We’ve arrived at the end of the year, which means many people are donating to nonprofit organizations—for charity and for a tax break. According to the Associated Press, a combination of holiday traditions and tax advantages makes December the most profitable moment for organizations that run off of donations. In fact, nonprofits usually receive 30% of their annual contributions in December. That includes 10% in the final three days of the year.
So, whether you’re looking to support the outdoor spaces you love or foresee needing a tax break (or both), now is the perfect time to support the outdoors by donating to your favorite outdoor nonprofits.
Here’s a look at different organizations you can support before the end of the year.
National Parks
The National Park Conservation Association works to preserve all of America’s parks. The organization advocates for the National Park Service (NPS) via conservation efforts, including advocating for wildlife and natural resources, and by pushing for NPS funding from the federal government.
Individual Park Support
Similar to the work of the National Park Conservation Association, almost every national park has an independent wing that works to protect the interests of a national park and its surrounding communities. These include the Yosemite Conservancy, Friends of the Smokies, and the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
(Source: Cayetano Gil)
Hiking Organizations
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition protects its namesake, the CDT. The 3,100-mile trail runs from Mexico to Canada through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. The organization works to fund repairs, keep hikers informed, and do other important work. The Continental Divide Trail isn’t the only one with a nonprofit organization. You can also check out The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Pacific Crest Trail Association to support other great American thru-hikes.
The American Hiking Society makes it their mission to protect trails nationwide. The organization has worked with volunteers to build and repair nearly 50,000 miles of trails throughout the U.S. The organization also oversees an alliance of other hiking organizations focused on more specific local trails in numerous states. Donating to this organization is helpful to trails just about anywhere.
(Source: Austin Ban)
Bicycle and Cycling Focused Organizations
Like the American Hiking Society, PeopleForBikes aims to give just about anyone access to riding a bike. The group advocates for more funding for bike projects around the country. They also work to promote biking as an alternative means to get around. As they say, “When people ride bikes, great things happen.”
If you’re a mountain biker, this organization is for you. IMBA promotes mountain biking and works with local trail-building groups to bring single-track trails to new areas around the country. The organization also advocates for more funding for trails and educating new and longtime riders on mountain-biking safety and etiquette.
Rock Climbing Organizations
Access Fund is the largest nonprofit organization focused solely on rock climbing. The group works with political leaders and local and national parks to protect the right to rock climb. The group also works with local organizations that work to protect, clean up, and otherwise support their local climbing crags. These more local groups include the Texas Climbers Coalition and the Carolinas Climbing Coalition.
(Source: Patrick Hendry)
Conservation
Protect Our Winters, or POW, focuses heavily on climate change and how it intersects with the skiing community. The organization uses a mix of campaigns and well-known outdoor athletes to raise awareness about climate issues.
The National Wildlife Federation advocates for those who can’t. In this case, it’s America’s wildlife. The organization also helps protect natural resources on behalf of campers, climbers, anglers, and more. The group is the largest private, nonprofit conservation organization in the country, with over 6 million members.
Tax Benefits
While plenty of people are donating to these organizations to support causes they care about, there is the added benefit of tax breaks. It’s important to note that not all nonprofit donations are tax deductible, but it’s easy to check. Simply head over to the IRS’s website and search the name of the organization you wish to donate to to see if they are tax-exempt. Only donations to tax-exempt organizations are tax deductible. Check with a tax advisor to get the full details.
The post It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year to Support an Outdoor Nonprofit appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.
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