And all of them are doing incredible work for nature, wildlife, and local communities that could really use your support, both at the holidays and all year-round. OGAP did defensive work in New Mexico, Colorado, and several other states. The organization believes that it will take all of us stepping up and taking action to reverse the destructive path humanity is on. The Ocean Conservancy uses scientific data to curb the biggest hazards to our oceans, marine life, and, in turn, maritime communities who rely on the sea. All apes and lemurs (and many monkeys) are protected under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species. Charities in Africa that we support. Christina Donnelly. Sadly, destruction of natural habitats, environmental damage and an increasing human population mean that some of the most incredible nature is in danger of being destroyed. This approach has invited more people to be part of the effort, and that has had a well-rounded impact on fighting climate change. READ MORE: Bear Grylls on Wilderness & Running Wild. Website: www.pawschicago.org; Goal/Slogan: Pets are worth saving; PAWS Chicago is the single largest no … The charity provides sustainable solutions and demands corporate accountability. Over 80% of the charity’s funding goes towards its projects and services. Using top cat biologists, Panthera has established worldwide strategies for the protection of big cats. Several people choose to support charities that help endangered animals, some opt to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, and others decide to actively volunteer. Every year at Christmastime, my mother chooses and champions a charitable cause. Here we’ll take a look at some of the highest rated environmental organizations we think nature lovers should support– a list of charities that are really making a difference. The only environmental charity in the world exclusively devoted to the conservation of cats, Panthera is conserving 40 wild cat species and their natural habitats. Rather than just installing wells, this popular charity invests in people– both those in need of access to water and sanitation as well as those innovating to address this crisis. African Wildlife Foundation is a Wildlife Conservation charity located in Washington, DC. He’s also the founder of The NGO List, a compilation of grassroots NGOs seeking international volunteers. The Better Business Bureau has given it a National Charity Seal for meeting the highest standards. Though often appreciated as tranquil, there is a lot of pressure riding on our seas. 45 Favorite Animal Charities. All of the environmental charities and animal rights NGOs we’ve covered here are ranked among the best non-profit organizations by Charity Navigator and Charity Watch in terms of how they’re managed. Charity Navigator has given GWC four-star approval, with scores that rate 95% or more across the board. They look for ways to blend environmental preservation with economic success, helping Americans innovate while benefiting the natural world. If we can shift our approach, learning to honor the web of life rather than just our own interests, Bioneers sees more reason for hope then there is a fear of doom. Charity Watch awards this one amongst the best environmental charities, with an A- rating for funneling over 80% of its finances into programs. The organization has serious goals, such as abolishing factory farms in favor of humane family farms, ending the use of brutal methods for capturing and killing animals, and protecting companion animals from violence and neglect. Here are some of the top organisations to try out, that cover everything from marine creatures and wildlife to teaching and community upliftment. Training canine assistance dogs, supporting no-kill shelters. Which endangered animals do they work with? Secondly, let me suggest a couple of sites that can help you choose NGOs that are truly worthy of your hard-earned cash and heartfelt sentiments– Charity Navigator and Charity Watch. African Wildlife Foundation receives 86.78 out of 100 for their Charity Navigator rating. Charity Watch awards this one amongst the best environmental charities, with an A- rating for … The movement resulted in the Hudson recovering, and the success inspired more waterkeepers around the country and the world. The International Primate Protection League exposes abuses to primates and battles the illegal trafficking of these animals. The organization also played a role in The 11th Hour (Leonardo DiCaprio’s documentary) and The Omnivore’s Dilemma (Michael Pollan’s influential best-seller). Can the Maritime Forest Survive Climate Change? For centuries, these birds have been symbols and ecological tools for reading the health of the environment. American Humane received an overall score of 90.25% with Charity Navigator, ranking particularly high for accountability and transparency. Animal Charities of America. This isn’t to say that WildAid ignores the problems of illegal poaching and animal rights abuses. His work can be found at Jonathon Engels: A Life Abroad, and his current whereabouts and goings-on are available on his personal blog. The World Wilderness Congress (which was instigated by Magqubu nTombela, a Zulu tribal elder and co-founder of WILD) gives “wilderness” institutional status in all languages. -Jonathon Engels. But its sanctity has been lessened by corruption and poor management, as have many domestic laws for protecting primates. The 10 Best Animal Charities of 2019. As Charity Navigator points out on its “How Do We Rate Charities?” page, the best non profit organizations are stable, accountable, transparent and productive. Check out GGT’s in-depth interview with Water Credit Director April Rinne to learn more about the organization’s programs. He’s currently on a slow travel trip from Central America to Patagonia, volunteering his way throughout the journey. Some are more effective than others. The organization’s primary mission is to build the capacity for bird conservation in simple, everyday ways. For those with fresh ideas for preserving the planet, Earth Island is an association from which they can get financial support and encouragement. Each program utilizes the most up-to-date science and is tailored for the specific cat it’s focused on. In other words, primates desperately need defenders like the IPPL. Established in 1951, the Animal Welfare Institute has been working on behalf of animals for nearly 70 years now. READ MORE: List of U.S. National Parks By State (An EPIC Guide). The Global Wildlife Conservation specializes in preventing the disappearance of the world’s most at-risk species. READ MORE: Trump’s Environmental Policy: Four Fronts to Fight On. READ MORE: Animals in Kenya (40 Species of Kenyan Wildlife). Volunteering in Africa with animals is a great way to protect animals while also helping local communities manage their needs, too. Around 92% of the money raised for AWI goes to its programs, with very little budgeted for admin and fundraising. Charity Watch has given the Rainforest Action Network an A- rating, with 82% of the funding devoted to programs and 18% to fundraising. Farm Africa is an innovative charity that reduces poverty by unleashing African farmers’ abilities to grow their incomes in an environmentally sustainable way. It rates nearly 90% in its use of funding, and OC scores on 96% on transparency and accountability. The AWI also deals with farm animals, working to make sure they live and die as humanely as can be done. Charity Navigator gives this top charity a four-star rating and over 97% on financial responsibility, with nearly 85% of funding going to programs. Written by. READ MORE: Can the Maritime Forest Survive Climate Change? Give a goat, chicken, cow, sheep, fish pond or other farm animals that will provide hungry families with nourishment. We share transformative Responsible Travel, Sustainable Living & Going Green Tips that make a positive impact. Learn about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process. Plus there’s the fact that birds are economy-builders, with billions of dollars annually going towards feeding birds and bird watching tours and gear. The NGO’s main focus is decreasing our reliance on coal, oil, and gas, which are heating up the planet. AWI writes to congressmen, government officials, and media outlets to garner more support of animal welfare. The Best Animal Charities You Should Know About. In fact the majority of African wild animals live outside of their of protected parks. The concept of Waterkeepers started its work with the Hudson River in New York in 1966. Other awards we've won include Best Feature from both the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Magazine Association of the Southeast. Founded in 1877, this NGO is the first responder for animals in disaster situations, helping with animal shelters and assisting with adopt-a-pet programs. A huge part of what the Animal Welfare Institute does is push for relevant legislation on both the national and state levels. It’s not that she isn’t festive, or doesn’t believe in celebrating Christmas traditions. The Animal Welfare Institute got an A+ from Charity Watch. Currently present in over 40 countries, the organization advocates on behalf of over 100 animal species, including everything from Africa’s Elephants to Australia’s Tasmanian Devils. The African Wildlife Foundation addresses the conservation of the continent’s revered animals by taking a holistic approach. Since my mom started this tradition, many of our friends and relatives have followed suit. The NGO protects more than 4 million acres of wild forest, and has been working in the region for over 15 years now. The NGO’s main mission is to ensure clean water, land, and air, as well as keeping local communities safe from pollution. That’s totally unacceptable! Please contact us at info@GreenTravelMedia.com for more info. Green Global Travel is the world's #1 independently owned ecotourism website encouraging others to embrace sustainable travel, wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and going green tips for more sustainable living. We've been spotlighted in major media outlets such as the BBC, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Travel Channel, Washington Post and others. Nearly 50% of all primates are currently in danger of extinction in the wild. 15 Inspirational Animal Rights Activists (Who Happen to Be Female), Saving Asian Animals (10 Wildlife Conservation NGOs), 60 Going Green Tips For Earth Day (& Every Day), Permaculture Gardening (Intro to Design & Principles), The Real Erin Brockovich Fights for Clean Water, 15 Ways to Reduce Waste & Lower Your Impact. It also is an active participant in the anti-fur and animal rights movements, and assist overseas efforts in Africa for wild animals. The Earth Island Advocates administer legal strategies for maintaining