Katherine Donnelly | 11.22.2017

The holidays are a great time to give back to the things, places, and people we love most. Whether you're looking to gift a donation this year, partake in the popular Giving Tuesday, or you are planning to take advantage of the tax write-off for charitable donations before the year ends, these non-profits pack a punch and do some serious good in the outdoor and nature industries.

Check out these 15 donation-worthy organizations and do good this Giving Tuesday.

1. Conservation Alliance

"100% of your donation will be directed to the groups working to protect wild lands and water for future generations to enjoy." Enough said. #WeKeepItWild

2. Big City Mountaineers

Not everyone is fortunate enough to grow up having access to the great outdoors, and we agree with Big City Mountaineers in saying that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone and anyone. "Every contribution helps under-resourced kids develop the skills and perspective needed to navigate life’s challenges."

3. 1% for the Planet

It's a large organization with an even larger impact on global wellbeing and the most pressing issues affecting our world. 1%FTP is a "global network of businesses, nonprofits and individuals working together for a healthy planet." It's not worth trying to list all of the amazing work they have done and continue to do, so do yourself a favor and check out their site to learn more!

4. Utah Open Lands

Their motto is: "Protecting the lands you love," and believe us when we say that Utah is full of those special places that are near and dear to our hearts. Do your part and help protect the miles and miles of gorgeous and historically-rich public lands throughout this state by making a donation; no matter how big or small, anything helps!

5. Protect Our Winters

Founded by legendary snowboarder Jeremy Jones, Protect Our Winters (POW) works hard to do just that. A donation to POW will help in further efforts to positive climate action. I think they say it best: "We all need winter."

6. SheJumps

Help break barriers and make the outdoors a level playing field by supporting SheJumps, a national non-profit working hard to bring more women and girls outside and participating in outdoor activities. 

7. Conservation Colorado

There is no denying the raw beauty and incredible outdoor recreation opportunities that call Colorado home, and making a donation to Conservation Colorado will help "protect Colorado’s environment and quality of life by mobilizing people and electing conservation-minded policymakers."

8. Oregon Wild

You may not know this, but here at Outdoor Project we LOVE Oregon, so much so that we've set up shop here and consider it home. If you love it too, want to support efforts to keep the Beaver State wild, and protect and restore its wildlands, wildlife and waters, this is a great organization to donate to.

9. Washington's National Park Fund

We all love our national parks, and you have the chance to give back to these stunning spaces and make a real difference. Washington's National Park Fund makes a direct impact on the Evergreen State's three national parks - Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades - which all happen to be underfunded and much in need.

You can also support the National Parks Foundation to make a broader impact on our country's national park system and the lands that America loves so much.

10. Hawkwatch International

Why make a donation to these guys? Birds of prey are an indicator species, meaning that trends in their behaviors and populations "provides a cost-effective and efficient means to detecting environmental change." By supporting Hawkwatch, you will help to protect the natural habitat of raptors and ensure long-term survivability.

11. The Sierra Club Foundation

You've likely heard of the Sierra Club, a big player with big impact in outdoor conservation efforts throughout the country. Make a donation or gift to them and help "educate and empower people to protect and improve the natural and human environment" so that we can all continue to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature for years to come.

12. High Fives Foundation

Adventuring through the great outdoors can be dangerous, and a donation to High Fives Foundation will help raise awareness of injury prevention while also providing critical support to athletes and explorers who have sustained life-altering injuries.

13. National Forest Foundation

The official non-profit of our amazing National Forests and a critical conservation partner the U.S Forest Service, NFF works tirelessly to "bring people together to restore and enhance our National Forests and Grasslands."

14. The Nature Conservancy

A global conservation organization working hard to protect the lands and waters that both nature and the community rely on. The Nature Conservancy has state-specific chapters, so make sure to check out their site and find out what work is happening near you.

15. OutdoorProject.org

Help us support and promote a wide range of non-profit groups doing critical work in the areas of outdoor conservation, environmental education and creating inspired and enriching outdoor educational content. 

 

Give a little all year long!

If you haven't heard already, Amazon Smile is a wonderful (and easy!) way to give back while getting your holiday shopping done this season. Shop Amazon for great products and deals, and they will donate 0.5% of your purchase back to the charity of choice; it may not sound like a lot, but it adds up quick - since August of 2017, Amazon Smile has donated over $105,515,619 to charities around the world.

Comments

What about Hike it Baby :) Started in Portland and getting more families on trail than any other organization in North America. hikeitbaby.com
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