National Clean Air Month: Nonprofit Organizations to Support
National Clean Air Month is an annual observance held in the United States during the month of May. It is sponsored by the American Lung Association and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of clean air and the dangers of air pollution.
The purpose of National Clean Air Month is to educate the public about the impact of air pollution on human health and the environment. It also encourages people to take steps to improve air quality, both in their own homes and communities.
There are many ways to participate in National Clean Air Month. Some people choose to volunteer their time to organizations that are working to improve air quality. Others may choose to make changes in their own lives, such as driving less, using public transportation, or recycling.
No matter how you choose to participate, National Clean Air Month is a great opportunity to learn more about air pollution and take steps to protect your health and the environment.
Here are some tips for participating in National Clean Air Month:
- Learn more about air pollution and its effects on human health and the environment.
- Make changes in your own life to reduce your impact on air quality.
- Get involved in your community and advocate for clean air.
- Support organizations that are working to improve air quality.
By participating in National Clean Air Month, you can help make a difference in the fight for clean air.
Earthjustice
Earthjustice is a nonprofit public interest environmental law organization. It was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Earthjustice has 170 attorneys in 14 offices across the United States, and 14 public-interest lobbyists based in Washington, D.C. They are involved in 630 active legal proceedings.
Earthjustice's mission is to "use the power of law to protect the environment and fight for a healthy planet." They do this by filing lawsuits, conducting research, and educating the public. Earthjustice has won many important environmental victories, including:
- Stopping the construction of the Pebble Mine in Alaska, which would have been one of the largest open-pit mines in the world
- Protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling
- Securing clean air and water for millions of people
- Stopping the Keystone XL pipeline
- Restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay
Earthjustice is a powerful force for environmental protection. They are committed to using the law to make a difference for the planet.
Front and Centered
Front and Centered is a coalition of over 60 grassroots organizations based in and led by communities of color in Washington State. They work to build power and advance the leadership of communities of color on the frontlines of economic, racial, and environmental justice.
Front and Centered was founded in 2017 in response to the Trump administration's attacks on environmental and social justice. They believe that communities of color are disproportionately impacted by climate change, pollution, and economic inequality and that they must be at the forefront of the fight for a just and sustainable future.
Front and Centered's work focuses on four main areas:
- Building power: They provide training and resources to help communities of color develop their leadership skills and organize for change.
- Advocacy: They work to pass policies that protect communities of color and advance racial and environmental justice.
- Research: They conduct research to document the impacts of climate change, pollution, and economic inequality on communities of color.
- Education: They educate the public about the importance of environmental and social justice, and the need to center the voices of communities of color in the fight for a just and sustainable future.
Coalition for Clean Air
The Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) is a nonprofit environmental organization that works to protect public health and improve air quality in California. CCA was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Sacramento.
CCA's mission is to "protect public health, improve air quality, and prevent climate change." They do this by:
- Advocating for strong air quality regulations
- Educating the public about the importance of clean air
- Supporting research on air pollution and its health impacts
- Working to build a clean energy economy
CCA is a leading voice for clean air in California. They have played a key role in the passage of many important air quality laws, including the Clean Air Act of 1970 and the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) landmark regulations on diesel emissions and greenhouse gases.
CCA is also a strong advocate for environmental justice. They believe that all Californians, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or income, have the right to breathe clean air. CCA works to ensure that air quality regulations are fair and that all communities have access to clean air.
CCA is a powerful force for clean air in California. They are committed to protecting public health, improving air quality, and preventing climate change.
Clean Air Council
The Clean Air Council is a nonprofit environmental organization that works to protect public health and improve air quality in Pennsylvania. The Council was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Philadelphia.
The Clean Air Council's mission is to "protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the people we love." They do this by:
- Advocating for strong air quality regulations
- Educating the public about the importance of clean air
- Supporting research on air pollution and its health impacts
- Working to build a clean energy economy
The Clean Air Council is a leading voice for clean air in Pennsylvania. They have played a key role in the passage of many important air quality laws, including the Clean Air Act of 1970 and the Pennsylvania Air Quality Standards.
The Clean Air Council is also a strong advocate for environmental justice. They believe that all Pennsylvanians, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or income, have the right to breathe clean air. The Council works to ensure that air quality regulations are fair and that all communities have access to clean air.
Our Children’s Earth Foundation
Our Children's Earth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to protecting the environment for children. They were founded in 1999 and are headquartered in Napa, California.
OCEF's mission is to "protect the public, especially children, from the health impacts of pollution." They do this by:
- Lawsuits: OCEF files lawsuits against polluters who are harming children's health. They have won several important victories, including a lawsuit that forced the closure of a hazardous waste incinerator that was polluting the air in a low-income community.
- Advocacy: OCEF works to pass laws and regulations that protect children from pollution. They have been successful in passing laws that require polluters to reduce their emissions and that protect children's health from toxic chemicals.
- Education: OCEF educates the public about the health impacts of pollution and how to protect themselves and their children. They have developed educational materials for schools, families, and communities.
