Listed below are charity assessors for organizations that support - among other things - climate solutions, animal protection, sustainable lifestyles and businesses, human health and rights, environmental restoration and sustainable farming. Finding reputable organizations that are willing to go through a rigorous evaluation is so important for knowing your donation will be spent effectively.
Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (BBB) - The BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers assessments of charities based on 20 standards of accountability, which include governance, transparency, effectiveness, and fund raising practices. Charities that meet all these standards are accredited by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
Charity Navigator - This is one of the largest and most influential charity assessors in the U.S. Charity Navigator rates charities based on their financial health, accountability, and transparency. They use a star rating system to help donors understand which charities demonstrate best practices and are worthy of trust.
CharityWatch - Known for its rigorous evaluation standards, CharityWatch provides ratings primarily based on financial efficiency and transparency. They calculate the percentage of donations going towards charitable activities rather than administrative costs, helping to identify highly efficient charities.
GuideStar - GuideStar doesn't rate charities like others but provides a vast database of information about non-profit organizations. They collect and disseminate information about every single IRS-registered nonprofit organization, offering a searchable online database that allows users to find detailed information about a charity's operations and finances.
Here are some pre-vetted organizations from Impact Ninja:
If they aren't already, encourage organizations you support to offer "paperless" memberships.
Interested in donating your time? Find lots of suggestions in Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities.