Editor’s note: One very important aspect of a free society is charity. Organizations that do good and people who need help rely on the giving of others to sustain themselves. Since we at TOL advocate for a free society, we also advocate for giving, particularly around the holiday season. With that spirit in mind, we are going to spend this week telling you about our favorite charitable organizations to help guide some of your end-of-the-year giving. Check out Rachel’s recommendations! If you’re hankering for more giving, check out the rest of our giving series!

Oh thank heavens. Last Monday, a judge ruled that the NSA’s surveillance of domestic phone records is unconstitutional. The fight isn’t over yet though—this case will likely crawl its way up to the Supreme Court.

If the Fourth Amendment means anything to you and you want to make a donation this holiday season, please consider donating to these two not-for-profits.

Electronic Frontier Foundation

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, or EFF, is the first line of defense against mass surveillance. Their goal as an organization is to defend Constitutional Rights as they come under fire from emerging technologies. They focus on “cutting-edge issues defending free speech, privacy, innovation, and consumer rights today.” EFF claims to be involved in “every critical battle affecting digital rights.”

Some might ask, what has EFF done this year? The short answer is a lot. They’ve prevented the Washington State government from interrupting Internet Service Providers because of sex trafficking allegations. They’ve evaluated major technology companies’ privacy policies and willingness to fight for technological freedom (Twitter was a big winner by the way). They have also helped start the charge against international surveillance through the United Nations. And, beyond protecting “gaymers,” they have been the pivotal actor in Jewel v NSA.

Earlier this year, I urged readers to donate, and I will continue to do so until we stop inventing new technologies that the government wants to get its hands on.

Donate

TechFreedom

TechFreedom is less lawyer-y, more policy. The think tank aims to make entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment easier through education and advocacy. They also highlight how government overreach affects how much consumers spend when buying a new technology. You better believe TechFreedom is all over how America is moving its economy into the future.

This past year has been a raging success for TechFreedom as well, though instead of lawsuits, their success has been getting the word out to the public. TechFreedom’s writers have been published in The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, and RedState, along with countless other publications. They’ve also testified countless times before Congress and have filed and joined lawsuits to help protect civil liberties in the United States.

‘Tis the season to give give give, and TechFreedom certainly deserves more than just pennies. Unfortunately, TechFreedom’s application for 501(c)3 status is still being processed, so they can’t accept donations at this time. However, they are actively seeking support for their successful petitions, so sign on board with the easiest gift you can give: your signature and support.