Every April since 1970, Earth Month has offered a dedicated time to reflect on the health of our planet and recommit to protecting it. What began as a single day of environmental teach-ins organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson has grown into a global movement, with hundreds of millions of people participating in cleanup efforts, advocacy campaigns and community action each year. 

The urgency behind that participation has only grown. The planet's average surface temperature has risen by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, according to NASA, and scientists warn that exceeding 1.5 degrees could trigger irreversible consequences for ecosystems, coastlines and human communities worldwide. Deforestation, plastic pollution, biodiversity loss and the unequal burden of environmental harm on low-income communities and communities of color compound the challenge. And yet, the organizations working at the intersection of environmental protection, climate justice and sustainability give real reason for hope.

The Give Lively member nonprofits featured below are doing exactly that work. They range widely in their methods, geographies and areas of environmental focus, but are united by a shared conviction that protecting the planet is urgent, necessary and possible. Whether you give to one or explore them all, each is worth your time.

This article is part of our Breakthrough Nonprofits series, an extension of our monthly newsletter for nonprofit professionals. The series shines a light on organizations that refuse to accept the status quo, finding new ways to clear the path for the people and ecosystems they serve. Supporting any of the nonprofits below means contributing to a world that is cleaner, more sustainable and better protected for the generations that come after us.

How to support Earth Month in meaningful ways 

You don't have to overhaul your lifestyle to make a real impact. Here are a few meaningful ways to support Earth Month and the environmental organizations working to protect our planet:

1. Donate to environmental nonprofits 

Financial contributions help organizations fund conservation efforts, climate advocacy and community resilience programs.‍

2. Amplify environmental voices 

Use your social media platforms to share facts about climate change, highlight local environmental issues and elevate underrepresented communities on the frontlines of the crisis.

3. Participate in local events 

Many nonprofits organize tree plantings, cleanups, nature walks and educational workshops throughout April, which are all great ways to get involved in person.

4. Support grassroots and community-led organizations

Look for nonprofits rooted in the communities most affected by environmental harm, where local leadership drives lasting change.

5. Advocate for policy and systemic change 

Contact your elected officials, sign petitions and encourage your workplace or school to adopt more sustainable practices.

6. Volunteer your time or skills 

Environmental nonprofits need help with events, outreach, fundraising and more. Your time is a powerful contribution.

Nonprofits to donate to for Earth Month

Oregon Environmental Council, Inc. 

Since 1968, Oregon Environmental Council has been bringing Oregonians together to protect the state's water, air and land for today and future generations. Through policy advocacy, community engagement and ongoing campaigns, they're a driving force behind some of Oregon's most important environmental wins.

Environmental Traveling Companions 

Environmental Traveling Companions opens the world of outdoor adventure to people with disabilities and youth from under-resourced backgrounds, offering sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing and youth leadership programs. A national pioneer since 1972, ETC has shared exciting and transformational outdoor adventures with over 100,000 participants thanks to its many collaborative partnerships. 

Farm Discovery at Live Earth 

Farm Discovery at Live Earth is a nonprofit working in California's Pajaro Valley to empower youth and families to build and sustain healthy food, farming, social and natural systems, based at Live Earth Farm, a 150-acre working organic farm. From hands-on field trips to produce donations for community members in need, they're growing the next generation of environmental stewards one harvest at a time.

Northwest Environmental Defense Center 

Founded in 1969 at Lewis & Clark Law School, NEDC is an independent nonprofit working to protect the environment and natural resources of the Pacific Northwest, with a vision of a region that leads the nation in developing and enforcing strong laws that protect both the environment and human health. They also empower the next generation by giving law students hands-on experience in environmental advocacy.

Oregon Wildlife Foundation 

Oregon Wildlife Foundation empowers the lasting conservation of fish and wildlife and the enjoyment of Oregon's natural resources through grants, fiscal sponsorship, capital campaigns and land stewardship. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of conservation projects throughout Oregon. 

Citizens' Environmental Coalition 

The Citizens' Environmental Coalition has been connecting Houston's environmental community since 1971, fostering dialogue, education and collaboration on environmental issues across the Houston/Gulf Coast region through a network of over 100 member organizations. From a weekly e-newsletter reaching thousands to Earth Day Houston, they make sure the region's environmental community stays informed, connected and energized.

Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice 

Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the environmental and economic health of Detroit's communities, advocating for a healthy environment through innovative, thoughtful community and policy actions that value and include all people. As Michigan's first and oldest environmental justice organization, their team of activists, advocates, organizers, artists and storytellers has been holding polluters and policymakers accountable for decades. 

North Carolina Environmental Justice Network 

Founded in 1998, the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network is a grassroots, people of color-led coalition that builds power with systemically marginalized communities to resist climate, environmental, racial and social injustice. Through organizing, advocacy, community science and storytelling, NCEJN ensures that those most impacted by environmental harm have a strong, collective voice.

Rock Hollow Woods Environmental Learning Center 

Rock Hollow Woods is a unique 67-acre nonprofit learning center whose mission is to provide children with opportunities to discover the natural world and empower them to protect their environment. From summer camps and school field trips to Scout programs and homeschool sessions, they make hands-on nature education a joy for kids of all ages.

Rich Earth Institute 

The Rich Earth Institute recycles human urine into fertilizer, work that supports sustainable agriculture and protects vital water resources. Through original research, education and technological innovation, this Vermont-based nonprofit is pioneering a genuinely new approach to sanitation and nutrient recovery that's making a splash around the world.