Make a difference...
Make a difference...
Who to Donate to
I decided to create this web site for two main reasons. Firstly, to show case my photography giving me a incentive to improve. Secondly and more importantly, make people aware of the plight of wildlife globally as their habitat shrinks and extinction becomes a reality. I have chosen a few non for profits (NFP) who you can donate to. The list is no way exhaustive, however, who I think do great work. One piece of advice is do your research into the NFP you donate to if you truly want to make a difference. Often, they are also looking for volunteers.
Clear Mission and Vision: Does the NFP clearly articulate its goals and objectives, and do these align with the causes you care about?
Demonstrated Impact: Look for evidence of how the NFP has successfully advanced its mission. Media coverage is a good source.
Program Expense Ratio: A high percentage of expenses should go towards programs (ideally 70–85%) rather than administration or excessive fundraising activities.
Financial Transparency: The organisation should make its financial statements, annual reports, and details of how funds are used publicly available.
Governance: A well-structured board with diverse, experienced members and clear decision-making processes is a good sign.
Publicity: As someone who sits on NFP Boards, the sensitivity to bad press is acute. So definitely worth doing your research.
Notable Charities
Four Paws https://www.four-paws.org/
Global animal welfare organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals under direct human influence. Founded in 1988 in Vienna, Austria, by Helmut Dungler, the organization focuses on revealing animal suffering, rescuing animals in need, and protecting them.
WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) wires.org.au
Australia's largest wildlife rescue organisation, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and preservation of native Australian animals. Established in 1985, WIRES has over 35 years of experience in assisting sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. They provide education and training for volunteers.
Animals Asia Foundation https://www.animalsasia.org https://www.four-paws.org.au
Hong Kong–based charity dedicated to ending cruelty to animals in Asia, with a primary focus on rescuing bears from bile farming and improving the welfare of animals in China and Vietnam.
African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) https://www.awf.org
Established in 1961, AWF focuses on protecting wildlife and their habitats across Africa. Their initiatives include wildlife protection, land and habitat conservation, and community empowerment. AWF has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its commitment to transparency and effectiveness.
Tusk Trust https://tusk.org
Founded in 1990, Tusk Trust works to protect endangered species, preserve critical habitats, and promote community-led conservation initiatives. With a focus on sustainable solutions, Tusk has been instrumental in advancing wildlife conservation across Africa. Prince William is the patron.
Save the Elephants https://savetheelephants.org
This international non-profit is dedicated to securing a future for elephants by conducting research, providing protection, and fostering human-elephant coexistence. Their comprehensive approach has been pivotal in elephant conservation efforts across Africa.
Big Cat Rescue https://bigcatrescue.org
Located in Florida, Big Cat Rescue is one of the world's largest accredited sanctuaries dedicated to abused and abandoned big cats. Their mission includes rescuing big cats, providing them with a permanent home, and advocating for the end of private ownership and trade of exotic cats. The organization has consistently received high ratings for its financial responsibility and transparency
The Big Cat Initiative https://greatplainsfoundation.com/big-cats-initiative/
Established by the National Geographic Society, the Big Cat Initiative supports efforts to halt the decline of big cat populations in the wild. They fund on-the-ground conservation projects, raise awareness about the challenges big cats face, and promote innovative solutions to protect these species and their habitats.
Panthera https://panthera.org/
Panthera is a global nonprofit organisation exclusively devoted to the conservation of the world's 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems. They implement science-based strategies to protect big cats such as tigers, lions, leopards, and jaguars, focusing on habitat preservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and community engagement.