wild places and the animals in them. Best animal charity to donate to: American Humane. This group was formed in 1990, and has been a vital hub for innovators who appreciate the collaboration between nature’s genius and human ingenuity. This respected conservation NGO has existed for over 40 years now. WildAid’s media campaign for doing this is, shall we say, out of this world! Charity Watch has given Water.org an A rating. READ MORE: How to Save Water (15 Water Conservation Tips). Started in 1982, Earth Island has been a hub from which grassroots campaigns fight to protect and restore the ecosystems upon which we depend. Within the limits of law, your gift is 100% tax-deductible. The organization strives for better handling for animals in research labs, as well as reducing the number used as much as possible. The NGO rescues exotic wildlife, rehabilitates the animals, provides them with life-long care, and educates the public about not domesticating wild animals. This is a great opportunity (especially for those who cannot have pets) to spend some time with animals as well as meet new people. Charity Watch bestowed an A rating on Earthworks because nearly 90% of its budget goes to project work and a mere 4% is devoted to management and expenses. PAWS Chicago. Follow us on Facebook For tax purposes, our EIN is 52-0781390. Based in Nairobi, Kenya — with offices in Washington, D.C. — the African Wildlife Foundation was founded in 1961 to work for wildlife conservation, land and habitat protection, community empowerment, and economic development in Africa. They have several international efforts underway as well. READ MORE: How the Minnesota Zoo Helps Conservation. Not only does the foundation help to protect land and natural habitats, but it also helps communities develop environmentally-friendly economic structures. Owned by Bret Love (a veteran journalist/photographer) and Mary Gabbett (business manager/videographer), USA Today named us one of the world's Top 5 Travel Blogging Couples. Not to be confused with the Humane Society, American Humane has been committed to looking after animals in need of protection, rescue, and immediate care for nearly 150 years. African Wildlife Foundation works in 17 different countries throughout the African continent, including popular animal havens such as Namibia, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Charity Navigator rates Panthera with four stars, noting their financial stability at over 95% and their accountability at a perfect 100%. More than 500 birds in the Americas are currently threatened, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian Goose and Galapagos Penguin. Within the limits of law, your gift is 100% tax-deductible. From the best children’s charities to the best disaster relief charities, our list has a nonprofit for just about every cause. In this mission, they also seek to stop water polluters, such as coal companies and hog farms, from fouling the water. Coalition WILD and Wild Boulder work to incorporate local communities and youth leaders into their conservation effort. We have raised more than $8.5 million to support the work of these organizations and amplified their successes through our outreach efforts. Top 17 Charities & Organisations That Help Endangered Animals. Donate to high-impact, cost-effective charities—backed by evidence and analysis. Our Christmas gifts now carry much more meaning, because they’re more personally reflective than any sweater or box of chocolates I’ve ever received. READ MORE: Saving Asian Animals (10 Wildlife Conservation NGOs). Consumers are also pushed to consider climate change when making transportation and food choices. IN DETAIL: Saving seals, defending whales, protecting elephants and saving tigers are just some of the projects IFAW is dedicated to. Obviously, our family here at Green Global Travel is passionate about protecting the environment. Aside from protecting the forest, the charity focuses on identifying threats and proposing solutions, promoting sustainable jobs, and conducting field research. Natural disasters are on the rise and destroying places, and industries continually exploit indigenous lands and indigenous peoples (such as East Africa’s Maasai). The organization specializes in finding young environmental leaders to help guide us all towards a better tomorrow. Waterkeeper Alliance fights for all people in every community to have clean water for drinking, swimming, and fishing safely. Wildlife Conservation Society safeguards the world’s largest wild places. For example, they publicized the hidden injustice found in many popular Halloween candies this year due to practices of the palm oil industry. Supported by 20,000+ hours of research annually.