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.
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Environmental Charities & Animal Charities Guide
- The Conservation Fund
- Earth Island Institute
- Rainforest Action Network
- Bioneers
- Water.Org
- Waterkeeper Alliance
- 350.Org
- Ocean Conservancy
- Amazon Conservation Association
- Earthworks
- Wildlife Conservation Society
- American Humane
- African Wildlife Foundation
- American Bird Conservancy
- Global Wildlife Conservation
- Keepers Of The Wild
- Wild Aid
- Wild Foundation
- Panthera
- International Primate Protection League
- Animal Welfare Institute
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.
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