Urban Obscura's 5% Giving Pledge: Why We Believe in Giving Back

At Urban Obscura, we're not just about selling beautiful jewelry inspired by urban design. We want to support building better, safer, and healthier spaces, one city at a time. This commitment is backed by our giving pledge, where we donate 5% of our profits to a few hand-selected nonprofit organizations. These donations allow us to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that align with our mission.

As a valued customer, your purchases add a touch of urban elegance to your style and contribute to the ambitious endeavors of our selected nonprofit organizations. Let us take you on a journey through these organizations' commendable missions, key achievements, and incredible impact.

Better Cities, Better Lives: Get to Know Our Nonprofits

At Urban Obscura, we are proud to support three extraordinary nonprofit organizations: The American Institute of Architect's Architects Foundation, The Project for Public Spaces, and America Walks. Each of these nonprofits shares a profound commitment to revitalizing and improving our urban landscapes - a vision warmly embraced by Urban Obscura. Aligned with our philosophy of 'Better Cities, Better Lives,' these entities are dedicated to creating vibrant, people-friendly urban spaces that enhance citizens' quality of life.

Our selected organizations share an unwavering belief that when we enhance a city's architecture, public spaces, and walkability, we increase the quality of life for its residents. The Urban Obscura 5% Giving Pledge is a reaffirmation of our commitment to this shared value. By contributing to these remarkable organizations, we also support, celebrate, and amplify their expertise, innovation, and aspiration to create better cities for all of us.

Diverse in their approach but united in their goal, our selected nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to redefine urban existence. The Architects Foundation builds the future through architectural innovation and education; The Project for Public Spaces fosters communities by improving shared public spaces; and America Walks advocates for pedestrian-friendly environments to ensure everyone can enjoy walking.

All in all, their collective missions exist to foster cityscapes where community, connection, creativity, and compassion can thrive. After all, cities are more than just infrastructure - they're the people, cultures, and lifestyles within.

Architects Foundation: Building the Future of Our Cities

With a clear mission to develop the next generation of architects through educational scholarships, the Architects Foundation is an innovative organization striving to create better cities. They believe in recognizing talent and broadening educational opportunities for emerging architects nationwide. 

The foundation also supports architecture's role in positively shaping communities. Since its inception, the Architectures Foundation has strongly advocated diversity and inclusivity in the field. They have established numerous scholarships available to students from underrepresented backgrounds, sparking a transformative ripple effect. This organization's vision is deeply rooted in its belief in the inherent ability of architecture to inspire a passion for aesthetic beauty, transcend physical limitations, and enhance the quality of life. 

In addition, the foundation also funds research and initiatives that explore issues at the intersection of design, public health, and well-being. With the intent of providing valuable findings to architects and design professionals, they are enhancing our understanding of how architecture can create healthier, happier, and more sustainable cities. 

Project for Public Spaces: Transcending Boundaries

Meet the Project for Public Spaces - an organization known for transcending traditional boundaries through a bottom-up approach to urban planning. Their mission focuses on building a dynamic and sustainable public life by involving the community in every step of planning and design. They aspire to create "places," not just buildings or parks, wherein the community thrives and people connect on deeper levels. 

Moving beyond the theoretical approach of urban planning, this nonprofit has a pragmatic view of space utilization. They created the Placemaking approach, a community-driven process that inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the core point of their community. By including public opinion in the design and use of urban spaces, they play a pivotal role in creating cities that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of their residents. 

One of PPS's most significant achievements is the pioneering of "Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper" (LQC), an innovative approach that uses low-cost, temporary changes to enliven public spaces — a technique that's been embraced all around the globe. 

America Walks: Paving the Way for Pedestrian-friendly Urban Spaces

From the sidewalks we tread on to the crosswalks that get us to our destinations safely - the role of walkability in designing our cities cannot be stressed enough. This is where America Walks plays a pivotal part. America Walks is a national advocacy organization promoting walkable communities across the United States. Their mission? Championing walking for all by developing, sharing, and leveraging the resources needed for creating vibrant, inclusive, and safe walkable spaces. 

Throughout its nearly 20-year history, America Walks has been at the forefront of advocating policies and actions that improve walking conditions. Their comprehensive initiatives range from hosting webinars to strengthen community education on walkability to developing toolkits that equip urban planners with constructive guidance on building pedestrian-friendly infrastructures. Additionally, their Walking College fellowship program is instrumental in training community change agents who work towards enhancing walkability at the local level. 

Supporting America Walks means investing in healthy, sustainable urban environments and equitable, inclusive communities. Walking is a viable mode of transportation for everyone, often being the primary choice for children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. By enhancing accessibility, America Walks leads the way to a future where everyone can fully engage in their local communities. 

Championing Transparency: The Reliability of Our Chosen Nonprofits 

We fully understand the importance of trusting that your contribution makes a difference, fostering urban renewal and positive change. Rest assured, our nonprofit partners have impeccable records and are recognized for their integrity and credibility. They've earned top ratings from Charity Navigator, a revered, independent evaluator of American charities.

The Architects Foundation, Project for Public Spaces, and America Walks all hold a four-star rating - the highest honor awarded by Charity Navigator. This rating implies that these organizations adhere to best practices, uphold transparency, and manage their funds wisely, ensuring that our contributions make substantial, positive impacts. 

Join Urban Obscura in Crafting Resilient, Inclusive Cities 

Each purchase you make with Urban Obscura brings beauty into your wardrobe and contributes to creating vibrant, accessible, and healthier cities. Our support of leading nonprofits like the Architects Foundation, the Project for Public Spaces, and America Walks enable us to give back to communities, shaping the future of urban living. 

Immerse yourself in our unique collections and participate in this remarkable journey. Every piece you choose represents a 5% contribution towards these incredible endeavors. Together, we can make a lasting impact. 

Explore Urban Obscura's collection now, and let's transform our cities through design, inclusivity, and mobility.