Climate Change Nonprofits [+25 Top Rated]
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. With global temperatures rising and natural disasters becoming more frequent, we must take action to protect our planet. Fortunately, there are many climate change nonprofits working to combat climate change by promoting clean energy technologies, creating sustainable agricultural practices, and advocating for climate policy changes. If you're looking to make a difference by fighting climate change, then climate philanthropy is one of the best ways to do so.
In this resource, we'll explore some of the organizations doing excellent work in this field and explain why your donations will have an impact. So let's get started!
If you are looking for alternative ways to combat climate change such as information on carbon offsets, you might want to check the Carbon Offset Program Guide for Business in 2023 (also relevant for families) or Host a Virtual Tree Planting Event.
How to Choose a Climate Change Charity to Support?
When it comes to choosing which organization to donate your money to, there are several things you should consider. First, look at what type of work the organization does. If their focus aligns with your own personal views on climate change and environmentalism, that's a great sign. Additionally, review the scientific research they use to support their mission, and take a look at the organization's track record of success.
Another important factor is how your money will be used. Make sure the organization clearly outlines how donations are allocated and make sure. It's also important to look into the organization's track record and see if they have been successful in achieving its goals. Finally, make sure you find out about any potential conflicts of interest or other ethical issues associated with the organization. By taking the time to research your options and consider these factors, you can make sure that your money is going to an organization that will make a real difference in fighting climate change. Now let's take a look at some of the organizations doing amazing work in this field.
The best nonprofits for climate change
Many organizations are working hard to reduce our impact on the environment and combat climate change. Here are 25 of the top rated ones:
350.org - Build 100% Renewables
350.org is determined to take a stand against the fossil fuel industry and prevent all new coal plants as well as oil, and gas projects from moving forward. Its mission is to build a world that uses 100% renewable energy and provides an equitable clean energy future for all. They are committed to:
Accelerating the global transition to renewables by investing in energy innovation and community-led clean energy solutions and creating an equitable, sustainable economy.
Taking a stand and prohibiting oil, coal, and gas ventures from being constructed by utilizing local resolutions alongside our collective resistance.
Revoking the social approval and financing given to fossil fuel companies including coal-fired power plants, to force older coal plants to close.
When you donate to 350.org, you're helping to support the fight against fossil fuels and create a clean energy future. Donate here.
Earthjustice
This nonprofit environmental law organization uses legal tools to protect endangered species, reduce air pollution, stop pollutants from entering water supplies, and prevent climate change. Their goals are to:
Ensure clean air and water for all, regardless of economic standpoints.
Rationalize the energy infrastructure to be more reliant on renewable sources.
Combat global warming by challenging policies that promote climate change.
When you donate to Earthjustice, you’re helping to fund their work in fighting for a healthy environment. Donate here.
The Sierra Club
Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club has been working to protect the environment by advocating for responsible land use and public global health. With a strong focus on conservation and sustainability, they work to:
Protect the environment from pollution and harm
Promote green energy solutions.
Support environmental education initiatives.
When you donate, you help preserve and protect wild places and fragile natural systems, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and build a clean energy future. Donate here.
The Nature Conservancy
This organization works to protect land and water, conserve wildlife habitats, and combat global warming. It supports more than 100 conservation projects in the U.S., Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Australia through:
Protecting biodiversity and ensuring nature can adapt to climate change
Developing science-based solutions for conserving land, water, and ocean resources
Promoting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both people and nature.
When you donate, you are helping to protect the environment and make sure that it’s ready for future generations. Donate here.
Greenpeace
This global organization works to protect the world’s oceans, forests, and climate by confronting environmental destruction and advocating for sustainable solutions. Their mission is to halt environmental destruction and to promote solutions for future generations through public education and grants to other environmental organizations. They do this by:
Raising awareness of major threats to the environment including the risks associated with nuclear power
Challenging and changing corporate behavior by pressuring governments and corporations to take action on climate change
Changing public opinion through campaigns that encourage people to reduce their environmental footprint.
Your donations can help Greenpeace continue its work on protecting our planet from climate change and building climate resilience. Donate here.
Carbon180
Carbon180 is a nonprofit working to make carbon-negative solutions accessible, affordable, and equitable. They provide climate strategy and innovative tools for the private sector to reduce its greenhouse gases and create new economic opportunities. Carbon 180's mission is to champion carbon emissions through science and innovation by:
Develop policies and incentives to accelerate the adoption of carbon-negative solutions such as carbon capture and carbon removal tools
Leverage public and private resources to scale up existing carbon-negative solutions such as carbon removal solutions
Create a cross-sectoral collaboration through partnerships with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations.
