9 Best Rainforest Charities to Donate in 2023 | Full List with Details
Have you ever felt the rainforest calling out to you? The vibrant greens, the unique sounds, and the array of wildlife all make the rainforest one of the fascinating places on Earth. Unfortunately, the rainforest faces many threats, including deforestation, mining, and climate change. Without urgent action, this lush paradise may disappear forever.
But there is hope! Donating to a rainforest charity can help protect this vital ecosystem and preserve it for future generations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best rainforest charities to donate to and how your contribution can make a real difference. So let’s dive in and discover how you can help save the rainforest!
Here are 9 Best Rainforest Charities to Donate to:
1. Rainforest Trust
First up is Rainforest Trust. They’ve been around since 1988 and have protected over 23 million acres of threatened tropical forests in over 20 countries. They partner with local conservation organizations and communities to establish new protected areas and support sustainable land use initiatives that conserve both biodiversity and human livelihoods.
The charity’s work is based on science, transparency, and collaboration principles. It is focused on areas of high conservation value, where the protection of endangered species and the provision of ecosystem services are most at risk. The Rainforest Trust has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 100% score.
2. Rainforest Foundation
Founded in 1987, they work with partners in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia to support community-led conservation initiatives and advocate for policies that promote sustainable forest management and protect the rights of forest-dwelling people. The organization works with communities to secure formal recognition of their land rights, protect their forests from illegal logging and other threats, and support sustainable livelihoods and community development.
They focus on empowering local communities to become stewards of their own forests and ensuring that their rights to land and resources are respected. Serving the deed, this US charity has earned a 95% score from Charity Navigator leading to a 4 star rating.
3. Amazon Conservation Foundation
Another great nonprofit organization is the Amazon Conservation Association (ACA). Founded in 1996, they work with indigenous communities and partners in South America to protect and restore critical habitats, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable development. The ACA’s work includes the creation of protected areas, the restoration of degraded habitats, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities.
The ACA is known for its innovative approach to conservation, which emphasizes the importance of working with indigenous communities and local partners to achieve conservation goals. Talking about stats, the foundation has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 96% score.
4. Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is another nonprofit environmental organization that works to protect land and water and conserve biodiversity worldwide. Founded in 1951, they’ve helped protect over 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers across 72 countries.
They work with many partners to achieve their conservation goals, including in tropical rainforests, where they focus on protecting and restoring critical habitats and promoting sustainable land use practices. The Conservancy has a 3-star rating on Charity Navigator with a score at 87%.
5. Conservation International
Next up, there’s Conservation International (CI). Founded in 1987, they’ve helped to protect over 7 million square miles of land and sea across more than 30 countries. One of the focus areas of Conservation International is tropical rainforests, where the organization works to protect critical habitats, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable land use practices.
CI’s work in tropical rainforests focuses on areas rich in biodiversity and provides important ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and water regulation. Speaking of numbers, the charity has a 4-star rating with a 92% score on Charity Navigator.
6. The Rainforest Action Network
RAN is a nonprofit that’s been around since 1985. They’re all about promoting responsible corporate practices and reducing the demand for products contributing to rainforest destruction. RAN works with various partners to achieve its conservation goals and has a reputation for being bold and effective in its campaigns.
One of the key strategies of the Rainforest Action Network is to engage with corporations to encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their impact on rainforests. This nonprofit has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 86% score.
7. The World Wildlife Fund
WWF is another well-known organization that’s been around since 1961. They work in over 100 countries and have many programs focused on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development. One of their key focus areas is tropical rainforests, where they work to empower local communities and promote sustainable land use practices.
The WWF’s approach to conservation is rooted in the belief that nature is the foundation of all life and that protecting it is essential for human well-being. The mission has attained a total of 84% and a 3-star rating on Charity Navigator.
8. Rainforest Alliance
Founded in 1987, the organization has since helped protect over 90 million acres of forests, farms, and other critical habitats worldwide. Their focus is on promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and tourism practices.
They work with partners to achieve their conservation goals and have a program called the Rainforest Alliance Certified program. This program helps to promote environmentally responsible and socially responsible land use practices. This US-based charity has a 100% perfect score on Charity Navigator, leading to a 4 out of 4-star rating.
9. Defenders of Wildlife
At last, but not least, Defenders of Wildlife is a nonprofit that’s been around since 1947. They work to protect wildlife and their habitats in the United States and around the world. They focus on advocating for the protection of wildlife species and their habitats, and promoting policies and practices that align with science.
Furthermore, the organization works to protect these habitats by advocating for responsible land use practices, promoting the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and supporting the conservation efforts of local communities. This nonprofit organization has a 3-star rating on Charity Navigator with a 88% score.
Final Thoughts
As we end this blog post, it’s important to remember that the rainforest is not just a beautiful and biodiverse ecosystem, but a vital one. It plays a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate, and it provides essential resources and livelihoods to millions of people worldwide. By supporting rainforest charities, you’re not just helping to protect a beautiful place; you’re also taking a stand for our planet’s future.
It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of the many challenges the rainforest faces. But by donating to a reputable rainforest charity, you’re taking concrete action to protect one of the world’s most valuable ecosystems. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a real difference.
So, as you consider where to direct your philanthropic efforts, keep in mind the rainforest and the many worthy organizations working tirelessly to preserve it. By supporting these charities, you’re supporting a brighter future for our planet, its people, and its wildlife. Let’s all work together to ensure the rainforest continues to thrive for generations.
