Giving Back: Donating Miles and Points to Charity

Now is the time of year that people are inspired to give thanks for what they have and help out others. In addition to donating time and money, did you know you can also donate your miles and points? You don’t even need to have a ton of miles to participate.

Maybe you have a few thousand miles in a program that you don’t intend to use. Or, maybe you have too many miles that you don’t know what to do with before they expire! Here are some options to donate miles and points to charity.

American Red Cross: This organization provides relief to victims of disasters and emergencies. See this link for more details.

Make-A-Wish: This organization creates life-changing wishes for critically ill children. I personally know some families who have benefitted greatly from Make-A-Wish. See this page for details on how to donate miles.

Fisher House Foundation: This foundation provides assistance to military families who have a member receiving care at a military or VA hospital. I have donated my miles to Fisher House Foundation before. Check out this page.

Miles4Migrants: Donating unused miles here helps evacuees and asylum-seekers with transportation to their final destination. See this page for more information.

JustGiving: American Express customers can use the JustGiving portal to convert points into a dollar donation to a number of charities. See this link.

Alaska Airlines LIFT: This program allows you to donate your Alaska Airlines miles to a number of organizations including the Dream Foundation and Seattle Children’s Hospital. See this page.

Delta Airlines SkyWish: Use your Delta SkyMiles to help children with life-threatening illnesses or volunteers aiding disaster relief. Check out this link.

Southwest Airlines Points for a Purpose: Donate your Southwest Rapid Rewards points to the Ronald McDonald House, Honor Flight Network and more. See this page.

MileagePlus Miles on a Mission: Your donated United miles can help Guide Dogs of America, Afghan refugees and more. See this link.

Choice Privileges: Use your Choice Hotels points to help Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Operation Homefront and more. See this page.

Give A Mile: This Canadian charity accepts Aeroplan miles to help fly families to support their critically ill loved ones. See this link. 

PointWorthy: On this site, you can donate your Hilton Honors points to a variety of charities.

Do you have a favorite charity that accepts miles and points? Drop it in the comments.