Brands That Give Back: 6 Companies That Care
We’ve all heard about putting your money where your mouth is, but what about your heart? We all want to feel good about how we spend our dough, and buying from brands that give back is one of the best ways to get what you need while supporting causes you care about. Whether you’re shopping for hiking apparel, dog toys, or a new skincare set, here are some brands that make a real effort when it comes to making a real-world difference.
What is a “Brand That Gives Back?”
A brand that gives back is one that donates time, products, money, or other support to organizations working to improve the world.
Whether through product or financial donations, partnerships with nonprofits, or support for local activism efforts, brands that give back can make a big difference in environmental, social, and resource issues.
Top 6 Brands That Give Back: How We Chose
There are tons of brands that like to boast donations for socially conscious causes, but how much are they really helping? To find the ones that really stand out, we looked for brands that:
- Donate a percentage of profits or products to charitable causes
- Partner with and support nonprofit organizations
- Invest in community-building and sustainability initiatives
- Maintain ethical and eco-conscious business practices
Full List: Brands That Give Back
- Patagonia – Shop Now
- Thrive Market – Shop Now
- Chewy – Shop Now
- Who Gives a Crap – Shop Now
- Bombas – Shop Now
- Glow Recipe – Shop Now
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Patagonia
| Philanthropy Score | 5 |
| Best For | Outdoor equipment and clothing |
| Certifications | B Corp Certified, Fair Trade Certified, Regenerative Organic Certified |
| Price Range | $ – $$$ |
As one of the best-known companies that donate, Patagonia not only makes goods that help people enjoy the outdoors but also takes steps to help protect the natural beauty for which their products are designed. They offer clothing, bags, food, and other hiking and camping essentials.
Highlights
Patagonia supports various environmental causes, promoting organizations dedicated to protecting the climate, oceans, and public lands. They are a member of 1% for the Planet and fund grassroots climate and community activism groups around the world through the Patagonia Action Works program.
Things to Consider
Brand-new Patagonia goods can be a little pricey, but they are made to last.
2. Thrive Market
| Philanthropy Score | 4 |
| Best For | Grocery, household cleaning, pet, and beauty products |
| Certifications | B Corp Certified, Plastic Neutral Certified, TRUE Certified Zero Waste, Climate Neutral Certified |
| Price Range | $ – $$ |
Specializing in good-for-you groceries and household products, Thrive Market is the premier healthy shopping brand that gives back.
Highlights
Thrive Market matches every annual membership purchase with a free membership for a family in need. Thrive Market also supports non-profits working toward food equality, working with organizations that prevent food waste and provide quality food for high-need communities.
Things to Consider
Buying from Thrive Market requires a yearly membership, and depending on where you live, you might find comparable prices at local stores.
3. Chewy
| Philanthropy Score | 4 |
| Best For | Pet supplies |
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Price Range | $ – $$$ |
Chewy is one of our favorite pet brands that give back to animals thanks to their longtime support of animal shelters and rescues around the country. They are the Amazon of pet goods, with everything from toys and food to medication and testing kits for animals big and small.
Highlights
Since 2012, Chewy has donated more than $183 million worth of products for shelter animals in need. They partner with local rescues throughout the United States, helping to provide essentials and promote awareness to help adoptable animals find homes.
Things to Consider
Because Chewy sells a wide variety of products from different manufacturers, some products may not be as safe or high-quality as others.
4. Who Gives a Crap
| Philanthropy Score | 5 |
| Best For | Bathroom and kitchen paper products |
| Certifications | B Corp Certified, Forest Stewardship Council Certified |
| Price Range | $ – $$ |
We know we have to use trees wisely, so sustainable paper products are a must! Who Gives a Crap makes recycled, environmentally-conscious paper products for your home—everything from tissues to toilet paper.
Highlights
Since it launched in 2012, Who Gives a Crap has donated 50% of its profits to charitable causes around the world. Since then, they have donated over $12 million to partners focused on providing access to clean water, toilets, and other important hygiene solutions.
Things to Consider
Shipping can take between two and seven days, so plan accordingly when you’re running low!
5. Bombas
| Best For | Socks, slippers, and accessories |
| Certifications | B Corp Certified |
| Price Range | $ – $$ |
When it comes to comfy cozy essentials, Bombas is one of the best brands that give back. They have all the top-drawer staples from underwear to crew socks—even slippers and shirts. Not only are their goods long-lasting, but they are soft, sustainable, and responsibly made.
Highlights
From the beginning, Bombas has pledged that for every item purchased, they will donate one to those in need. Essentials such as socks are some of the most commonly requested items in shelters for the unhoused. Thanks to Bombas’ model, since 2013, they have donated more than 150 million items of clothing.
Things to Consider
Some consumers say Bombas’ socks aren’t as durable as they would like, especially the lightweight, no-show socks.
6. Glow Recipe
| Best For | Skincare and beauty |
| Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free |
| Price Range | $ – $$ |
Whether you have a five-step skincare routine or you like to keep it quick and simple, Glow Recipe is a name to know when it comes to beauty brands that give back. Their fruit-forward, vegan products are designed to bring out your healthy, natural glow.
Highlights
Glow Recipe has invested in various partnerships over the years, donating to social and environmental causes alike. They support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC organizations and work with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, raising funds and awareness for children’s health needs. When you buy their products, 1% of every purchase is donated to a charity of your choosing.
Things to Consider
Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, so you may need to try different products before you find the ones that work for you. “Too sticky” for some may be “baby smooth” for others.
How to Choose Brands that Give Back
Not all brands make an effort to support worthwhile causes. If you want to feel good about where you spend your money, here are some things to consider:
- What kind of difference do you want to make? Some brands make financial contributions to causes, while others partner with specific nonprofits to help them do their work. Before buying, look at how the brand gives back and think about what is most important to you.
- Do sustainable materials matter to you? Not all brands that give back use ethical business practices or sustainable materials. If environmentally- and health-conscious products are important to you, look beyond the “giving” and see how the brand puts these values into their products.
- What causes do you care about? Are you passionate about cleaning up our oceans, protecting natural resources, or providing resources for communities in need? Be sure your dollar goes toward causes that matter most to you.
More Ethical & Sustainable Brands to Consider
For more products that help make the world a better place, check out these brands:
- Amazing Backpacks That Give Back: Top 5 Brands to Look For
- The 5 Best Ethical Underwear Brands
- The 5 Best Sustainable Graphic T-Shirt Brands
Featured image via Glow Recipe
