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The 21 Best Environmental Charities & Animal Charities for Holiday Donations

Howler Monkey in Tirimbina Biological Reserve

Every year at Christmastime, my mother chooses and champions a charitable cause. In lieu of fruitcakes, popcorn tins and kitschy socks, she sends out donations to what she considers the best non-profit organizations in our honor.

It’s not that she isn’t festive, or doesn’t believe in celebrating Christmas traditions. But when it comes to gift-giving, she assumes the bulk of recipients have already handled their own food, drink and Christmas decorations.

So instead, she gives something that embodies the giving spirit of the holidays.

Since my mom started this tradition, many of our friends and relatives have followed suit.

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.

They are gifts from the heart that also help to make the world a better place.

So perhaps this year, at a time when both national and international philanthropy seem increasingly crucial, we hoped that our readers might be interested in picking up this Christmas giving habit.

Whether you choose to donate to charities that focus on the environment (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.

Below are the 21 Best Environmental Charities & Animal Charities for Holiday Donations including unbiased ratings from Charity Watch and Charity Navigator.

READ MORE: 70 Cool & Weird Animals Around the World (An Epic Guide)

Howler Monkey gives the peace sign in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, Costa Rica by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

Environmental Charities & Animal Charities Guide

  1. The Conservation Fund
  2. Earth Island Institute
  3. Rainforest Action Network
  4. Bioneers
  5. Water.Org
  6. Waterkeeper Alliance
  7. 350.Org
  8. Ocean Conservancy
  9. Amazon Conservation Association
  10. Earthworks
  11. Wildlife Conservation Society
  12. American Humane
  13. African Wildlife Foundation
  14. American Bird Conservancy
  15. Global Wildlife Conservation
  16. Keepers Of The Wild
  17. Wild Aid
  18. Wild Foundation
  19. Panthera
  20. International Primate Protection League
  21. Animal Welfare Institute

top non profit organization

HOW TO FIND THE BEST NGO FOR YOU

While I would encourage others to adopt my mother’s philanthropic approach to holiday giving, I’d also advise thoroughly researching the NGOs and charities before you donate.

Even the best nonprofit organizations have to pay people to run them. But most people prefer that the…

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