What do Nonprofits Do?
What do Nonprofits Do?
And where are my donations going?
If you’re here, you care about the environment, but may not be sure which nonprofit(s) to support, or even what nonprofits do in general. That’s okay. A good way to start is thinking about what you care about– what made you want to take part in the first place? For example, if you grew up camping or hiking, learning more about the National Forest Foundation could be best, or if you’re more interested in how politics and legal arenas can make a difference, look into the NRDC or Earthjustice.
Here are a few good examples to consider:
One Tree Planted - They offer a simple and successful solution; one tree planted for just one dollar donated. Started in 2014, they have planted over 11 million trees across the world, in the places trees are needed most. They offer many ways to get involved on their FAQ page.
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) - Founded in 1970 by concerned attorneys and law students, the NRDC now has over 3 million members, and roughly 700 environmental professionals in their ranks. Through partnerships with elected officials, businesses, and community groups, they fight to safeguard the world around us. "One of America's 100 Best Charities…. Even by environmentalist standards, this is a relentless group of lawyers and scientists." —Worth magazine
The Sierra Club – One of the biggest grassroots organizations in the world, The Sierra Club, “works to advance climate solutions and ensure everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment.” They focus on the environment, as well as inclusive social and political initiatives.
National Forest Foundation (NFF) - Working to restore and protect America’s grasslands and forests. The NFF also works to make sure these natural treasures can be enjoyed by managing trails, starting organizations (like the Alaska Forest Fund), and providing educational trips for high schoolers in underserved communities (like Earth Camp).
Started by political staffers and supporters, Evergreen aims to put the fight against climate change at the top of America’s federal and local agendas, and they don’t cater to political party lines, putting pressure on both the Biden administration and Republicans. Their mission statement affirms, “We won’t defeat today’s urgent climate crisis with yesterday’s climate politics. The next decade will determine whether America rises to the opportunity of rescuing our future, or shrinks from the challenge of this crisis.”
Conservation International - A worldwide network leveraging the newest science available to effect policy and economies to benefit nature and fight climate change. They are targeting so many important challenges, “from protecting critical ecosystems that absorb climate-warming carbon, to securing marine fisheries that sustain us, to promoting conservation-based economies,” using research-based targets.
Earthjustice – Touting the motto, “Because the earth needs a good lawyer,” Earthjustice has over 150 lawyers working at the forefront of legislation and in courtrooms across the country to protect nature and fight climate change. They’ve argued thousands of cases (here’s a list of their 50 most important) and they represent their clients free of charge.