Charitable Giving to Green Organizations: A Resolution With Real Power
Lifestyle Organizations and EventsPublished December 30, 2011 at 12:17 pm No Comments
The new year is once again upon us! Naturally many people begin to think about their New Year’s resolutions as we wait for the ball to drop and ring in 2012. Some people resolve to break a bad habit, start a new routine or change something in their lives that isn’t working. Unfortunately, many resolutions fall by the wayside before January is even over. There is a way to make a resolution that will stick for 2012, and it will help make our planet even greener in the new year. Make a resolution to give to worthy charities in the new year. This is one way that you can feel good knowing your resolution doesn’t just benefit you and your family… it may benefit the future of the entire planet.
Here are five organizations that can create a brighter, greener 2012 with your charitable donation.
1. The Rainforest Alliance A donation to the Rainforest Alliance will help their mission of protecting the rainforests through protecting wildlife, keeping forests intact, dealing with climate change and working to support local businesses and people. The Rainforest Alliance is providing a special opportunity to donors until January 6, 2012 with their 2011 Matching Challenge. All donations will be matched 2-to1, which means your donation will have triple the power to help.
2. Kiva provides “loans that can change lives.” In some parts of the globe, a loan of $25 may mean all the difference in the world. Kiva works with microfinance institutions around the world to give loans to people who would otherwise not have the chance to borrow money toward better opportunities. The best part is that with Kiva’s lending system, 100% of your donation is used for funding loans. The borrower pays back the loan, which is credited back to you, where you can donate it or fund another loan, making it the gift that truly keeps on giving.
3. World Wildlife Fund Giving to the WWF benefits endangered species all over the globe, and the giving process is easy and safe. The WWF puts 85 cents of every donated dollar toward conservation efforts, earning the organization 4 stars from Charity Navigator and helping it meet all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability with the Better Business Bureau. One great way to donate is through their symbolic species adoption. You can adopt an animal with your donation, with choices ranging from tigers to polar bears to pandas; over 100 species in all. You will receive an adoption kit that includes a plush stuffed version of your chosen species along with an adoption certificate and photo. It’s a great way to help a great organization and also provide a concrete representation of the spirit of giving and conservation to a special child in your life.
4. The Environmental Defense Fund This organization is also giving you the chance to make your donated dollar go further with their year-end match offer. For every dollar you give until December 31, 2011, another donor has pledged to match it with two dollars. This means that more work can be done in the organization’s focus areas of climate, oceans, ecosystems and health across the country and around the world.
5. The Sierra Club Since 1892, this organization has worked to protect communities, natural resources and the planet by providing ways for people to connect, learn and help. Joining the club brings you membership benefits such as discounts and the club’s magazine. You can also donate without joining, knowing that 85 cents of every dollar donated goes toward conservation programs. The Sierra Club is also providing a matching gift challenge for all donations.
Investigate how your contribution is helping these green-minded organizations by visiting their websites and learning about each group’s mission and new initiatives:
http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/
