After researching information provided by independent organizations which have evaluated and rated the top environmental charities, we have determined the following to be the most respected and effective for the planet and its donors.
 

• World Wild Life - For more than 45 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The largest multinational conservation organization in the world, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.
   
• Green Peace - Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.
   
• The National Geographic Society - From 33 founders in 1888, to a worldwide team today of thousands of dedicated individuals, National Geographic stands at the forefront of exploration, research, and scientific discoveries. The results educate people everywhere, helping them consider today's ever changing world and their place in it. Philanthropic support is critical, propelling projects and expeditions that inspire us all to care about the planet.
   
• Friends of the Earth International - We are the world's largest grassroots environmental network, uniting 77 national member groups and some 5,000 local activist groups on every continent. With over 2 million members and supporters around the world, we campaign on today's most urgent environmental and social issues. We challenge the current model of economic and corporate globalization, and promote solutions that will help to create environmentally sustainable and socially just societies.
   
• National Wildlife Federation - Wildlife’s ability to survive the challenges of the 21st century is becoming outpaced by the events that are transforming our world. Global warming, the loss of habitat, and people becoming more disconnected from nature than past generations are converging on a dangerous path for our planet. The work of NWF and our affiliates across the country provides answers to these challenges and will help ensure America's wildlife legacy continues for future generations.
   
• New American Dream - When you are “The Center for a New American Dream” you get used to double takes. The name certainly grabs people’s attention. But it usually requires an explanation. The best place to start is with our mission statement:
  The Center for a New American Dream helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice.
   
• Ecology Fund - EcologyFund is owned and operated by The Hunger Site Network as a way to get new funds for critical habitat and wilderness preservation using the power of the internet.
   
• Rainforest Action Network - Rainforest Action Network (RAN) is headquarted in San Francisco, California with offices staff in Tokyo, Japan, and Edmonton, Canada, plus thousands of volunteer scientists, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens around the world. We believe that a sustainable world can be created in our lifetime, and that aggressive action must be taken immediately to leave a safe and secure world for our children.