MAKE FINANCIAL DONATIONS
step #43
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
WINSTON CHURCHILL
FORMER BRITISH PMME MINISTERT
ARM NOBEL LAUNEATE
If you’re not able to make some of the suggested lifestyle changes or your time is limited, but you do want to help, giving financially is an excellent way to support rainforest conservation. It’s easy, effective and, most of all, desperately needed.
THE SCOOP
Rainforest conservation groups operate on budgets funded almost exclusively by individual donations. They are under constant pressure to raise money for their campaigns and day-to-day operations. Survival of the world s rainforests largely depends on the success of these organizations designed to protect and defend them. Do not underestimate the power of a financial contribution, no matter how meager, to help.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Pick a rainforest conservation group—or a few groups. Make sure they are reputable organizations that are transparent, efficient and, most of all, effective in their work. They should do work that has personal meaning to you. Give a financial contribution, no matter how small. Give regularly—monthly, bimonthly, quarterly or annually. And support the same organizations in order for your contribution to be of maximum use.
Research
Once you find an organization that does work that reflects your personal concerns, check them out carefully. In the United States, you can actually get a rating and find out detailed financial information on groups with annual budgets in excess of $500,000 from Charity Navigator.
CHARITY NAVIGATOR
www.charitynavigator.com
In the United States, also look for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This will ensure you get a tax write-off to boot. Good for you. Good for the rainforest. Here are some additional tips when it comes to giving:
Remember, donations don’t need to be large. Every bit helps. If finding the money in your monthly budget is an issue, consider making a little shift in your spending. You’d be surprised how easily you can find the means! Enjoy a latte at your favorite coffeehouse most mornings? Give up one a week, and you’ll have your money. Or throw your loose change at the day’s end into a jar until it becomes full. Then donate what you’ve collected to your rainforest conservation group of choice. Even your kids can join in. It’s very gratifying to make a personal, short-term sacrifice for the greater good of the world’s rainforests.
Some groups offer membership for your donation, particularly the larger ones, which may have some perks. Check them out. You can arrange to give long term by donating a specified amount on a monthly basis. You can even designate a group to receive a portion of your assets through a will or living trust. Or you can gift stock or real estate. One group offers a credit card in which a portion of your charged purchases goes to the group.
There are many creative options available, and most organizations have someone available who you can talk to about them. If you wish to donate annually, keep in mind that organizations need money year-round, not just at the year’s end. Give earlier in the year.
The bottom line is to make sure that you have at least one reputable rainforest organization that you give to consistently for the long term.
We will mention a few here that we believe do outstanding work, starting with the larger ones and moving to the smaller ones. But we encourage you to do research to consider others.
GREENPEACE
Greenpeace
Yep, those activists who protect the whales care about rainforests too. Check out their report “Slaughtering the Amazon.” One of many they have done, it has been instrumental in forcing a supply chain of sustainable beef.
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
The Nature Conservancy
Experts on establishing forestland reserves, the Nature Conservancy has been around for more than 50 years. Membership is available.
World Wildlife Fund
In addition to projects that protect rainforest land, the World Wildlife Fund has campaigns to protect certain rainforest animals like orangutans. The WWF is big, with more than 16 million members worldwide.
The Rainforest Action Network (RAN) is an excellent watchdog of big corporations driving deforestation. Currently it has an excellent campaign against the destructive practices of agribusiness and paper. RAN is activist-oriented, designing in-your-face campaigns that stir up attention and apply pressure on the powers that be to make positive change.
RAINFOREST ACTION NETWORK
Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance uses the power of markets to arrest the major drivers of deforestation and environmental destruction: timber extraction, agricultural expansion, cattle ranching and tourism. The organization works to ensure millions of acres of working forests, farms, ranchlands and hotel properties are managed according to rigorous sustainability standards. And by linking those businesses to conscientious consumers, who identify their goods and services through the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal and Rainforest Alliance Verified mark, the organization demonstrates that sustainable practices can help businesses thrive in the modern economy.
RAINFOREST ALLIANCE
Rainforest Relief
This grassroots organization relies heavily on volunteers. It has been effective in pressuring the government to ban the use of rainforest wood.
RAINFOREST RELIEF
www.rainforestrelief.org
Aliança DA TERRA
Aliança da Terra
This organization is doing some of the most important work in terms of creating a market for sustainable beef in the Amazon.
AMAZON CONSERVATION TEAM
Amazon Conservation Team
This organization not only supports the Amazon ecosystem but understands the survival of the Amazon as intricately linked to the traditional cultures that live within. The Amazon Conservation Team supports indigenous people.
SURVIVAL INTERNATIONAL
Survival International
Survival International advocates for tribal people worldwide— including those in tropical rainforest areas.
HEALTH IN HARMONY
Health in Harmony
This unique organization provides medical services to the community bordering Gunung Palung National Park, Indonesia, and offers ecologically friendly and conservation-promoting work opportunities to health-care patients as a noncash means of paying for services.
RESOURCES
Charity Navigator
www.charitynavigator.com
These are just a few. Find the ones that appeal to you and give what you can.