Your donations can help Carbon180 continue its mission of creating a better future by accelerating the transition to a carbon-negative economy. Donate here.
Clean Air Task Force
The Clean Air Task Force is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions of the pollutants that cause climate change. Their mission is to use high-impact science, advocacy, and public engagement to reduce air pollution, address climate change, and build healthier communities. They focus on four main areas:
Public health protection from air pollution
Improving energy and transportation systems
Advocating for carbon-free power sources
Using innovative policy tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Your donations can help the Clean Air Task Force continue its work in protecting public health, reducing global emissions of pollutants, and fighting climate change. Donate here.
The Solutions Project
This organization works to accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy for all. Their goal is to create public awareness and mobilize people around the world toward a greener future. They fund and amplify grassroots climate justice solutions created by Black, Indigenous, immigrant, women, and other People of Color-led organizations across the U.S. To achieve this they:
Develop policies to promote renewable energy access and affordability
Invest in clean energy research, innovation, and entrepreneurial efforts
Work with local businesses, communities, and governments to enable a transition to 100% renewable energy.
Your donations will help The Solutions Project advocate for the global development of tech-enabled, democratic solutions that can help us move towards a clean energy future. Donate here.
World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international conservation organization dedicated to preserving wildlife and restoring habitats. They work to protect endangered species, tackle climate change, rebuild food systems, as well as protect forests, freshwater resources, landscapes, oceans, wildlife, and wild species. More specifically they:
Foster responsible corporate behavior through global campaigns and initiatives
Advise governments on environmental challenges as well as environmentally-friendly policies and practices
Develop locally tailored conservation solutions to protect species, habitats, and communities
Your donations can help WWF continue its work in protecting the environment for future generations. Donate now.
Cool Effect
This organization works with some of the most effective climate solutions globally. They provide individuals and organizations with the tools to offset their carbon footprint. Their mission is simply to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by:
Invest in projects that reduce emissions by improving energy efficiency and transitioning to clean energy sources, including carbon removal and carbon capture
Develop strategies for businesses to reduce their carbon footprints through sustainable practices and carbon offsets
Educate and raise awareness about climate change solutions
Your donations will help Cool Effect continue its mission of providing practical solutions to reduce and offset carbon emissions. Donate now.
The Climate Reality Project
This nonprofit organization is addressing climate change by helping to spread awareness and advocate for meaningful solutions to the crisis. The mission of The Climate Reality Project is to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every level of society. To achieve this they:
Mobilize individuals and communities to take action on climate change
Engage influential leaders to demand urgent climate action
Support innovative and creative solutions for sustainable development
Your donations will help The Climate Reality Project continue its mission of promoting a global movement towards climate responsibility, justice, and resilience. Donate now.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to developing safe and sustainable energy sources. Their mission is to help create a worldwide transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable, and efficient energy sources. They focus on the development of high-tech products that reduce environmental damage and improve people’s quality of life such as:
Developing innovative solutions for transportation and building retrofits
Designing modern solar power and wind projects
Considering advanced nuclear power as a safer alternative to traditional nuclear power.
Your donations will help Future Cleantech Architects continue to develop energy innovation and engage experts around the world who can help create a cleaner, greener future. Donate now.
The Climate Group
This organization works to accelerate the transition to a net zero emissions world by 2050. Their mission is to inspire and convince leaders in government, business, and society to reduce carbon emissions now and advance the transition to a net zero emissions economy by:
Supporting businesses in taking leadership on climate action and pressing environmental issues
Encouraging governments and cities to implement bold policies for clean energy development
Fostering public dialogue around climate change solutions
Your donations will help The Climate Group continue its mission of engaging and connecting stakeholders to drive a rapid transition to a net zero emissions world. Donate now.
Eco-Action
This nonprofit organization works to ensure lasting, positive change in the environment by empowering socially responsible individuals and organizations. ECO-Action provides organizing and technical assistance so that Georgia’s low-income communities and communities of color can empower themselves to eliminate air, land, and water pollution. More specifically, they focus on:
Connect online activists with local environmental campaigns
Strengthen grassroots movements for ecological protection
Develop youth-led environmental projects and initiatives
Your donations will help Eco-Action continue its mission of empowering individuals to create change and drive a more sustainable world through environmental action projects. Donate now.