- Research: OCEF conducts research on the health impacts of pollution and the effectiveness of pollution control measures. They share their research with policymakers and the public to help inform decision-making.
OCEF is a powerful force for protecting children's health from pollution. They are committed to making a difference for the health of our children and the health of our planet.
Global Greengrants Fund
Global Greengrants Fund is a grantmaking foundation that provides small grants (typically $500 to $5,000) to grassroots environmental causes around the world. These funds are used to support community-based groups outside the United States and Western Europe working on issues of environmental justice, sustainability, and conservation. Since its establishment in 1993, Global Greengrants Fund has made over 14,000 grants in 168 countries, giving a total of over $100 million.
Global Greengrants Fund's mission is to "support grassroots environmental action and social justice through small grants." They do this by:
- Providing grants to grassroots organizations: Global Greengrants Fund makes small grants to grassroots organizations that are working to protect the environment and defend the rights of people. These grants are used to support a variety of projects, such as:
- Protecting forests and other ecosystems
- Promoting sustainable agriculture
- Securing clean water and sanitation
- Reducing pollution
- Advocating for environmental policies
- Building the capacity of grassroots organizations: Global Greengrants Fund also provides training and support to grassroots organizations to help them build their capacity and effectiveness. This includes providing training on project management, fundraising, and advocacy.
- Advocating for environmental policies: Global Greengrants Fund advocates for environmental policies at the local, national, and international levels. They work to ensure that environmental policies are just and effective, and that they reflect the needs of grassroots organizations.
Communities for a Better Environment
Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) is a non-profit environmental justice organization that works to protect people and our planet from the harmful effects of pollution and climate change. CBE was founded in 1971 in Chicago, Illinois, and has since expanded to California, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
CBE's mission is to build people's power to achieve environmental health and justice by preventing and reducing pollution and building green, healthy and sustainable communities and environments. CBE does this by:
- Organizing communities to fight for clean air, water, and land
- Providing legal and technical assistance to communities facing environmental threats
- Conducting research and education on environmental health and justice issues
- Advocating for policies that protect people and our planet
CBE has a long history of success in protecting communities from pollution and climate change. Some of CBE's key achievements include:
- Winning a lawsuit that forced the closure of a hazardous waste incinerator in East Los Angeles
- Helping to pass a law that requires California utilities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions
- Securing funding for green jobs training programs in low-income communities
- Winning a lawsuit that forced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its standards for air pollution
Center for Clean Air Policy
The Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) is an independent, nonprofit think tank that was founded in 1985 in the United States. CCAP works on climate and air quality policy issues at the local, national, and international levels.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CCAP helps policymakers around the world to develop, promote and implement market-based approaches to address climate, air quality, and energy problems while trying to balance both environmental and economic interests.
CCAP's work focuses on the following areas:
- Climate change: CCAP works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a clean energy economy. CCAP's climate change work includes research, analysis, advocacy, and technical assistance.
- Air quality: CCAP works to improve air quality and protect public health. CCAP's air quality work includes research, analysis, advocacy, and technical assistance.
- Energy efficiency: CCAP works to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy demand. CCAP's energy efficiency work includes research, analysis, advocacy, and technical assistance.
- Transportation: CCAP works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. CCAP's transportation work includes research, analysis, advocacy, and technical assistance.
- International: CCAP works to promote international cooperation on climate change, air quality, and energy issues. CCAP's international work includes research, analysis, advocacy, and technical assistance.
CCAP's work has helped to shape climate and air quality policy around the world. CCAP's work has been cited by policymakers in the United States, Europe, and Asia. CCAP's work has also been featured in major media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.
Air Alliance Houston
Air Alliance Houston (AAH) is a non-profit advocacy organization working to reduce the public health impacts of air pollution and advance environmental justice. We believe everyone has the right to breathe clean air and where you live, work, learn, and play should not determine your health.
AAH was founded in 1988 by a group of community activists and environmental professionals who were concerned about the high levels of air pollution in Houston. The organization has since grown to become a leading voice on air quality issues in Houston and the Gulf Coast region.
AAH's work focuses on the following areas:
- Community organizing: AAH works with communities to raise awareness about air pollution, build leadership, and advocate for clean air policies.
- Research and analysis: AAH conducts research on air pollution issues and develops policy recommendations.
- Advocacy: AAH works with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for clean air policies.
- Education and outreach: AAH educates the public about air pollution issues and provides resources to help people protect themselves from air pollution.
AAH's work has helped to improve air quality in Houston and the Gulf Coast region. Some of AAH's key achievements include:
- Helping to pass the Houston Clean Air Ordinance, which is one of the strongest air quality ordinances in the country.
- Securing funding for air quality monitoring and research in Houston.
- Winning a lawsuit that forced the closure of a major air polluter in Houston.
About Groundswell
Groundswell is an affordable workplace giving program built for modern businesses. We give organizations the infrastructure and tools to make it easy to empower employees to support the causes they care about during moments that matter most.
Reach out to our team to learn more about Groundswell.io. Donate to these causes and more on the Groundswell app.
Related resources
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?