Best environment & wildlife charities
23 environment & wildlife charities, ranked by rating. Every rating, EIN and filing was checked in October 2026.
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African Wildlife Foundation
Protects Africa's wildlife and wild lands by working with local communities to develop sustainable conservation programs.
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Earthjustice
Nonprofit environmental law organization that goes to court to protect wildlife, wild places and public health.
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National Audubon Society
Protects birds and the places they need through science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.
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National Park Foundation
Strengthens the connection between people and national parks by raising private funds to protect and enhance America's national parks.
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Rainforest Trust
Funds the purchase and protection of threatened tropical forests in partnership with local organizations.
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World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Works to conserve nature and reduce threats to the diversity of life on Earth through science-based conservation.
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National Wildlife Federation
Works to protect wildlife and habitat through conservation, education and advocacy.
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Natural Resources Defense Council
Works to safeguard the earth through law, science, and the support of millions of people worldwide.
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Environmental Defense Fund
Finds practical and lasting solutions to environmental problems through science, economics, law, and innovative partnerships.
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Wildlife Conservation Society
Saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, and inspiring people to value nature.
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Xerces Society
Protects pollinators and other invertebrates through conservation and science.
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Arbor Day Foundation
Plants trees and supports reforestation and community forestry projects.
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Clean Air Task Force
Advocates for policies and technologies that cut air pollution and climate-warming emissions.
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Sierra Club Foundation
Advances climate solutions, conservation, and environmental justice through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
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Surfrider Foundation
Protects oceans, waves and beaches through a network of local chapters.
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Defenders of Wildlife
Protects imperiled species and their habitats through science, law and advocacy.
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Oceana
Campaigns for science-based policies that protect and restore the world's oceans.
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The Nature Conservancy
Protects ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people, addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
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Ocean Conservancy
Works to protect the ocean from today's greatest global challenges through science-based solutions and advocacy.
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Conservation International
Uses science, policy, and partnerships to protect nature for the benefit of humanity in over 30 countries.
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Rainforest Alliance
Works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods through forest conservation and sustainable agriculture.
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One Tree Planted
Funds tree planting for reforestation projects around the world.
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Ocean Cleanup
Develops and scales technologies to rid the oceans of plastic pollution through innovative cleanup systems.
How to judge environment & wildlife charities
When evaluating environmental charities, distinguish between groups doing direct land protection, scientific research, advocacy/lobbying, and litigation. Each has different success metrics. Look for tangible recent wins — acres protected, species recovered, policies enacted, lawsuits won — not vague "awareness raised" claims. Charity Navigator's environmental ratings are a solid starting point.
What these charities do
Environmental and wildlife organizations operate across a spectrum: from direct habitat acquisition and species protection to scientific research, litigation, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The most effective combine on-the-ground conservation work with policy influence — protecting an ecosystem requires both buying the land AND defending it from political and economic pressures. Funding supports field staff, research, legal challenges, community partnerships in biodiversity hotspots, and public-awareness campaigns.
- Land and marine habitat acquisition and protection
- Scientific monitoring of endangered species and biodiversity
- Climate-change advocacy and renewable-energy policy work
- Legal challenges to projects that threaten protected ecosystems
- Partnerships with Indigenous and local communities living in biodiversity hotspots
Ways to help beyond a donation
- Become a recurring member — most environmental groups rely heavily on membership dues
- Make a planned gift in your will or trust (environmental charities depend on legacy giving)
- Volunteer for citizen-science projects: bird counts, water-quality monitoring, beach cleanups
- Reduce your own footprint — flying less and eating less beef has more impact than most one-time gifts
- Vote and advocate for environmental policy at local, state, and federal levels
Frequently asked
What is the highest-rated environment & wildlife charity?
Among the 23 environment & wildlife charities in our directory, African Wildlife Foundation, Earthjustice, National Audubon Society, National Park Foundation, Rainforest Trust and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) share the highest Charity Navigator score, 100%. Ratings checked October 2026.
How many environment & wildlife charities have a 4-star rating?
22 of the 23 environment & wildlife charities we list hold Charity Navigator's top rating of 4 stars. Each charity's page shows its exact score, its EIN and its recent Form 990 financials.
How do I choose a environment & wildlife charity?
When evaluating environmental charities, distinguish between groups doing direct land protection, scientific research, advocacy/lobbying, and litigation. Each has different success metrics. Look for tangible recent wins — acres protected, species recovered, policies enacted, lawsuits won — not vague "awareness raised" claims. Charity Navigator's environmental ratings are a solid starting point.
How we rank: GiveWell and Animal Charity Evaluators picks come first, then charities by Charity Navigator's overall score. Financials come from each charity's IRS Form 990, via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. More on our method.