephan Kerr Mentor / Scholarship and Sis Warner Scholarship. If you don’t have a pottery bone in your body, you can show your support by directly contributing to these scholarships, purchasing local artists’ work, or visiting their free gallery.
Zingerman’s
Zingerman’s Community of Businesses is a powerhouse for nonprofit organizations in Ann Arbor. In 1984, Zingerman’s founded Food Gatherers, Michigan’s first food rescue program, where wholesome and edible food collected from food businesses is redistributed to the community.
Zingerman’s annually sponsors numerous community events: Top of the Park, Ride for Recovery, Ann Arbor Cars and Coffee and many more. Zingerman’s also spotlights different local nonprofits each month across many platforms. In June 2025, Zingerman’s platformed Girls on the Run and hosted a fundraiser at their warehouse shop, where a day’s profits went to the program.
This list is not comprehensive, so seek out sustainable businesses in your neighborhood.
