People are uniting worldwide to protect the environment and work to mitigate the effects of climate change. One of the best ways to get involved is to donate to or join environmental nonprofits.
There are so many organizations to support that it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. Many small, local charities and large corporations ask for your time, skills, and donations.
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Top Nonprofit Environmental Organizations
When you support these charities, you help protect the environment, enforce change, and create a better future.
1. Rainforest Alliance
This innovative nonprofit works in 70 countries to protect rainforests through sustainable farming. It protects land and ensures it is farmed using ethical techniques. The products grown on this land are certified to inform buyers that they are choosing a product that protects the rainforest.
Rainforest Alliance is working to find solutions to the problems caused by farming that drive climate change. It collaborates with farmers, local communities, companies, and consumers and focuses on finding long-term solutions to agriculture that help Indigenous people and local communities.
For 35 years, they have supported and trained over 4 million farm workers. This is an excellent organization to help; it is driven by data and focused on equality.
Website: www.rainforest-alliance.org
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2. 350.org
This US company, formed in 2008, began as a small organization promoting clean energy. It wants the world to move away from fossil fuels and instead focus on renewable alternatives like wind or solar. The 350 parts of its name relate to the “safe” amount of carbon dioxide that we can have in our atmosphere.
They promote activism for the environment by connecting local people. They provide opportunities to connect with other people in your area who are also interested in protecting the environment. You can donate to this organization and join their work on projects.
Website: www.350.org
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3. Sierra Club
This organization started with a small group wanting to protect the Sierra Nevada mountains. It now works worldwide to protect ecosystems, wild places, and resources.
The Sierra Club has successfully protected 439 parks and monuments in the US. It also campaigns for changes to environmental laws and has helped 281 coal power plants use clean energy.
This group aims to connect a diverse range of people with nature and create a healthy, connected community. This is another organization that you can donate to and join to meet like-minded people.
Website: www.sierraclub.org
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4. Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth is an international network of organizations working to change political and economic systems worldwide to protect the environment.
This nonprofit is committed to helping the planet by promoting clean energy in a way that empowers local communities. This includes advocacy work to change public perception in the media and influence policymakers.
Friends of the Earth provides ways to donate to the causes it supports. It has also created a system to connect people to act locally.
Website: www.foei.org
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5. Earthjustice
This nonprofit environmental law organization is dedicated to helping the planet. They are working to promote clean energy techniques and combat climate change.
The organization has 200 attorneys working at every level of the judicial system. They represent clients for free and always support the environment. Recently, they overturned a court decision to protect grizzly bears in Yellowstone, saving the park’s delicate ecosystem and important biodiversity.
Earthjustice is rated as a very ethical, committed, and transparent organization.
Website: www.earthjustice.org
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6. Sea Shepherd
Sea Shepherd enforces marine conservation laws through direct action, such as surveillance. They provide boats with crews, fuel, and the necessary expertise to patrol the seas.
They help governments to arrest people who break marine laws. This includes detaining illegal trawling vessels and managing ocean areas to protect endangered species.
Sea Shepherd encourages governments to take control of their own ocean patrols and law enforcement.
Website: www.seashepherd.org
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7. The Nature Conservancy
This nonprofit focuses on limiting the effects of climate change and reducing biodiversity loss worldwide. It protects the environment by collaborating with local and Indigenous people.
They have bold ambitions, including conserving 1.6 billion acres of land and 10 billion acres of the ocean by 2030.
The Nature Conservancy has a network of protected preserves you can visit and donate to. It also has programs where it plants trees to store carbon and works directly with companies to find renewable energy solutions.
Website: www.nature.org
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8. Evergreen Action
This leading organization aims to protect the environment in the US by influencing and advancing environmental policy. The team includes top-level scientists, community leaders, and policymakers.
They are committed to protecting the environment and want to create millions of jobs in environmentally focused industries, such as renewable energy.
Donations aim to create a blueprint for a U.S. policy that fights climate change.
Website: www.evergreenaction.com
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9. 5 Gyres Institute
This nonprofit is a leader in the fight against plastic pollution. 5 Gyres Institute promotes individual and collective action against plastic waste.
A group of scientists formed the organization. Their work focuses on scientific research about plastic pollution and how best to engage with local people to drive change.
They co-published the first global research paper about the amount of plastic pollution in our oceans and are campaigning for sustainable and realistic solutions.
Website: www.5gyres.org
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10. Earth Guardians
Protecting the environment is essential to ensuring its continued existence for future generations. Earth Guardians encourages young people worldwide to create solutions for the most significant environmental problems.
They help connect leaders and activists worldwide to drive climate action and promote a protected future. The organization promotes local environmental projects and fights legal battles for the planet. It also engages young people by supporting ecological art, music, and storytelling.
Donations are essential to help, but you can join their action events through peaceful activism.
Website: www.earthguardians.org
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11. Grid Alternatives
Founded in 2013, Grid Alternatives Affiliates & Subsidiaries has a significant role in leading environmental nonprofit organizations globally. Grid Alternatives Affiliates & Subsidiaries, founded in 2013, has a team of 314 dedicated employees.
Grid Alternatives leads with new ideas and projects to protect the environment and support economic sustainability in diverse communities worldwide. It effectively uses its resources and partnerships to create plans that set an example for other leading organizations in the environmental sector.
Website: www.gridalternatives.org
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12. National Parks Conservation Association
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is a solid nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America’s natural treasures. They work tirelessly to ensure the safety and preservation of these critical areas. The NPCA’s primary mission is to address national park threats and advocate for proper management.
