How to Donate to Climate Action » Yale Climate Connections

As climate change intensifies, more and more people are eager to help, but the maze of charitable giving can be overwhelming.

With so many nonprofits tackling this global challenge, how do you choose what to support? Should you focus on renewable energy or community resilience? Large advocacy groups or grassroots organizations making a real local impact?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but it’s entirely possible to find a reason that resonates with you.

First, turn to Google. You can enter search terms such as “your state name” and “climate change initiatives” or “climate justice in your town name.” Vox also has a helpful list of climate nonprofits that are using donor funds to do good work.

Beyond that, for a more tailored giving experience, this guide will help you understand the climate action landscape and show you how to support the work that matters most to you.

Five ways to make your climate donation count

Planning your climate nonprofit giving isn’t about having all the answers up front, but it’s about taking clear, actionable steps to deepen your understanding and find where your support can have the greatest impact. Here are some ways to get started on your giving journey:

1) Identify your climate action priorities. Climate challenges are interconnected, but many donors find it helpful to focus first on the specific areas that spark their passion. Areas of common focus include climate change mitigation (also known as reducing or eliminating climate pollution), ecosystem protection, climate justice, community resilience and sustainable food systems.

So consider what moves you: do you care most about reducing emissions, protecting fragile ecosystems, supporting communities at risk or changing the way we produce food? As you reflect, begin to explore the nuances of your chosen field. What innovative solutions are emerging? Which proven approaches seem most promising?

Chat with friends, read recent articles, or join online communities focused on climate action. These conversations will help you gain a more nuanced understanding of the work happening and the potential for impact from different approaches.

2) Research your options. Once you've identified your focus and gained some initial insights, it's time to investigate potential organizations. Start with a trusted tool like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. These platforms provide insights into financial transparency and accountability. They also give you a snapshot of your organization's reputation. For example, Guidestar uses bronze, silver, gold and platinum seals to evaluate transparency.

For those who want a closer look, you can gain a deeper understanding of each nonprofit's work by reviewing annual reports, project updates, and testimonials. Ask the following questions:

• Are their goals clear and achievable?
• How do they measure impact?
• Do they balance local engagement with long-term sustainability?
• How transparent are they about the source of their funds and the use of their donations* *
• What is their record on similar projects or initiatives?

*Note: While it can be useful to consider overhead costs during the research process, a strong management backbone does not mean a waste of resources. In fact, investments in skilled staff and infrastructure often indicate that an organization is ready for real change.

3) Consider your approach. Would you rather commit all your climate funding to one organization, or spread your support across multiple causes? Different groups respond to environmental challenges in unique ways, and you may be drawn to more than one approach. Larger organizations provide comprehensive expertise and resources to drive systemic change through research and policy at national and global levels. On the other hand, smaller grassroots groups offer flexible, community-focused solutions that can have direct local impact.

If you tend to support multiple approaches, consider a strategy that combines the broad reach of a large initiative with the hands-on innovation work of local groups. For example, one donor helped a youth-focused nonprofit grow solar by paying for installation and connecting it with a trusted provider. He then expanded his support to other nonprofits, advising them on clean energy tax credits included in the federal inflation reduction bill.

4) Explore community connections. Climate action thrives on collaboration and shared purpose. Start small—within your family or circle of friends—to spark conversation and shared decision-making. For example, a family gathering can double as a meaningful discussion about priorities: lay out nonprofit brochures, distribute symbolic tokens for distribution (we use marbles at home), and let everyone decide where their share should go . This type of engagement can inspire a deeper connection with the causes you share.

Once you start these conversations, consider how you can expand that sense of connection outward. Can your family or group host a community giving night or fundraiser? Maybe your book club, school, or community could organize a cleanup or tree planting event. These shared events not only strengthen connections, but turn climate action into something tangible and inclusive, inspiring others to join in, whether by donating money or time.

5) Elevate and commit. Real climate action is a long-term effort that evolves over time. Consider how you can make your involvement a part of life beyond the year-end giving season, such as:

• Become a recurring or monthly donor to an organization you trust
• Volunteer your skills to help your favorite nonprofits achieve their goals
• Lobbying elected officials on policies to address climate challenges
• Join a mutual aid network to provide direct, community-driven support
• Share your experiences to inspire others to take action
• Track the progress of the nonprofits you support and adjust your strategies as needed

Through long-term involvement, you can see the impact of your efforts and feel proud to contribute to meaningful change. Climate action is hard work, but staying connected allows you to witness how small but steady contributions can help move the bigger picture forward.

Support efforts to create a brighter climate future

Every contribution to climate action—whether through donations, volunteer work or advocacy—helps advance the collective effort to solve this global problem. By choosing causes that reflect your values ​​and supporting nonprofits with confidence, you can take meaningful steps toward a better climate future while standing up for what matters most to you. Although many people plan their giving strategies at the end of the year, any time Now is the perfect time to explore how your support can drive positive change. Climate-focused donations are an opportunity to make an impact on your terms, promoting progress that benefits us all.