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15 Trusted Charities Protecting the Environment

All living things need a healthy environment. Unfortunately, there are countless threats to the air, water and land. Industries like coal and gas drive pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and toxic waste, while activities like plastic production, the textile industry and deforestation devastate the homes of animals and humans alike. If we want to stop the worst effects of climate change, which causes hotter temperatures, extreme weather and other disasters, the world must reduce its carbon pollution and fossil fuel use by ⅔ by 2035. What charities are working to protect the environment and stop climate change? Here’s a list of 15:

# Organization Name
1 Union of Concerned Scientists
2 Greenpeace International
3 Environmental Defense Fund
4 Earthjustice
5 Clean Air Task Force
6 EarthRights International
7 Indigenous Environmental Network
8 Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International
9 Naturefriends International
10 Earth Guardians
11 Earthworks
12 The Solutions Project
13 Friends of the Earth International
14 5 Gyres Institute
15 Coral Reef Alliance

#1. Union of Concerned Scientists

For over 50 years, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has prioritized issues like climate change, sustainability, science and technology, and the threat of nuclear war. Founded by students and scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the US-based nonprofit now has almost 250 scientists, analysts, policy experts, communicators and organizers in its network. The UCS also has a Science Network, a community of over 23,000 scientists, economists, public health specialists and others. The nonprofit does not accept corporate or government grants.

One-time and monthly donations to the Union of Concerned Scientists can be made on its website.

#2. Greenpeace International

Greenpeace International is a global environmental campaigning network established in Canada. It now has subsidiaries all over the world. Priority areas include climate and energy, biodiversity and social and economic, which includes consumption and public health. Ships are the backbone of Greenpeace’s history; their ships have disrupted nuclear tests, researched plastic in the ocean and stopped illegal timber deliveries. Each Greenpeace organization operates independently, while Greenpeace International acts as the coordinating body. Greenpeace doesn’t accept government or corporate funding.

To donate to Greenpeace, check out your options on the website.

#3. Environmental Defense Fund

Founded in 1967, the Environmental Defense Fund helped get the toxic insecticide DDT banned in the United States. The environmental organization continues its work using science, economic sustainability, partnerships, climate justice and more. It operates in over 30 countries with 1,000 staff members from various disciplines. Together, members and staff work to achieve victories like food sustainability, clean water, clean air and reduced greenhouse gasses.

Donate a one-time, monthly or yearly gift to the Environmental Defense Fund through its website.

#4. Earthjustice

Earthjustice describes itself as a “nonprofit public interest environmental law organization.” Since 1971, the organization has litigated cases that defend the environment, protect land and wildlife, advance clean energy and safeguard people’s health. With over 200 full-time lawyers, research analysts, scientists and other experts, the organization represents its clients for free. Earthjustice is based in the United States, but partners with communities and organizations globally. Victories have centered on issues like clean air, limits on coal ash and toxic wastewater, pesticides and animal protection.

You can donate on the Earthjustice website.

#5. Clean Air Task Force

For over 25 years, the Clean Air Task Force has worked to reduce greenhouse gasses and combat climate change. Its strategies include research and analysis, policy and technology advocacy, legal advocacy and education and outreach. Priorities include advanced nuclear energy (it sees nuclear energy as a tool in fighting climate change), carbon capture, energy access, land systems and zero-carbon fuels.

The Clean Air Task Force accepts a variety of donations (including wire transfers, workplace giving and stock), so check out the website if you want to donate.

#6. EarthRights International

EarthRights is a nonprofit committed to using law to protect human rights and the environment. With its team of community organizers, campaigners and legal strategists, the organization strives to hold corporations, governments and financial institutions accountable. In addition to litigating cases, EarthRights also maintains a database of documents and resources about corporate human and environmental abuses. Campaigns include fighting corporate abuse in Colorado and protecting the U’wa in northeast Columbia.

Donations to EarthRights International can be made on the website.