NPCA works with important nonprofits, such as the World Wildlife Fund and Natural Resources Defense Council, to achieve its essential goal.
NPCA focuses on connecting with the public to protect our national parks. The organization runs different programs to raise awareness of their importance. These beautiful spaces are found all across the country.
Engaging in volunteering or learning activities within these green landscapes helps individuals better understand and respect their conservation needs.
Website: www.npca.org
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13. World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) sets a global standard in wildlife conservation. As the world’s largest conservation organization, it has amassed over five million supporters. WWF supports over 1,300 environmental projects in more than 100 countries, ranging from Arctic ice to coral reefs.
They tirelessly collaborate with businesses and governments to implement helpful policies for nature and wildlife. Their dedication to charity reduces threats to biodiversity. They emphasize the importance of preserving all layers of life on Earth.
Website: www.worldwildlife.org
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14. National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society promotes global understanding and commitment to the planet. Its work includes exploring natural landscapes, protecting endangered species, and educating young people about environmental science.
The organization raises awareness about climate change and other ecological issues through TV documentaries, publications, and scientific expeditions. It aims to inform the public about these pressing concerns. The organization also connects with other nonprofits, supporting their joint efforts for environmental causes globally.
National Geographic is dedicated to achieving harmony between humans and nature. They relentlessly pursue sustainable solutions to protect America’s parks and promote biodiversity in diverse habitats worldwide.
Website: www.nationalgeographic.org/society
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15. Ocean Conservancy
Ocean Conservancy plays a vital role in preserving marine environments. It is an important organization that is leading the way in solving severe ocean problems. They support sustainable fisheries and fight pollution from trash in the water.
When Ocean Conservancy teams up with other nonprofits like Earthjustice and the Climate Reality Project, their reach and impact increase significantly. Ocean Conservancy also works with Rainforest Alliance to promote climate-conscious land management and support sustainable economic development.
Their primary focus is to balance human needs and the planet’s health. They are fighting severe environmental threats to our oceans.
Website: www.oceanconservancy.org
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16. Conservation International
Conservation International plays a pivotal role in environmental protection worldwide. This organization works with governments, communities, and businesses to protect nature and encourage sustainable practices.
One of the leading nonprofit environmental organizations has implemented creative solutions to protect nature across the globe.
This organization has a long history of success and is influential in 77 countries. Under its watchful guidance, over 1,200 protected areas have thrived.
Conservation International provided valuable advice during the negotiations for the important Paris Agreement. Conservation International’s expertise helped inform more than 20 governments about urgent climate changes impacting our planet today.
Website: www.conservation.org
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18. Greenpeace
Greenpeace captures global attention with its bold approach to environmental activism. It takes direct action to fight against deforestation, pollution, and climate change worldwide.
Greenpeace has successfully convinced Burger King to end harmful contracts related to rainforest beef production. Greenpeace shows how a nonprofit can significantly impact saving our planet’s future. The organization mainly relies on donations for its work.
Website: www.greenpeace.org
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19. National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation plays a vital role in protecting the environment. They support impactful philanthropy by providing resources for effective coastal management decisions.
We collaborate with other nonprofits to help them achieve their goals and reach more people. The foundation is dedicated to protecting and preserving national parks like Grand Teton National Park and other vital ecosystems across the country.
Fostering stewardship through public engagement helps conserve natural resources and protect our ever-changing environments. This fosters landmark conservation efforts for our world’s precious areas of abundance.
Website: www.nationalparks.org
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20. Environmental Defense Fund
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) stands tall among the leading nonprofit environmental organizations. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) focuses on solving problems with new and creative methods. They incorporate science, economics, and solid legal knowledge into their approach.
They aim to conserve the present and work towards a sustainable future for everyone. They have worked tirelessly to protect nature for several decades and have an impressive record of success.
They do vital work to fight climate change, protect endangered species, and create health policies. The EDF team doesn’t just rely on past accomplishments; they continually set ambitious goals to develop solutions for Earth’s survival.
Website: www.edf.org
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Natural Resources Defense Council
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) focuses on multiple environmental issues. One of its primary missions is overhauling U.U.S.nergy systems for a more sustainable future. The NRDC promotes renewable energy, supports energy efficiency, and encourages sustainable transportation practices.
The NRDC works hard to create conservation strategies that help fight deforestation, especially in the Amazon rainforest and Brazil. To address environmental challenges, the NRDC works with government agencies, businesses, and communities to create innovative solutions.
They use lawsuits to challenge harmful practices and support more robust environmental protection.
Website: www.nrdc.org
Why are Environmental Organizations Important?
The planet is experiencing dramatic climate change, which is happening at an unprecedented pace.
2021 was the sixth warmest year on record, and all previous years since 2013 have also been the warmest. This is due to increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which have increased since the Industrial Revolution.
We have witnessed the impact of this rise in temperature firsthand. In 2021, extreme weather events worldwide sharply increased. Ice sheets in the Arctic and Antarctica decrease by billions of tons yearly. Sea levels have risen twice as fast in the last twenty years than in the previous century.
This is why supporting nonprofit organizations in protecting the environment is essential. They are working to change human behavior so that we can limit the harmful effects of climate change.
In Summary
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are many more organizations you can support. An excellent way to help is to choose organizations or projects close to home. For example, you could join grassroots work in your local neighborhood or campaign to change policies in your country.
Donating to and supporting various charities you feel connected to is essential. Whoever you support, make sure you are passionate about their work.
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