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Earth Day: Celebrate with These Nonprofit Organizations

Published
March 31, 2023
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As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22, we are shining a spotlight on one of the greatest threats to this planet: climate change. It is an issue that the United Nations calls a defining crisis of our time. And many Americans agree, with over 60% believing that governments are not doing enough to address climate change. In five of the last six years, costs from climate and weather-related disasters have exceeded $100 billion annually, intensifying the need to support nonprofits focused on tackling the challenges head on.

Consider supporting one of these high-impact climate change charities fighting to save our planet.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF)

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit environmental organization that focuses on reducing air pollution and promoting clean energy solutions. The organization was founded in 1996 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

What does Clean Air Task Force do?

CATF works to advance policies and technologies that can reduce harmful air pollutants, including greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. They collaborate with government agencies, industry leaders, and other organizations to promote clean energy solutions such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the electrification of transportation.

In addition to policy advocacy, CATF also conducts scientific research and analysis to identify the most effective solutions for reducing air pollution and improving public health. They work to educate the public and raise awareness about the importance of clean air and a healthy environment.

What has Clean Air Task Force accomplished?

Some of CATF's notable achievements include contributing to the development of the Acid Rain Program in the United States, which successfully reduced sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants. They have also been involved in the development of clean energy policies in several states, including Massachusetts and New York.

The Clean Air Task Force is a respected and influential organization that is making a significant impact on reducing air pollution and promoting clean energy solutions.

Action for the Climate Emergency

Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE) is a UK-based grassroots organization focused on climate change activism and advocating for government action on the climate crisis. The organization was founded in 2019 and has since grown to become a national network of local groups.

What is Action for Climate Emergency’s mission?

ACE's mission is to build a mass movement of people demanding urgent action on the climate emergency. They work to mobilize communities and individuals to take action through protests, lobbying, and other forms of direct action. The organization also promotes education and awareness-raising around climate issues, with a focus on empowering individuals and communities to take positive action.

What does Action for Climate Emergency do?

ACE's campaigns and initiatives focus on a range of issues related to the climate crisis, including renewable energy, divestment from fossil fuels, and ending government subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. They also advocate for policies that would support a just transition to a low-carbon economy, such as a Green New Deal.

In addition to their direct action campaigns, ACE also provides resources and support for local climate groups across the UK. They offer training, toolkits, and other resources to help groups organize effective campaigns and actions.

Overall, Action for the Climate Emergency is an important voice in the climate movement, working to build a powerful, grassroots movement for urgent action on the climate crisis.

Carbon 180

Carbon 180 is a US-based nonprofit organization focused on developing and promoting carbon removal solutions to address climate change. The organization was founded in 2015 and is based in Oakland, California.

What does Carbon 180 do?

Carbon 180's mission is to accelerate the transition to a net-zero carbon economy by promoting the development and deployment of carbon removal solutions. They work with policymakers, businesses, and other organizations to raise awareness about the importance of carbon removal and to advocate for policies that support its development.

The organization conducts research and analysis to identify the most promising carbon removal technologies and strategies and works to promote their deployment at scale. Carbon 180 also works to support the growth of the carbon removal industry by providing funding, technical assistance, and other forms of support to startups and other organizations working on carbon removal solutions.

What does Carbon 180 focus on?

Carbon 180's work is focused on three main areas: policy, innovation, and market development. They advocate for policies that support carbon removal, work to accelerate innovation in the field, and promote the development of markets for carbon removal solutions.

Overall, Carbon 180 is an important organization in the effort to address climate change by promoting the development and deployment of carbon removal solutions. Their work is helping to accelerate the transition to a net-zero carbon economy and reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment.

Sunrise Movement Education Fund

The Sunrise Movement Education Fund is a US-based nonprofit organization that focuses on climate advocacy and education. The organization was founded in 2017 and is based in New York City.

What does Sunrise Movement Education Fund do?

The Sunrise Movement Education Fund's mission is to build a movement of young people and their allies to advocate for bold action on climate change. They work to engage young people in the political process and to promote policies that address the climate crisis.

Where does Sunrise Movement Education focus its efforts?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas. They advocate for policies that support a just transition to a clean energy economy, including a Green New Deal. They also work to engage young people in the political process by organizing events, rallies, and other forms of activism.