Evergreen Collaborative
Evergreen is tackling climate change and creating job opportunities by taking on climate politics. Using policy as a tool, they have developed a bold, achievable, policy roadmap, bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act. They focus on:
Increasing public awareness of the importance of sustainable practices among industry leaders and stakeholder communities
Developing innovative green infrastructure projects
Facilitating partnerships between local businesses and organizations.
Your donations will help Evergreen Collaborative continue its mission to create a more livable and equitable world through innovative environmental solutions. Donate now.
ClimateWorks Foundation
This foundation focuses on the design and implementation of effective strategies to address global climate change. They strive to create innovative solutions that are equitable and sustainable. ClimateWorks is on a mission to end the climate crisis by amplifying the power of philanthropy to:
Foster collaboration between civil society, government, and business
Advance innovative solutions to address global climate change
Develop policy initiatives that prioritize human rights and equity.
Your donations will help ClimateWorks Foundation continue its mission of creating a livable planet for future generations by catalyzing global action on climate change. Donate here.
Natural Resources Defense Council
This organization works to protect and defend our planet's natural resources and biodiversity. They are committed to advocating for environmental policies that will help ensure a safe future for the planet. NRDC works to combine the power of more than three million members and online activists with the expertise of some 700 scientists, lawyers, and policy advocates across the globe to ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water, and the wild. To achieve this they:
Advocate for strong environmental policies
Develop innovative solutions to reduce emissions
Educate the public about the importance of protecting our environment.
Your donations will help Natural Resources Defense Council continue its mission of safeguarding Earth's resources and creating a healthier planet for future generations. Donate here.
Sunrise Education Fund
This fund provides access to educational resources and technological support to those affected by climate change. They support young people to make climate change an urgent priority across America and expose the corruption of fossil fuel executives in politics. More specifically they:
Provide educational resources to those affected by climate change
Create technology solutions that can help reduce emissions
Advocate for policies that prioritize environmental justice.
Your donations will help Sunrise Education Fund continue its mission of creating a more equitable and just world for all through environmental education and technological solutions. Donate here.
Terra Praxis
This organization works to tackle climate change through regenerative agriculture. They strive to promote sustainable land use and soil management practices, as well as support rural communities in their efforts to tackle agricultural emissions. To achieve this they:
Design and implement regenerative agriculture methods
Develop innovative solutions to promote ecological resilience
Facilitate collaborations between communities and organizations.
Your donations will help Terra Praxis continue its mission of creating a better future through regenerative agricultural practices. Donate here.
Environmental Defense Fund
Environmental Defense Fund works to tackle climate change and its disproportionate impacts on communities of color and low-income populations. They seek to:
Advocate for stronger social and environmental justice policies
Develop innovative solutions that address energy poverty and inequitable outcomes in communities of color
Promote community engagement and provide broad support through education and outreach.
Your donations will help Environmental Defense Fund continue its mission of creating a more equitable and green future by advocating for environmental justice policies and engaging with communities. Donate here.
The Climate Justice Alliance
This alliance works to build and strengthen networks of grassroots organizations that are tackling climate change at the local level. Through their work, they strive to create equitable and resilient solutions that can benefit all communities by:
Build a network of grassroots organizations to tackle climate change
Advocate for environmental justice through policy changes
Develop strategies that prioritize human rights and social equity.
Your donations will help the alliance continue its mission of creating an equitable, just transition to a carbon-neutral future. Donate here.
Cool Earth
This organization works with local communities in the rainforest to protect the natural environment from deforestation and climate change. More specifically they:
Provide resources and training to local forest communities
Advocate for sustainable land use policies
Work with partners to restore rainforest ecosystems.
Your donations will help Cool Earth continue its mission of preserving the environment through advocacy, education, and innovation. Donate here.
United Nations Environment Program
UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. They focus on providing resources, developing partnerships, and advocating for policy changes that prioritize climate change mitigation and human rights. More specifically they:
Provide educational resources and technical assistance
Advance equitable policies for climate adaptation and resilience
Develop innovative solutions to tackle climate change.
Your donations will help UNEP continue its mission of creating a more sustainable future through environmental protection and sustainability advocacy. Donate here.
Climate Emergency Fund
The Climate Emergency Fund provides a safe, legal way for funders to support the most impactful climate activism there is: disruptive protest. More specifically they:
Support local grassroots initiatives
Mobilize resources for climate adaptation and resilience
Build a global movement for climate justice.
Your donations will help the Climate Emergency Fund continue its mission of protecting our planet through disruptive protest, advocacy, and mobilization. Donate here.