Embrace Generosity: Explore These Inspiring Yoga Nonprofits!
Experiencing the warmth and joy following a yoga session can be overwhelming. It’s that deep sense of appreciation that urges you to share this uplifting practice with everyone around you. Yet, aside from coaxing friends and family to join you in class, you may feel limited in how to spread this positivity. This is where yoga nonprofits step in.
Numerous organizations work tirelessly to impart the scientifically supported physical and psychological advantages of yoga and meditation to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access. Some nonprofits focus on local communities, while others reach a global audience. Many depend significantly on donations and volunteers to sustain their mission, and they all can greatly benefit from your support.
While monetary contributions are certainly valuable, many organizations also welcome in-kind donations of skills and time. If you’re a yoga instructor, consider collaborating with a local group that aligns with your expertise. You can also pursue training in accessible yoga to learn how to responsibly share yoga with diverse populations.
Your unique skills can fulfill various organizational needs. Whether you have experience in finance, graphic design, photography, social media management, plumbing, or simply excel at getting tasks completed, your assistance is invaluable—even if you’re not involved in teaching.
No matter how you choose to support, you can help extend the reach of yoga.
A Short List of Notable Yoga Nonprofits
The list below showcases a few 501(c)(3) organizations that welcome donations and whose efforts significantly impact the lives of many. Additionally, consider exploring the online yoga communities you trust. Many have already engaged in philanthropic efforts, such as Yoga Medicine’s Seva Foundation, which collaborates with anti-trafficking initiatives to empower women and girls in India. You’ll discover yoga nonprofits contributing meaningfully across various sectors.
Active Peace Yoga
This organization, founded by former political activist and stroke survivor Reggie Hubbard, aims to ensure that the practice of yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of race, gender, body type, or experience level. Active Peace Yoga facilitates online classes and sound sessions, focusing heavily on training teachers to foster inclusivity, particularly for Black men.
Black Boys Om
“We exist to serve the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of Black Boys and Black Men through mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and various healing modalities.” This mission statement encapsulates the goals of Black Boys Om, founded by Danny Angelo Fluker Jr. The nonprofit offers a dedicated space for discussions surrounding Black wellness, alongside free virtual yoga classes, instructional videos, healing circles, and workshops. Donations support their scholarship fund for yoga teacher training.
Black Yoga Teachers Alliance
Established in 2009 by yoga educators Jana Long and Maya Breuer, this alliance began as a safe space for yoga professionals to connect. It has evolved into a vital resource for teachers, providing scholarships for professional development, grants for community-focused projects, networking opportunities, and workshops.
Guided By Humanity
Dedicated to making yoga accessible for “everyBODY” and “everyABILITY,” this nonprofit addresses ableism and builds community through inclusive in-person and virtual yoga classes. Organizers prioritize trauma-informed practices in all offerings and provide workshops on adaptive yoga teaching.
LoveYourBrain Foundation
Founded by Adam Pearce after witnessing the healing impact of yoga on his brother’s recovery from a traumatic brain injury, LoveYourBrain focuses on supporting those challenged by TBI. The foundation fosters community and offers training for yoga teachers to understand the needs of individuals with brain injuries.
Mind Body Solutions
Created by Matthew Sanford, this organization brings adaptive yoga to individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels. Mind Body Solutions offers Zoom classes, recorded sessions, workshops, and casual chat opportunities to build a supportive community for those living with disabilities.
Prison Yoga Project
“Healing over punishment.” This motto encapsulates the essence of the Prison Yoga Project, which provides yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices to incarcerated individuals. Founded by James Fox, this project now operates more than 200 programs in 11 countries, moving beyond just teaching to offering training for others to share trauma-informed yoga.
Souljourn Yoga Foundation
Founded by Jordan Ashley in 2016, this organization promotes “women’s equal access to education and opportunities for empowerment.” Its teacher training program enables local women to lead culturally tailored yoga and mindfulness classes, benefiting not only individuals but their communities.
The Phoenix
This national sober active community offers numerous events, including yoga and mindfulness classes. The goal is to create safe social spaces that challenge societal clichés around recovery. Membership is as simple as committing to 48 hours of sobriety.
Three and a Half Acres
This organization’s name reflects a quote by the late Sharath Jois, emphasizing the need for space to breathe and give back. Founded by trauma-informed yoga teacher Lara Land, Three and a Half Acres collaborates with various nonprofits to incorporate yoga into programs addressing domestic abuse and housing insecurity.
Veterans Yoga Project
This organization has been supporting veterans since 2011 with no-cost yoga classes. Programs are available both in-person at various venues and online through their YouTube channel, focusing on trauma-informed practices led by well-trained teachers.
Yoga Gives Back
Launched by Kayoko Mitsumatsu, Yoga Gives Back has been instrumental in supporting underserved women and children in India through education and empowerment initiatives. With a commitment to its individuals over five years, this global nonprofit aims to reach #OneMillionYogis, and your support can help achieve this goal.
