5 Reasons to Support Environmental Organizations on Earth Day

Since 1970, April 22 has been observed as Earth Day, a day marking the birth of the environmental movement. Each year on this day, Americans acknowledge human behavior’s impact on the globe and vow to fight for a clean environment.

There are environmental organizations that are working year-round to combat environmental issues, climate change’s devastating effects, and more. Here’s why these environmental nonprofit organizations need—and deserve—support all year.

1. Environmental Issues Affect Us All

The causes that environmental nonprofits dedicate themselves to aren’t issues that only affect their communities. Environmental issues—especially ones like water conservation, reducing pollution, and climate action—impact humans directly.

In fact, much of the damage to the environment has been caused by humans. Over 99.9% of peer-reviewed scientific papers agree that humans are responsible for climate change. And one study found that 85% of the world’s population has experienced weather events that were caused by human-induced climate change.

Climate change is just one example of the environmental issues that these organizations work to negate. Reducing waste and pollution for cleaner air and having clean, safe drinking water are also worthy causes. But the research above shows that climate change is one environmental issue that humans caused and are directly impacted by. You don’t have to be personally affected by something to support a cause, but these are good reasons to support environmental organizations!

2. Education Creates Change

Without environmental organizations that incorporate education as a part of their mission, communities around the country would lack knowledge about the environment and how to take care of it.

These nonprofit organizations educate the public in an effort to produce change in the way we interact with the environment. Education such as:

• Helping youth learn how to take responsibility and protect the environment
• Using mentorship to educate community members on farming and sustainability
• Teaching the importance of replacing fossil fuel-powered vehicles and appliances with renewable energy
• Strengthening environmental literacy in their community
• Developing a more environmentally conscious and accountable public

Supporting environmental organizations that teach environmental responsibility means cultivating current and future generations that are equipped to care for our environment.

3. Advocacy in Government

Most of us can’t be in courtrooms or otherwise involved in advocating for environmental protections on a regular basis. But many environmental organizations have made it their job to take legal action for the environment, on behalf of the public, every single day.

They are working to shape policy, get laws passed, and defend current protections in court. Whether the laws they’re addressing are for their region or the entire country, environmental nonprofits tackle the inequities that impact the Earth and the public. They pursue the advancement of environmental laws that make our planet more livable and human life more sustainable. 

4. Environmental Organizations are Under Supported

Out of the billions of dollars donated to nonprofit organizations each year, environmental (and animal welfare) organizations receive less than 3%. Environmental organizations’ work is important, but often underfunded.

It’s crucial for communities to invest in their work, and some environmental nonprofits have taken it upon themselves to build up more support. They often partner with each other to increase their visibility and funding.

For example, Earth Gives is an environmental organization with a mission to help scale the reach and impact of environmental nonprofits. Their website allows people to search for nonprofits that align with the issues they’re passionate about and even set up their own fundraising pages (powered by Neon Giving Days) to support them. Earth Gives also offers events and volunteer opportunities and invites everyone to learn more about how they can get involved with environmental nonprofits.

5. Their Work Secures the Future

From teaching young people why and how to care for the environment to promoting causes that keep the Earth in good shape, environmental organizations are working for a better future. They’re working to secure a future Earth that is safe for everyone.

A climate-resilient future. A sustainable future. A clean energy future. Environmental nonprofits fight tirelessly for the next generation to have a better, healthier, less polluted Earth. Supporting environmental organizations today leads to a better tomorrow for all of Earth’s inhabitants.

Join a Network of Nonprofit Professionals

Creating a strong community of fellow nonprofit professionals is a way environmental organizations can gain access to resources and support that will help expand their mission. If you’re looking to become a more connected nonprofit professional and build your network, join us in the Connected Fundraising Community!

In addition to getting support and encouragement from peers in your field, you’ll also receive access to monthly discussions on relevant topics and challenges, access to our Slack community, exclusive fundraising resources, and opportunities to participate in community research.