We often hear, “It’s better to give than to receive,” but what if you could do both at the same time?

This holiday season, in the face of climate change, uncurbed pollution, and potentially disastrous environmental policy, you can give a donation and get a healthier planet!

We’ve compiled some of our favorite organizations across the spectrum of sustainability so you can pick what matters most to you and make a difference with a holiday donation.

Want to double your impact? Add your favorite non-profit organizations to your wish list. Asking for donations instead of items reduces holiday waste and encourages others to support important causes.redwoods

Natural Resource

Conservation & Advocacy

Save the Redwoods League

By giving to Save the Redwoods League, you will support their mission to protect and restore redwood forests. Through collaborative partnerships, purchasing land, and educating the public, Save the Redwoods League is conserving valuable and historical forests for future generations.

Donate before December 31st and your donation will be doubled by a matching grant!

Heal the Bay

A donation to Heal the Bay provides support for their innovative science and community based programs working toward cleaner, healthier watersheds. You can donate or even aquadopt a marine animal!

Environmental Defense Fund

Rated four stars on Charity Navigator, a donation to the Environmental Defense Fund directly supports a broad range of sustainability efforts focused on both the environment and community health. Donate monthly or give a one time gift to help EDF save the planet through policy and programming.


philanthropicilllustrations_plastic

Waste Reduction

5 Gyres

A donation to 5 Gyres supports science, art, adventure, and education programs aimed at solving the plastic pollution problem in our oceans. Through research expeditions, 5 Gyres is engaging citizen scientists and gathering data on current plastic pollution and what we can do to fix it.

Make a donation, change your habits, and use their plastic free shopping guide to support the cause!

Californians Against Waste

Promote policies that reduce waste with a donation to one of the oldest and most accomplished environmental advocacy organizations in the country. While you’re at it, check out the legislation they’re currently supporting and stay up to date on the issues.philanthropicilllustrations_windsolar

Clean Energy

GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives is bringing energy efficiency, cost savings, and job training to underserved communities across the country. Your donation will put solar power and jobs where they are needed most and will help promote widespread adoption of renewable energy.

The Solutions Project

The Solutions Project is on a mission to transition the entire world to 100% clean, renewable energy. A donation will support their efforts to advance renewable energy in all 50 states and across the globe. Plus, check out their interactive maps to get a sense for the task at hand!

philanthropicilllustrations_compostFood Sustainability

Soil Born Farms

This working farm is on a mission to bring healthy, organic food to all. Through community education, preservation of wild space, and wide-reaching partnerships, Soil Born Farms is bringing positive change and fresh produce to the masses. Donate by December 31st and your donation will be doubled by a matching grant!

Oak Park Sol

Your donation will help Oak Park Sol transform more vacant land into productive green spaces. By working directly with residents, Oak Park Sol creates community gardens, urban farms, pocket parks, sitting spots, and more.

Green Restaurants Alliance Sacramento (GRAS)

Contribute to every facet of food sustainability with a donation to GRAS. From composting workshops to restaurant waste management, GRAS is dedicated to growing a sustainable food community in Sacramento.

 

This Philanthropic Gift Guide is just a snapshot of the amazing organizations working worldwide to secure a safe, healthy, and clean planet for all of us. If you didn’t find one here that spoke to you, use it as a starting point to research non-profits in your own community and areas of interest. Even a small donation can have a big impact.

Happy Holidays!

Article by: Kelly Conroy

Kelly Conroy earned her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UC Davis and has been working as an environmental advocate ever since. From wildlife biology to climate change mitigation, she’s passionate about the planet and loves sharing her enthusiasm with others.

Watercolor Illustrations by: Rosaura Unangst

Rosaura Unangst is the owner/artist behind Pigment & Parchment. She studied American Studies at UC Santa Cruz and now sends handmade wedding stationery around the globe & teaches workshops all over California. She is happy to use her artwork to promote education, environmentalism, & pretty much any cause that tugs at her bleeding liberal heart (just email her if you’ve got a cause in need of art).