Friday, April 22
nd is the 46
th Earth Day event which started in 1970. This environmental-focused movement has grown considerably over the years
from gatherings at colleges, universities and schools in the U.S. to a global activity that, according to
Earth Day Network, involves “…over one billion people in 192 countries… making it the largest civic observance in
the world.” In part, what makes this Earth Day special is that the
Paris Agreement will be signed that day, which seeks to lower greenhouse gas emissions and is intended to be an important
step in addressing global warming. Over 100 countries are expected to sign this agreement.
According to
Giving USA of the $358.38 billion Americans who contributed to charity in 2014, organizations addressing environmental/animal
issues comprised $10.5 billion, which represented a 5.3 percent increase over the previous year when adjusted for inflation.
In turn, the number of environmental organizations has grown over time as well. According to data accessible at the
Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute there are over 35,000 environmental organizations in
the U.S. in 2016 which represents a 59% growth over the total number of such groups that existed in 1996.
As our attention and sympathy is drawn to environmental issues this Earth Day, we encourage donors to also verify the trustworthiness
of environmental/animal groups by identifying which organizations meet the 20
BBB Standards for Charity Accountability
. For your easy reference, here is a list of such organizations.
On a related note, as part of our Building Trust Video Series we are pleased to provide a video featuring Keith Laughlin,
President of
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a
BBB Accredited Charity) which is celebrating its 30
th anniversary this year. This organization partners with communities to transform unused railroad corridors into
multi-use trails that protect landscapes, revitalize local economies and give Americans the opportunity to lead healthy,
active lives.
Finally, remember to let us know by going to
https://www.give.org/ask-us-about-a-charity1/ if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list
and we will do our best to produce one.
H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance
