Want to make a difference? Feeling discouraged about the world? Here are some groups I donate to regularly. Many of them are also places you can visit. Even just reading about them makes me feel better about humanity!
~ for all occasions ~
World Central Kitchen
https://wck.org/
Organized by chef Jose Andrés, this is my go to place to donate. I know whenever and wherever a disaster takes place, they will be there. From the invasion of Ukraine to the fires on Maui to the war in Gaza, they show up and get as close as they can and just feed people. So when something new and horrible comes up on the news, I know I’m already helping by donating regularly to this group.
~ wild animal conservation ~
Nurtured by Nature
https://nurturedbynature.org/
Swim with otters or capybaras! I promise you it will be life-changing!
But wait, there’s more….
The experiences aren’t cheap. But with the money they take in, they organize free experiences for kids from the Make-A-Wish fund. They promote conservation, including donating to international conservation organizations. And they are just good folks! Also don’t miss Trader John’s, set up as a memorial to John Fought, where you can put out toys and snacks and a bunch of lemurs come running out and destroy everything.
Apex Protection Project
https://www.apexprotectionproject.org/
Rescued wolves and wolf dogs. Some of them hang out on the sofa in the living room. You can go and meet them if you book an experience. The people that run it are like your coolest older cousins.
JAB Canid Education and Conservation Center
https://www.jabcecc.org/
Rescued foxes, who will be delighted to play with you. And also a bunch of other fun canids like African singing dogs.
~ pupper rescue ~
Bichon Rescue Brigade
https://bichonrescuebrigade.org/
I got my heart dog McDuff from them. Get a fluff, you won’t regret it!
1000 Orphans
https://www.1000orphans.org/
Very small local group with a lot of heart. They have some cutie patooties, and rescued among others, my nephew, Charlie.(see photo)
SAFE Rescue Team
https://saferescueteam.org/
Have to mention them because I got Frida there. Good folks.
Wings of Rescue
https://www.wingsofrescue.org/
Group of small plane owners who fly animals to other places to get adopted, especially after a natural disaster. But also just sometimes because the shelters are full.
~ bigger groups ~
(but very worthwhile)
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary
Based in a beautiful canyon in Utah. You can go visit and volunteer with dogs, cats, bunnies, parrots, horses, or even pigs!
International Fund for Animal Welfare
https://www.ifaw.org/
Does a lot of good in a lot of places.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
https://sdzsafaripark.org/
A great zoo to visit, and again they are very invested in conservation. They are trying hard to preserve the genetic line of white rhinos for the future among other things. They rescued a bunch of elephants from Africa. Lots of behind-the-scenes tours, which are very worthwhile.
~ others ~
House of Ruth
https://www.houseofruthinc.org/
Helping victims of domestic violence in southern California, in a joyful and sustainable way.