The Sunrise Movement Education Fund also provides education and training for young people on climate issues and advocacy. They offer workshops, training, and other resources to help young people learn about the climate crisis and how to advocate for change.

The organization is affiliated with the larger Sunrise Movement, which is a grassroots organization that works to mobilize young people to take action on climate change. The Sunrise Movement Education Fund provides support for the Sunrise Movement's advocacy and organizing work.

The Sunrise Movement Education Fund is an important organization in the climate movement, working to engage young people in the political process and to advocate for bold action on climate change.

Conservation International

Conservation International (CI) is a US-based nonprofit environmental organization that is focused on protecting the natural world and promoting sustainable development. The organization was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

What is Conservation International’s mission?

CI's mission is to protect nature for the benefit of humanity. They work to conserve biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable development around the world. The organization's work is focused on four key areas: oceans, freshwater, climate, and biodiversity.

What does Conservation International do?

CI collaborates with governments, businesses, and communities to promote conservation and sustainable development. They work to promote policies that support conservation and sustainable development and provide technical assistance and other forms of support to help implement those policies.

The organization also conducts scientific research to understand the impacts of human activity on the natural world, and to identify strategies for conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. They work to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote public engagement in conservation efforts.

CI's work is focused on several key initiatives, including the protection of tropical forests, the conservation of marine ecosystems, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture and fisheries. The organization has also been involved in the development of several international agreements related to conservation and sustainable development, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Conservation International is an important organization in the global environmental movement, working to protect the natural world and promote sustainable development for the benefit of both people and the planet.

Climate Solutions Accelerator

The Climate Solutions Accelerator is a US-based nonprofit organization that focuses on accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy and addressing the climate crisis. The organization was founded in 2018 and is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

What is Climate Solution Accelerator’s mission?

The Climate Solutions Accelerator's mission is to mobilize communities and promote policies that will lead to a rapid and just transition to a sustainable, clean energy economy. They work to promote the development and deployment of clean energy technologies and to support the growth of clean energy jobs and businesses.

What does Climate Solution Accelerator focus on?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including transportation, buildings, renewable energy, and climate policy. They advocate for policies that support the adoption of clean energy technologies and provide technical assistance and other forms of support to help communities and businesses transition to a clean energy economy.

The Climate Solutions Accelerator also works to raise awareness about the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for action. They organize events, workshops, and other educational programs to engage the public and promote climate action.

In addition to their advocacy work, the Climate Solutions Accelerator provides funding and support for clean energy startups and other organizations working on climate solutions. They also collaborate with other organizations and networks working on climate issues to promote collective action and impact.

The Climate Solutions Accelerator is an important organization in the effort to address the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. Their work is helping to promote policies and solutions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable, equitable future for all.

Climate Resolve

Climate Resolve is a US-based nonprofit organization that focuses on addressing the impacts of climate change and promoting resilience in the face of climate-related risks. The organization was founded in 2010 and is based in Los Angeles, California.

What is Climate Resolve’s mission?

Climate Resolve's mission is to promote climate resilience and equity in communities, ecosystems, and economies. They work to advance policies and solutions that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and promote social and economic equity in the face of climate risks.

Where does Climate Resolve focus its efforts?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including water, energy, transportation, and land use. They work to promote policies and practices that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote resilience in these areas, while also addressing the needs of vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

Climate Resolve also conducts research and analysis to better understand the impacts of climate change and the effectiveness of different policy solutions. They work to promote public awareness and engagement on climate issues and to build networks and collaborations that can help advance climate action.

In addition to their advocacy work, Climate Resolve provides technical assistance and other forms of support to help communities and businesses prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They work with local governments, businesses, and community organizations to identify climate risks and develop strategies to address them.

Climate Resolve is an important organization in the effort to address the impacts of climate change and promote resilience in the face of climate risks. Their work is helping to promote policies and solutions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems, and build a more sustainable, equitable future.

The Praxis Project

The Praxis Project is a US-based nonprofit organization that works to build healthy, just, and equitable communities. The organization was founded in 2002 and is based in Oakland, California.

What is the Praxis Project’s mission?