(1) Donate based on evidence—not marketing Even well-meaning charities Today, over 10% of people lack safe drinking water, and 33% don’t have access to a toilet. The organization has programs for land and habitat protection, land-use planning, wildlife corridors, and ecosystems. The list includes all the superstars of the cat world: cheetahs, lions, tigers, pumas, snow leopards, jaguars, and more. With a stellar reputation after 23 years of services, Keepers of the Wild has been featured by National Geographic, History Channel, Animal Planet, and many other media outlets. Sponsoring African Children in Kenya Africa Christian Charity The mission of Pamoja Child Trust, Inc. is to promote, sponsor, and assist Kenyans in developing programs that would optimize the physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and social well being of children. Only 15% of their accounts go to overhead, and the remaining 85% of the budget goes to funding projects. But when it comes to gift-giving, she assumes the bulk of recipients have already handled their own food, drink and decor needs. But most people prefer that the majority of their money go towards the causes themselves rather than questionable administration costs. The Earth Island Institute has built up an impressive network of activists, both throughout the United States and extending into the global sphere. They also suffer due to human encroachment, followed by the inability of humans and other primates to co-exist. That’s nearly 12% of all avian species found in the region! WHERE: Worldwide 1. Our list of 25 other top charities to support. The Rainforest Action Network should be a familiar name, as it is widely known for an association with movie star/activist Leonardo DiCaprio. Of course, the animals will need safe habitats, so the GWC works with local communities to protect everything from small forests to national parks. Ocean Conservancy offers contributors the opportunity to “become a voice for the ocean.” It is at the forefront of cleaning up ocean garbage, preserving the Arctic Seas, and restoring the Gulf of Mexico. Co-founded by Matt Damon and Gary White, Water.org has been working for over 25 years to give people across the planet access to safe water and sanitation. AWF Equips KWS for Lake Nakuru National Park COVID-19 Response, AWF Applauds African Bush Camps for Designating ‘World Safari Day’ in Advance of ‘African Tourism Day’, AWF Briefs US Congress on System Gaps and Emerging Crimes, AWF Urges G20 to Prioritize Nature or Face Biodiversity Collapse, AWF Supports Wildlife Communities Through $1.5 Million COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Join our Million Dollar Match before it expires. Projects include everything from advocating for clean water in Alaska and protecting ecosystems of Baikal, Russia, to looking after urban streams in California. READ MORE: How Mass Tourism is Destroying Destinations Travelers Love. For tax purposes, our EIN is 52-0781390. The WILD Foundation is a four-star organization for Charity Navigator, and it scores above 95% for both its finances and accountability & transparency. The MPC helped to protect Yellowstone National Park and Patagonia from gold mines. The Animal Anti-Cruelty League works across South Africa to fight animal abuse. She’s worked in the digital media industry for over a decade. Updated annually — Last update: November 2020 Give Effectively Give where you can help the most Our analysis shows that these charities save or improve lives the most per dollar. This organization takes up conservation in a broad sense, looking after land, water, agriculture, communities, wildlife, and more. Their projects range from urban landscapes to wildlife refuges, from national monuments and important forests to long-standing ranches and farms. Mission: To rescue, raise, train and then donating medical service/assistance dogs to mentally and/or physically impaired individuals to provide assistance, independence and improve the quality of life of both the recipient and the dog. 11/30/2016 01:15 am ET Updated Nov 30, 2017 ... Over & Above Africa offers an innovative media platform to end poaching of wild animals in Africa so they don't become extinct. Christina Donnelly. Like them on Facebook, & they will give £1 for every "Like" they get to animal charities. Not only are they providing economic solutions to these problems, but they’re also emboldening communities through small loans, putting the power in the hands of those whom it is helping. They’ve worked on three continents, empowering people to lead healthy, prosperous lives. It also has a certification program, called Humane Conservation, to check that facilities meet appropriate standards. World's largest independently owned Ecotourism / Green Travel / Sustainable Travel / Animal & Wildlife Conservation site. Who are they? The organization is run by Tom Ogilvie and has an annual revenue of $26,643,429. Protecting wild animals and their habitats, including apes, monkeys, tigers, cheetahs, pandas, wolves, to farm animal advocacy for cows, pigs, poultry and ducks. So instead, she gives something that embodies the giving spirit of the holidays. ... A good whack of any profits they make goes to help registered animal charities around the world. The Animal Foundation is a thriving 501(c)(3) and Nevada’s largest open-admission animal shelter. All of South Africa [autonav display='posts,nothumb,title,list' postid='category__and:Animals,all-of-south-africa' count=100 order='asc' orderby='title'] But that’s just the beginning of what the organization does. So these sites (which are also charities themselves) really help. READ MORE: 15 Ways to Reduce Waste & Lower Your Impact. To individually research a bevy of NGOs would take ages. The organization has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, with high marks in all categories. They are focused on trying to keep carbon sequestered, building a low-carbon economy, and limiting harmful emissions. They are almost universally threatened by logging, mining, and agriculture, such as palm oil plantations. Many individuals living in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from basic problems including inadequate health care, insufficient food, or lack of access to clean water. As the world has moved closer and closer to a state of emergency, Bioneers wants us to revise how live on (and in harmony with) the planet. Even the best non profit organizations have to pay people to run them. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Kisha A. Brown—an attorney, organizer, and founder of Justis Connection—says that any list of charities to donate to during Black History Month "must include Associated Black Charities." Earth Island also publishes a journal intended to educate others on environmental issues. Northern Cape Tab 2 Tab 3 Tab 4 Tab 5 Tab 6 Tab 7 Tab 8 Tab 9. Whether you choose to donate to environmental charities (including wildlife-focused NGOs) or those dedicated to fighting for the rights of women, children, racial minorities, the LGBTQ community, and/or indigenous people, we can all find great causes we believe in to support. WHAT: Saving animals and habitats. READ MORE: The Best US National Parks for Watching Wildlife. 350.org reaches into over 185 countries now, with the mission of building a global grassroots climate movement and espousing the benefits of clean energy. The ACA is devoted to protecting the Amazon Rainforest ecosystem, training future conservationists to continue the work, and collaborating with local communities to create sustainable livelihoods in our modern world. Panthera collaborates with international and grassroots NGOs, governments, and local communities to safeguard a future for wild cats on earth. If you’re looking for the best charities for animals that will use your donation efficiently and ethically, keep reading. Jonathon Engels is a traveler, writer & teacher who’s been living abroad as an expat since 2005. Thankfully, they have had a lot of success with this. The Amazon Conservation Association works on behalf of the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet. The projects are in the western reaches of the region, particularly in the Bolivian Amazon and Peruvian Amazon. This includes addressing land for livestock, rethinking agriculture, training locals in community-based conservation, and developing ecotourism as one of many responsible sources of income. 10 wildlife charities to donate to this Christmas 1. Conservation Fund is a national organization in the U.S. that helps locally throughout all 50 states, permanently protecting over 8 million acres. Different species also help to control pest problems, pollinate plants, and spread seeds. This environmental NGO fights internationally to conserve natural forests, protect their inhabitants, and preserve the ecosystems that sustain life. They push beyond what is “politically feasible” and do whatever it takes to preserve rainforests, combat climate change, and protect human rights. Our planet is full of amazing wildlife and incredible nature. Earth Island received an A rating from Charity Watch, with 81% of its funding going to financing these important projects. The revolution, they say, will come from the heart of nature. The charity doesn’t just focus on the charismatic megafauna that gets the most attention but little animals such as fish, amphibians, and insects as well. Encroachment on their habitats and human-wildlife conflicts are a daily occurrence. Since its inception in 2004 Aid for Africa has brought together more than 100 US-registered nonprofits working in Sub Saharan Africa. Support Animal Charities in Whatever Way You Can. Gua… The original goal was to advance wildlife conservation and to develop a first-class zoo. By focusing on both community and conservation, this top-rated charity has built lasting relationships with businesses, government organizations, and nature-loving supporters. While I would encourage others to adopt my mother’s philanthropic approach to the holidays, I’d also advise thoroughly researching the NGOs and charities before you donate. The charity also encourages sustainable fisheries, slows acidification brought on by carbon pollution, and promotes innovations to help with these problems. Earthworks was created in 2005 by melding two groups– the Mineral Policy Center (which was founded in 1988) and the Oil & Gas Accountability Project (established 1999). There are so many ways to support the creatures that share this planet with us, and one of the simplest ways is to donate to endangered animal charities. They have many projects ranging between different species and you can choose a specific project to donate to. The African Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. That fact alone is enough to make it one of our favorite environmental charities. For those who are looking to contest the destructive systems that agriculture (see: palm oil), industry, and politics have put into place, Rainforest Action Network is the right kind of NGO. Our multi-faceted approach ensures conservation strategies work for wildlife and people. Africa First Ladies Awards AFLA and Women Empowerment Conference WEC 2014; Africa First Ladies Awards AFLA and Women Empowerment Conference WEC 2014; Africa First Ladies Awards AFLA Media Launch; Africa Food for Thought; African Angels Trust; African Blessings; African Blessings Mulberry Festival 2013; African Children Charity Shop We were also featured in the 2017 National Geographic book, Ultimate Journeys for Two, for which we contributed a chapter on our adventures in Rwanda.