#7. Indigenous Environmental Network

The Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) was established in 1990. It’s made of grassroots Indigenous groups and individuals working together to empower Indigenous communities and tribal governments. It strives to develop solutions that protect sacred sites, land, water, air, natural resources, public health and economically sustainable communities. IEN holds local, regional and national meetings and supports communities and young people, mostly in North America, but internationally, as well.

The Indigenous Environmental Network accepts a variety of donations, which can be made through its website.

#8. Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International

Established in 2013, the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International is an NGO that empowers women’s participation in policy, hands-on projects, training and climate justice movements. It focuses on both short-term and long-term solutions to climate change, environmental degradation and socio-economic inequalities. The organization’s guiding principles are the rights of women, the rights of indigenous people, the rights of nature and the rights of future generations.

To donate to the WECAN’s programs, check out their donation page.

#9. Naturefriends International

Established in 1895, Naturefriends International is the umbrella organization of 45 national member organizations. It’s also a member of the Green 10, which includes the ten biggest European environmental NGOs. The Naturefriends movement focuses on issues like sustainable tourism and leisure activities, nature education, the protection of natural and cultural heritages, climate justice and international collaboration.

To donate to a Naturefriends country member, select the relevant website and go to that member’s donation page.

#10. Earth Guardians

Earth Guardians is a climate justice organization focused on training young people to lead the climate movement. Through art, music, storytelling, hands-on projects, civic engagement and legal action, the Earth Guardians develop solutions and empower youth to build grassroots groups. Active since 1992, the nonprofit now has a network on six continents. The team is made of over 90% Black, Indigenous and queer youth. In 2023, the organization’s impact included planting 14,000 trees in Togo, installing 50+ rooftop gardens in India and training 100 women-identifying people in honey production.

To donate to Earth Guardians’ mission, check out their donation page.

#11. Earthworks

Established in 1988, the environmental organization Earthworks helps communities protect their land, water, air and health from coal, oil, gas and mineral corporations. According to its website, it’s the United States’ only national organization focused on this mission. Its work includes reducing the immediate damage from extractive industries, stopping oil and gas expansion and holding corporations accountable for cleanup and restoration. Earthworks partners with local communities, and national and international advocates.

If you want to donate to Earthworks, check out your options on the organization’s website.

#12. The Solutions Project

The Solutions Project is a US-based nonprofit that funds and promotes climate justice solutions led by frontline communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the group has invested over $31 million in grants to climate justice partners. Grantees also receive training and support, such as media literacy training, storytelling, networking and collaboration opportunities. The Solutions Project aims to empower female leaders, people of color and grassroots leaders who understand what’s needed most in their communities.

To donate to The Solutions Project, visit the nonprofit’s donation page.

#13. Friends of the Earth International

Friends of the Earth International is a grassroots environmental federation with 70+ member groups. Each organization operates independently, with around half using “Friends of the Earth” in their own language. Shared priorities include climate justice and energy, food sovereignty, forests and biodiversity, gender justice and economic justice. Friends of the Earth International is also committed to resisting neoliberalism, a free market ideology that increases inequality and climate change.

You can make a one-time or recurring donation to Friends of the Earth International here.

#14. 5 Gyres Institute

The 5 Gyres Institute, which is named after the five main subtropical surface ocean currents, focuses on plastic pollution. Over ten years, the institute has gone on research expeditions and published research showing the scale and harm of plastic pollution in the ocean. It focuses primarily on microfibers and textiles these days. With its advocacy team, the NGO also participates in policy work calling for better regulation of plastic use and disposal.

To donate to the 5 Gyres Institute’s mission, visit the organization’s website.

#15. Coral Reef Alliance

For 30 years, the Coral Reef Alliance has worked locally, regionally and globally on coral reef protection. It has used science, community engagement and expertise in clean water, sustainable fisheries, habitat protection and coral bleaching. It has established water quality monitoring sites, planted native plants, patrolled areas with boats and raised funds for local environmental groups. The alliance is also a founding member of the Ocean Sewage Alliance, which works to reduce wastewater pollution.

Visit the Coral Reef Alliance website to give a one-time or monthly donation.