The Praxis Project's mission is to advance community-driven solutions for social, economic, and environmental justice. They work to promote policies and practices that can help reduce health disparities and address the underlying social and economic determinants of health.

What does Praxis Project do?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including food and agriculture, health care, environmental justice, and social justice. They work with grassroots organizations and community leaders to develop and implement strategies that can improve community health and well-being.

The Praxis Project also provides training, technical assistance, and other forms of support to help build the capacity of community-based organizations to address health and social justice issues. They work to promote community engagement and leadership in decision-making processes and to build networks and collaborations that can help advance social and environmental justice.

In addition to their domestic work, The Praxis Project also engages in international advocacy and capacity-building efforts. They work to promote global health equity and to support community-led solutions to health and social justice issues around the world.

Overall, The Praxis Project is an important organization in the effort to promote healthy, just, and equitable communities. Their work is helping to address the underlying social and economic determinants of health and to build a more just and sustainable future for all.

The National Resources Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a US-based nonprofit environmental organization that works to protect the environment and promote sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. The organization was founded in 1970 and is based in New York City, with offices across the United States and around the world.

What is National Resources Defense Council’s mission?

The NRDC's mission is to safeguard the earth—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. They work to promote policies and practices that can help protect the environment, promote clean energy and sustainable solutions, and protect the health and well-being of communities around the world.

What does the NRDC do?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including climate and clean energy, water and oceans, wildlife and habitat, and health and communities. They engage in research, advocacy, and litigation to promote environmental protection and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

The NRDC also works to promote public awareness and engagement on environmental issues and to build partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and stakeholders. They provide resources and support to individuals, businesses, and communities to help them reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.

In addition to their domestic work, the NRDC engages in international advocacy and capacity-building efforts. They work to promote global environmental protection and support community-led solutions to environmental challenges around the world.

Overall, the NRDC is an important organization in the effort to protect the environment and promote sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Their work is helping to promote policies and practices that can protect the health and well-being of communities around the world, and to build a more sustainable future for all.

Project Drawdown

Project Drawdown is a research and communications organization that focuses on identifying and promoting the most effective solutions to reverse global warming. The organization was founded in 2014 and is based in San Francisco, California.

What is Project Drawdown’s mission?

The mission of Project Drawdown is to help the world reach "drawdown," the point at which greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere begin to decline. They work to identify and promote a wide range of solutions that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Project Drawdown conducts research and analysis to identify and rank the most effective solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reversing global warming. They publish this research in their annual "Drawdown Review," which ranks the top 100 solutions for addressing climate change.

What does Project Drawdown focus on most?

The organization's work is focused on several key areas, including energy, transportation, buildings, food and agriculture, land use, and materials. They work with businesses, governments, and other organizations to promote the adoption of these solutions and to help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In addition to their research and advocacy work, Project Drawdown also provides resources and support to individuals, communities, and organizations to help them take action on climate change. They provide educational materials, tools, and resources to help people reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable solutions in their daily lives.

Overall, Project Drawdown is an important organization in the effort to reverse global warming and address the impacts of climate change. Their work is helping to identify and promote the most effective solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a more sustainable future for all.

Learn more about the Groundswell.io giving platform and schedule a meeting with one of our corporate giving program consultants to find out how you can launch a giving program for your company.

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Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses

Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today

In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.

Download Sample Policy

Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy

Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism.  Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.

1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact

One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.

2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice

Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.

3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions

“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.

4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change

Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.

Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?

Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.

Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
  • Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
  • Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
  • Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.

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Conclusion

An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.

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5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday

Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity

Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.

For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.

At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.

1. Make Giving Easy:

A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.

2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:

Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!

3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:

Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.

4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:

Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.

5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:

Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.

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12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask

In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.

Scroll down for a free survey template below.

Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.

Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?

Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.

How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?

Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.

Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?

Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.

Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.

Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?

The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.

Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.

Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?

With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.

Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?

This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.

How do specific benefit categories fare?

By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?

What additional benefits do employees desire?

Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"

If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.

How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?

While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.

There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.

What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?

Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact.  Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.

[Free Template] Employee Benefits Survey Questions

  1. How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
  2. Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
  3. Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
  4. Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
  5. Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
  6. How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
  7. How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
  8. How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
  9. How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
  10. How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
  11. How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
  12. If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?
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