GivingTuesday began in 2012 and raised over $400 million in the United States in 2018, pushing its seven-year total over $1 billion.
Pretty much any act of kindness or charity counts for GivingTuesday. If you’re looking specifically looking for a way to benefit the local environment, look no further than these Seattle non-profits.
Puget Soundkeeper
Year founded: 1984
What they do: Puget Soundkeeper fights for and monitors water quality in the Puget Sound through policy, environmental regulations, community engagement and partnerships. Since 1984, the group has “engaged over 18,000 volunteers and removed more than 145,000 pounds of marine debris from Puget Sound waterways.”
How to donate: Click Here! GivingTuesday donations up to $2,500 between now and December 3rd will be matched 1 to 1 by a “generous individual.” Donate $20 or more to become a member!
Grist
Year Founded: 1999
What they do: A self-described “beacon in the smog,” Grist is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that covers everything climate and sustainability. Headquartered in Seattle, Grist has struck a unique balance ethical, analytical reporting and irreverent wittiness in its “everything leads back to climate change” news approach.
How to donate: Click here to donate. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar until December 31st.
Sierra Club Washington State
Local Chapters: Sierra Club has 10 groups in Washington State. Click here to find the group nearest you.
What they do: Under the slogan “Enjoy, explore, and protect the planet,” Sierra Club hosts events to raise money and awareness for environmental issues. Members and volunteers perform habitat restorations and lobby for better legislation. Key issues include conservation, energy, environmental justice, national forests, transportation and land use, and water and salmon
How to donate: Click here to become a one-time or regular donor. Or, make a symbolic animal adoption (and get a 100% recycled polyester stuffed animal) through the national branch here.
Washington Environmental Council
Year Founded: 1976
What they do: From WEC’s about page: “WEC builds and leads partnerships, mobilizes the public, engages decision makers, and takes legal action to enact and enforce environmental protection policy and ensure a sustainable future.” In 2019, the group saw legislative accomplishments in clean energy, orca recovery and holding Big Oil responsible for toxic cleanups.
How to donate: Click here to set up a one-time or reoccurring donation.
The Nature Conservancy in Washington
Year Founded: The Nature Conservancy was founded in Alrington, VA in 1951. It’s been operating in Washington and the PNW for over 50 years.
What they do: Simply put, The Nature Conservancy finds solutions to environmental problems. According to its website, “The Nature Conservancy has helped to preserve more than 800,000 acres in this amazing state, and is currently stewarding more than 100,000 acres.”
How to donate: Click here to donate for GivingTuesday ($15 minimum).
Washington Wild
Year Founded: 1979 as the Washington Wilderness Coalition
What they do: Washington Wild’s mission is to “defend, protect, and restore wild lands and waters in Washington State through advocacy, education, and civic engagement.” Its efforts have protected nearly 3 million acres in Washington State.
How to donate: Click here to donate or become a member. Members receive discounts from local business partners, invitations to events and a subscription to a biannual newsletter.
EarthCorps
Year Founded: 1994
What they do: Founded as a Peace Corps for the Earth, EarthCorps projects include invasive plant control, native planting, trail construction, salmon habitat restoration and slope stabilization. EarthCorps is also a “yearlong leadership training” for young adults from around the world.
How to donate: Donate online here and check out other ways to give.
Forterra
Year Founded: 1989
What they do: Forterra has secured and protected more than 275,000 acres of keystone lands since its founding. The organization promotes sustainable economic and livelihood practices on the lands it secures.
How to donate: Click here to make a donation or give a stock gift.
Sustainable Seattle
Year Founded: 1991
What they do: Sustainable Seattle (S2) focuses on sustainability solutions in urban areas, including depaving/stormwater projects and sustainable businesses. It also serves as an incubator for developing projects and host to Seattle Green Drinks.
How to donate: Make a donation here, or become a sponsor here.
Did we leave your favorite non-profit off the list? Let us know on our contact page or in the comments below!
